2018 Player Rankings: Baltimore Prospects (Part 1)
As we hit the halfway point of the high school season, we’ve been able to get out and see almost every prospect in the area. Unfortunately, entering the new year of 2018 means we only have a few more months to enjoy these players in their high school uniforms. If you haven’t already, be sure to get out and watch some of these tremendous student athletes.
For this series, we’ll be taking a look at how the Baltimore prospects fared in the updates player rankings for the class of 2018.
Immanuel Quickley | 6’4 | John Carroll/Team BBC (Kentucky commit)
Previous ranking: 1
Updated ranking: 1
Quickley remains our top ranked prospect. He missed the first chunk of games this season for the Patriots, but once he returned, he only showed continued progression in his game. If you’ve never seen Quickley play, his athleticism won’t blow you away. What does blow you away in the efficiency he plays with and his basketball IQ is off the charts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZevRIJyMzQ
Jalen Smith | 6’10 | Mt. St. Joseph/Team Takeover (Maryland commit)
Previous ranking: 2
Updated ranking: 2
Smith has arguably been the most dominant player in the Baltimore area this season. The future Maryland Terrapin has officially extended his range beyond the three-point line, making him a nightmare for opposing big men to match up with. Defensively, he has been an elite shot-blocking presence and beast on the glass. The Gaels are rolling behind Smith’s efforts with an 18-3 overall record, which included an impressive 71-48 win over Ranney at the Spalding HoopHall Classic.
Noah Locke | 6’3 | McDonogh/Team Melo (Florida commit)
Previous ranking:
Updated ranking: 4
After getting off to a rough start, Locke has found his stroke and continues to light up the scoring column for the 12-9 Eagles. The Florida commit has recorded multiple 30-point efforts and a 40-point performance thus far. He had to adjust to being the primary option and now plays with a green light mentality that has translated to huge performances.
TOP PERFORMANCE | @GatorsMBK commit Noah Locke (@_NoahLocke) puts up 32 points as @McDMBasketball (MD) tops Seton Catholic (NY) to advance to the semifinals at the Josh Palmer Classic. pic.twitter.com/GUpijqwnnO
— Kevin Case WENY (@WENYKevinCase) December 29, 2017
Montez Mathis | 6’5 | John Carroll/Team BBC (Rutgers commit)
Previous ranking: 6
Updated ranking: 6
Mathis is one of the most physically, gifted players in the city. While Quickley was sidelined earlier this season, Mathis took the keys to the offense and looked like a frontrunner for the way too early player of the year award. His ability to finish despite contact around the rim is the most impressive part of his game. In transition, he brings the crowd to their feet with some of his high-flying finishes. What’s been the most improved aspect of his game is his aggressiveness crashing the offensive glass.
Demetrius Mims | 6’6 | Poly/Team Melo (Long Beach State commit)
Previous ranking: 17
Updated ranking: 11
Mims saw a bump in his ranking due to his play thus far for the 8-4 Engineers. There’s extended periods of games where Mims looks unguardable. He has always been known for his vicious drives to the basket, but his three-point shot has become deadly whether it’s off the catch-and-shoot or playing off the dribble. He plays with a chip on his shoulder on both sides of the floor and continues to build a strong argument to be a player of the year candidate.