Updated 2020 Player Rankings: Baltimore Guards (51-100)
Our updated player rankings released earlier this week, starting with the rising seniors. We’ve seen a good amount of them already make their pledges to their future college teams, but there are still many who remained unsigned. Nevertheless, rankings continue…
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Continue ReadingOur updated player rankings released earlier this week, starting with the rising seniors. We’ve seen a good amount of them already make their pledges to their future college teams, but there are still many who remained unsigned.
Nevertheless, rankings continue and for this series, I’ll be taking a look at the Baltimore guard who were featured from No.51-100 in the rankings.
Michael Gray | 5’11 | Lake Clifton/Team Thrill
Ranking: No.55
Gray was another member of the Team Thrill squad that enjoyed a productive summer. The 5-foot-11 point guard approaches the game with a bulldog mentality and competes harder than just about anyone you’ll find. He plays on both ends, but especially defensively with immense pride. Gray is most effective playing downhill attacking the basket. He is used to contact from being on the football field, so finishing through bumps in the air isn’t an issue for him. His biggest flaw has been his jump shot, but over the past year Gray has made significant strides in not only being a capable shooter, but being a threat to knock down multiple three’s in any game. Defensively is where Gray can separate himself from the pack. As stated earlier, he competes at a high level, but is also equipped with solid strength, ability to anticipate in passing lanes and effective lateral quickness. Above all, Gray is a winner. He helped lead the Lakers to the Class 1A title last year and he’ll put them back in position to do the same in 2019-20.
Martaz Robinson | 6’2 | New Town
Ranking: No. 57
Robinson has great size and skills for the point guard position. In comparison to last year, New Town won’t be as strong as every position, which means more production will be placed on the floor general’s shoulders. Robinson shows flashes throughout games to be a big time prospect. He is aware of the expectations this year and will be up for the challenge. Robinson can fill up the stat sheet in many ways at his position. He’ll lead the Titans this season as they look to protect their Baltimore County crown.
Teon Rushing | 5’10 | Mervo/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 75
Rushing made the announcement that he would transfer from Mount Carmel to Mervo this summer, where he’ll be a big piece to the puzzle. The 5-foot-10 guard supplies the Mustangs with another play maker off the dribble next to 2020 Will Thomas. Rushing is an aggressive slasher and a good finisher around the rim. He guards the ball well defensively by utilizing quick lateral movement and anticipation. In the city, all of the teams are shooting to take down Goliath in Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Lake Clifton, City and now with the addition of Rushing, Mervo will all be tough opponents throughout the way.
Emanuel Henriques | 6’4 | Ben Franklin/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 87
Henriques used this summer to make a name for himself against sturdy competition. At Will Barton Elite Camp competing against some of the best in the country, the 6-foot-4 guard displayed his worth as a shooter from three and an athletic finisher in transition. He has good size, length and athleticism that will translate well into the next level. He’ll fly under the radar this season, but make no mistake, he has the tools to play at the low Division I level. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some local programs start to get involved.
Kendall Walker | 5’11 | Boys’ Latin/Maryland 3D
Ranking: No. 90
For a Boys’ Latin team that relied heavily on seniors last season, Walker showed in spurts the ability to make big plays when his team needed them most. He carried that level of play into the spring and summer with Maryland 3D, building confidence along the way. This year’s Lakers team will look much different and Walker will be expected to be the go-to option. The 5-foot-11 guard is a capable shooter from outside and scores efficiently in the paint. He has a good IQ and understands how to run a team.
Zack Blackwell | 5’10 | Lake Clifton/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 99
Blackwell caused some waves when he announced that he’d be transferring from Patterson to Lake Clifton this summer. Forming a backcourt with Gray creates one of the best defensive duos in the area. Both are elite on-ball defenders and will cause fits to whoever they line up against. Furthermore, Blackwell can get going from three as a catch-and-shoot guy as well as finish consistently in transition. He adds another major cog to the Lake Clifton lineup and immensely increases their chances to repeat at Class 1A champions.