2018 Player Rankings: Baltimore Prospects
As the high school season continues to loom closer, we’ve been taking the time to update our player rankings after what was an exciting summer for the state of Maryland. Prospects from all over the state rose to national acknowledgement and many in the 2018 class have already chosen their destination to play collegiately, while the majority of other are on the brink of making their final decisions.
Was there any shake ups in the rankings? Of course. Rankings are constantly changing because of player’s abilities and improvements. During this series of articles, I’ll break down the Baltimore prospects. Where they were before versus where they are now.
Immanuel Quickley | 6’4 | John Carroll/Team BBC
Previous Ranking: 1
New Ranking: 1
Last week Quickley became the Kentucky Wildcats’ first commitment of the 2018 class. It’s no surprise that he remains the top-ranked player in our rankings. Quickley is regarded to many as the top player at his position in the entire country. There were still a few questions heading into this summer if he was in fact the countries best floor general, but Quickley’s dominance with Team BBC put those questions to rest. The all-around guard will look to lead a loaded John Carroll team to the MIAA and BCL championships this season and end his high school career on a high note.
https://twitter.com/IQ_GodSon/status/869274104574214144
Jalen Smith | 6’10 | Mt. St. Joseph/Team Takeover
Previous Ranking: 2
New Ranking: 2
Smith didn’t see any changes either after a spectacular summer with Team Takeover. Smith was the workhorse as Takeover was considered one of, if not the, best AAU program in the country. The 6’10 Maryland commit showcased his ability to knock down three’s this summer, which is a new dynamic. It’s only right to assume that he becomes even more efficient by the time the high school season tips off. If this is the case, Smith would be the hardest match up in the state if he isn’t already considered so. Smith will look to lead the Gaels to back-to-back MIAA and BCL titles. A match up between Mt. St. Joseph and John Carroll would be one of the history books of the basketball gods let it play out that way.
Noah Locke | 6’3 | McDonogh/Team Melo
Previous Ranking: 8
New Ranking: 4
Locke jumped four spots in our rankings after a summer where he was considered one of the top stock risers amongst high major prospects. The 6’3 guard is considered the top shooter in the 2018 class and is starting to narrow down his college choices. Locke will likely announce his commitment sometime next week. He’ll choose between Michigan, Florida, Providence, Xavier and Ohio State. In terms of this season for McDonogh, the Eagles are going to go as far as Locke takes them. Coach TJ Jordan did a nice job getting a few new pieces that will complement Locke’s game along with returners who will look to take on bigger roles. The Eagles are an overlooked squad in the MIAA and BCL, but with Locke they’ll always have a chance of winning any game.
Be Great 💯🏀 #P&C #LeagueBound pic.twitter.com/l1qTEkAdQU
— Noah Locke (@_NoahLocke) August 12, 2017
Montez Mathis | 6’5 | John Carroll/Team BBC
Previous Ranking: 10
New Ranking: 6
Mathis used this summer as a springboard alongside Quickley to get his name in the national spotlight. The 6’5 combo guard went on a tear displaying his ability to score with an improved jumpshot. Mathis committed to Rutgers in early August rounding up an impressive 2018 class for head coach Steve Pikiell. Mathis will pair with Quickley once again this high school season to form the top backcourt in the country. If both can stay healthy throughout the season, the Patriots should be the clear favorite to win it all.
🎒🎒🎒 pic.twitter.com/WyihyIYl1r
— Montez Mathis (@MontezMathis) May 5, 2017
Brendan Adams | 6’4 | Calvert Hall/Team Melo
Previous Ranking: 16
New Ranking: 11
Adams jumped five spots for us in the rankings not because he had an explosive summer, but he continues to improve while others may have flatlined for the time being. Adams is one of the most dynamic scorers in the state and will have a full plate this season at Calvert Hall. With the Cardinals losing a few key pieces, the 6’4 guard will have complete control to the offense and still should keep them in contention as a tough out in postseason play. Adams make his commitment sometime in the near future between Wyoming, Rhode Island, George Mason, Georgia Tech and Georgia.
Shoutout @HoopMajor pic.twitter.com/tFCQ2rOABx
— Brendan Adams (@BAuno0) August 17, 2017