Rich is a player who will be making another jump in the rankings after putting up another stellar individual season. He has jumped in each rankings but this year is where he really put the state on notice as he was named as an All-State Honorable mention as only a sophomore. Rich filled it up this season, finishing with 17.9 points a game and scoring in double figures in all but one game, and that was despite each team playing him with a box-and-one and sending double teams. The 6’4 do-it-all wing checks off plenty of boxes as a solid rebounder (7.9 rpg), he makes smart reads, and finishes above the basket. This season, he looked more assertive, he took over offensively, and his athleticism shone through. He will make a rise in the rankings this go round, and I am sure he also has a monster summer where there can be room to grow.  

Rich looked like he was on a different level at times, bringing an intensity that stood out right away. He showed all around scoring ability, getting it done at every level while still being at his best attacking downhill with purpose and finishing through contact. When he got going he was tough to contain and forced defenses to adjust. He set the tone with his aggression and confidence. On the defensive end he was just as locked in, bringing toughness and making life difficult every possession. Rich’s motor and edge allowed him to take over stretches and impact the game on both ends

Samuel Rich Samuel Rich 6'4" | SG Eagle Ridge Academy | 2028 State CO has come up huge for Eagle Ridge Academy, creating space for himself and blowing by opponents with the rock in his hands. Rich makes the right read quickly, distributing opportunities to his teammates to thrive just as much as him. Contributing 18.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 2.2 SPG all on 48% from the field and a sizzling hot 42% from downtown, Rich continues to showcase why he’s among the elites in his class.

Rich is a high upside sophomore who had a solid freshman campaign, which turned heads, but what he’s doing as a sophomore has shown that he’s elevated his game. The 6’4 small forward is averaging 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds a game to start the year, but he was exceptionally good in January as he averaged 24.2 points and 12.2 rebounds a game to begin the new year, and the team went 4-1 on the month. He’s a 3-level scorer who demands double teams and still scores. He can play as well as defend multiple positions, and that versatility separates him. He’s a prospect who seems to get better each time we’ve seen him, and he had himself a month. 

Rich had a strong stretch for Eagle Ridge Academy, playing a major role in the team’s 5–1 run. He averaged 24.2 points per game, highlighted by a 30 point outing, and recorded three double doubles, including a season high 17 rebounds that underscored his physicality and competitive motor. At 6’4”, he presents consistent matchup problems with his size and strength, scoring efficiently around the rim while continuing to extend his range on the perimeter. He defends multiple positions, rebounds his position at a high level and is effective in transition where he runs the floor hard and finishes through contact. His confidence with the ball is trending up, and his overall impact on both ends continues to grow

Rich proved this summer that he belongs among the best in the class, and truth be told, with how he finished off his freshman season, he could’ve easily have been ranking then. Playing both his class as well as 17U ball all summer got him better as he showcased himself as a reliable three-level scorer who competes on both ends and has the length to affect the game in big ways. He plays above the rim, stretches the floor with outside shooting, and embraces defensive challenges. Rich shows confidence and talent to back it, and is a player that I feel will have one of the better stat lines on varsity this season. We loved what we saw from him for Morgan Dawgs this summer. He showed out at various showcases and has not ducked any smoke that’s come his way. With what we’ve seen from him, we have him firmly in the Top 20 after making a strong jump from the watch list.

Rich brought a physical, high energy presence to the floor that immediately stood out. He used his size and athleticism to live at the rim, finishing plays with authority, including several dunks that set the tone. He ran the floor hard in transition, creating easy scoring chances and forcing defenses to keep up with his pace. On the glass, he attacked the boards with purpose, securing rebounds on both ends and giving his team valuable extra possessions. Rich’s ability to combine size, mobility and relentless effort made him a constant interior threat and a matchup challenge throughout the event

What we know: 
We know we made a mistake in not adding Samuel to the last set of rankings. But with what we saw from him this summer in multiple games and tourneys is that he belongs up there with the best of them in the class. Samuel has high upside as a 6’4 rangy scorer that also rebounds at a high level. He uses his size to finish inside, gets out in transition and finishes, and is a multi-dimensional defender that you can build around. I like that Samuel is not afraid to go up with anybody they put in front of him, and we’ll get to see him compete with some of the best players in his class.  

What we’d like to know: 

I’d like to know what Samuel looks like with other solid guards around him as well as big man going after him that will also match up with his size. He’s going to be in the ultimate prove-it spot as a player that not many in his age group have been able to see too much of, but we’ve got to see him excel this summer by playing up with 17s. I want to see if he decides to still be aggressive, battle defensively, and compete on both ends of the floor or if he takes this as just a spot where he wants to fit in. Never just fit in. 

Samuel Rich Samuel Rich 6'4" | SG Eagle Ridge Academy | 2028 State CO is a lengthy and well-rounded guard who coaches can count on for a constant flow of buckets. One of Rich’s underrated parts of his game is defense. Rich takes pride in getting stops on the ball and turning those into fastbreak opportunities. Rich is fast enough to keep up with guards while being able to elevate down low to contest bigs. This kind of versatility will come up huge for Rich in the future.

Samuel is a three-level scorer who plays with great pace. He defended multiple positions, used his underrated handle to get to his spots, and knocked down shots with confidence. His ability to stretch the floor while also being physical on defense made him stand out.