Maryland/DC All-Junior Teams: Honorable Mentions
Last week, our All-Junior Teams for the 2019-20 season were announced. Compiling three teams consisting of five players was extremely difficult with the amount of talent this class showcased this season. With us keeping the teams to just five players,…
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Continue ReadingLast week, our All-Junior Teams for the 2019-20 season were announced. Compiling three teams consisting of five players was extremely difficult with the amount of talent this class showcased this season. With us keeping the teams to just five players, it was expected to make some tough decisions and leave players who deserve recognition off the list. Rightfully so, we’ll bring those players to light as a part of our honorable mention category.
Ryan Prather | 6’3 | Clarksburg
Clarksburg had another solid season sporting a 17-9 overall record. Leading the way was junior guard Ryan Prather who averaged 23.4 points, eight rebounds and three assists per game. At 6-foot-3, Prather is an efficient scorer who can finish well around the rim and use his size to create space between his defender to gets shots off in the mid-range. A capable catch-and-shoot threat from three, Prather is also efficient when it comes to making moves with the ball. He’s a one move and go type of driver, which is something college coaches prefer. He improved as a defender this season especially off the ball where he generated steals by stepping into passing lanes. As indicated by his rebounding numbers, he’s above average for his position and can lead the break for transition buckets.
For Prather’s Hudl highlights, click here.
Jalen Bryant Jalen Bryant 5'11" | PG John Carroll | 2021 State MD | 5’11 | John Carroll
Bryant contributed in every way possible for a much improved John Carroll team. The 5-foot-11 guard averaged 17 points, five rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Bryant made a strong argument for being one of the most improved players in the DMV thanks to his ability to shoot from the volleyball line with accuracy. It forces his defender to guard him as soon as he crossed half court, which presented opportunities to take his man off the dribble and create for others or finish around the basket with craft. Defensively is where Bryant can drastically impact a game. He stays in front of the ball handler with active hands for the entire length of the floor. While there aren’t stats for every team in the Baltimore area, I feel comfortable saying that Bryant is top-three in the DMV in charges drawn this season. He was relentless in making every possession a headache for his match up.
Nick Marshall Nick Marshall 6'4" | CG River Hill | 2021 State MD | 6’4 | River Hill
Marshall’s stock has steadily increased over the past calendar year. The 6-foot-4 guard presents good size and length for his position at 6-foot-4 as he proves to become more polished as a three-level scorer. He’s an effective threat off the bounce who can finish in many different ways in the mid-range area. Marshall must be accounted for off the ball as he can get going quickly from the perimeter when coming off pin downs or simply kick-out situations. The Hawks finished the season with a .500 record but were able to make a push in the state playoffs end the 2019-20 season in a positive manner.
Antoine Jacks Antoine Jacks 5'10" | PG Good Counsel | 2021 State MD | 5’10 | Good Counsel
Good Counsel surprised many especially in the front end of the season by collecting some marquee wins in WCAC play. Jacks was a big reason for their success with his leadership and energy he brought from the point guard position. Like Jalen Bryant Jalen Bryant 5'11" | PG John Carroll | 2021 State MD , Jacks prides himself on guarding the ball and making life hard for his match up. He supplies relentless ball pressure and baits his man into bad decisions or offensive fouls. Offensively he initiated offensive sets, used his outside shooting presence to stretch the defense and used his quickness to get into the lane where he would finish or find open teammates.
For Jacks’ Hudl video, click here.
Ausar Crawley Ausar Crawley 5'8" | PG Mount St. Joseph | 2021 MD | 5’8 | Mount St. Joseph
Crawley played a critical role for Mount St. Joe as he facilitated the Gaels to a MIAA A Conference title and an overall record of 26-7. While Crawley won’t boast insane per game numbers, his presence and control of the offense is immensely valuable to their team’s success. He understands how to control the pace of games and when to pick and choose his opportunities as a scorer. In multiple postseason games Crawley when on mini personal runs to swing the momentum or help the Gaels lock up the victory. Crawley has been proving his worth since his freshman season, but continues to take steps in the direction of becoming the top point guard in Baltimore.