Baltimore County Preview
When you look at the landscape of the teams in Baltimore County, there are usually some top-notch programs at the top of the standings. Some have made their winning ways a tradition, while others have capitalized on recent talent through development of their young players. In this article, we’ll take a look at what this year has in store for the teams in Baltimore County.
(1) What will it take for Perry Hall to repeat?
The Gators finished with a dominant 26-2 overall record that included winning the Baltimore County championship crown and its first 4A state title in program history. They did lose key senior contributors from last year’s team in point guard Aaron Butler Jr., and shooting guards James Rider (Davis & Elkins) and Fredo Carter. Luckily for the Gators, they return arguably the best frontcourt duo in the state in Anthony Higgs (Ole Miss commit) and LaQuill Hardnett. The two 6’9 bigs are versatile enough to play out on the perimeter and handle the ball. Hardnett in particular will see a ton of time as the ‘point forward’ and help initiate the offense. These two alone have what it takes for the Gators to return back to the county championship game. Then you consider that senior guard Tyler Holley will also be a key piece after he is finished putting on a show for the Gators on the gridiron as the quarterback. His experience and leadership will be necessary when the Gators come up against obstacles throughout the season. To bring even more size to the Gators’ lineup, 6’9 junior Anthony Walker will be a presence on both ends for head coach George Panageotou. Walker was moved up from junior varsity last season and saw minutes throughout the Gators’ state title run. Overall, Perry Hall lost some crucial depth, but still have the talent an experience from last year to have another strong run through the county.
(2) Who are the biggest challengers to Perry Hall?
Dulaney is one of the most talented, young teams in the state. With players such as Che Evans Jr. (2020), Ryan Conway (2021) and Ike Cornish (2021), they offer an extremely exciting future. But these guys are looking to win now. Usually, it’s difficult to win with such a young team, but head coach Matt Lochte will have senior guard Josh Cornish (Southern Utah commit) to be his leader on and off the floor. The Calvert Hall transfer immediately steps in and will have the ball in his hands for the majority of the game. He’ll be expected to initiate sets, distribute, score and play lock down defense on the other team’s best perimeter player. They’ll be a gritty team that looks to get out and run any chance they get. Evans and [Josh] Cornish will be the three-point marksmen while Conway and [Ike] Cornish attack the rim and play-make. The Lions may be young, but they’ll be ready to give Perry Hall a fight when it comes to the county supremacy.
Milford Mill is a team that is being criminally overlooked. Just one year after coming up short to Perry Hall in the county championship, the Millers welcome two guard transfers from St. Frances in Jordan Goodwin and Eric Turner. Key returners from last year’s team include point guard Ahmed Milton, Jalen Parker and Kevin Ufua. Goodwin will likely be the primary scorer with his ability to mix it up from all three levels. He’ll bring a calming presence when games get hectic. Milton is a floor general that does everything you need from a point guard. He plays solid man-to-man defense, knocks down open three’s and finds open teammates off his own penetration. Turner will bring a much-needed boost of athleticism and rebounding presence from the wing spot. Parker had a nice summer and has continued to develop his overall game. The long 6’5 win will be a breakout candidate this season. Ufua has extended his range and can knock down the occasional three-pointer. He thrives in trailing in transition and stepping into his shot. As usual, the Millers will press often to push the pace of the game and make their opponents uncomfortable for the full 32 minutes.
*It’s still unknown whether or not Ugo Obasi will play for Milford Mill after committing to Virginia for football.
(3) Who are the dark horse teams?
Woodlawn is always a tough team in the county because of their physicality and athleticism. This season, it won’t be any different. They have a great senior backcourt duo in Demauri Warren and Mark Brinkley, who were the key guys in their strong season a year ago. Senior guard Rashad Garrison is also a returner from last year and brings perimeter shooting to help space out the floor for the Warriors. Look for Warren and Brinkley to have big individual games in the scoring column as they did this summer in multiple summer leagues.
New Town didn’t have the greatest overall record last season, but they return a bunch of players who have improved significantly. Senior forward Ty’Kei Ferrell was a force at times last season whether it was controlling the glass or throwing down a dunk. He’s started to extend his range beyond 15 feet a bit, which will make him a tougher match up this season. Junior guard Jordan Guerrero is an under-the-radar guy who will make his name known after this season is over. The 6’4 guard is long, athletic and can finish well in transition. He’s an all-around hustle player who will be key alongside Ferrell. Sophomore point guard Martaz Robinson is a fun, crafty player who looks to get out in transition and break down his man when in the halfcourt. Don’t be surprised if this New Town team shocks a few of the highly-anticipated programs as this season goes on.
(4) Who will lead the league in scoring?
Anthony Higgs | Perry Hall ’18
Higgs took his game to another level when he implemented the three-point shot into his arsenal. He already had the ability to finish efficiently from 15 feet and in, but now that he can shoot it from outside, it opens up opportunities to put the ball on the deck and finish one of his poster dunks in traffic. Higgs led the team in scoring last season. Couple that with the losing a lot of scoring with their graduates from last year’s team, and it should equal to Higgs putting up a crooked number in the scoring column often this year.
Demauri Warren | Woodlawn ’18
Warren is coming off a meniscus injury, but showed great promise of being a tremendous scorer throughout the summer. He thrives in transition where his athleticism helps him finish around the basket through contact, but he has a much improved jumpshot from 15 feet all the way out to three. Warren sees a number of his baskets come off of steals from the full court pressure, but when he needs to break down his man in the halfcourt, the 6’3 guard is just as effective.
