Maryland/DC/VA Summer Stock Boosters: 2021 Guards (Part 1)
We spent most of June and July on the road evaluating prospects from the DMV at various events, and now its time to take a look back at what we’ve learned. Here we begin by taking a look at some of the players who’ve helped themselves with consistently strong play over the summer. In this edition we highlight five class of 2021 guards that have emerged from the rest as a result of that.
6’2 PG Allen Strothers | Boo Williams/Menchville (VA)
Coach Kenneth Chisolm handed the keys to the offense of his 16U team to Allen Strothers at Summer Jam Fest, and we watched him run the show to near perfection. The reliable 6-foot-2 playmaker plays with good pace, and while he looks to get others involved first can get a bucket when he needs to. Another setting in which we were impressed by Strothers was at Hoop Group Elite 2, where his impressive passing ability, ball skills, and elite vision were once again on display.
6’2 PG Brayon Freeman | Team Loaded VA/Bishop O’Connell (VA)
The 2021 lead guard class in Virginia is absolutely loaded, and Brayon Freeman stated his case among the state’s best with a strong run of play this summer on Loaded VA 16’s. An adept paint getter who can score in bunches, the 6-foot-2 rising sophomore looks poised for a productive year ahead. Freeman is already being recruited by the likes of George Mason and George Washington among other local mid majors.
6’1 PG Kino Lilly Jr. | DC Premier/Landon (MD)
Kino Lilly is developing at an astronomical rate. After dominating in and winning the Capitol Hoops Summer League MVP award, the skilled and intelligent sharpshooting floor general looks set for a real breakout during his upcoming high school campaign. Lilly is a truly intriguing talent who can play with pace, defend and score from virtually anywhere on the floor.
6’2 PG Erik Reynolds | Team Takeover/Bullis (MD)
If you didn’t hear much about Erik Reynolds last year at Bullis, that should change quite soon. A 6-foot-2 point guard prospect with good length, he showed that he can play at a high level this summer, and looks to be in line for increased minutes as a sophomore. Reynolds is a polished scorer, especially from the middle areas and around the basket, and his size gives him the ability to see the floor and make reads quickly along with the versatility to guard a few different positions.
6’2 PG AJ Williams | Team Loaded VA/Varina (VA)
AJ Williams was the best guard prospect on what was considered to be the number one 15U team in the country this summer. He blends elite shooting abilities with a nice skill set at 6-foot-2. The defending state champ is already being touted by local high major programs such as Virginia and Virginia Tech.