Updated 2019 Player Rankings: Baltimore’s Unsigned Seniors
We recently released our updated 2019 player rankings list as the high school season has officially tipped off. We will be updating the rankings again when we get to the mid-way point of the season. A majority of the seniors…
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Continue ReadingWe recently released our updated 2019 player rankings list as the high school season has officially tipped off. We will be updating the rankings again when we get to the mid-way point of the season. A majority of the seniors signed their letter of intent during the first signing period, but as always, there are a bunch of player waiting out the process to see if any more schools come onto the scene.
Let’s take a look at the unsigned seniors from the Baltimore area included in our rankings.
RJ Blakney | 6’5 | St. Maria Goretti
Ranking: No. 7
Blakney is off to a strong start this season leading Goretti to a 5-1 record. He continues to display his athleticism and aggressiveness when driving to the basket. Blakney has shot it decently thus far, but that part of his game is still a work in progress. He overwhelms defenders with his long, quick first step and his explosiveness once he gets an advantage. The 6-foot-5 wing has showed a willingness to crash the defensive glass and be a shot-blocking presence when in the paint. Blakney plans to hold out until the spring before making his decision. He holds 10 offers from low-mid major schools, but wants to wait and see if a high-major comes into the picture late.
Marvin Price | 6’4 | Patterson
Ranking: No. 18
This year will tell us a lot about Price. He is coming off a knee injury that kept him sidelined all spring and summer. We saw Price in action recently and he still has to get into better game shape, but that’s expected with a lengthy recovery. He’ll be a critical piece for Patterson and they’ll need him to be a consistent scorer if they want to compete for a city and state title. At 6-foot-4, it’s tough to imagine him logging a ton of minutes at a mid-major at the four position. I question if he is quick enough to guard wings, but with continued progression this season, my mind could easily change. Price holds eight offers varying from mid-to-high major programs.
Murphy is a blue-collar 4-man who gives an honest effort at both ends.Jason Murphy | 6’8 | St. Frances
Ranking: No. 44
Murphy has been an inside presence early on for the 4-1 Panthers. He’s done a good job of finishing around the rim, controlling the glass and being a shot blocker on defense. The 6-foot-8 forward continues to show a great motor with his willingness to run the floor and capitalize as the trailer on fast breaks. At the next level, I worry about him having to guard quicker stretch forwards around the perimeter and guards in pick-and-roll situations. One positive to that is he has the wingspan to recover and block a smaller player’s shot if he gets beat. Murphy has five offers according to Verbal Commits ranging from low-to-mid major schools.
Jalen Willis | 6’4 | Patterson
Ranking: No. 51
Willis was a big addition for Patterson because of his toughness and versatility that he brings on the defensive side. He’s quick enough to stay in front of shooting guards and small forwards, but is also strong enough to battle down low with power forwards and even centers. His ‘junkyard dog’ mentality makes him a strong rebounder and an overall hustler. Willis can finish around the rim in transition or as a slasher, but struggles mightily to shoot the ball. He has one offer from Long Beach State.
Drew Green | 6’3 | McDonogh
Ranking: No. 53
Green has been a great addition for McDonogh since transferring from Lake Clifton last year. As a senior, he’ll be leaned on more as a scorer and a guy that is counted on to answer in big moments with his experience. Green is an exceptional athlete that can finish well above the rim. His jumpshot has improved over the year, but still is a blemish in his overall game. He has the wingspan and quickness to be an elite defender on and off the ball when he is locked in. His leaping ability makes him a good rebounder for his position on both ends. Green has multiple offers from Division II programs. While I think he could be a stud at that level, Green seems to want to wait for a Division I program to offer. If he could log big minutes as a point guard, it wouldn’t shock me to see a low-major program take a flyer on him, but he’s undoubtedly an impact player right away at the Division II level.
Amani Walker | 6’9 | Poly
Ranking: No. 54
Walker is one of the hardest prospects to label in this class. At 6-foot-9 and great length, he has the size to be a low-to-mid Division I prospect. It’s his inconsistent play that raises question marks. There are times during games where he looks like one of the best big men in the area. Then there are times you forget he’s on the floor. Walker knows this and has been working on making his production more consistent. A lot has to do with is overall confidence and getting in the gym. There’s no doubt that he has the tools to be a productive collegiate player. He has a number of Division II programs looking at him and a couple of low-major Division I programs have gotten into the conversation. If he can show this season that he can play his role at a consistent level, he’ll have a nice list of schools to choose from.
Malik McCormick | 6’0 | Dunbar
Ranking: No. 72
McCormick will carry the load for the Poets this season after losing Da’Shawn Phillip to graduation and Jamal West after he transferred to St. Frances. I have confidence that with his competitiveness and ability to score, McCormick will keep Dunbar as a team that shouldn’t be overlooked. He is one of the top three-point shooters in the area, but also has the ball handling skills to break down his defender and score off the dribble. Defensively, he is a pest on the ball and is always harassing his man. McCormick has strong interest from Division III programs, and in my opinion, could go in and produce right away at that level.
Anthony Carpenter | 6’1 | Gerstell
Ranking: No. 79
Carpenter has had a nice start to his senior year despite Gerstell’s struggles. Their challenging schedule and record don’t reflect on how good of a team they really are. Carpenter has been a dynamic scorer from three and around the basket. He’s made a clear adjustment in his game to seek contact on drives and earn more trips to the free-throw line, where he shoots efficiently. He is a decent on-ball defender and will step in and take a charge when the opportunity presents. Carpenter has high interest from a number of Division III programs. Division II’s have now made themselves a factor in his recruitment as well. In my opinion, Carpenter would be a stud at the Division III level. Division II would be a bit more challenging for him because of his lack of athleticism.