Baltimore County Preview: Player of the Year Candidates for the 2019-20 Season
We are now less than a half of a month away from Baltimore County Public Schools officially beginning practice. With that being the case, it’s time to dive into some preview articles for the respective leagues. For this article, we’ll…
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Continue ReadingWe are now less than a half of a month away from Baltimore County Public Schools officially beginning practice. With that being the case, it’s time to dive into some preview articles for the respective leagues. For this article, we’ll look at some prospects who will be player of the year candidates heading into the 2019-20 season.
Ryan Conway | 6’1 | Dulaney ’21
Look around the DMV and you won’t find a more natural scorer than Conway. He certified himself on a national stage this summer on the EYBL Circuit with Team Melo as he scored from all three levels at an incredibly efficient rate. The Lions lost two significant scorers from last year’s roster, which means Conway will have to pick up the slack. He already put up crooked numbers in the scoring column last season, so now with the ball in his hands even more, expect those big time scoring outings to become routine. The Lions will need them to be if they plan on making a run for the county title and the Class 4A crown as they did last season before being bounced in the final four.
John Godinez | 5’10 | Parkville ’20
Godinez finished second in county player of the year voting last season, so it’s expected that he’ll be right back in the race as a senior. The 5-foot-10 point guard has an advanced feel for the game as a play maker off the bounce. He operates well in transition, in isolations or in ball-screens. While he’s always looking to set up others, Godinez can get it going quickly as a scorer. He’s a streaky three-point shooter and a crafty, consistent finisher in the painted area. Parkville loaded their roster with additions and returners, but this ship goes as far as Godinez can take it.
Andrew Mills | 6’5 | New Town ’20
Mills is the returning player of the year from 2018-19. For the Titans sake, they’ll need him to be everything and more if they plan on repeating as county champs. Other teams have improved, but having Mills’ experience along with 2020 point guard Martaz Robinson will always sit them in good position. Mills proved to be a deadly outside shooter last season by having more than a handful games with 4+ three’s. New Town will lack a bit in size this season, so he’ll be leaned on to be a rebounding presence and an anchor defensively.
Martaz Robinson | 6’2 | New Town ’20
Robinson was the floor general for last season’s county champion and will take on an even more significant role this season. He’ll not only have to orchestrate the offense, but also be a consistent scoring threat every time the ball is in his hands. Last season, the Titans were able to spread the wealth throughout a talented roster, but this season it’ll be up to Robinson and Mills in the scoring department. Robinson, a Delaware State commit, has shown the aggression as a scorer throughout the summer and fall. All signs point to a big scoring season for him, and if the Titans want to successfully defend their title, it’s critical that he carries over that aggression into his senior season.
Ben Murphy | 6’2 | Franklin ’20
Murphy was the leader of the Indians last season and was a major reason why they appeared in the county championship game. The 6-foot-2 guard can score efficiently from mid-range and in. His three-point shot is still a work in progress, but Murphy makes his impact off the dribble and attacking the rim. He is a threat to finish above the rim in transition either off the bounce or off of a lob pass. Murphy is now equipped with a very skilled transfer guard in Chandler Johnson. The two should form a formidable back court duo in county play.
Chandler Johnson | 6’0 | Franklin ’20
Johnson joins the Indians after spending three years at Mount St. Joseph. Usually when a player transfers from the MIAA A Conference into the public school conference, they see immediate success. This will be expected with Johnson as he can be a dynamic scoring combo guard. He and Murphy will lead the charge for the Indians this season and their success rides heavily on their shoulders. Expect Johnson to have a few breakout scoring games before his senior season concludes.
Jermaine Goodwyn | 6’2 | Milford Mill ’20
Similar to Parkville, Milford Mill experience a lot of roster turnover due to transfers. Nevertheless, their primary scoring option stayed put. For the Millers, that is Goodwyn. The 6-foot-2 combo guard had to handle the ball for majority of games last season. But now that they are equipped with a pass-first point guard in Sammy Scott, it allows Goodwyn to take on more of a scorer’s mentality. Milford Mill is a team that could see much success in county play. If they do, it’s more than likely because Goodwyn is leading them in multiple categories.
Jordan Strickland | 6’4 | Parkville ’20
Strickland has cemented himself as a walking double-double. Since he was a sophomore, it’s hard to find a game where the 6-foot-4 forward hasn’t logged less than 10 rebounds. The county isn’t packed with skilled players in the front court, meaning Strickland can continue his dominance in the double-double category. With improved strength, athleticism and overall skill, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him record a couple of games with 20 rebounds. As a scorer, he is efficient in the paint and can finish over the rim in transition or off put-backs on the offensive glass. Strickland would be viewed as a dark horse for this award if Parkville finishes atop of the standings.