Only a few months away from finishing their high school careers, the class of 2022 is nearing the finish line. At the midway point of the season, 247Sports is giving the Top 150 a refresh before finalizing the rankings in May.
This might just be the "reclassification class," as former No. 1-ranked 2022 prospects Shaedon Sharpe (Kentucky), Emoni Bates (Memphis) and Jalen Duren (Memphis) all enrolled ahead of schedule. Sharpe's decision to depart, which happened during the fall, has elevated 7-footer
Dereck Lively II to the top spot. The future Duke Blue Devil has fought off the competition to retain top billing.
At least for now.
We have written all winter that the No. 1 spot in 2022 has been among the hardest ever to decide. Not only has the class seen several viable candidates reclassify to 2021, but nobody has really gone out and put together an undeniable body of work.
CLICK HERE FOR THE UPDATED TOP 150 FOR 2022Earlier this winter, it looked like Lively's stay at the top wouldn't be all that long. The product of the
Westtown (West Chester, Pa.), who stands at 7-foot-2, is a big-time shot blocker who can really run, but his offense was lacking. However, after getting the chance to see him again within the last week, he's made promising strides on the offensive end – he looks like he'll have legitimate potential to stretch defenses with his shooting – and his struggles on offense could have just as much, or more, to do with those around him as they do him.
Back when Lively's stock was dipping some, it looked like one of his future Duke teammates would overtake him for the top spot in this update. That is still the case but rather than wing
Dariq Whitehead making a run at the top spot, it's big man
Kyle Filipowski who has put together the strongest challenge to Lively. Filipowski has moved from No. 12 to No. 2 overall.
