Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Ohio's Top 30 Rising Eighth Graders

Ashon Riggens
Below is a link to the top 30 seventh graders in Ohio.  For those kids who made the list, congratulations.  For those who did not make the cut this time, keep working.  It's my hope that players use the list as motivation to either stay on the list, or make the list.  It should be understood that just because a player's name is listed, does not mean they will continue to be listed in the future.  I have seen it happen too many times, a player gains some recognition and feels like they do not need to continue to work, allowing other players to out work them, then displace them as a top player in the state. 

Having been through this process many times with my own 2 sons, I fully understand how difficult it is for kids when their name do not appear on top player type lists.  I also understand how parents and coaches feel when they believe their son has been slighted or is not receiving the recognition they think they deserve.  The only advice I can give you, if you care about these type of lists, your son needs to get exposure, and you need to insure he plays against the best talent possible, either in AAU-type tournaments, camps or showcases.  If your son is not playing where people can see him play and evaluate his talent, then his game will continue to be under appreciated.

In addition, you will read on various message boards that rankings at this age "don't mean anything."  Don't believe that.  I get calls, texts and emails all of the time asking for the names of the top young players in the state.  College coaches are tracking these young players as we speak.  In addition, some kids enjoy more opportunities if they are highly ranked at a young age.  These opportunities can help with thier development and gain them additional exposure. With that said, I would agree that ranking kids this age does not always serve as good predictor of where a kid will end up by the time they are high school seniors, nor does making a list like this garuntee a college scholarship.  In fact, there are a number of kids not listed here who will go on to surpass some of the kids on this list for various reasons. 

That's ebough of that, now to the top 30 list.  At this point, I have decided not to rank the players from 1-30, but rather list them alphabetically, as it has been my experience that doing so thise early causes way too many hard feelings at this point.  However, as I continue to watch the players (and others) over the next several months, and as I get more comfortable ranking the kids, I will start fine tuning the list in and effort to better establish who the top kids truly are.  As I see more kids who deserve a top 30 ranking, I will be adding and subtracting names as I go, based on what I see at various events.  So, with out further preaching, below is a link to Buckeye Prep's top 30rising eighth graders.  Also, below are pictures of many players on the list.  Enjoy!

Top 30 Rising Eighth Graders

Player Pictures

26 comments:

  1. The problem with these lists are, players and parents put more emphasis on the list than getting in the gym and working on their game. Players was getting exposure and recognized way before all the scouting/ranking services came out. It definitely helps, but it shouldn't be the major factor. For every coach that tracks a young player, other coaches won't pay attention until there in HS. This is from personal experience being a college coach. Good luck to all, put your effort in the gym, all the other stuffl will happen.

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  2. where is 23 from the lakers on the the top 30

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  3. Rob,23 from the lakers(john Bubenhofer) is better than a lot of guards on the top 30. What do you think?

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  4. I like Bubenhofer! He just missed the top 30. In fact, I had him in until last Saturday when I was in Cincinnati for the AAU State tournament. I just saw a kid or two I felt I needed to add. He has a chance to move back in as I see the kids more. RT

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  5. I've seen Bubenhofer play and this kid can play even though he is undersized against alot of teams right now. Once he starts to grow and catch up physically, he will be really tough. He can shoot and handle it extremely well.

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  6. I agree, the Bubenhofer kid can play. RT

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  7. David Rowlands with Sharp Shooters Elite on Top 150 will move up to Top 30 in no time. He is either double teamed or defenses cheat his way to try and shut him down. Can flat out stroke the ball and has a high basketball IQ.

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  8. Thanks for your comments. I was just wondering of what you thought of the bubenhofer kid.

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  9. Carlek jones? Really? What does he do?

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  10. Rashaad Ali-Shakir? I haven't seen da dude play all year? Come on.

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  11. Seriously Rob, what do you see in carlek jones. He doesn't even score

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  12. When will bubenhofer move on the list. He is well deserving of it. Come on, if your going to make this list put the right kids on it, like 23 from the lakers

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  13. i saw this kid from east cleveland dominating tha high school kids and i think he going to heritage

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  14. u talkin about jacari yea he tha nicest guard i kno him

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  15. why arent john taphorn and frank pierce on here , they are the top 2 scorrers in southwest ohio.

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  16. where is # 1 from the cincy royals?

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  17. where is #1 from the ohio ballstars?

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  18. Rob, i was in columbus ohio over the weekend to watch a tournament up there and i think john taphorn from the cincy royals was the top performer there you need to watch this kid play hes an outstanding player.

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    1. i agree, john taphorn can really play ive seen him too.

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    2. John Taphorn from the Cincy Royals, Dominates the game every weekend.

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    3. HE SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

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    4. This Taphorn kid is complete trash, I have seen him play for LaSalle. Hudson is the kid you need to look out for!

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  19. You talking about Bubenhofer... I saw him play in kentucky this weekend and Bubenhofer #23 and caldwell#11 dominated. Bubenhofer has grown and REALLY improved

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