Rankings Update: 2018 Stock-Risers
To give you a peek behind the curtain, the way we do is by tiers. In simplified terms, you’ve got your D-I recruits in one category, D-IIs in another, and so forth.
Within those tiers, it’s rather fluid. If the D-II tier is from #30-#60, it’s not unusual to see a player go from #33 to #47 over the course of an update.
What is unusual is a player jumping from one tier to another. The most popular example over the last five months is Sincere Carry, a recruiting storyline that’s generating all sorts of buzz over the past couple days, including on this site.
For OBC this summer, Carry graded out as a D-II prospect. He was hampered by a knee injury and wasn’t being offered by many schools, presumably because of his lack of explosiveness. But after an All State season with Solon where he led the Comets to a State Championship appearance, Carry has leapt to #18, the second highest amongst pure point guards in the class.
Now that is a stock-riser — someone who transcended their tier and possibly even forced coaches and scouts to reconsider their way of thinking. Along with Carry, we’ve identified nine others in Ohio’s 2018 class.
[27 → 11] Jeremiah Davenport, 6’5” W, Moeller / Club Ohio
At last update (August 2018), Davenport had one offer from Presbyterian. Now, it appears as though Wright State signed a player capable of competing at a high-major school. Davenport has added layers to his offensive game. He sits down on defense and is capable of defending 1-4. Also, it’s extremely hard to climb even five spots near the top of the rankings. A 16-spot leap over five months is almost unheard of for us.
[81 → 18] Sincere Carry. 6’1” PG, Solon / OBC
We already talked about Carry in the intro. We’ll keep it short: He’s a complete point guard. Hard to find a hole in his game now that he’s playing at full strength and with confidence.
[39 → 19] Mason McMurray, 6’7” W/F, Stow / TNBA Ohio
McMurray developed as a versatile offensive weapon. He is a playmaker as a combo forward, able to score inside and out. McMurray also plays with an edge, which helps him win rebounding battles. Ohio University signee.
[74 → 37] Darweshi Hunter, 6’4” G, Princeton / Pro Bound
The top unsigned prospect on this list, Hunter appears capable of making a serious impact for any D-II program. He’s transitioned from spot-up shooter to a player capable of killing defenses with pull-ups and explosive finishes. Defensively, we’re encouraged by his quick feet, although his stance may need some work.
[121 → 62] Branden Maughmer, 6’2” PG, Chillicothe / OEBA Purple
Maughmer does not benefit from that boost of publicity we see with Columbus or Cleveland stars. However, his season averages of 17.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds didn’t go unnoticed. Maughmer is quick enough to beat defenders off the dribble and he has a crafty back-to-the-basket game to go with it. He’ll be at Cedarville next season.
[196 → 68] Jason Hubbard, 6’4” W/F, Miamisburg
Mostly all of Hubbard’s numbers shot way up this season for Miamisburg. Playing a more perimeter role was a crucial step in the right direction. His straight-line driving ability is his best weapon from the arch. However, his 3-point shooting percentage dropped by about 10 percentage points with the increased volume of attempts. Being able to stretch the floor could determine his playing time as an underclassman at Taylor (IN).
[109 → 75] Elijah Bishop, 6’6” W/F, Beechcroft / EBC
After leaving the summer without an offer to speak of, Bishop has accumulated a list that includes Shawnee State, Rio Grande, and four community colleges. None of those programs were in Bishop’s ear whatsoever as recently as late-September. However, Bishop proved capable of being an impact defender this season. He also finishes at the rim and shows upside on that side of the floor.
[189 → 81] Chase Rankin, 6’1” PG, Gahanna / Pro Bound
We flat-out slept on Rankin this summer. He proved a reliable point guard who thrives in the pick and roll with the Lions of Gahanna this season. Although he’s not going to tally huge numbers in the scoring column, Rankin is a trusted ball-handler who can run a team. Purdue Northwest signee.
[178 → 122] Ryan Reidy, 6’0” PG, McNicholas / Shining Star
Reidy should log minutes at a Division III school early in his career, as they groom him for a starting role. The McNick star created points for himself a little more often as a senior. He is good at looking off defenders before sneaking in for an open layup.
[210 → 168] Ajai Washington, 6’3” PG, Toledo Bowsher / Ohio Celtics
Washington came off the bench as a junior, playing behind one of the most talented starting five’s in Toledo. This season, he led the Rebels and exceeded expectations for the team and himself. Washington is a facilitator who can get to the basket. Although he’s not an explosive athlete, which hurts his defense at times, Washington provides immediate offense off the bounce.