Shawn Phillips
The passing of Labor Day traditionally means a few things for high school basketball fans. First, the commitment cycle for high school seniors really starts to kick into full gear. Second, with schools across the state underway, any rumors regarding transfers are put to bed for once and for all. And, finally, new gossip starts to float through the airwaves regarding who might be the best players in the state for this coming season.
As always, we at Triple Double Prospects try to answer that final question with our list of prospect rankings, by position, for the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 (watch list for 2023 coming soon). While we compose our lists based more on long-term upside then current production, many of the names you’ll see on our rankings lists will be among the top statistical performers in the entire state of Ohio this season.
Looking at our class of 2020 rankings, we’ve already seen nine prospects commit to NCAA D1 schools, with Miami (OH) leading the charge this year among in-state schools with three early commitments. While Zeb Jackson remains the only prospect to commit to a high-major NCAA D1 program so far, we expect that to change soon with the decisions of Zach Loveday and John Hugley looming.
The 2021 class has taken an interesting turn, as four players have already made commitments to NCAA D1 programs, including three to high-major programs. Kalen Etzler committed to Ohio State back in the spring, and was joined recently by point guard Meechie Johnson on the list of future Buckeyes. Then, just this past weekend, the third decision was announced, as point guard Seth Wilson announced his pledge to West Virginia.
Even with all of the hype surrounding the 2021 class, the 2022 class might be even more exciting to follow, as blueblood programs have prioritized prospects such as Chris Livingston, Paul McMillan IV, Sencire Harris, Bowen Hardman and Shawn Phillips. While all of them are impressive prospects, look for Phillips name to gain the most traction this winter, as college coaches are quickly realizing how much talent the nimble 6’10 post player has.
As always, links to our prospect rankings can be found on the header of this page, or by clicking the link below; for comments regarding rankings, please email us at TDPcorey@gmail.com.
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