2019 Rankings Updates: 757 Wings
We’re heading into the senior season of the 2019 class, one that we at Prep Hoops VA have had the pleasure of watching grow from when they were just freshmen. This class has seen new players come in, some players leave for programs outside of the state, and have seen some massive changes over the years. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in July and August, and come time for the new season to start we’re sure there will be even more changes coming.
Over the next few weeks we will be breaking down the rankings by positions and locations. With that being said, here’s a look at the wings in the 757 part of VA that we ranked in the 2019 rankings.
*Editors Note: These breakdowns are based on where the players play high school basketball at.
Mike Christmas | 6’5” WF | Landstown/Team Loaded VA (#8 Overall)
One of the most consistent players over the past three seasons, Christmas enters back into the top 10 in the state after leaving for Huntington Prep in WV for a semester. The smooth shooting 6’5” wing is athletic, confident and tough, and he’ll give you everything when he’s on the floor. He hits the glass on both ends, can guard inside and out, and he’s improved on the perimeter on both ends to where he can be considered a true wing at the next level. His ability to shoot it from deep and finish above the rim in transition is what makes him one of the most recruitable wings in the state.
Khyree Temple | 6’5” WF | Phoebus/Team Loaded 757 (#34 Overall)
A season ending knee injury derailed his junior year, but Temple’s body of work in his first year at Phoebus and with Boo Williams 16U last year was extremely impressive. He’s an unbelievable athlete that runs the floor and finishes above the rim, can guard multiple positions and he can create his own shot in transition. He can handle the basketball in transition, he plays hard on both ends of the floor and he has a competitiveness and toughness about him that sticks out from his time growing up in Philadelphia. He has some questions with injuries and some off the court stuff, but if all those questions are put to rest he’ll be a guy that college coaches will love on the court.
Danny Bannister | 6’5” WG | Cape Henry/Team Loaded 757 (#85 Overall)
A recent commit to Hampton, Bannister is a long shooter who is a great team player on both ends of the floor. While he’s a shooter specialist, he doesn’t force shots as he will rotate the basketball and will turn down a good shot for a great shot. His length allows him to bother guys on the defensive end, where he can guard a number of positions. He isn’t the most athletic guy, but because he’s so long he’s able to compete on the glass and get his shot off over smaller defenders. In transition he can run the floor and finish, and he’s a decent ball handler in straight lines and limited dribbles.
Josh Talbert | 6’2” WG | Kellam/BWSL Russell (#97 Overall)
Talbert is stuck between being a one and a two, but there’s one thing for sure, this kid is not just the typical shooter. Yes, he’s a lights out guy from deep with good form, a quick release and deep range. However, he can also be a secondary ball handler, he has good instincts on both ends of the floor and he’s a very underrated athlete when he attacks the rim. Talbert can create shots for himself and others in the half court, and in transition he can play above the rim. He brings energy and leadership to his team, and he’s a guy that can do a lot more than you’d expect for his team as well.
Zaiyen Chapman | 6’3” WF | Hampton (#110 Overall)
A high energy wing, Chapman has tremendous athleticism that allows him to play like a madman in transition and on the defensive end. He plays way above the rim on both ends, he’s able to knock down open shots and he makes all the hustle plays that you want a glue guy like himself to make. He has great length which allows him to switch everything defensively, he’s a big time rebounder on both ends of the floor and he’s able to contest shots at the rim on help side. His overall game is based on energy and toughness, making him a terrific glue guy whether he’s starting or coming off of the bench.
Brandon Cline | 6’3” WF | Bishop Sullivan/Team Loaded 757 White (#124 Overall)
A guy who continues to get better with each season, Cline’s biggest attribute is that he can stretch the defense and play multiple positions. Need him to step in and knock down shots from deep? He can do that. Need him to bang in the paint with guys bigger than him? He can do that. Need him at the top of a press to chase the basketball? He can do that. It’s this versatility, along with a good skill set, that allows him to make an impact in many different ways when he’s on the floor.
Journey Al Amin | 6’3” WF | Booker T. Washington (#127 Overall)
Al Amin is an under the radar guy in the 757 that gives you a lot on both ends, but it’s his potential on the defensive end that really intrigues me as a prospect. He is freakishly long, he moves his feet well and has a high motor, making him able to be a big part of the press and makes him able to guard multiple positions. He challenges shots at the rim, he uses his length to get deflections, he can handle the basketball in transition and he has a good midrange game. He still has a lot of room to grow as a player, meaning he could get better if someone takes a chance on him at the next level.
Logan Schlick | 6’2” WG | First Colonial/BWSL Russell (#136 Overall)
A very skilled two guard, Schlick can fill it up when he’s given the opportunity to and he can do it on or off the basketball. He’s a good shooter from deep, he has a good frame that allows him to attack and finish at the basket and he’s a guy who has a good IQ and typically makes the right play. When he’s confident, Schlick can fill it up in bunches, and with his decent size as a shooter he’s someone a lot of smaller colleges are all over early in this class.
Jason Ford | 6’0” WG | Landstown (#139 Overall)
Ford is a knock down shooter who can play on and off the basketball and still make plays for others as well. He has effortless range off the catch, which allows him to also attack closeouts and either find teammates for easy shots or he can use either hand to finish around the basket. He’s an undersized two guard, but that doesn’t stop him from being effective because he can shoot it from NBA range, so you have to either go out and guard him or let him torch you, essentially letting his team play 4-on-4 and spacing the floor. It’s tough to match up with that, and that’s why they always say that shooters can play anywhere.
Shareef Bynum | 6’1” WG | Woodrow Wilson/Team Loaded 757 White (#146 Overall)
A quick and shifty guard, Bynum is tough to guard because he’s a three level scorer that can do it on or off the basketball. He’s a good shooter off the catch when he’s set, and he has a lightning quick first step that allows him to attack closeouts or get to the rim off the bounce. He changes speeds well, he’s a good defender on and off the ball and he has a mix of swagger and dog that gives him an edge. Whether he’ll play the one or the two at the next level is unclear, but it’s obvious that he’s a next level guard that can be a positive impact on whatever team he plays for.