Cole Deptula, Central Pointe Christian Academy
The 6-foot-5 3-point ace has rapidly transformed his game as a three level scorer who can knife his way to the rim and finish in crafty fashion.
While he arrived at the doorstep with a knack for creating his shot off the dribble and a deadeye outside shot, he’s shouldered the burden of go-to option at Central Pointe by diversifying his all around scoring.
Deptula, from Wisconsin originally, flew under the radar as a high school senior.
He’s shown the potential to be an intriguing low major plus caliber recruit, a veritable steal at the NEC level.
Tyran Rogers, Central Pointe Christian Academy
As a hulking behemoth at 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, the Indiana native has sneaky athleticism that enables him to grab boards over significantly taller players and clamp down on bigs in the post.
He’s equally as versatile a threat offensively, as Rogers is a reliable outside shooter who can finish inside and barrel his way to the rim and finish through contact.
Rogers has the physicality of a linebacker and the athleticism and skill set to play Division 1 basketball.
Immeasurable intangibles which don’t show up on the stat sheet–such as how hard he plays and the innate leadership he brings for head coach Dave Gonzalez–are also noteworthy.
Edward “EJ” English, Estero High School
The 6-foot-2 Class of 2021 Guard brings a unique scoring arsenal. He can pull off aspects that you typically don’t see at the high school level, such as transition 3-pointers and shots from way, way beyond the arc.
English, who has the college ready physicality of a shot-making guard, is capable of stretching the floor out and hitting shots that are hard to guard at this level.
English possesses a natural IQ and awareness on the floor, which enables him to make heads up basketball plays and sound decisions. He can get his shot off quickly and really create for himself in his off the dribble and one on one game.
Sean Hutchinson II, Malvern Prep
The Philadelphia native has the capabilities to rapidly evolve into one of the best shooters in Pennsylvania this season.
As a well built guard, he’s become more reliable with his off the dribble scoring and ability to bull his way to the rim and finish through hard contact.
Brandon Downs, Coldwater High School (MI)
The 6-foot-2 guard has a skilled and instinctive style of play. With his mid range scoring and ability to put the ball on the deck and serve as a creator, the Class of 2022 Downs is flushed into a prominent role this season.
He spent the summer working at a furious rate to refine all aspects of his game, becoming a well rounded scorer and facilitator to the tune of multiple games of 13+ points and six assists or more.
A bit more athletic than he is credited for, Downs knows how to ball hawk defensively and instigate turnovers which result into transition scoring opportunities and leak outs.
Gaining muscle and becoming a threat on both sides of the floor have been instrumental for Downs, who now inherits some ownership of this team. Boasting a 3.5 GPA, Downs has already generated interest from high academic programs.
Ricky Ballard, The Sagemont School
The 6-foot-6 wing brings length, athleticism, and the ability to guard and play multiple positions. Ballard’s above the rim finishing ability and knack for soaring to the rim are aspects that make him attractive to Division 1 coaches, given the role athleticism plays in today’s NCAA game.
Ballard’s defensive ability, which includes a multi positional approach as he guards the 1-4, is equally intriguing. He possesses a guard’s skill set and will be a tremendous off the ball option for Sagemont, which features multiple players 6-feet-6 or above this season.
Nedas Zukauskus, The Sagemont School
At 6-foot-8 with a consistent outside stroke, Zukauskus had four 3-pointers and showed the mismatch threat he poses for defenders against Shabahz 17U during the Tar Heel Classic last month.
The international prospect has IQ, multi positional defensive capabilities, and floor spreading capabilities. He’s still adapting to the intricacies of the American game and will have the opportunity to become more aggressive and more of a refined interior scorer this season.
Osmar Garcia Araujo, Riviera Prep
The 6-foot-7 Class of 2023 prospect has physical maturity beyond his years. This is translatable to his array of post moves and ability to finish inside and in one on one situations with his back to the rim.
He’s equally adept at hitting the short range and mid range jumper, a facet of his game which takes rim protectors away from the paint and drags them outside.
