Maryland/DC Summer Stock Boosters: 2017 Guards
Maryland and DC were well represented on the grassroots circuit this summer. As the summer 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…
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Continue ReadingMaryland and DC were well represented on the grassroots circuit this summer. As the summer 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 highlight seven rising senior guards who deserve mention.
Damian Chong-Qui | McDonogh
Even though he’s usually the smallest player on the court, Damian Chong-Qui quite often finds a way to make the biggest impact. The electric lefty put on a show at the Hoop Life Against Violence Showcase two weeks ago in Baltimore, capping off a terrific summer in style. Chong-Qui and his teammate, rising junior Noah Locke, will stack up among the most formidable back court tandems in the MIAA this season.
Emanuel Hylton | St. John’s
If St. John’s hopes to defend their WCAC crown this season, Emanuel Hylton will figure to be a big reason why. The strong 6-foot-3 guard, who has landed offers from San Diego and UMBC this summer, is set for a breakout senior campaign. Hylton demonstrates a nice skill set to go along with solid athleticism and a high basketball IQ. Look for the Cadets to make a strong run at the championship once again behind steady two-way play from Hylton.
Matthew Kelly | Quince Orchard
Maryland Elite proved to be a tough matchup on the grassroots circuit. Matthew Kelly, the point guard at Quince Orchard, proved to be a major catalyst for his team’s success on both ends of the court this summer. Kelly, who scored a recent Division Two scholarship offer from Assumption College, is a tough, skilled shooter with a terrific feel for the game. Look for Kelly to carry the momentum he built this summer along with him into his final high school season.
Darryl Morsell | Mount Saint Joseph
Since establishing himself as perhaps Baltimore’s most coveted player, Darryl Morsell of Mount Saint Joseph is a clear cut choice for this list. The highly touted, versatile and relentless guard entered the summer with virtually no reputation. Morsell quickly molded one for himself, and landed offers from schools such as Villanova, Maryland, Notre Dame, Dayton, and Virginia Tech in the mean time. A clear favorite for BCL Player of the Year, Morsell will look to end his high school career in style with the Gaels.
Terry Nolan Jr. | Mt. Carmel
Another fast-rising name in the Baltimore region this summer was Terry Nolan Jr. The explosive playmaker reeled in double-digit scholarship offers this summer and recently narrowed his list to six. Nolan, who was named MVP of the Hoop Life Against Violence Showcase at St. Frances earlier this month, is another favorite for BCL POY and will look to help lead Mt. Carmel to the promise land in his final campaign.
Brent Pegram | Wise
Brent Pegram provided Wise with steady point guard play on both ends of the court during the BSN Summer League. Pegram demonstrated the ability to consistently knock down threes from the catch while being able to also get into the lane and finish in traffic. Defensively, he remained active and alert both on and off the ball while applying consistent full court pressure. While he remains relatively under-the-radar in most recruiting circles to this point, it won’t be long before Pegram earns some well-deserved recognition.
Keleaf Tate | Cesar Chavez
One of the most prolific scorers we’ve seen this summer, Keleaf Tate can fill it up with the best of them. The long and tough guard from D.C. is a formidable matchup for most as a result of his ability to consistently break down defenders off the dribble and finish through contact as well as the range on his jumper both off the bounce and from the catch. Tate, who is equally competitive and tenacious on the defensive end, has seen a spike in his recruitment while running with Team Takeover Orange this summer, earning scholarship offers from Campbell, Quinnipiac, Virginia Union, and West Virginia Wesleyan.