Updated 2020 Player Rankings: Baltimore Wings/Forwards (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 move to the wings and forwards who placed in the 1-to-50 range of the rankings.
Justin Lewis Justin Lewis 6'8" | PF Baltimore Poly | 2020 State #49 Nation MD | 6’8 | Poly
Previous ranking: No. 2
Current ranking: No. 5
A dip in Lewis’ ranking isn’t due to his lack of production or strong play from the 2019-20 season. The Marquette commit had stints throughout where he was an unstoppable force especially in Baltimore City conference play. Lewis’ statement game came against City in the Regional Championship where he recorded 34 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks. He took significant strides in his development as a wing and a perimeter-oriented player while still being a force inside when the Engineers needed him. There aren’t too many players in the country that can play inside and out at his size quite like Lewis can.
Jamal West Jamal West 6'5" | PF St. Frances Academy | 2020 State #334 Nation MD | 6’5 | St. Frances
Previous ranking: No. 13
Current ranking: No. 11
West saw a slight boost in his ranking after another productive season at St. Frances where he led the Panthers to a BCL title and was named BCL Player of the Year. St. Frances dealt with plenty of adversity including losing two starters and dealing with injuries throughout the season, but it was West who provided the consistency they needed to stay afloat during these times. His unmatched motor resulted in over a dozen double-double performances and his finishing around the rim is better than its ever been. The South Alabama commit hinted at an improved three-point shot in some games, which will be a must in order to be an offensive factor at the next level.
Jason Edokpayi Jason Edokpayi 6'7" | PF Mount Saint Joseph | 2020 State MD | 6’7 | Mount St. Joseph
Previous ranking: No. 35
Current ranking: No. 18
Edokpayi was one of the most improved players on the East Coast this season. As a result, the Fairfield commit took home BCL Most Improved Player award honors for leading the Gaels to a MIAA A Conference title. Edokpayi’s ability to control the paint on both ends was extremely impressive. His confidence that shows in his jumper from 15-to-18 feet caught many off guard this season considering he was battling just to get time off the bench as a junior. His rise started in the summer of 2019 at the June Live Period and translated into his play throughout the winter season. Many would consider Edokpayi an absolute steal for Fairfield and he should make an immediate impact as a freshman.
Will Thomas Will Thomas 6'6" | SF Mervo | 2020 State MD | 6’5 | Mervo
Previous ranking: No. 39
Current ranking: No. 25
Thomas had a bounce back senior campaign after being sidelined all of the 2018-19 season with a Jones’ fracture. The 6-foot-5 wing can play multiple positions on both ends which is why he is considered as being one of the most versatile players in the DMV. Thomas scored with ease from the mid-range and painted area, showcased his advanced vision as a passer and made a concentrated effort to be an above average rebounder out of his area. Thomas is one of the top available seniors in the DMV.
Jahmal Banks Jahmal Banks 6'4" | SF St. Frances Academy | 2020 State #185 Nation MD | 6’4 | St. Frances
Previous ranking: No. 9
Current ranking: 27
Really the only reason for Banks’ dip in the rankings was the fact that he left St. Frances early in January to enroll at Wake Forest and begin his football career in the ACC. Prior to his departure, Banks proved in a strong sense that he was one of the best guards in the DMV with his versatility and size at 6-foot-4. Next to Jordan Toles Jordan Toles 6'3" | SG St. Frances Academy | 2020 State #402 Nation MD (LSU) in the Panthers’ full court press, it was impossible to get the ball up the floor cleanly without a deflection or steal taking place. His leadership shined through as soon as he touched foot on St. Frances’ campus and if he and Toles would’ve remained enrolled and this season continued, it wouldn’t have shocked me to see St. Frances be ranked in the top five nationally. I cant underestimate how important his presence was for this team while they had him.
Mitchell Fischer Mitchell Fischer 6'7" | PF Loyola Blakefield | 2020 State MD | 6’7 | Loyola Blakefield
Previous ranking: No. 54
Current ranking: No. 41
Following a breakout junior season that landed him First-Team honors in both the MIAA and BCL, Fischer put on noticeable muscle for his senior season and sustained production levels. The 6-foot-7 forward can stretch the floor with his shooting, can score inside with his back to the basket and make sound decisions with the ball as the swing man at the top of the key. His aggression on both ends was evident, but really came through in his rebounding numbers as the the Dons relied heavily on his size to make an impact. Fischer remains unsigned and could end up being a nice late add from the low major program looking for a loyal player who is determined to develop his overall game.