Updated 2020 Player Rankings: Baltimore Guards (No. 1-50)
It’s that time of year for a refreshing of our player rankings here at Prep Hoops Maryland and this will be our last release of the 2020 class before they begin their next chapter. It was a pleasure to watch…
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Continue ReadingIt’s that time of year for a refreshing of our player rankings here at Prep Hoops Maryland and this will be our last release of the 2020 class before they begin their next chapter. It was a pleasure to watch this class develop from their freshmen seasons into prize prospects from college programs of all levels. As usual, I’ll handle the prospects located primarily in the Baltimore and immediate surrounding areas for my breakdowns. We start first with the guards who landed in the No.1-50 range.
Ace Baldwin | 6’1 | St. Frances
Previous ranking: No. 4
Current ranking: No. 2
Baldwin witnessed a slight boost in ranking at the top where the talent is elite and rightfully so. He led St. Frances to a 38-4 overall record including a third-straight BCL title and a dominant win over Oak Hill in the East Coast Bump event. Baldwin is one of the most underrated players nationally when considering his clutch gene, ability to control a game as a floor general and his IQ on both ends. VCU is getting an absolute steal as Baldwin should demand significant playing time as soon as he steps on campus.
Brandon Murray Brandon Murray 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2021 #220 Nation FL | 6’4 | Poly
Previous ranking: No. 21
Current Ranking: No. 7
Murray burst onto the national scene and quickly became a hot commodity after a thrilling performance in a win over IMG Academy. The 6-foot-4 guard is equipped with elite athleticism, scoring prowess from all three levels and an endless competitive motor. Murray was a catalyst in Poly appearing in ESPN’s Top 25 rankings for a number of weeks as high major offers followed. Ole Miss, Virginia Tech and Georgetown are just a few of the schools that have offered.
Tyler Brelsford Tyler Brelsford 6'4" | CG Mount Saint Joseph | 2020 State MD | 6’3 | Mt. St. Joseph
Previous Ranking: No. 29
Current Ranking: No. 20
Brelsford moves up nine spots after a statement season for the Gaels as they looked to replace a void left behind by James Bishop (LSU). The George Washington commit grew as a play maker off the bounce while remaining a threat from beyond the arc. His vision as a passer improved as well as his ability to seek out contact and get to the free-throw line on drives. His team fed off his production late in big games as Mt. St. Joe captured a MIAA A Conference championship and boasted a 29-6 overall record.
Jordan Toles Jordan Toles 6'3" | SG St. Frances Academy | 2020 State #402 Nation MD | 6’3 | St. Frances
Previous ranking: No. 17
Current ranking: No. 23
Toles left St. Frances in early January to enroll at LSU and begin his career playing SEC football. The dynamic 6-foot-3 guard is also slated to lace up for Will Wade once the football season is over, but considering LSU is usually one of the last teams standing, that situation will be one to monitor. Nevertheless, Toles’ presence contributed a great deal to the Panthers’ slaying of any team they were put in front of in the early goings. Toles, a projected NFL Draft pick, will be an intriguing prospect at LSU whether it be on the gridiron or the hardwood.
Martaz Robinson Martaz Robinson 6'2" | CG New Town | 2020 State MD | 6’2 | New Town
Previous ranking: No. 51
New ranking: No. 31
Robinson made a huge move in our last release of the 2020 rankings thanks to his consistent efficiency and aggression as he led New Town to and impressive 24-2 record and a second-straight Baltimore County crown. The Delaware State commit took home Baltimore County Player of the Year honors as he and his team were dominant in county play. Robinson is a smooth scorer from all three levels, has advanced vision as a passer and can be a versatile defender. Look for him to make himself known quickly as a freshman at Delaware State.
Rahim Ali Rahim Ali 5'11" | PG Baltimore Poly | 2020 State MD | 5’11 | Poly
Previous ranking: No. 28
Current ranking: No. 35
Ali’s slight dip in ranking wasn’t in accordance to his play it was more so having to do with others making the significant jump as seniors. The 5-foot-11 guard is remains as being on the best floor generals you’ll find in the DMV and because of the unfortunate circumstances behind the high school basketball season ending, will still go down as one of the most winning athletes we’ve seen. Poly was on their way to four-straight Class 3A state titles since Ali gained control of the offense. His elite IQ, feel for the game and developed scoring ability all have blossomed him into a prospect that many Division I programs are eyeing. Wagner seems to be in the lead at the moment, but others such as Towson, Loyola (MD) and Siena have extended offers for Ali’s services. Wherever he decides is guaranteed to get a player who brings a winning attitude and confidence in controlling a team from day one.