Depth Marks Mass Class of 2020
The rising junior class in Massachusetts might not have the same star power as Connecticut or Massachusetts, but where it sets itself apart is with its superior depth.
In total, we've ranked the top 15 prospects in the state's 2020 class while there are others who could ping the division I radar before it's all said and done.
MacDuffie forward Richard Springs is the top ranked prospect in the class. While he hasn't yet developed into a volume scorer, he has numerous markers for long-term success and was already capable of playing a steady role for the PSA Cardinals during the recent EYBL campaign. Springs is well-built with good size, a strong build, and emerging athleticism. He has a developing skill set with inside-out tools and, perhaps most importantly, toughness and competitiveness.
The second ranked prospect in the state is sure to be debated but ultimately Whitinsville Christian and WrightWay Skills big man Justin Vander Baan owns a ton of long-term tools, even if he hasn't yet gotten full credit for it. He's a true seven-footer who is coordinated, moves relatively well for his size, has solid hands, and good dexterity around the rim. Vander Baan is far from a finished product but he started to show flashes of his potential this summer and high-major schools noticed.
Phillips Andover and Mass Rivals' Dallion Johnson is another player who had a huge summer and is the top ranked guard in the state as a result. Johnson is a good sized guard and one of the best shot-makers in New England. He got progressively better as the month of July went on and added to his list of early suitors in the process.
Worcester Academy aguard Quest Harris is up next. A bulldog southpaw, Harris is a winner full of intangibles. He runs the show, plays hard, can get into the lane, and led BABC to a very succesful summer at the 16-and-under level. Teammate Josh Ogundele is more of a long-term stock but one with a higher ceiling if he can get his conditioning right given his massive size and very soft touch.
Wilbraham & Monson Academy and Expressions big man John Adams continues to add to his game and become more versatile in the process but is still one of the more reliable contributors in the state's rising junior class. St. Peter Marian and BABC guard Shemar Dennis is a big guard with an aggressive, physical style who is also very productive at this stage.
Anthony Morales and Kam Farris are two incoming NEPSAC products that both came on strong in recent months and earned top ten status as a result. Morales is a budding big wing who has good perimeter size, terrific touch, and is oozing long-term potential. The Boston Bobcats product is headed to Beaver Country Day next season. Incoming Tabor Academy guard Kam Farris played at an unprecedented level this summer with Team New England and showed rapidly emerging tools in the process.
#10 Judson Martindale and #13 Michael Rabinovich give Worcester Academy a total of four prospects in the top 15. Martindale is a solid athlete wth a versatile game while Rabinovich is a late blooming big man who is starting to come on strong. Pingree's Felix Kloman and Central Catholic's George Smith, who starred for Metro Boston and Middlesex Magic respectively this year, are two of the better shot-makers on the list. Fellow Middlesex Magic guard Will Dorion is a hard-nosed point and one of the toughest customers you'll find in the class. Bedford and Mass Rivals wing Malachi Hazelton rounds out the list as a high level athlete with a powerful physique.
Click here for the full Massachusetts 2020 rankings.
Josh Ogundele
Malachi Hazelton
Justin Vander Baan
Judson Martindale
Will Dorion
Quest Harris
Richard Springs
John Adams
Kam Farris
Felix Kloman
Shemar Dennis
George Smith
Dallion Johnson
Anthony Morales
Michael Rabinovich