We are taking a look at 2022 wings who have positional size and strength.
Nick Harrell (6-4 SF, Brother Rice)
Harrell is an active wing that can barrel into the lane and absorb contact. He is a good open court scorer, using his athleticism to evade defenders and finish around the rim. With his body, Harrell is going to remain an elite straight-line driver even once he gets to college. Defensively, he has the energy, focus, and physical tools to be a perimeter stopper. Harrell is an unselfish player that has a high motor. College coaches will have a lot to work with if they pursue him.
Gabe Madej (6-7 SF, Fenwick)
The first thing that stands out about Madej is his size and frame. He looks like he will add on weight without losing athleticism. His jump shot is fluid and consistent, making teams pay for over helping. You can play him on the wing to space the floor or ask him to go in the paint and be a decision maker out of the high post. Madej utilizes his length on the defensive end to block vision and contest shots. His size and shooting should have coaches knocking on his door.
Jeremiah Talton (6-6 SF, Quincy)
Talton is one of the most intriguing wing players in the class, bringing shooting touch at 6-foot-6 with solid defensive instincts. Spot-up shooting is a strength for Talton, running to the line where he is an effective spacer. Depending on the matchup, he will go to work on the block against smaller defenders. That inside-outside versatility is something that will prove beneficial for playing multiple positions in college. Talton’s potential as a 3-and-D wing-plus will not go unnoticed.
Ben VanderWal (6-6 SF, Timothy Christian)
VanderWal has continued to grow both physically and with his skill set. At 6-foot-6, he is a lanky wing with a solid shooting ability off the catch and a good feel for the game. VanderWal is in constant motion off the ball, cutting when necessary or finding space to knock down jumpers. He is a tough defender that has active hands on the perimeter, leading to a bunch of deflections. As he becomes more comfortable creating shots off the dribble, VanderWal will still continue to find open teammates within the offense. He is a solid player that does a lot of different things to impact the game.
Danny Wolf (6-9 SF, Lake Forest Academy)
The 6-foot-9 Wolf is one of the biggest wings in the state. He is a legitimate small forward with his ability to handle the ball and shoot on the move. Wolf is part of a big frontcourt, allowing him to showcase his perimeter ability. He will attack closeouts to get to the rim when teams are worried about his outside shot. With soft touch, Wolf can make floaters or off-rhythm shots around the paint. He’s still got room for growth athletically that should benefit his play style.