Updated 2019 Player Rankings: Baltimore Prospects (26-50)
Earlier this week, we updated our 2019 player rankings as we loom closer to the high school season. After a hectic but productive summer, it allowed us to get a better feel on the players in the Maryland/D.C. area. For…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this week, we updated our 2019 player rankings as we loom closer to the high school season. After a hectic but productive summer, it allowed us to get a better feel on the players in the Maryland/D.C. area. For this series of articles, I’ll break down the prospects from the Baltimore area who made the list, taking a look at the prospects who appeared from 26-50.
Da’Shawn Phillip | 6’4 | Mt. Zion Prep/Team BBC
Ranking: 26
Phillip chose the prep route after leading Dunbar to the 1A state title in dominant fashion. The 6-foot-4 guard did it all for the Poets and on top of being a scoring threat almost anywhere on the floor, he also stuffed the stat sheet in other categories. Multiple times throughout the sesaon, Phillip flirted with a triple-double. While there were a handful of Division I programs tracking Phillip, none of them officially offered. The extra year of prep will help him put on some needed weight and further polish his overall game.
Jalen Rucker | 5’11 | Gilman/Team Melo
Ranking: 27
Rucker is one of the toughest players in the area, despite his size. The 5-foot-11 point guard can fill any role you need from the position. He can score from all three levels, facilitate an offense and create open looks for teammates. He is also a tenacious on-ball defender who picks up his man full court. He had multiple games last season finishing with 25 or more points and continues to gain the interest from low-major Division I programs.
Jason Murphy | 6’8 | St.Frances/Team Melo
Ranking: 31
Murphy had very productive summer for Team Melo and a number of exposure camps. The 6-foot-8 forward has a good motor and runs the floor consistently. He’s an efficient finisher around the rim and can finish with strong dunks when presented the opportunity. Murphy works hard on the glass on both ends and can be a viable anchor defensively with his length. Low-mid major Division I programs have offered and continue to track his progress.
Will Thomas | 6’5 | Mervo/Team Thrill
Ranking: 33
Thomas is one of the most versatile prospects you’ll find in the area. Not only is he ambidextrous, but he can play and guard multiple positions on the floor. For Mervo, you’ll see him play a balanced role of point guard and the wing. Either way, Thomas is always looking to create for teammates. If the game calls his number to be a scorer, he can check that box as well. His most impressive performance last season came against the 4A state champion Perry Hall Gators when Thomas poured in 34 points. Many low-mid Division I programs are after the 6-foot-5 Swiss army knife.
Drew Green | 6’3 | McDonogh/Cecil Kirk
Ranking: 39
Green has improved steadily since transferring to McDonogh before last season. The 6-foot-3 guard was the second punch next to Noah Locke (Florida) and although the Eagles loaded up with a ton of young, skilled talent, Green should be the main piece of the puzzle in 2018-19. Green is an athletic finisher in the open floor and an effective slasher in half court play. While he is still working on developing a consistent jump shot, Green makes his impact felt in other ways such as crashing the offensive glass, being active in passing lanes defensively and being a team player. Division II programs have began to track Green.
Cam Spencer | 6’2 | Boys’ Latin/Team BBC
Ranking: 40
Spencer is the purest shooter in the area. The Loyola (MD) commit will be a primary option for the Lakers this winter. He had a productive summer with Team BBC after coming back from a back injury that kept him sidelined much of the spring. Spencer is a competitor who has sneaky athleticism, is solid defensively and has shown some ability to play consistently at the point guard position.
Bass Diop | 6’7 | St. Frances/Team Thrill
Ranking: 44
Diop is a great example of a role player for St. Frances and at the next level when he goes to Howard. With a capable jumpshot from 15 feet and long arms, he can make his presence felt in multiple areas. He’ll likely have to develop some wing skills into his arsenal to be an impact at the next level, but he’ll be a solid contributor for the Panthers as they play another national schedule.
Ben Carter | 6’2 | Mt. Zion Prep/Cecil Kirk
Ranking: 47
Similar to Phillip, Carter decided to do a prep year at Mt. Zion after leading his team (Lake Clifton) to a state title. At 6-foot-2 with a solid, strong frame, Carter never shies away from hard drives to the basket and embracing contact. He is a capable shooter from three when left open as well. Carter has high basketball IQ overall but the thing that sticks out the most about his game is his 110 percent effort he plays with throughout. He is the type of player that no matter where he is, he’ll find his way in the rotation because of his mindset and work ethic.
Amani Walker | 6’9 | Poly/Mid-Atlantic Select
Ranking: 50
Walker didn’t make a huge splash this spring, but he had a solid and steady offseason with Mid-Atlantic Select. For this winter, the 6-foot-9 forward will be an important piece for Poly pulling off a three-peat as 3A state champions. When Walker is playing confidently and being aggressive on the boards, it makes them an even bigger juggernaut. Division II and low-major Division I programs have shown interest in Walker.