Jordan Goodwin | Milford Mill ’18
The Millers have a handful of players that can go out and get buckets, but Goodwin do so very quickly. The 6’2 guard can mix it up and score from all three levels whether he is shooting off the catch or taking his man off the dribble. He’ll have the ball in his hands plenty this season in the halfcourt sets executing pick-and-rolls or playing off his teammates by burying triples around the perimeter.
LaQuill Hardnett | Perry Hall ’18
As stated earlier, Hardnett is going to fulfill the role of ‘point forward’ for the Gators this year. Pick-and-rolls between him and Higgs or Walker will be entertaining basketball. For Hardnett’s scoring, he does a great job of exploding after one move to get himself into the paint. After that, it’s about utilizing his length to help score over his defender. His jumpshot is still a work in progress, but with enough time and when he’s in rhythm, he can knock it down. A good chunk of Perry Hall’s production is going to come from Higgs and Hardnett, so it’s only right that he is included on this list.
Che Evans Jr. | Dulaney ’20
If you’ve never seen Evans play before, just think of a 6’6 all-around scorer. When Evans gets the ball, scoring is the first and last thing on his mind. He’s become a lethal three-point shooter by spending a ton of time in the gym this summer. With his length and athleticism, he can take his man off the dribble and finish in the paint with ease as well. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, Evans tries to put his opposition on a poster whether it’s in the halfcourt or out in transition.
(5) Who will win player of the year?
Anthony Higgs | Perry Hall ’18
Higgs split the honors with Hardnett last season. It could come down to the same result this year as well. Considering their success as a team along with the averages that Higgs is expected to have, it’s no surprise that he’ll be the likely winner of the player of the year once again.
LaQuill Hardnett | Perry Hall ’18
A lot of the same that was said for Higgs can be for Hardnett. You can pencil both in for a double-double every time they step on the floor. If the Gators are as dominant as they were last season, it’ll be in large part because of Hardnett’s efforts.
Josh Cornish | Dulaney ’18
Cornish will be the heartbeat for the Lions this season. The senior guard will be leaned on heavily as the coach on the floor for head coach Matt Lochte. Cornish brings a toughness and grit to go with one of the deadliest outside jumpshots in the city. Along with his ability to feel it up from outside, Cornish attacks the rim well. And even though he doesn’t give off the impression of a dunker when you see him for the first time, he’ll surprise you with his ability to get over the rim in a hurry. If Dulaney lives up to their potential and challenges for the county crown, Cornish will have his hand in much of the success and because of that, he’ll be considered for this award.
Jordan Goodwin | Milford Mill ’18
Goodwin is going to make the Millers a legitimate threat with his experience and ability to score. Last season, they depended heavily on Obasi and didn’t have much other than that in terms of playmakers with the ball. Goodwin not only scores himself, but understands rotations and how to break down a defense to free up teammates. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be considered if the Millers can shock the Gators in the county championship.
(6) Who are the leagues breakout candidates?
Jalen Parker | Milford Mill ’19
Parker used this summer to help get his name on the map by playing well with Crusader Nation and being a standout at our Top 250 Expo. The athletic, versatile wing can shoot it from deep, score off the dribble and is versatile defensively. He has the foot speed to guard wings and has the length to guard opposing centers. Above all, Parker is a team player and a great communicator defensively. Even when he is multiple passes away, he’s always instructing his teammates on what’s going on behind them.
Jordan Guerrero | New Town ’19
Guerrero was another prospect that stood out at our Top 250 Expo. The 6’4 guard is long and has great energy on both ends. He’s most effective in transition where he can use his athleticism to overwhelm the defender around the rim, but he’s also a capable shooter from beyond the arc. Similar to Parker, Guerrero is one that always makes sure his voice is heard on offense and defense. New Town is a young and talented team spearheaded by Guerrerro.
Miles Brown | Pikesville ’18
Brown had a solid season last year for Pikesville. Although they struggled, the 6’4 lefty led them with his versatility and knack to make plays around the ball. You won’t see Brown force too many shots. He’s good at sneaking in for offensive rebounds and quick put-backs. His jumpshot is smooth and efficient from 15-18 feet.
Daquan Williams | Landsdowne ’18
Williams was the go-to guy for Lansdowne last year and put together a couple of 30-point performances. The 6’1 guard is an explosive scorer and a volume shooter. Landsdowne wasn’t equipped with a lot of guys that could play-make off the dribble for Williams, so the majority of his points came from his own creation.
Anthony Walker | Perry Hall ’19
Walker sticks out immediately on the floor because of his size. If there is ever an opportunity for a fastbreak dunk, he’ll blow you away. It’s going to be more than a handful for teams with the Gators trio of 6’9 forwards and considering that much of the attention will be devoted to Higgs and Hardnett, Walker will see plenty of free opportunities off of defensive breakdowns. He’s also a great rebounder and shot-blocker on the defensive end as he anchors the Gator’s 2-3 zone.
(7) Who made our preseason All-Baltimore County team?
Anthony Higgs | Perry Hall ’18
LaQuill Hardnett | Perry Hall ’18
Josh Cornish | Dulaney ’18
Jordan Goodwin | Milford Mill ’18
Demauri Warren | Woodlawn ’18
Che Evans Jr. | Dulaney ’20
Tyler Holley | Perry Hall ’18
Mark Brinkley | Woodlawn ’18
Ty’Kei Ferrell | New Town ’18
Miles Brown | Pikesville ’18