Unsigned Seniors In Baltimore (Part One)
Prior to the 2019-20 season tipping off, I’m confident in saying nobody could’ve predicted how it abruptly came to an end. Each year, we see seniors make a mark in the postseason which usually results in more college opportunities. With…
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Continue ReadingPrior to the 2019-20 season tipping off, I’m confident in saying nobody could’ve predicted how it abruptly came to an end. Each year, we see seniors make a mark in the postseason which usually results in more college opportunities. With that platform being unavailable this time around, I’ll be giving them attention in this series of articles by going through the unsigned seniors in the Baltimore area.
Brandon Murray Brandon Murray 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2021 #220 Nation FL | 6’5 | Poly
I’ve covered Murray in-depth throughout this season and rightfully so. The 6-foot-5 guard has been one of the biggest stock risers in the country as he exploded onto the radar of a plethora of Division I programs. Offers came rolling in after his 20-point performance in a win over IMG Academy as at least a half a dozen mid-to-high major programs were in attendance. Murray’s ability to score in bunches from all three levels in an efficient manner, finish athletically around the rim and guard multiple positions competently make him a hot commodity for the programs pursuing him. DePaul, East Tennessee State, George Washington, North Texas, Ole Miss, Siena, St. Bonaventure, Rhode Island, UNC-Greensboro, Virginia Tech and Georgetown have all offered Murray.
Will Thomas Will Thomas 6'6" | SF Mervo | 2020 State MD | 6’5 | Mervo
You can’t really pinpoint a position for Thomas because of his overall versatility. At 6-foot-5, he can play on the ball, play off the ball on the perimeter or play off the ball hanging around the mid-range area when the opposing team is in zone. This is what makes him attractive as a prospect to college programs. Thomas had a strong senior season after sitting out his entire junior year with a Jones’ fracture. He led the Mustangs to a regional championship game where they came up short to Parkville, but it wasn’t due to a lack of production from Thomas. It remains unknown what path Thomas will choose. Coppin State and Morgan State have offered and are consistently in touch with him, but the JuCo route is also appealing to Thomas. A number of top JuCos from the East Coast, Midwest and South have all inquired and tracked Thomas.
John Godinez John Godinez 5'10" | PG Parkville | 2020 State MD | 5’9 | Parkville
The fact that Godinez is still on the market is surprising. Despite standing 5-foot-9, Godinez is extremely shifty and has elite ball handling skills to help create separation from his defender. He’s a nightmare to guard in pick-and-rolls considering his efficiency when pulling up in the mid-range off the dribble and his ability to anticipate defensive rotations to find open teammates whether it be the rolling screen setter or the open shooter in the opposite corner. Throughout Parkville’s three state tournament games, Godinez posted averages of 25 points, 4.7 rebounds three assists, 1.7 steals while shooting 49 percent from the field, 33 percent from three and 87.5 percent from the free-throw line. There’s little doubt in my mind that Godinez could help a program at the Division II level. It would just take someone to not put so much weight on his height. For Godinez’s Hudl highlights, click here.
Chandler Johnson Chandler Johnson 6'1" | CG Franklin | 2020 State MD | 5’10 | Franklin
Johnson transferred to Franklin from Mount St. Joseph in hopes to find a bigger role with more playing he time. He found himself with the ball in his hands much throughout the course of games with freedom to make plays in isolation or ball-screen situations. Chandler has a quick first step whether it be off a hesitation or crossover that allows him to blow by his man and either pull up from the mid-range (which he’s efficient in doing) or use his underrated athleticism to finish around the rim. On ball screens if his man decides to go under, Johnson has the range and confidence to pull up from a couple of feet beyond the three-point line and knock down shots. He has good form and gets good arc on his release. Johnson certainly fits the score-first point guard mold, but he also can make the correct reads once he gets into the heart of the defense. A couple of Division II schools have reached out to Johnson, but he currently holds no offers.
Dominick Carrington Dominick Carrington 5'10" | PG City | 2020 State MD | 5’10 | City
Carrington was arguably the best shooter in Baltimore this past season. The 5-foot-10 guard gets tremendous lift on his jumper to make up for his lack of height that will translate to the next level. Not only does he get lift, he also can get into his jumpshot quickly both off the catch or the dribble. Carrington showed more of an ability to make plays off the bounce this year as well once defenses started face guarding him. It’s still an area for improvement but as he gets put more into situations like that, he’ll improve. Carrington works extremely hard on the defensive end by applying pressure to the ball and utilized quick lateral movement. He’s willing to get on the floor for 50/50’s and take charges when the situation presents itself. His outside shooting presence would bring value to any college program. Carrington has heard from a few schools, but nothing has been as consistent. JuCo’s may want to take note and contact.
Mitchell Fischer Mitchell Fischer 6'7" | PF Loyola Blakefield | 2020 State MD | 6’8 | Loyola
Fischer caught fire as a junior as he led a solid Loyola team and was named First-Team All MIAA and All BCL. The 6-foot-8 could be a nice stretch four option for a college program with his ability to make shots from three as well as score from inside. This past season, Fischer put on nice size by adding muscle and improved his athleticism. He’s at his best in the half court of a system-heavy offense making reads from the top of the key or with his back to the basket. He’ll still need to improve on his overall physicality, but his production speaks for itself. Fischer could be a great fit in the Patriot League after a year or two of concentrated development.