The highschool season is coming to an finish. With some states already having ended their seasons in February akin to Nevada and North Carolina (non-public faculties), you’ve got states like Minnesota and Michigan that don’t even start their playoffs till March. There will probably be appreciable modifications within the Ballislife FAB 50 main into March, the McDonald’s All-American groups had been introduced, and gamers all through the nation need to put that banner up within the rafters for 2023.
Between occasions in Atlanta, Ohio, and Georgia, listed below are a couple of of the highest gamers who I watched excel over the previous two weeks.
Airious Bailey, 6’9, SF/PF, McEachern (Energy Springs, GA), 2024In some of the dominant defensive performances that I’ve seen this season all through the nation, “Ace” Bailey utterly managed the sport in McEachern’s opening spherical AAAAAAA Playoff win over South Gwinnett (Lou Williams’ alma mater). At 6-foot-9 with loopy size, Baily actually defended all 5 positions at occasions all through the sport. The mix of motor, insane lateral quickness, and noteworthy timing as a shot blocker put him proper there with the very best within the nation for ‘24 defensively. On the offensive aspect, the Rutgers commit performed solely going through the rack, showcasing his uncooked expertise and pulling down numerous mid-range pullups.
Stephon Citadel, 6’6, SG, Newton (GA), 2023One of many two McDonald’s All People to make it out of Georgia (with Wheeler lead guard Isaiah Collier being the opposite), Citadel confirmed why UCONN followers are loopy hyped for his arrival in Storrs. Standing a legit 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he’s acquired the prototypical measurement that you simply search for out of a two guard in right this moment’s sport. Watching Newton’s playoff sport in opposition to South Gwinnett, Stephon Citadel confirmed what makes him such a particular prospect. He performed the sport with a terrific tempo off of the bounce, acquired to his spots with ease, then pulled up for easy mid-range jumpshots, a la DeMar DeRozan. Citadel scored effectively with restricted dribbles, but in addition confirmed his means to create for others en path to a 29 level, 11 rebound, 4 help, 5 steal displaying in a primary spherical playoff win in opposition to Harrison. The mix of measurement, athleticism, and versatile expertise that Citadel gives will instantly make him one of many extra extremely touted freshmen in school basketball subsequent season.
Nolan Winter, 6’11, PF, North (Lakeville, MN), 2023Proper up there as one of many main finalists for Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball, Winter has lived as much as each little bit of his fame all through his senior marketing campaign. He has paced his Lakeville North squad to a 22-2 file (together with 15 straight wins as of publication) whereas posting averages of 23 factors and 12 rebounds per sport. The Wisconsin recruit is much out of your conventional massive man, owing the power to step out to the 3-point line (34 % from 3-point) and take slower defenders off of the bounce. In his senior night time sport we had been within the constructing for, Howard Pulley’s prime 2023 prospect poured in an easy 24 factors, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks in restricted enjoying time all through his remaining house sport. Other than his regular expertise, what actually stood out essentially the most about Nolan’s progress was his comfortability and improved footwork making scoring strikes on the block. With an excellent sturdy lineage (his father is former Timberwolves middle Trevor Winter), Winter is actually a reputation that you simply’ll be listening to about within the Massive Ten.
Jalen Wilson, 6’7, SF, St. Margaret’s (Benilde, MN), 2025Thought of by many to be the highest sophomores within the state of Minnesota, Wilson is the kind of mismatch drawback that makes him awfully robust to protect at the highschool stage. At 6-foot-7 with a really sturdy body, Wilson can make the most of his measurement to publish smaller defenders and management the glass on the defensive finish. Nonetheless, the 2025 prospect additionally has the talent stage to stretch the protection out to the 3-point line and take slower defenders off the bounce. Working with Howard Pulley in EYBL, Wilson has already been on campus at quite a few Massive Ten faculties and can proceed to achieve extra consideration along with his excessive stage of productiveness.
M.J. Whitlock, 6’2, PG/SG, Newton (GA), 2023Whereas Citadel will get a ton of the eye, his backcourt working mate Whitlock is without doubt one of the finest unsigned gamers left within the state of Georgia. He brings critical power to the desk on each ends, has deep 3-point vary, and confirmed the power to play both guard place at occasions for Newton. Named to 7A All Area First Group, individuals in Atlanta actually learn about Whitlock and plenty of all through the area will as nicely all through the Georgia state playoffs.
Kevin Hamilton, 5’8, PG, St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron, OH), 2023Hamilton is the definition of “coronary heart over peak”. A two-time state champion in Ohio’s largest division, the diminutive lead guard is without doubt one of the best playmakers the state has to supply. “Fats” is a dependable 3-point shooter, performs with a terrific change of tempo, and might actually facilitate an offense. Hamilton has a critical shot of main his squad to a 3rd straight state title and was named MVP (23 factors) of his squad’s victory on the Ken Ganley Play-By-Play Traditional.
