Colby’s All-MPSSAA State Championship Team
Prep Hoops Maryland closed out the high school season at MPSSAA States, and we decided to do things a little differently this year in terms of coverage. Adam Ayalew and I each drafted eight players from Championship Saturday.
We each selected a starting five and three substitutes. The draft was done in a “snake” format and Adam had the first pick on a coin flip. Check out Adam’s team here, and let us know on Twitter which team you think would win in a head-to-head matchup!
Starting Five
Demetrius Mims | 6’6 | Poly ’18
Grabbing Mims with my first pick was a no-brainer. He’s one of the top players in the state and proved that by putting up impressive numbers in the state semifinals and championship averaging 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, one block and one steal. In the semifinal, his offensive repertoire was on full display as he finished with 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field, 2-of-3 from deep and 6-of-7 from the charity stripe.
https://twitter.com/AyalewAdam/status/971896648837287938
LaQuill Hardnett | 6’9 | Perry Hall ’18
Hardnett had one of the best state championship performances in recent memory as he tallied 31 points, 12 rebounds, one assist and one steal. Hardnett went on a personal 11-0 run to bring the Gators back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, which ultimately led them to winning their second-straight 4A title. The Cincinnati commit doesn’t have to score to have an impact on the game as he showed in the state semifinal against Gaithersburg. He shot 4-of-10 , finishing with nine points, but also chipped in with 12 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and one steal.
https://twitter.com/HoopMajor/status/972694913400950784
Jamal West | 6’6 | Dunbar ’20
West showed up and showed out on the biggest stage this past weekend. He was the most dominant rebounder that came through the gym, averaging 16.5 through the two games to go along with 11.5 points. The 6-foot-6 forward plays with brute strength, and endless motor and communicates well on both ends. Once he becomes more efficient finishing with his first look at the rim, West will be the full package.
https://twitter.com/AyalewAdam/status/972556412227391490
Lucas-White is due for a significant jump in the next rankings updateDarren Lucas-White | 6’1 | Fairmont Heights ’18
Lucas-White is an interesting prospect for the fact that he can fill the point guard or shooting guard position, and play each effectively. For my team, he’d fill the shooting guard role and while I’d want him to keep a play-making mindset to set up his teammates, I’d like him to be more of a scorer and show his ability to slash and score around the basket. Through his two games this past weekend, Lucas-White averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals.
Rahim Ali | 5’11 | Poly ‘ 20
Ali has become one of the best floor generals in the state only as a sophomore. This past season, he saw a lot more scoring opportunities come his way, but still focused on being the coach on the floor for the Engineers. The 5-foot-11 point guard shines brightest when he is in pick-and-roll sets because of his ability to read and react to the defense as a whole. His averages this weekend were six points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. His numbers may not jump out of the page at you, but the control and IQ that he plays with aren’t going to show on the box score.
Bench Unit
Jordan Goodwin | 6’1 | Milford Mill ’18
Goodwin was one of the top scorers in Baltimore area this past season for Milford Mill. He has the ability to get it going quick once he sees one or two shots fall. What’s great about him though, is that if his shot isn’t falling, he’ll switch his mindset to attacking the rim and drawing contact to get to the free-throw line. Goodwin averaged 14.5 points, three rebounds and two steals per game this weekend. For this team, he’d be a perfect asset off the bench and would bring instant energy, offense and leadership.
https://twitter.com/AyalewAdam/status/972150052360736774
Anthony Walker | 6’9 | Perry Hall ’20
As if the frontcourt wasn’t strong enough with Hardnett and West, add arguably the biggest stock riser in the state from this past season, Anthony Walker. The high-flying forward averaged 12.6 points, six rebounds and two blocks this weekend. He’d fit perfectly with players such as Ali, Hardnett, and Mims, as they’re all accustomed to throwing lobs in both the halfcourt and transition situations.
https://twitter.com/AyalewAdam/status/971927719436062721
Tyler Holley | 6’4 | Perry Hall ’18
Every team needs a Tyler Holley. Someone who is going to make winning playing seemingly every time the game is on the line. The fact that he is 6-foot-4, athletic and long are just valuable bonuses. Holley averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, three assists and two steals in the two games. One aspect of Holley’s game that goes criminally unnoticed is his ability to draw charges. His defensive IQ and anticipation are second to none and his willingness to sacrifice his body is something you don’t see every day in the high school scene. Another bonus is that Holley will come through from the free-throw line at the end of games in crunch time. He converted on 11 of his 13 attempts from the charity stripe, most of which came late in the semifinals and state final.