This week MaxPreps took a look back at two decades of high school hoops stars, and identified the top player in each state. There were a few Syracuse connections on the list. First, one of Syracuse’s current targets landed on the rankings. Bristol Central’s Donovan Clingan won the top spot as Connecticut’s best product since 2000.
“Four-star Class of 2022 prospect averaged 27.3 points, 17.2 rebounds, 5.8 blocks and 3.1 assists per contest this season to earn second team MaxPreps Junior All-American honors. He averaged 36 points and 26.3 rebounds in three CCC tournament games to lead Bristol Central to their first title since 2003.” – MaxPreps
While Syracuse has a scholarship offer out to Clingan, many have pegged UConn and Michigan as the two favorites to land him. SU did land one of the top 50 out of New England, though. Michael Carter-Williams was named the best recruit from Rhode Island. MCW came out of St. Andrew’s in Barrington.
“Capped off an impressive prep career by averaging 23.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.5 points per game as a senior while repeating as Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year. Carter-Williams scored 2,260 over the course of three seasons with St. Andrew’s.” – MaxPreps
After a frustrating start to his career, MCW became the Big East’s Most Improved Player in ’13. He was second team All-Big East that season, and an All-America honorable mention. He helped lead the Orange to the Elite 8 that season, then became the NBA’s Rookie of the Year the next season.
Lance Stephenson was named New York’s best prep product in the last twenty years. Syracuse was never in the picture, and after a controversial recruitment landed at Cincinnati. He ended up playing only one season, and declaring for the NBA Draft. The Pacers selected him in the second round.
