Dynamic Duos To Watch In Baltimore for 2019-20 (Part 2)
Earlier this month, Adam Ayalew did a great job of previewing some of the dynamic duos to watch in the D.C. area for the upcoming season. It’s never too early to look ahead to the following high school season, so I figured…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this month, Adam Ayalew did a great job of previewing some of the dynamic duos to watch in the D.C. area for the upcoming season. It’s never too early to look ahead to the following high school season, so I figured I’d get in on the breakdowns. This season in Baltimore should be an interesting one. There are a couple of teams that are clearly above the rest of the pack, but even the teams on the next tier down will be worth a watch. Let’s get started.
To read part one, click here.
Will Thomas & Teon Rushing | Mervo ’20
Thomas, a 6-foot-5 guard, returns to the floor for Mervo after missing all of the 2018-19 season because of a Jones’ fracture. His presence and play making ability completely changes the outlook for the Mustangs’ season. Thomas is an ambidextrous play maker that can impact the game in every category on the box score. The simple fact is, Mervo will go however far Thomas takes them. Rushing, a newly acquired guard from Mt. Carmel, brings another play maker to the fold in the backcourt. For Thomas, this addition is huge in terms of not being one of the only players on the roster that can make plays for himself or others on a consistent basis. It will be tough for opposing defenses to keep these two under wraps for 32 minutes, which should mean for success throughout for this team.
Mike Gray & Zack Blackwell | Lake Clifton ’20
Both Blackwell and Gray put their names on the map last season, but weren’t teammates during the process. Blackwell was a key piece for Patterson as they captured the Class 2A state title while Gray was a force for Lake Clifton in helping them to hoist the Class 1A state title. Prior to Blackwell’s transfer, the Lakers were lacking in the scoring department other than Gray in the guard positions. Both players complement each other’s games nicely. Blackwell is a good outside shooter off the catch and Gray can get into the paint whenever he wants. Where these two will make the most impact is on the defensive end. Blackwell is a tenacious on-ball defender who can press his man the full length of the floor for 32 minutes. Gray is a tough-nosed defender who embraces physicality and can guard either backcourt position effectively. Together, the Lakers should be a favorite to repeat as Class 1A champions this March.
Jared Billups & Everett Cooper | McDonogh ’21 & ’22
The Eagles are coming off a strong 2018-19 season where their youth gained plenty of experience. Unfortunately, one of their key cogs in 2021 guard David Brown III will transfer to Bishop McNamara, which means other players will have to step up and replace his production. That spotlight largely shines on Everett Cooper, a 6-foot-1 point guard who showed ability to shoot from distance off the dribble and score at a nice rate in the paint with soft touch. Last season, the rising sophomore acted more as a facilitator who had to pick and choose his spots to score. This season, he’ll be leaned on heavily as a primary offensive option. With the freshman coming in, Cooper will move on and off the ball so there will be spurts throughout games when he can have a scorer’s mentality. Billups showed continued development in his sophomore season. The 6-foot-6 wing is a difference maker on the defensive side and a versatile option offensively. His shot is still a work in progress, but it has become more consistent over the past year. Where he hangs his hat is his play making ability once he gets into the paint. For a wing, Billups has good vision and knows how to find the open teammate once the defense rotates. When the opportunity presents, he can score around or over the rim impressively with his athleticism. The Eagles will need everyone in their rotation to be productive, but these two will be counted on more than others.
Malik Missouri & Christian Winborne | Gilman ’21 & ’22
Missouri and Winborne are two prospects with a ton of talent and potential. Missouri brings a long, 6-foot-5 frame with soft touch on his jumper. If Misssouri catches it anywhere from 17 feet in (especially on the baseline), more times than not, it’s going in. Defensively he brings plenty of versatility with his ability to guard virtually any position. It’s not ideal to have Missouri guard a center, but his length can help disrupt post ups on the block or second chance attempts in the paint. Winborne is a 6-foot-2 guard that will take much more control of the offense. Winborne isn’t extremely flashy, but he’s efficient with every move and uses that efficiency to his advantage. He can score it from all three levels, but has proven over this summer to be improved in pick-and-roll scenarios. Similar to Cooper on McDonogh, Winborne will be used as a combo guard and expected to lead the Hounds in the scoring column on most evenings.
Mitch Fischer & Jordan Moore | Loyola ’20 & ’21
Fischer had a breakout junior campaign and earned First-Team All MIAA honors to prove it. The 6-foot-7 forward acts as a stretch four and can score the ball in many ways. Fischer can knock down the three with efficiency, but also can put the ball on the floor and attack the close out for a bucket. Loyola’s system will also feature Fischer on the block operating with his back to the basket. I expect Fischer to have a handful of big scoring performances as he did last season. Moore is a guy who some may not have heard of. He was featured as a sixth-man for some of the schedule, but brought a skill set that made this Loyola team take on a different look. The Dons are a very fundamental, system heavy program. While Moore can play in that style, he also brings speed, athleticism and flash to make them more dynamic. The 6-foot-1 combo guard is at his best in the open floor where he can display the three characteristics mentioned earlier, but as he gains experience, expect him to become more effective in the half court and be expected to make more plays off the dribble this upcoming season.