Wednesday, July 18, 2012

HS Basketball Class of 2016 Freshmen Watch List: Point Guards!!!

Class of 2016: Point Guards


Written by: Prospect-Central

Even though the 2012-13 high school basketball season is a long ways away, Prospect-Central has put together a "Freshmen Watch List" for some players that might make an immediate impact come the fall.  While there's no guarantee any of these players will live up to their high billing, it's safe to say more than a few should perform very well during their freshmen year of high school basketball.

There are ten players chosen and fifteen honorable mentions for point guards, shooting guards and small forwards.  Since "True" centers are so hard to come by, power forwards and centers are lumped into one position.  While the players are labeled a certain position, some of them will probably play different positions depending on what their high school team needs.  Many of these players are still growing, so that will change the position they play as well.

As always, there are many more players worth mentioning, but unfortunately there has to be some snubs.  While I'm not exactly sure if some of the ballers featured will play up to their potential or not, I do know the Class of 2016 is extremely talented and by the time they graduate high school should be one of the better basketball classes from the past decade. Below are twenty-five freshmen point guards from the Class of 2016.  Names are in no particular order.  At the end of the article click for the other players on Prospect-Central's Class of 2016 Freshmen Watch List.

Click NAMES for Videos!!!

SEVENTH WOODS pg/sg / 6'2'' 170 / Columbia, SC
There aren't many guards in the Class of 2016 as versatile as Seventh Woods.  Very polished basketball player who can contribute in nearly every area of the game.  Extremely athletic and absolutely explodes in transition.  Terrific ball handler with excellent court awareness and vision.  Shows the willingness to find the open teammate.  Very capable shooter with 3-point range.  Good defender who plays the passing lanes very well.  Relentless work ethic with a true passion for the game.  Plays his AAU ball with the SC Ravens & Karolina Diamonds.  Has already been playing varsity basketball for Hammond High School (Columbia, SC) since the 8th grade.  Led the team in scoring, assists, steals & blocks during the 2011-12 season. Seventh has said he would like to wear Carolina Blue one day.  After it's all said and done, Woods will probably be better than the Seventh best point guard from the Class of 2016!!!

ANTHONY COWAN pg / 5'11'' 160 / Largo, MD
A solid point guard with excellent fundamentals, ball handling and vision, Anthony Cowan has a chance to be a nice player once the 2012-13 high school basketball season rolls around.  Has some craftiness in his game as well.  Very good at getting in the lane and creating contact.  Lives at the charity stripe.  Perhaps the best part of Anthony's game is his uncanny ability to find the open man. Drops ridiculous dimes that makes you think he almost has "X-Ray" vision (lol).  Respectable jump shot with 3-point range. Has been compared to current Duke Blue Devil Quinn Cook. Plays his AAU ball with the extremely talented DC Assault.  Anthony will attend Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (Olney, MD) his freshman year, but I won't be surprised if he eventually plays for one of national powerhouses in the D.C. area.  Interested in Georgetown University.  John Thompson III better get on the phone A.S.A.P.!!!

C.J. HEDGEPETH pg / 5'11'' 165 / Evansville, IN
Considered by many to be one of the best point guards from the state of Indiana in the Class of 2016, C.J. Hedgepeth is a dynamic baller with excellent strength and deceptiveness.  Very unselfish player who flourishes in transition due to his speed and quickness, C.J. can also create plays for himself or his teammates in a half-court setting.  Creates favorable angles around the basket due to his length and is starting to develop a very nice dribble-drive pull-up jumper.  Has 3-point range if given time and space.  Solid defensive player as well.  Needs to work on his left hand, but that will surely come with time.  Plays his AAU ball for the Indy Hoosiers.  Will attend Evansville North High School his freshman year and should make a nice contribution to the team come the 2012-13 season.

DEVEARL RAMSEY pg / 5'11'' 170 / Los Angeles, CA
With his speed, strength and athleticism, Devearl Ramsey has to be one of the more explosive guards from the Class of 2016. Easily one of the fastest players in his class with the ball in his hands, Devearl reminds me of a young Ty Lawson in the making. Perhaps the best part of his game is his ability to create off the bounce.  Has a terrific stutter-step move and pull-up jumper. Exceptional at getting to the rack.  Has also displayed nice vision and court awareness.  Shows a willingness to play defense as well.  Plays his AAU ball for one of the best teams in the country California Basketball Club (formally Cali Styles) and has already received a scholarship offer from USC.  He'll attend Sierra Canyon his freshman year and it's clear high school basketball will be getting another terrific player in Devearl Ramsey.

