Eric Hampford:
Future150 GM / Senior National Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball.
Birmingham, AL (Future150) -- As the high school season begins to wind down, we found it appropriate to continue with our national rankings updates. Tonight, we take a look at the junior class of 2019. While it isn't known for being a very strong group from top to bottom, there is certainly some star power at the top.
Vernon Carey Jr. Remains #1
It's hard to argue against the 6'10" post, who has an incredible blend of production, athleticism & upside. He's had a huge year for University School (FL), and he's accomplished about as much as he can to this point in his career, including winning gold with USA Basketball. He was also an absolute force on the AAU trail for Nike Team Florida (FL) last summer, leaving no doubt about where he stands in the class. However, that doesn't mean that there isn't healthy competition for his current spot.
The Argument For James Wiseman
If you take the 'incredible upside' factor into account, there's certainly an argument to be made for the Memphis East (TN) big man, who is now in the 7'0" range and sporting a 7'4" wingspan. His improved production levels over the past year continue to entice us to move him into the #1 spot, but until he duplicates the production of Vernon Carey Jr., we like him in the #2 spot.
Who Else Sits In The Top 5?
Minnesota 6'9" forward Matt Hurt continues to climb the rankings, all the way up to #3, and it's easy to understand why. A versatile prospect out of John Marshall High School, he has been putting up huge numbers this winter, and is being courted by programs such as Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina & Minnesota, among others.
Aspire Academy (KY) 6'10" big man Charles Bassey continues to be a hot name nationally, checking in at #4. A versatile post who is as gifted as any prospect in the class, we're waiting for the light to go on 100% of the time, since his production and consistency leaves much to be desired. However, if it does go on, he easily could rise to #1 nationally.
Sitting at #5 is Archbishop Molloy (NY) point guard Cole Anthony. The 6'3" guard remains our highest rated point guard prospect in the class, and he's becoming more dominant as he gets older. Don't be surprised if he's yet another #1 ranked point guard to eventually commit to the Duke Blue Devils.
Rounding Out The Top 10
#6 | Bryan Antoine, G, The Ranney School (NJ): It's hard to say how much more dominant he would be if he wasn't teaming with elite wing Scottie Lewis on both their high school and AAU teams, but one thing is for sure, he's an elite athlete who is as polished a scorer as there is in the class.
#7 | Trendon Watford, F, Mountain Brook (AL): Playing for one of the best teams in the country, the 6'8" forward is their offensive and defensive catalyst. A highly skilled player who can play on the perimeter or inside, he uses a wingspan well over 7'0"+ to make himself one of the most unique prospects in his class nationally.
#8 | Scottie Lewis, G, The Ranney School (NJ): Sure, his bounce gets him noticed by mixtape creators from coast-to-coast, but his evolving skills and shimmering personality make him look like a rising star from now until the end of his basketball playing days. Look for the 6'5" wing to have a huge AAU season with Team Rio (NJ).
#9 | Precious Achiuwa, G/F, St. Benedict's Prep (NJ): The stock of the 6'9" wing continues to rise, as he's in the midst of an enormous high school season. He's always had the size and tools to work with, and now he's beginning to realize his incredible potential. Is #8 too low? It could be. Stay tuned to this upcoming AAU season.
#10 | Ashton Hagans, G, Newton (GA): When he decided to commit to the University of Georgia, he immediately became the most touted Bulldogs recruit in quite some time. A physical 6'4" point guard, he'll have the ball in his hands from day one for Mark Fox, and that's a great sign.
Big Movers In The Rankings
Jalen Lecque (#13), Onyeka Okongwu (#15), Jalen Wilson (#24), Josiah James (#26), Jahmius Ramsey (#49), Isaiah Wong (#55), Naheem McLeod (#64) & Tre Mitchell (#76) are a few guys who jumped significantly this update.
#Future150 Family In The Rankings
Armando Bacot is our highest ranked alum at #17, followed by DJ Jeffries (#19), PJ Fuller (#36), De'Vion Harmon (#38), Chandler Lawson (#39), Juwan Gary (#41), Tre Mitchell (#76), Davonte Gaines (#82), Marcedus Leech (#101), Antavion Collum (#113) & Chris Harris (#146).
Want to see who made the rest of our rankings board? Find out below.
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