ESPN releases 2019 Top 25, Villanova in the mix early for several local prospects

Finishing up their rankings updates, ESPN has released their "Terrific 25" for the class of 2019. This is the first list they've put together for the class, but you'll likely recognize a few names that the Wildcats staff has already been tracking.

5-star Point guard Cole Anthony (the son of NBA veteran Greg Anthony) is ranked #9 on the initial list, and has already visited campus for Hoops Mania this past fall. Anthony has played a big role on the loaded PSA Cardinals team this spring. He's playing two years up, and has blended in well with so much talent around him. He's the high school teammate of 2018 center Moses Brown at Archbishop Molloy - another player the 'Cats have shown interest in.

Ranney School (N.J.) teammate Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine both already hold Villanova offers. Lewis (#16) and Antoine (#21) both made the list, and both will trip to Villanova on June 24-25 for the team camp. This will be their second visit to the school after attending Hoops Mania last fall.

Max Lorca-Lloyd comes in a #23 on the list. Jay Wright saw him this fall when he scouted the talent at Northfield Mt. Hermon (N.H.), but Lorca-Lloyd didn't play much for them this fall as they were one of the most loaded prep programs in the Northeast.

Some other local-ish names to keep an eye on are center Chol Marial (Conn.) and small forward Precious Achiuwa (N.Y.).