Updated 2021 Player Rankings: Baltimore Prospects (No. 1-25)
It’s that time of year that we update our player rankings following the high school season. It was an eventful six months in the Baltimore area and plenty of players made arguments for why they should be moved in the…
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Continue ReadingIt’s that time of year that we update our player rankings following the high school season. It was an eventful six months in the Baltimore area and plenty of players made arguments for why they should be moved in the rankings. Let’s take a look at the players who landed in the 1-25 range.
Ryan Conway | 6’1 | Dulaney
Ranking: No. 2
A year after hitting the high school basketball scene, Conway has cemented himself as one of the best scorers you’ll find in the DMV. He surpassed the 1000-point mark as a sophomore. If that’s not the sign of a great scorer, I’m not sure what is. He has become a deadly threat from three and can hit shots well beyond the arc. Conway has always been known for his ability to break his match-up down off the dribble, but with his progression as a shooter, it has become even more difficult for oppositions to guard him. He took strides this year as a leader and being more of a coach on the floor.
David Brown III | 6’4 | McDonogh
Ranking: No. 4
It’s hard to believe that at Brown’s previous school, he wasn’t looked as at being a varsity caliber level player. Especially after averaging 16 points per game in the MIAA A Conference. Brown did so with efficiency, shooting 48.1 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from three and 78.5 percent from the free-throw line. Brown has asserted himself as one of the top young players in the area. With his size and ability to shoot it, it’s only a matter of time before we see his recruitment explode.
Ike Cornish | 6’5 | Dulaney
Ranking: No. 7
Cornish may have improved more than any freshman we saw last season in the Baltimore area. The 6-foot-5 guard has great length and used it to his advantage when attacking the basket off the dribble. Cornish’s confidence as a scorer was evident and he showcased his ability from all three levels. When it comes to shooting three’s, Cornish is more effective as a catch-and-shoot guy who plays off other’s penetration or kick-out passes in transition. As a defender, Cornish can contest and distort his match-up’s attempt with his length and although he still needs to put on size as he grows, Cornish aggressively crashed the glass consistently.
Ausar Crawley | 5’7 | Mt. St. Joseph
Ranking: No. 17
Crawley had a tremendous year of growth this past season as the floor general for a very good Mt. St. Joe team. As a team, the Gaels’ offense was predicated around LSU commit James Bishop, but as teams started to do whatever they could to contain him, Crawley would take over as the scorer. The 5-foot-7 guard is extremely quick with the ball and is effective as a mid-range shooter when going to his right. When the southpaw goes left, he attacks the rim and despite his size, finishes well through contact. Defensively, Crawley is a flat-out competitor that is always looking to force a turnover. He moves laterally well and does a nice job of keeping his man in front of him.
Malik Missouri | 6’5 | Gilman
Ranking: No. 21
Missouri had trouble getting off to a strong start this season for Gilman, but once he found his niche, you began to see the potential he has as a prospect. At 6-foot-5, Missouri has great length to pair with athleticism that makes him a threat on the offensive end. He’s still progressing as a threat off the dribble, but is effective as a shooter, especially in the mid-range. He can finish strongly above the rim as a runner in transition. Defensively, Missouri uses his length to disrupt opposing player’s looks both out on the perimeter or around the rim.
Jared Billups | 6’4 | McDonogh
Ranking: No. 23
Billups played a big role on a young McDonogh team. He was asked to guard the opposing team’s best player and did so effectively. At 6-foot-4 with a good, strong frame, Billups anticipates well and doesn’t commit dumb fouls on the ball. The way I describe Billups’ game is a do-it-all type of guy who’s shot is still a work in progress. He finishes strong around the rim and while he will hit an outside shot here and there, he must become more consistent in that area of his game.