Newest ESPN rankings show movement for New England players
January 27, 2012 Jimmy Kelley
With the release of the newest class rankings from ESPNU, we take a look at where players in New England rank among the nation's elite during their formative seasons. The Super 60 (2013) and Terrific 25 (2014) were both updated and some of our region's own are making moves near the top.
Nerlens Noel (Tilton/BABC, 2013) is clearly the headliner in these rankings. Quite possibly the most talented defensive player we have seen in years, Noel made a statement at the 2012 Hoophall Classic earlier this month by posting a stellar performance in a close loss to rival Brewster. Noel shut down Brewster's Mitch McGary (No. 3 in 2012, Michigan), getting most of his eight credited blocks at his expense and holding him to just one field goal.
Noel remains at No. 2 in the Super 60 but never has his case to usurp Jabari Parker been stronger. Parker (Chicago-Simeon) struggled at times in Springfield as Simeon fell, 75-50, to Findlay College Prep (NV), but still scored 27 points and added 12 rebounds.
Joining Noel in the Super 60 is Vermont Academy's Dominic Woodson. The 6-foot-9 265 pound center, Woodson (No. 38) is currently weighing offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma, and Baylor; with UConn on the radar but yet to offer the Texas native.
Turning to the Terrific 25, three players make appearences on the list.
Noah Vonleh of New Hampton Prep (Mass Rivals) leads the way for New Englanders, coming in at No. 4, where he was previously ranked No. 6. Vonleh's potential is through the roof and he has proven this over and over throughout the course of last summer and this season up at New Hampton. If that wasn't enough, consider Vonleh's recruitment: Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Kansas, Boston College, Arizona, North Carolina, Maryland, and many others lead the way for his services.
Moving up in these rankings does not happen much, but Tilton and BABC swingman Wayne Selden made a big jump from No. 12 to No. 6 thanks to impressive performances for the New Hampshire prep school. Selden's rare blend of altheticism and ability has caught the eye of nearly every major player in college basketball. UConn, Kentucky, Boston College, West Virginia, Providence, Florida, and Missouri have all tabled offers for his talents. Interesting to watch will be how the decisions of teammates Noel, Goodluck Okonoboh, and Wilbraham & Monson guard Jaylen Brantley impact the young man's decision.
Rounding out the list of young players is Salisbury's Chris McCullough at No. 12. A 6-foot-8 power forward from the Bronx, McCullough only a bunch of schools on his rader including Pittsburgh, Rutgers, UMass, Villanova, Iowa State and St. John's. The biggest part of McCullough's game is his length and athletic ability which makes him an underrated defender.
With at least another year to watch these young men, it will be interesting to see how high they climb or how far they fall as they head towards the next level.
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