How these rankings work
The Inquirer’s Nifty Fifty is a ranking of the top high school basketball players throughout Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania suburbs and South Jersey, based on how players project at the next level.
2008 Rankings
| POS | HT/WT | SCHOOLS |
| 1 |
Evans was the MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. He has been recognized as the nation's top player in his class by Dime and Slam magazines. A senior from Chester, he averaged 29 points, eight rebounds, six assists and 4.3 steals this season. Evans scored 50 points in two games. | |||
2 | Aaric Murray
Blessed with soft hands and a solid frame, Murray is a highlight clip in the making. He can maneuver past defenders with cat-quick twists. His thunderous dunks send shock waves through the crowd. Murray can face up and consistently shoot an eight- to 12-foot jumpers, finish feeds to the post and score off one- or two-dribble spin moves to the hoop.Only participating in his second year of organized basketball, Murray has a huge upside. | |||
3 | Maalik Wayns
Wayns is the latest in a long line of tough Philadelphia point guards. A pass-first, shoot-second player, he brings a coach-on-the-floor mentality. Blessed with a solid three-point shot, a killer crossover, a secure handle, explosiveness and great court vision, he is an opponent's nightmare. The Catholic League Southern Division MVP also rebounds well for a guard. | |||
4 | Dalton Pepper
An intelligent, hard-nosed competitor, Pepper is a three-point marksman and solid rebounder. His solid frame and dribbling ability allows him to navigate in half-court or transition situations. A good, but not great athlete, he has deceptive leaping ability and average speed. His high basketball IQ is in full display during structured, team-oriented plays. | |||
5 | Nasir Robinson
Slightly undersized, Robinson looks out of place in the low post. But that's until the opening tip-off. Despite routinely playing taller opponents, the power forward is a rebounding machine. A vital force on the Clippers' Class AAAA state-champion team, Robinson averaged a team-best 11.3 rebounds. The low-post terror also averaged 16.5 points, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. | |||
6 | Scootie Randall
The Public League MVP may be the most unselfish player in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Putting his team first, Randall is at his best when the game was on the line. Randall averaged 21 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots en route to leading Communications Tech to the Public League title. He ended his three-year career at Communications Tech as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,735 points. | |||
7 | Rahlir Jefferson
Jefferson is not a complete player yet, However, he has the athletic ability, basketball IQ and offensive moves to be recruited at a high level. Whether throwing down high-rising dunks, shooting mid-range jumpers or blocking shots, his versatility is always on display. His quick feet and long arms make him a very good defender. He effectively defends the other team's best player. | |||
8 | Tony Chennault
| |||
9 | Jamal Wilson
| |||
10 | Lamont Jones
A tough combo guard, Jones possesses quick feet and hands for a perimeter defender. He also flourishes in transition. His three-point shot needs to be more consistent. But in crunch time, Jones has a history of knocking down big shots. | |||
11 | Dwayne Davis
| |||
12 | Karon Burton
| |||
13 | Shannon Givens
| |||
14 | Nurideen Lindsey
A flat-out scorer, Lindsey’s quickness and dribbling skills enable him to blow past defenders. The recent transfer from Overbrook makes getting to the rim look easy. If he concentrated on improving his outside shooting and defensive skills, Lindsey would be frightening to play against. | |||
15 | Greg Robbins
Robbins is a terrific two-sport athlete (soccer) and multi-dimensional hardwood player. Unless he has a decent growth spurt, he is projected as a two guard in college. He can shoot three-pointers, slash to the rim or post-up on the block. | |||
16 | Jesse Morgan
A potent scorer, Morgan can drive through the lane or light it up from three-point range. He’s a solid defender that is blessed with good court vision. Morgan also possesses solid leadership qualities | |||
17 | Devon White
| |||
18 | Daniel Stewart
| |||
19 | Daryus Quarles
| |||
20 | Jake Cohen
Cohen is a good rebounder at either end of the floor and is an effective shot blocker. He works extremely well off both high and low sets where he sees and passes to open players. He possesses a nice turnaround jumper from 10 to 12 feet out and can shoot a three-pointer. With added strength and weight, he’ll become a solid Division I player. | |||
21 | Russell Johnson
| |||
22 | C.J. Aiken
| |||
23 | Derrick Williams
| |||
24 | Cameron Ayers
| |||
25 | Novar Gadson
He own his school's career scoring record (1,346 points). The previous record (1,198) was set by Joe "Jellybean" Bryant (a former 76er and father of Kobe) in 1972. | |||
26 | Jarrod Denard
| |||
27 | Ferg Myrick
| |||
28 | Will Barrett
A highly-skilled combo forward, Barrett is versatile enough to score on post-up moves, spin moves and jump hook shots. He's a good passer that also moves well without the ball. Barrett can also defend a number of positions. His perimeter skills are the most impressive aspects of his game. Barrett is a very good catch-and-shoot scorer. | |||
29 | Ryan Brooks
Extremely athletic, Brooks is projected as a wing player at Rhode Island. He runs the floor well, scores in transition and is a solid ball handler. Brooks likes to play in the perimeter a lot, but needs to work on his jumper. | |||
30 | Duane Johnson | |||
31 | Sam Givens | |||
32 | John Johnson
| |||
33 | Gene Teague
The post player has a soft touch and is quicker than he looks. Though his game is limited to around the basket, he is a good rebounder and runs the floor well. His weight is no longer for an issue, having lost 22 since transferring from St. Augustine Prep in the middle of the season. | |||
34 | Jamir Hanner
| |||
35 | Travis Robinson
| |||
36 | Will Adams
| |||
37 | Steven Egee
| |||
38 | Brandon Penn
| |||
39 | Larry Loughery
| |||
40 | Tyree Harris
| |||
41 | Gary Lawrence
| |||
42 | Lijah Thompson
Though a little raw, Thompson is very athletic. He's a highlight in the making. |
- Top Jobs
- Top Homes
- Top Cars
Philly.com Promotions
- Apparel
- Books
- Movies
- Page Reprints
- Photos
Buy Inquirer, Daily News & Philly merchandise here including:
Ticket Offers
- News | What's Happening | Sports | Restaurants & Food | Arts & Entertainment | Living | Travel | Business | Health | Opinion
Site Services:
Classifieds:
- Jobs | Cars | Real Estate | Rentals | Marketplace | Celebrations
Partners:
