2021 Under the Radar Guards
With the world currently on pause as we continue to find a pathway of continuation through the pandemic, the flow of content will remain constant here at Prep Hoops. We recently took a look at guards, wings and frontcourt players…
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Continue ReadingWith the world currently on pause as we continue to find a pathway of continuation through the pandemic, the flow of content will remain constant here at Prep Hoops. We recently took a look at guards, wings and frontcourt players of the 2021 class who were affected most the postponement of AAU. This series is more geared towards the prospects who are still flying under the radar in said class. They fit the mold as being prospects for the NAIA, Division II, Division III or JuCo levels. It’s not to say they couldn’t possibly earn a Division I scholarship, but at this moment they project as certain prospects for the levels mentioned prior.
Saveon Jackson Saveon Jackson 6'0" | CG KIPP | 2021 State MD | 5’10 | KIPP
Jackson and his backcourt mate also highlighted in this article, Rasheed Dupree Rasheed Dupree 5'5" | PG KIPP | 2021 State MD , form one of the most underrated, but productive backcourts in the DMV. Jackson led KIPP this season averaging 17.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 4.5 steals per game. As indicated by his stat line, Jackson gets it done in pretty much every aspect. He scores on a consistent basis in transition and is excellent with anticipating passes off the ball defensively. It wouldn’t be smart for programs to put a cap on Jackson’s potential strictly because of his height.
Malik Scipio Malik Scipio 6'3" | SF Parkville | 2021 State MD | 6’3 | Parkville
Scipio was quietly one of the most consistent scorers for a Parkville team that finished 22-3 overall and was set to play in the Class 4A Final Four. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 13 points per game, which was second behind their leading scorer and Notre Dame College commit John Godinez John Godinez 5'10" | PG Parkville | 2020 State MD . Scipio is a tough, physical guard who can score competently from all three levels. His frame and strength allows him to finish through contact in transition or downhill situations. When focused, Scipio is a valuable on-ball defender and can match up against multiple positions given his quickness to guard smaller, shifty players and his strength to guard taller wings.
Evan Flaks | 5’10 | Pikesville
Flaks has gained traction with a number of high-academic Division III programs. The 5-foot-10 lead guard averaged 15.8 points, 3.1 assists three rebounds and 2.2 steals per game according to Max Preps. A consistent three-point threat and smart decision maker in transition, Flaks also guards the ball effectively from his position.
Cole Hanin Cole Hanin 5'10" | PG Bullis | 2021 State MD | 5’10 | Bullis
Hanin is similar to Flaks in both size and skill set. A 5-foot-10 floor general who can stretch the floor, Hanin is a pesky guard that understands pace and how to facilitate an offense. He’s a determined on-ball defender and has improved his lateral quickness over the past calendar year.
Rasheed Dupree Rasheed Dupree 5'5" | PG KIPP | 2021 State MD | 5’7 | KIPP
Dupree is one of the best small floor generals you’ll find in the DMV. Don’t let his size fool you because Dupree plays with grit on both ends and can completely control the pace as a facilitator. It’s what makes KIPP such a dominant team in their league since Dupree stepped foot on campus. According to Max Preps, Dupree averaged 10.8 points, 5.6 assists 3.9 rebounds and 3.4 steals per contest.
Jaylin Webster Jaylin Webster 6'0" | CG Dulaney | 2021 State MD | 6’1 | Dulaney
Webster’s role increased drastically as a junior after Dulaney lost key starters to transfers prior to the season. As a result his confidence grew as a play maker and facilitator in half court play. Webster brings a lot of craft with everything he does whether it’s finishing around the rim, making passes through tight windows to a cutting teammate or breaking his man down in isolation situations. He’s shown capability to hit three’s when left open and brings energy pressuring the ball defensively. He does however tend to try and fit passes in small windows at inopportune times. As he gains experience and learns not to try and hit the ‘home-run’ when he can make a simple one, Webster will blossom into an intriguing prospect for various levels.
Anthony Smaldore Anthony Smaldore 5'10" | PG St. Paul's | 2021 State MD | 5’10 | St. Paul’s
Smaldore brings everything a program can use from the point guard position. Grit, high IQ, ability to hit shots from beyond the arc and arguably the most underrated skill in college basketball, delivering solid entry passes to the post. Smaldore has an unorthodox release that takes a little longer than some would like, but he makes defenses pay when he gets it off. His competitiveness and leadership is evident and quickly reflects through his team.
Mark Rachic Mark Rachic 6'2" | CG Calvert | 2021 OH | 6’2 | Calvert
Rachic has developed at a rapid rate over the last calendar year and had a big junior season averaging 16.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and four assists per game. Rachic is an underrated finisher in the paint and does a better job finishing through contact than most give him credit for. Rachic also has athleticism that can be showcased in the open floor and is making strides with his defense.
Will Reyolds | 6’3 DeMatha
As the D.C. powerhouse will undergo roster changes as valuable seniors graduate, Reynolds should see a boost in his role for DeMatha in 2020-21. He’s proven to be a handful in transition where his athleticism and ability to finish at the rim can be showcased. As he proves himself further in one of the best leagues in the country, Reynolds’ recruitment should pick up significantly.
Jaiden Jakubowski Jaiden Jakubowski 6'0" | CG John Carroll | 2021 MD | 6’2 | John Carroll
Jakubowski is one of the top pure shooters in his class locally. The 6-foot-2 guard doesn’t put the ball on the floor often, but when he does it’s for profit. He has a release that every coach loves. Jakubowski doesn’t have to bring the ball down by his hips before his shot, rather he can catch at chest level and get into his shot quickly and accurately. He averaged 11 points per game and shot 40 percent from beyond the arc this season after dealing with a foot injury that kept him sidelined all of last summer.
Michael Solomon | 6’3 | Huntingtown
Solomon is a 6-foot-3 guard who can finish above the rim in the open floor. In half court play, he’s at his best isolation situations or attacking bad close-outs and getting downhill headed to the basket. Solomon has soft touch on floaters and a good feel for how to utilize the backboard. He’s a plus rebounder for his position as he averaged six rebounds a game to go with his 9.1 point per game average.
Jeremiah Stanton Jeremiah Stanton 5'11" | PG Gerstell Academy | 2021 State MD | 5’11 | Gerstell
Gerstell had a rough season in their first year participating in the MIAA A Conference, but a lone bright spot was Stanton. The 5-foot-11 guard averaging 13.4 points 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Stanton can play both on and off the ball, creating space with his ability to knock down shots beyond the perimeter. He can fill the role as a facilitator if need be as well. He showcased soft touch on his drives and competes at a steady level.