Maryland/DC Summer Stock Boosters: 2019 Guards
Maryland and DC were well represented on the grassroots circuit this summer. As the season winds down and many players return from AAU back to their high school squads, we’ll be taking a look back at some of the players who…
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Continue ReadingMaryland and DC were well represented on the grassroots circuit this summer. As the season winds down and many players return from AAU back to their high school squads, we’ll be taking a look back at some of the players who have raised their stock the most since last high school season. Below, we take a look at eight rising sophomore guards who are set to make serious noise after strong play this summer.
Heru Bligen | St. Andrew’s
He landed his first offer from Navy this summer, and Heru Bligen hasn’t let his foot off the gas pedal since. The long-limbed, hard working guard sets the tone with his play defensively. Bligen is also very crafty off the bounce, moves well off the ball and can finish efficiently around the basket in traffic. Look for the savvy young floor general to continue his development in a primary playmaking role with his high school squad.
Jason Gibson | Sidwell Friends
Each time we see Jason Gibson hit the floor, he reveals more of his intriguing talent and ability. Initially identified as a superb long range threat, Gibson also showcases an expansive playmaking skill set and exceptional vision. He’ll provide plenty of relief for Jelani Williams this season at Sidwell as he’ll be asked to handle pressure, defend on the perimeter, and keep the defense honest with his budding offensive arsenal.
Anwar Gill | Gonzaga
Another product out of DC who’s exhibited adeptness as a playmaker this summer has been Anwar Gill. At around 6-foot-4, Gill possesses ideal length and athleticism for a high level guard prospect. Consider that frame along with his unselfishness, proficient passing ability and consistently improving skill set, and the future certainly appears to be bright for Gill’s chances.
Judah Jordan | Capitol Christian
Recent offers from Penn State and Hampton are evidence that Judah Jordan is making an impression with college coaches this summer. The reliable and skilled lead guard is supremely confident both as a ball-handler and a defender. Jordan plays downhill and constantly looks to attack and beat his man off the bounce. From there, Jordan allows his instincts to take over which often ends up in an easy look for himself or a teammate. Given his strong academic record, and continuously improving athleticism, strength, and skill set, Jordan’s projected ceiling is nearly as high as it gets.
Johnathan McGriff | Bishop McNamara
The dynamic, electric playmaking ability and confidence that Jonathan McGriff demonstrates with the ball in his hands is among the best we’ve seen this summer. McGriff understands how to exploit his defender by utilizing various hesitation moves in conjunction with his extreme quickness and speed. McGriff has excellent vision and can thread the needle on a dime with a variety of pocket passes. Kent State and Hampton were the first schools to get on board with scholarship offers to McGriff this summer, but look for more division one programs to begin actively recruiting him soon.
Justin Moore | DeMatha
We’ve seen Justin Moore impact the game in so many ways on each end of the court over the course of the summer. One of the most exciting guard prospects in the area, Moore possesses an uncanny feel for the game to go along with a ridiculously high motor and a fantastic skill set. He suffered a minor foot injury which sidelined him during the latter part of the summer, but Moore has already recovered and should play a primary two-way role in the Stags backcourt this season.
Marvin Price | DeMatha
At around 6-foot-5 with broad shoulders and a big frame, Marvin Price is an absolute bully on the wing. Price understands how to utilize his size and score in the post against smaller defenders. The lefty is also very nimble and crafty with the ball in his hands, and has the ability to consistently beat his man off the dribble or pull up for a jumper. With an offer from Virginia Tech under his belt, Price has already claimed his high major credentials.
Jalen Willis | Dunbar
A lockdown on-ball defender, Jalen Willis takes a great deal of pride in shutting down his opponent defensively. The hard-nosed guard out of Baltimore made his presence felt on both ends of the court with his explosiveness and downhill attacking style. Look for Willis to continue to build off the momentum he carried throughout the summer during his sophomore campaign.