The Class That Could Have Been
Rhode Island has produced quite a bit of talent in the class of 2012…but unfortunately for the Ocean State the best of that talent now competes beyond their borders.
The list begins with Alex Murphy and Ricardo Ledo, two Rhode Island natives who are both among the top 15 players in the country. But that’s just the beginning as Andrew Chrabascz, Shaquille Jones, Adrian Oliveira, and Mike Neal have also moved on.
Despite those Rhode Island natives that now star at various prep school locations, the Ocean State still offers some talent in the rising junior class beginning with Cedric Kuakumensah and Rob Hazard.
Kuakumensah transfers into St. Andrew's from North High School in Worcester and promises to make an immediate impact along the Saints frontline this year. Hazard, the second ranked player in the newly announced 2012 rankings, has built up an impressive resume on both the high school and AAU levels with his ability to put points on the board in bunches.
Gunner Bjornson made the rare move by returning to the RIIL after beginning his career in the NEPSAC and instantly became one of the top players in the state thanks to his impressive skill set and good feel for the game. The Tiverton star is ranked third in 2012 to start the season.
The fourth spot goes to Cesar Mejia from St. Raphael Academy. A strong and athletic swingman, Mejia is able to physically dominate against local competition and is plenty battle tested outside that radius as well.
Rounding out the top five is Max Motroni, a quality guard from West Warwick coming off a succesful summer season in his own right.
Andrew Chrabascz
Mike Neal
Cesar Mejia
Cedric Kuakumensah
Ricardo Ledo
Shaquille Jones
Alex Murphy
Adrian Oliveira
Rob Hazard
Gunner Bjornson