De'AARON FOX pg/sg / 6'2'' 160 / Katy, TX
Straight from the Lone Star State comes De'Aaron Fox.  Blessed with excellent basketball instincts and court awareness, Fox is a true floor general.  Very cerebral player with terrific leadership skills, De'Aaron is basically an extension of the coach on the floor.  Very good ball handler with either hand, seems almost ambidextrous at times.  Adept at setting up his teammates as well as creating for himself, there really isn't too much the lefty can't do. Similar game to Rajon Rondo in some respect.  Really gets after it on the defensive side of the ball as well.  Excellent athleticism, quickness and length, De'Aaron Fox is easily one of the best point guards in the country from the Class of 2016.  Plays his AAU ball for the Houston Defenders and will attend Cypress-Fairbanks (Cypress, TX) his freshman year of high school.  Dream college is Kansas, "Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!"

AARON AUGUSTIN pg / 5'10'' 170 / Duluth, GA
Possibly the best point guard from the state of Georgia in the class of 2016, Aaron Augustin is the definition a dual threat.  Can create for himself or his teammates with his tight handles, explosive first step, vision and instincts.  Sees the play before it develops and usually makes the right decision.  Excellent basketball IQ.  Shows terrific leadership skills.  Wants to have the ball in his hands with the game's on the line.  Exceptional work ethic and true competitor.  Truly hates to lose and is willing to put in the time necessary to get better.  Has a number of trainers and mentors to make sure he stays on the right path.  Plays his AAU ball for CP3 All-Stars and will attend Peachtree Ridge High School this season.  Don't be surprised if Arron Augustin  has a very nice freshman campaign.

TAILOUR HALL pg / 6'0'' 160 / Jacksonville, FL
Tailour Hall's so quick, his picture's a blur!!!  Seriously though, Hall's probably one of the nicer point guards from the Class of 2016 to emerge from the Sunshine State.  Perhaps the best part of Tailour's game is his transition play.  Always has his head up when advancing the ball on the break.  Tight handles and quickness make him very hard to keep out of the lane.  Can finish with either hand.  More of a scoring point guard right now, but still does a good job distributing the ball.  Plays solid defense and seems to have a good work ethic. Needs to add some weight to his frame as well as work on the release point of his jump shot, but there's still a lot to like about his game.  Plays his AAU ball for the North Florida Spartans and started on varsity last year as an 8th grader for University Christian (Jacksonville, FL). He was the teams leading scorer and should continue his stellar play as a freshman. Knowing the Florida Gators, I'm sure Billy Donovan's already friends with him on Facebook.

DERRYCK THORNTON pg / 6'0'' 160 / Simi Valley, CA
Labeled as the best point guard prospect on the West Coast from the Class of 2016, Derryck Thornton plays with a flair and passion that's almost contagious.  Has the athleticism, quickness, toughness & length needed to succeed at the high school level. Excellent ball handling abilities allows him to create plays seemingly out of thin air.  Smart player who usually optimizes offensive possessions.  Terrific in transition or a half-court setting. As good as Derryck is on offense, it's the other side of the ball where he's most impressive.  Has to be one of the best on-the-ball defenders from the Class of 2016.  Looks almost like Celtics shutdown defender Avery Bradley at times.  AAU teammates with previously mentioned Devearl Ramsey on the California Basketball Club.  USC & New Mexico have already offered, but Derryck has his eyes on a bigger fish, Kentucky Wildcats.  What a surprise!!!

TEMPLE GIBBS pg/sg / 6'1'' 175 / Scotch Plains, NJ
The younger brother of Ashton (Pitt) and Sterling Gibbs (Seton Hall), Temple Gibbs is an excellent basketball player in his own right. Originally from the Class of 2015, Temple's reclassification has done wonders for his game.  Capable of playing both guard positions, he seems to be more of a scorer than a facilitator at the moment.  Has some nice wiggle in his game which allows him to create penetration.  Able to knock down the three-ball given time and space.  Very confident player who doesn't seem to back down from a challenge.  Plays his AAU ball with Team Scan.  St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's and Seton Hall Prep are just a few high schools he's considering for his freshman year.  Since his brothers play in the Big East, he may be headed in that direction as well (if the Big East hasn't fallen apart by then).

JOSHUA PARRISH pg/sg / 6'2'' 185 / Mansfield, TX
Extremely strong and physical for his age, Joshua Parrish is a well-put-together guard from the Lone Star State.  His growth will ultimately determine his future position, but as of right now he's more than capable of running the point.  Does a good job of using his size to his advantage by creating penetration and finishing through contact.  Excellent rebounder for his position and seems to play lock down defense as well.  Needs to develop a consistent stroke, but that should come with time.  Plays his AAU ball with Texas Elite.  I'm not exactly sure where Joshua will attend high school come the fall, but there are a number of excellent programs in the state of Texas that would love to have a point guard with his capabilities. Should be interesting to see how his game develops over the years.


