Stock Risers – Class of 2009

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Saturday, March 28th, 2009

With the season officially in the books, we’ll be releasing our updated rankings next week.  But before you see the full list, here’s a preview of ten guys in the class of 2009 who you should expect to see climb a few spots after turning in stellar seasons. 

Just to clarify, this isn’t just a list of those who had tremendous seasons, but players whose seasons exceeded expectations so much that it increased our opinion of their projected success at the next level. 

Jordan Williams, Torrington HS (CT):  He was absolutely dominant virtually every time he stepped onto the court this year.  His numbers were so astounding that it’s hard to overstate his significance.  He had multiple games where he picked up 40+ points, 20+ rebounds, and even topped 50 points a couple of different nights. 

Reggie Moore, Brewster Academy (NH):  When Thomas Robinson went down with his injury, many assumed that would be the end of Brewster’s resurgence.  But Moore stepped up and began to realize his true potential.  He and Andrew Fitzgerald led the way down the stretch. 

Jeff Schmeltz, Burrillville HS (RI):  Most considered him a moderate division III level prospect prior to the season, but after putting up stellar numbers he worked himself into the scholarship conversation.  He scored and rebounded in high volume while showing the ability to run the floor and be productive in transition. 

Preye Preboye, Winchendon (MA):  For those who underestimate the value of playing hard and competing…we offer Preboye as evidence against your theory.  He was undersized almost every night but still productive scoring and rebounding around the basket because of his athleticism and relentless approach to the game.  Simultaneously, he also extended his skill set deeper to the perimeter. 

Anthony Ireland, Crosby HS (CT):  He gained a lot of recognition as the season went on, with both media outlets and college coaches alike, as he consistently put up huge numbers leading Crosby to a 17-3 regular season.  It only increased in the post-season as he racked up a triple-double and buzzer beater to lead his team back to the state finals. 

Mike Burwell, South Kent (CT):  When the year began most (including us) believed he would take a back seat to Omari Lawrence and Kevin Parrom in South Kent’s backcourt, and be a bit of a shot making role player.  But as the season went on he showed he was taking a back seat to no one, proved he was more than just a shooter but instead a total scorer, led South Kent in scoring, and consequently ended up in the Big East. 

Tim Johnson, Lee Academy (ME):  He returned to Lee Academy this year hoping to generate a higher level of recruitment.  Six months later he’s headed to the A-10 as the leaper has turned into a well rounded player who can score it in multiple plays and lock down defensively for the entire length of the court. 

Jerome Cohen, Everett (MA):  One of the hottest names in the MIAA this year, Cohen got himself in shape for his senior year and tantalized coaches with his big body, deceptive quickness, and impressive skill set.  The sum of those parts is a guy who can be productive both inside and out.   

Josh Bartelstein, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH):  He’s still flying a bit under the radar despite connecting on over 50% of his attempts from the three-point line.  That’s a pretty ridiculous number when you consider he was the opposing defense’s top priority virtually every night.  Bridgton Academy even played him with a box and one.  What many still don’t realize is that he can handle and pass extremely well too. 

Jake Barnett, Notre Dame Prep (MA):  He began the season as a role player fighting for minutes off the Notre Dame bench, and ended it as their starting two-guard going for 20+ points in post-season games.  He’s another guy who benefits so much from his hard-working approach to the game.  He can also stroke it from downtown.