Updated 2011 Player Rankings: Questions linger with top prospects
posted by Mark Miller at 1/8/2009
By Mark Miller Wishoops.net Editor There are still plenty of questions left to be answered when examining the top prospects from Wisconsin in the sophomore class.
To be sure, there is plenty of talent and upside with several of the players, but, at least at this point, there are no sure-fire high-major NCAA Division I players.
For proof, look no further than the University of Wisconsin and its stellar basketball program. The Badgers coaching staff recently offered three class of 2011 prospects from Illinois, receiving a verbal commitment from one – Devon Hodges of Romeoville – earlier this week.
Though the Wisconsin staff has watched many of the top prospects from the state in the class of 2011, they have yet to extend a scholarship offer to any player. You can say the same for Marquette as well.
Questions linger with many of the premier prospects. Those concerns range from skill set to position to academics to size. Still, there is also plenty to like about the deep crop of prospects. And several could definitely wind up playing at the high-major level.
Here’s a quick look at the top 10 players in 2011 in the updated Wishoops.net Player Rankings released today.
No 1-ranked Larry Bradley, a skilled 6-foot-4 combination guard, is making the transition from Milwaukee Vincent to Wauwatosa East. He has scored seven points in three games since receiving eligibility clearance from the WIAA just after Christmas.
Bradley has excellent size and skill and will undoubtedly make big contributions for Wauwatosa East during the second half of the season.
No. 2-ranked Quevyn Winters of Milwaukee Washington has had an outstanding season and may be the most consistent performer in the class. The 6-4 forward is averaging 18 points per contest while helping the Purgolders to a 7-0 record.
No. 3-ranked Darnell Harris of Milwaukee Hamilton oozes with potential and, at 6-7, is a very good ball handler and passer. Harris is averaging 8.8 ppg for the upstart Wildcats.
No. 4-ranked Darell Longstreet of Kenosha Tremper is putting up good numbers in his first season of varsity basketball, averaging 15.3 ppg. The quick and skilled 6-1 lead guard scored 30 points in a victory over Wisconsin Rapids prior to Christmas.
No. 5-ranked Elgin Cook of Milwaukee Hamilton might be the most improved player in the class. An outstanding athlete who can get to the basket and finish, the 6-5 Cook is still learning the game and has a very high ceiling.
No. 6-ranked Trevor Jorgenson of La Crosse Logan remains one of the top interior prospects in the class. A rugged 6-7 forward, Jorgenson has a scholarship offer from UW-Milwaukee.
No. 7-ranked Phil Romback of Seymour opened a lot of eyes with his strong play at the Purgolder Holiday Classic last week at Madison East. At 6-7, Romback can step out and either knock down three-point shots or put the ball on the floor and get around defenders on drives to the basket.
No. 8-ranked Cinmeon Bowers of Nicolet has a Big Ten-type body and is making progress on his transition from Racine Case to Nicolet. Bowers can make the mid-range jump shot in addition to using his size and strength around the hoop.
No. 9-ranked Paul Jesperson of Merrill has good size (6-5) and length for a guard and is a capable three-point shooter.
And No. 10-ranked J.J. Panoske of Brodhead is beginning to put his great size (6-9) to use as he leads his team in scoring at 15.5 ppg.
For a complete listing of the updated Top 25 from the class of 2011 -- as well as Others To Watch from the class -- click on the Players link on the front page of
www.wishoops.net.
Coming Friday: New Class of 2012 Player Rankings
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