Updated 2020 Player Rankings: Baltimore Prospects
At Prep Hoops, we try to keep our player rankings up to date as much as possible. Once the high school season came to a close, we updated our list and now that we are halfway through the AAU season it’s that time once again. You can expect another update once the AAU season comes to a close and the high school season approaches.
In this series, I’ll be taking a look at the prospects from the Baltimore area as usual. For the full list from the state, click here.
Adam Ayalew does a fantastic job of doing an overview of the entire class as well. For Adam’s article, click here.
Justin Lewis | 6’7 | Poly/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 2
It seems like every time I see Lewis, he continues to develop his body even more. No longer is he the skinny, long kid that has been making noise in the city ever since middle school. The good thing about Lewis’ body development is that despite putting on more muscle, his athleticism has only increased. Skill wise, he is looking more comfortable playing out on the perimeter and putting the ball on the floor. The 6-foot-7 forward finished his sophomore campaign off in dominant fashion as he helped lead Poly to their second-straight Class 3A state title. With Demetrius Mims graduating and heading to Long Beach State, Lewis will be the go-to option offensively, so continuing to add to his offensive repertoire is a must.
5. In the Maryland 3A championship, Poly forward Justin Lewis gets a put back slam as part of a 20-point night. pic.twitter.com/xO7F6lg6Rl
— WashPost HS Sports (@WashPostHS) March 13, 2018
Adrian ‘Ace’ Baldwin | 6’1 | St. Frances/Team BBC
Ranking: No. 4
Baldwin has earned the crown for being the top floor general in the state. This spring and summer, he hasn’t given us a reason to think any differently. The 6-foot-1 guard has an excellent feel for the game and is becoming more effective picking and choosing his spots to score throughout the course of the game. He’s the leader of the Team BBC 17U squad and acts as the coach on the floor as he does with St. Frances. Last time I saw Baldwin, he did a nice job of converting on pull up jumpshots off of ball screens. If he can continue to shoot that shot efficiently, it’ll be a nightmare to guard him in these situations considering his ability to find open teammates after reading the defense’s coverage.
????⚡️ Ace Baldwin Soph SZN Highlights #HoopMajor@yeah_ace3 @SFA_Basketball pic.twitter.com/rh4iQbdbzN
— Hoop Major (@HoopMajor) March 6, 2018
Che Evans | 6’7 | Dulaney/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 8
Evans has all of the tools to be a very attractive high-major prospect. At 6-foot-7 with solid athleticism and a knack for scoring in isolation situations, he could contribute at the next level. This summer, I’ve seen an improvement in his three-point shot and his jumpshot after taking one or two dribbles to create space. When Evans is locked in mentally, he can take over a game. One thing I’d like to see with the Dulaney star is improvement with body language staying focused every possession. If he can improve in those two categories alone, he’d see a rise in what is already a stacked 2020 class.
'20 Che Evans (@CevansJr10) of Team Melo highlights from @TheHoopGroup #FAA16 @Dwayne_Wise #BeElite pic.twitter.com/bauo6U7XS6
— Hoop Major (@HoopMajor) August 6, 2016
Jamal West | 6’5 | Dunbar/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 18
West put his name on the map last season as he was a key piece to the Poets capturing the Class 1A state championship. Although he is 6-foot-5 at the moment, West plays much bigger. He’s a physical presence on both ends of the floor. You’ll never see him shy away from contact when he’s battling opposing bigs in the paint. Athletically, he can play well above the rim. He’s improving on his ability to catch lobs and gather quickly after rolling following a ball screen. One part of West’s game that immediately sticks out is how hard he plays. He has a never-ending motor that helps him get easy baskets in transition offensively and allows him to be a shot-blocker defensively.
Dunbar defeats Fairmont Heights to win the 1A State Championship. ‘20 Jamal West recorded 15 pts & 14 reb @HoopMajor @Jamalwest17 @PoetsBasketball pic.twitter.com/WC99X7mrbD
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 10, 2018
Jordan Toles | 6’2 | St. Frances/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 24
Similar to Lewis, Toles seems to get bigger, faster and stronger every time I see him. Since middle schools, he’s been one of the most athletic players in the city. His football recruitment has sky-rocketed ever since the Panthers’ dominant season last fall, as he has received offers from Alabama, Penn State and Pittsburgh just to name a few. The combo guard will likely see a boost in his basketball stock as the summer comes to a close, and even further considering he will take on a bigger role with St. Frances this upcoming season. He’s more than just an athlete. Toles has dramatically improved his jumpshot over the past couple of months. With that being said, if you ever get the chance to see Toles, be sure to have your camera handy.
Yeah that boy getting ???? penera or sum???? @HoopImage pic.twitter.com/YfyaFx23db
— J.Toles⚡ (@jordantoles23) April 10, 2018