Top 10 SF’s In Baltimore For 2019-20
The small forwards are some of the most sought after prospects because of their mix of size and versatility. Many of these players can guard their position, plus guards or forwards depending on their make up. No matter where you…
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Continue ReadingThe small forwards are some of the most sought after prospects because of their mix of size and versatility. Many of these players can guard their position, plus guards or forwards depending on their make up. No matter where you look, coaches of all levels are always looking for do-it-all wings. Having a player like this on your roster gives you a plethora of options in terms of lineups.
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1 Jahmal Banks | 6’4 | ’20 St. Frances
Banks made the rich richer by transferring from Bishop O’Connell to St. Frances this summer. The 6-foot-4 wing will head to Wake Forest to play wide receiver, but the things he can do on the hardwood are not to be glossed over. He has great length for his size to go with superb athleticism that comes to light in transition. Banks is a downhill scorer that makes his impact made by taking his man off the dribble to the rim where he can finish through contact. Defensively, he can be used as a Swiss army knife with his ability to guard 1-4 competently. He uses effective anticipation in passing lanes and does a great job of contesting shots around the rim or out on the perimeter.
2. Will Thomas | 6’5 | ’20 Mervo/Team Thrill
Thomas fills many roles for this Mervo team. He’ll be featured both on and off the ball with his ability to play-make for teammates. The ambidextrous 6-foot-5 wing can contribute to many ways on the box score. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Thomas finished with a triple-double in a game this season. As a scorer, he breaks down his man well off the dribble and shoots efficiently from the mid-range. He’s a crafty scorer around the rim and possesses the athleticism to finish over it when open in transition. Defensively, he relies on gambling to spark fast breaks for his team, but when locked in, he can guard positions 2-4.
3. Jared Billups | 6’6 | ’21 McDonogh
It may shock some people to see Billups this high on the list, but I urge all of those people to watch how he has developed over this summer. Billups has become a sure-fire lock down defender and can do so from positions 1-4. His athleticism and overall strength continues to improve, making him a threat each time he attacks the rim. When he gets into the paint, he isn’t just looking to score. Billups can create for others and has the vision to fit the ball in small windows to open teammates. For the Eagles this season, Billups will need to be the definition of a ‘do-it-all’ wing. His summer progress implies that he is prepared to take on that responsibility.
4. Noah Batchelor | 6’7 | ’22 Glenelg Country/Mid-Atlantic Select
Batchelor has witnessed an extreme uptick in his recruitment this summer, earning offers from multiple high major programs and an invite to USA basketball mini camp. He transfers to Glenelg Country after spending his freshman season playing for a very good St. Maria Goretti team. Batchelor’s worth starts with his ability to shoot the ball from range. His athleticism and height are two other characteristics that make him an impact player for his age. He has good timing when contesting shots around the rim, but guarding quicker players on the perimeter is an area of struggle that we will be watching closely this season.
5. Andrew Mills | 6’5 | ’20 New Town/Team Melo
Mills earned Baltimore County Player of the Year honors last season as a junior after plenty of explosive scoring performances. The 6-foot-5 wing plays effectively off the ball as a catch-and-shoot guy from the perimeter. He’s also a major threat in transition with his size, length and athleticism, all of which help him finish above the rim. He’s an above average rebounder for a wing. He has to be with New Town’s lack of size. Mills had a quiet spring and summer, but I expect him to have another great high school season being the primary option for the defending Baltimore county champions.
6. Emanuel Henriques | 6’4 | ’20 Ben Franklin/Team Thrill
Henriques is still very much an under the radar prospect, but he helped his cause with his performance against national talent at the Will Barton Elite Camp. Henriques possesses above average athleticism and nice touch on his jumpshot from three. He communicates on both sides of the ball and shows a good understanding for the game. Ben Franklin doesn’t offer much talent around Henriques, so often times his true skill set can’t be showcased. But now that I’ve seen him play against and alongside coveted prospects, it makes me much more confident that he could contribute at a low major Division I school.
7. Antonio Hamlin | 6’2 | ’22 Mount St. Joe/Team Thrill
A 6-foot-2 small forward? I know that’s what many are thinking here, but Hamlin fills this role for the Gaels because of his unique strength for his height. There’s a chance that Hamlin grows a couple of more inches before entering the college ranks, but everything about him screams versatility. There were times last season when he was guarding 6-foot-8 power forwards in the post and holding his own. Hamlin has the foot speed to stay in front of point guards as well. You won’t find many tougher players when it comes to priding himself in getting stops, taking charges or diving for a loose ball. Offensively he is talented, too. Hamlin uses his strength to finish through contact on his way to the rim and also is a capable shooter from the mid-range and three-point line in catch and shoot situations. Expect Hamlin to showcase more of his offensive skill set this season for Mount St. Joe as he takes on a bigger role.
8. Malik Missouri | 6’5 | ’21 Gilman/Team Thrill
Missouri has garnered college interest because of his skill set at his size and tremendous length. Consistency has been the biggest flaw in his game, but this season for Gilman with an increased role and expectations, Missouri should have the utmost confidence. He has a smooth jumper out to the three-point line and can be a threat in that area. He finishes well around the rim, but I’d still like to see him take on contact better. Defensively, he is very valuable. That’s where his length and athleticism come into play. He can guard positions 2-4 effectively. When guarding quicker guards on the perimeter, Missouri can recover if he gets beat and still block the shot.
9. Ian Wallace | 6’7 | ’20 Poly/Team Melo
Wallace is steadily developing into a very valuable prospect. If you take a picture from his freshman or even his sophomore season and compare it to now, you wouldn’t even think it was the same player. The same can be said for his play on the floor. Wallace is a prototypical 3-and-D option. At 6-foot-7, Wallace made a reputation for himself as deadly three-point shooter, especially from the corner. Wallace plays with a talented Poly team that forces him to fill a specific role. His shooting is crucial to providing space for those play makers.
10. Cam Whitmore | 6’5 | ’22 Archbishop Spalding/Team Melo
Whitmore spent his freshman season nursing an injury, but his budding potential and ability that his showcased the summer heading into the season gives me reason to include him on his list. Whitmore is at his best in the open floor when he can finishing athletically around the rim. It’s still yet to be seen how his game is post-injury. There will likely be some time to shake off the rust as he gets his first taste of varsity level basketball, but once he finds his groove, Whitmore will be a player that teams must game plan specifically to stop.