HONORABLE MENTIONS
ALANI MOORE pg / 5'10'' 175 / Germantown, MD
VIJAY BLACKMON pg/sg / 6'1'' 160 / Fort Wayne, IN
BRAD HAWKINS pg / 5'10'' 160 / Camden, NJ
RAKYM FELDER pg/sg / 6'1'' 185 / Fort Mill, SC
JASHAUN AGOSTO pg / 5'6'' 130 / Garfield, WA
LONZO BALL pg/sg / 6'3'' 165 / Chino Hills, CA
JAMIR HARRIS pg / 5'10'' 160 / Piscataway, NJ
DENNIS SMITH, JR. pg/sg / 6'0'' 145 / Fayetteville, NC
RYAN MURPHY pg / 6'0'' 170 / Calabasas, CA
DYAIRE DOBERE-HOLT pg / 6'0'' 175 / Troy, NY
PAYTON PRITCHARD pg / 6'0'' 165 / West Linn, OR
A'SHON RIGGINS pg / 6'0'' 175 / Hamilton, OH
VAUGHN COVINGTON pg / 6'0'' 160 / Sicklerville, NJ
LOREN JACKSON pg / 5'6'' 140 / Bradenton, FL
BRAXTON BEVERLY pg/sg / 6'1'' 170 / Vicco, KY

FRESHMEN WATCH LIST
SHOOTING GUARDS
SMALL FORWARDS
POWER FORWARDS / CENTERS

27 comments:

  1. darius jones from acworth georgia pg for wheeler high school and now the pg for north cobb high school upcoming dominant player class of 2016 check him out

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  2. Blake Ruckman from Evansville Indiana (Reitz High School) Ave 30ppg and 10 rpg as a 8th grader, is 6 ft and can play all over. One of the BEST players in Indiana as a FRESHMEN!
    He has played travel ball against the best of the midwest and team has combined for a record of 84-2 over 4 years

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  3. Did I forget to mention he had a 29 point quarter and a 45 point game in the city tourney

    Very impressive

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  4. Are we talking about the same Blake Ruckman that was invited to Stanford's prospect camp? I'm suprised he wasn't an honorable mention. We will see how he does against JaQuan Lyle this season, I'm sure he will turn some heads with his performance throughout the year.

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  5. Jorge varela from east aurora hes bad ass just go look at his game

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  6. Jorge varela from Aurora Il somebody please give that boy a scholarship

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  7. CYNTERIUS LYONS(RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL)..MURFREESBORO,TN..5'9 PG. TOP PLAYER OF 14U STATE TOURNEY PER ANDRE WHITEHEAD(TENNESSEE PREP HOOPS) BEST OF THE REST PER RICK BOLUS BLUECHIP CAMP IN TENNESSEE OCTOBER EDITION 2012..ONLY FRESHMAN ON VARSITY TEAM. PLAYS FOR NASHVILLE CELTICS AAU

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  8. There is a freshman player in Baumholder, Germany (Army) names Joseph Gouty. He played at the AAU tournament this summer in Kissimmee, FL and absolutely stunned players and coaches alike at all levels. When I watched him I couldn't believe his handles or his ability to be that general on the court at such a younge age. He will definetely be a future superstar in Division I college and NBA. I wish I could be in Baumholder to check him out.

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  9. Check out Bailey stout freshman on powerhouse mater dei high school Santa Ana Ca. Off the scale court awareness and silky smooth handles and jumper. Defenses can't. Keep him out of the paint

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  10. A freshman from Seneca SC. Xzavier Barmore who is a freshman is taking over the scene in upstate sc. He got mad handles and can dish the rock. oh yea avg. 16.2 points a game.

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  11. Parker Davis From Windermere Prep is the future of the NBA!!!! I know its early but he's smart, has great handles and is a lefty point guard who can shoot lights out. I saw him drop 25 as a freshman against the number 5 team in the state of Florida.

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  12. xzavier barmore saves the day for seneca bobcats on friday. He hit the buzzer beater to win the game. 28 points. He is a beast out there.

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    Replies
    1. Xzavier can definitely ball. Currently averaging 17ppg, 5apg, 4rpg, and almost 6spg. Those are more than respectable numbers for a freshman, although Seneca High School doesn't exactly play the toughest competition.

