MD/DC Summer Stock Boosters: 2018 Frontcourt
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 who have raised their stock the most since last high school season. These five front court players could continue to see boosts in their recruitment given their exceptional performances on the hardwood.
JERMAINE HARRIS | ROCK CREEK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Top 100 big man Jermaine Harris has a nice ring to it. After all, the 6’9 power forward for Rock Creek has been a major force on the summer circuit with DC Premier. Harris, who recently narrowed his recruitment to eight, is a strong candidate to repeat as a First Team All Met.
TYRESE SAMUEL | RIVERDALE BAPTIST
UPlay Canada received significant contributions from Tyrese Samuel in the front court on the EYBL. The 6’9 rising senior, a native of Toronto, recently landed a high major offer from Wake Forest. Samuel is adjusting quickly to the style of play despite being in the states for less than a year. Expect Power Five’s to begin courting the versatile, energetic, and skilled forward.
LAQUILL HARDNETT | PERRY HALL
Among available front court players from Maryland, LaQuill Hardnett is one of the most intriguing players we’ve come across. The 6’8 wing can operate comfortably with the ball in his hands, and is known to defend equally well in the paint and on the perimeter. Hardnett is showing improvements with his perimeter shot, but will need to continue to work on his consistency with this if he wants to play at the highest level.
IKE NWEKE | GEORGETOWN PREP
Game in and game out, you know what to expect from Ike Nweke. His consistent production for Team Melo on the EYBL is not a mistake. Nweke is an extremely hard worker who knows how to compete, and win games. The 6’6 forward is being heavily recruited by most of the Ivy and Patriot League, and will fit in nicely at that level.
BRANDON WATSON | MT. CARMEL
Brandon Watson looked like the best big man, and one of the best overall players for Team Melo Red in July. At 6’8, the athletic power forward can finish well at the rim in traffic, and is also capable of consistently hitting the 15 foot jumper. Watson should see a late uptick in recruitment as he is one of the more underrated bigs in the state.