Recruiting Report: Cam Byers (2020)
We are now approaching the most important time of the season as the back half of the schedule is underway. Teams are aiming to maximize on chemistry in hopes to be playing their best basketball when postseason play begins. For Dulaney, they’re taking the necessary steps to put themselves in that position. Currently on a five-game winning streak, the Lions just picked up a big conference in at Parkville this past Friday and will face yet another test as they travel to New Town this Wednesday. The next chunk of their schedule will be critical in Dulaney locking a spot into the county title game in February. If 2020 forward Cam Byers can sustain his level of play, the Lions will have a great chance of remaining at the top of their division.
Byers’ teammate, 2021 point guard Ryan Conway, has put up some historic scoring performances thus far. As expected, opposing defenses have schemed their defensive game plan around trying to shut down Conway at all cost by throwing double or even triple teams his way. It’s common sense in basketball that when one player is double-teamed, it leaves another player open. Almost every time an opposing team throws this coverage Dulaney’s way, Byers has been the one to torch them.
“I’ve been playing at a high level competition wise for basketball before I came to Dulaney,” Byers said following his 28-point performance in a win over Parkville. “Being at a place like John Carroll, I played against very good competition. But me being a senior and having the chance to see and play with guys like Immanuel Quickley (Kentucky) and Montez Mathis (Rutgers), it’s helped me see how to lead a team and step up big in moments when your teams needs it.”
The 6-foot-5 forward was known for his brute strength and ability to operate on the block during his first two years while attending John Carroll. Since then, and especially this season, we’re seeing Byers effectively expand his offensive attack with efficient three-point shooting and an occasional play off the dribble.
“I just know that’s what I’ll have to do at the next level so I want to make it a smooth transition,” Byers said. “Immanuel taught me a lot and I talk to him on the regular. Him, my dad and my brother just offer me tips towards my shooting and my game, so I just try and listen to them. I’m in the gym and on the gun every day just getting up as many reps as I can.”
The time dedicated on his shot is paying off. He made four against Parkville and single handily forced them to change their defensive approach. All of his makes came off catch-and-shoot scenarios with aggressive close outs. Byers has shown evident progression in his release and getting it off quickly even while contested.
As his level of play has risen, so has his recruitment. A range of Division I and Division II programs are tracking Byers carefully. Farleigh Dickinson was in attendance for his big outing against Parkville and will be setting up a visit for Byers in the future. Gannon, Lincoln, and Millersville have all offered while schools such as Niagra, East Stroudsburg, Augusta, Stone Hill and Frostburg State have all inquired and plan on stopping in for Byers in the near future.
Byers knows there’s still work to do in order to be prepared for the next level. “Improving my ball handling, being a better rebounder and just my IQ of knowing when and when not to take a shot.”