Unsigned Seniors In Baltimore (Part Two)
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.
For part one of this series, click here.
Lorenzo Donadio Lorenzo Donadio 6'3" | SG Boys’ Latin | 2020 State MD | 6’3 | Boys’ Latin
Donadio was new to the Baltimore scene after transferring for his final year of high school from Farragut Academy in Florida. The 6-foot-3 guard didn’t take long to get comfortable to his new system and surroundings, which reflected in his scoring outputs with each passing game. The Lakers’ offense involved a ton of ball screens and relying on players to make reads in accordance to the defensive rotation. Donadio did this successfully as a scorer and made it difficult for the defense because of his reliability from all three levels. He didn’t just look to score even though that’s his strongest asset. Donadio was effective in making quick reads and finding open teammates as the defense scrambled off the ball to stay tight to their man. Boys’ Latin had little to no size on the roster. Donadio was oftentimes their tallest player and took control of the rebounding responsibilities as a result. There were multiple Division I programs interested in Donadio. Howard is his lone offer with Loyola (MD) and Mount St. Mary’s being the other programs that showed interest.
Jordan Strickland Jordan Strickland 6'4" | SF Parkville | 2020 State MD | 6’4 | Parkville
Strickland had another strong season in the scoring and rebounding departments a year after leading Baltimore County in double-doubles as a junior.The undersized forward uses timing and length to secure rebounds and showed an improvement in his ability to lead the break on occasions. Offensively Strickland can score from the block with his back to the basket. He doesn’t have a plethora of moves, rather just tries to back his man down and use leverage to get his shot off. He’s effective from the high-post where he can use his quick first step to get an advantage on his defender and finish athletically above the rim. Defensively Strickland alters shots around the basket. He’ll block one here and there, but just isn’t equipped with the height to be considered an above average player in this sense. Strickland is down to a few JuCos at the moment and should make a decision within a month’s time.
Zack Blackwell Zack Blackwell 6'0" | CG Lake Clifton | 2020 State MD | 5’10 | Lake Clifton
Blackwell was a part of the two-headed monster that Lake Clifton featured in the backcourt along with Wagner commit Michael Gray Michael Gray 5'10" | PG Lake Clifton | 2020 State MD . Blackwell is one of the most tenacious on-ball defenders you’ll find. His resilience and determination to stay in front of his man the full length of the court is admirable. The 5-foot-10 combo guard provides outside shooting and can fill it up quickly from beyond the arc. He’s most efficient on catch-and-shoots, but has hinted improvements to shooting off the dribble or in transition as a trailer. Blackwell can also make plays off the bounce and attack the rim. He’s effective at baiting the refs into calling fouls, going to the free-throw line and cashing in on his opportunities. Blackwell has had interest from a number of programs, but nothing consistent. Division II, Division III and JuCo programs should all pursue Blackwell if they’re looking to fill a void with a combo guard who plays extremely hard at both ends.
Twan Carter Twan Carter 5'9" | CG New Town | 2020 State MD | 5’9 | New Town
Carter brings elite outside shooting as he showcased consistently throughout New Town’s dominant season. The 5-foot-9 guard makes up for his lack of height with the lift that he gets on his jumper. He can convert three’s regular catch-and-shoots, off pin down screens or flaring out in transition. Carter showed increased confidence in putting the ball on the floor once the close outs became aggressive. He’s a smart, pesky defender with active hands whether he is on or off the ball. While he hasn’t had much consistent talks with college programs, there should be a few getting in the mix who are looking for shooters.
Caleb Johnson | 6’1 | Curley
Johnson became the all-time leading scorer in Curley history as he led the Friars to their first MIAA B Conference championship in over 15 years. The 6-foot-1 combo guard can mix it up nicely offensively where he’s a threat from all three levels. He uses a stepback move often to create space from his defender in order to get his shot off in the mid-range. Johnson can play on or off the ball. This past season, he had to control the offense more as the primary ball handler, but as a junior, he was utilized more as a two-guard. A few Division II programs remain in Johnson’s recruitment, but he told Prep Hoops he will go on visits before making a decision.
Roman Hinds Roman Hinds 6'9" | C Gilman | 2020 State MD | 6’9 | Gilman
Hinds progressed at an encouraging rate over the last calendar year. He offers size at 6-foot-9 with good length. He isn’t above average athletically, but has a motor that makes him tough for opposing bigs to keep up with throughout the course of a game. Hinds is good at leveraging his body for position to eliminate his lack of athleticism and knows how to sneak in for offensive rebounds and quick put backs. Where he’s improved the most is his hands around the rim. Gilman had a fair share of guard that could get into the paint and force defensive rotations. Hinds was always ready for the dump-off or no-look passes where he could quickly put the ball off the backboard or finish above the rim. Defensively he’s an excellent communicator at all times. He makes an impact on the glass, uses his length to alter shots and can clean up some mistakes that take place out on the perimeter. Hinds is being recruited by a number of Division III programs and a couple of Division II programs are keeping their eye on him.