Rich capped off a seriously dominant summer in impressive fashion, leading Morgan Dawgs to a championship with an outstanding weekend from start to finish. He brought relentless energy on both ends of the floor, making his presence felt every possession. One of the biggest highlights came when he threw down three consecutive dunks in a game, showcasing his athleticism and ability to attack the rim with confidence. What made his performance so impressive though was his nonstop motor. Rather than settling for jumpers, Rich consistently hunted opportunities, crashing to the basket, running the floor and making winning plays. His intensity, effort and aggressive mindset fueled his team’s title run

Rich continues to prove he’s much more than a scorer. His matchup against the Magic team out of Texas showcased every part of his offensive package. He was knocking down tough mid-range shots, creating off the bounce, and delivering when Morgan Dawgs needed baskets late. Then, against Hard2Guard, he quietly poured in 28 points while rebounding, pushing the break, getting to the foul line, and spacing the floor from three. What I appreciated most was how natural it looked. He’s not just out there gunning the entire time. He passes and moves, slashes and is used as a cutter, and doesn’t rely on just hunting shots. He simply read the game, attacked the right matchup, and let his versatility dictate the flow. That’s the sign of a player whose game continues to mature, and that is while playing 17U again. 

Rich has continued to elevate his game this spring and remains one of the more productive players we’ve watched. While his scoring ability naturally grabs attention, his defensive impact has become impossible to ignore. He serves as a true anchor in the paint, protecting the rim with timely shot blocking and using his size and instincts to alter countless others. His positioning on the glass consistently puts him in place to secure rebounds and finish possessions. What has also stood out is his activity level, as he generates steals and creates extra opportunities through his anticipation and effort. Offensively he’s more than just a scorer, showing the vision and unselfishness to find teammates for easy baskets. Rich impacts the game in multiple ways and continues to prove why he’s a difference maker every time he steps on the floor

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 6'6" | 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