      Almost all 20 of the point guards featured are having solid seasons. De'Aaron Fox & Seventh Woods are actually in the top 10 for freshmen scoring.

      As I stated before, this article was by no means the only freshmen point guards in the country worth mentioning. The Class of 2016 is extremely loaded, from guards to big-men, and there should be a number of players making names for themselves as the years go by.

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    2. jacob Buchner -Plainfield soulth IL -wait-BIG tIME SLEEPER

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    3. I agree dude saw Jacob Buchners first high school game ever ,he had 25 at half and scored like 38 for the game.The kid is faster with the ball than most can flat out run.hes explosive and one to watch-very smart player.

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  13. JULIEN MARTIN. HE IS A 5'6 POINT GUARD AT RIVERDALE HIGH(TENNESSEE.) TENNESSEE STARS AAU

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  14. Jake valerio mac arthur highschool san antonio texas. 6'1 point guard, averaged 35 points per game in middle school, 40 points per game as a freshmen on varsity! Check him out.

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  15. Eric Reed 5'6 Pg, He lives in Okinawa, Japan. Court Vision is amazing ability to set up his teammates is incredible, His Mid Range game is good as well. Overall Great Point Guard

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  16. have to check out Michael Almonacy. a 5'11 pg from brentwood new York. he been on varsity since 8th grade. he is a poised mature for his age, has a great basketball IQ. has a great outside jumper. a good pull up and can attack the rim. he a pass first point guard. his coach trusts him with the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. he has gotten offers for top high school in the metro area, like LUHI, Our savoir of new America, st ant, st johns, st marys. and some top aau teams like team scan and new rens and the ny panters. im not wasting your time check him out he could be ranked in the top 100 or even the top 50 and he is a top point guard in the country. check him out Michael Almonacy 5'11 pg class of 2016.

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  17. In reply to Julien Martin, Jake Valerio, Eric Reed and Michael Almonacy:

    * As with all positions in basketball, size plays a key role in how far a player can take his/her game to the next level. Point guards are obviously the most lenient when it comes to size, but that's not to say it isn't important. At just 5-foot-6, Julien appears to be lacking in that department. He may very well be a nice PG down the road, but for the time being he just needs to enjoy the game of basketball and grow into his body.

    * I'm actually somewhat familiar with Jake Valerio's game. I remember him from the 12U AAU Nationals a while back. Reminded me of Corey Joseph to some degree. I can't confirm his 40 ppg average, but I know he definitely can light it up. As with all "Watch Lists", there are only so many players that can be mentioned. Jake might have been left off this list, but he can definitely ball.

    * Okinawa, Japan? Well, in that case, let me brush up on my Japanese. こんにちは。プロスペクト·中部への関心を割いていただきありがとうございます。この日および年齢では、技術の使用と、バスケットボールの見通しは(日本でも)を追跡するために、これまで以上に簡単です。私はエリック·リードに慣れていないですが、私は彼のゲームについての詳細を学ぶことが大好きだ。5フィート6の時、彼はやや小さめだが、彼はまだ成長するために多くの時間を持っています。あなたが好きいつプロスペクト·中部のチャットフォーラムで彼のゲームにアップデートを投稿してお気軽に。

    * I've watched a little bit of tape on Michael Almonacy, and your description of his game seems quite accurate. Has some nice poise despite only being a freshman. Looks like he controls the pace of the game very well. Judging by his frame, he might have a couple more inches in him also. Brentwood's having a pretty good season this year, and if Michael plays like he did against William Floyd, college coaches should eventually take notice.

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  18. Mike Smith from Chicago, Illinois. He is 5'9 but can elevate and his jumper is wet. Averaging 12 points and 7 assists. Gets some boards. The only thing that is holding him back is his size. Visited Indiana for Junior Day but for football.

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  19. Seventh Woods is the truth!!!

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  20. There are two other upcoming pg's to watch coming from St.Louis, Missouri Steven Holloway and Alexander Totton. Both are 5'10 and have smooth jumpers. Holloway was ranked 16th at the John Lucas Midwest invitational camp and played varsity this year and now plays with the St.Louis Eagles. Alexander was a camp standout at the future 150 camp in Nashville and this summer he played with the Missouri impact and averaged over 25 points a game, in July he will be playing with the Arkansas Wings.

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  21. There is a kid in San Diego. Andrew Cross. Plays for Francis Parker. He should be on this list he is built and very tall. He is the top guard in the class of 2016 in San Diego.

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  22. what about Joseph Babineaux 6'6 F AVG 23 PPG 11 RPG better then thon maker one of the best in texas

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  23. Joseph Babineaux plays aau ball for the Houston texas tarheels

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