2022 Player Rankings: Baltimore Guards in the Top 50
As we continue on this journey into uncharted territory without basketball, we continue the coverage here at Prep Hoops Maryland with the recent release of our player rankings. The 2022 class is loaded with talent and has potential to include…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue on this journey into uncharted territory without basketball, we continue the coverage here at Prep Hoops Maryland with the recent release of our player rankings. The 2022 class is loaded with talent and has potential to include future nationally familiar names. For this series, I’ll focus on the Baltimore prospects included in our rankings. First with the guards who appeared in the top 50.
Christian Winborne Christian Winborne 6'2" | CG Gilman | 2022 State #199 Nation MD | 6’2 | Gilman
Current ranking: 8
Winborne is coming off an extremely productive sophomore campaign as he led Gilman to the top of the Black Division of the MIAA A Conference with a 17-10 overall record (14-5 in conference play). The 6-foot-2 guard filled a void left behind by Jalen Rucker (Army) at the point guard position, but there’s a strong argument that Winborne was more effective in improving those around him. He can score from all three-levels and gets impressive lift on his jumper both off the catch or off the dribble. He’s a determined driver and finisher around the basket. In the open floor he can surprise defenders with his athleticism and ability to get above the rim. Winborne showed improved understanding of situational basketball, how to get teammates open and be a leader on both ends.
Tyson Commander Tyson Commander 6'4" | SG The John Carroll School | 2022 State #203 Nation MD | 6’3 | John Carroll
Current ranking: 9
Commander is the top shooter in this class and has a real argument as being the top sniper in the DMV regardless of class. The 6-foot-3 lefty can step out to NBA range on catch-and-shoot situations and convert with efficiency. He’s a player that must be accounted for the second he steps over half court whether it be in transition or within execution of a set. Commander showed improvement as a finisher around the rim. Areas of focus going forward include becoming a play maker for others on his drives and becoming a more consistent defender. He recently received an offer from Xavier while already holding offers from Towson, Howard, Bryant and Mount St. Mary’s.
Bryce Lindsay Bryce Lindsay 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2022 State MD | 6’1 | Poly
Current ranking: 18
Lindsay is in the same breath as Commander when putting together a list of elite shooters. The 6-foot-1 guard was a beneficiary of playing on a loaded Poly roster that offered scoring threats at every position. Lindsay’s presence was key as a floor spacer which allowed others to have driving lanes. When the defense would leave Lindsay, he’d make them pay with a triple. While he’s still developing a game off the bounce, he showed progression in his ability to read and react quickly with the ball. He also took positive steps as a defender and became more reliable pressuring the ball handler the full length of the court.
Tobi Nnadozie Tobi Nnadozie 6'4" | SF Mt. Carmel | 2021 MD | 6’3 | Mt. Carmel
Current ranking: 19
Nnadozie’s high ranking is heavily weighed on his potential as a combo guard with elite athleticism. The 6-foot-3 transfer guard from Perry Hall adjusted quickly to the MIAA, which isn’t an easy transition. Nnadozie is a slashing guard who is most effective in the open floor as an above the rim finisher. He’s a good rebounder for his position and anticipates accurately in the passing lanes defensively. Nnadozie still needs to improve his jumper off the dribble and becoming a consistently effective defender guarding the ball.
Everett Cooper Everett Cooper 5'10" | PG McDonogh | 2022 MD | 6’1 | McDonogh
Current ranking: 22
Cooper suffered a broken bone in his leg early in the season that would keep him sidelined for the remainder of McDonogh’s schedule. It was a bummer considering he showed vast improvement as a scorer since he was playing more off-ball alongside freshman point guard Mathani Paul-Swinson Mathani Paul-Swinson 5'11" | PG McDonogh | 2023 MD . It’ll be interesting to see if Cooper can still play with that confidence as a junior.
Antonio Hamlin Antonio Hamlin 6'2" | CG Mount St. Joseph | 2022 MD | 6’2 | Combine Academy
Just a quick note on Hamlin: he recently announced that he will be transferring from Mount St. Joseph to Combine Academy in North Carolina. Hamlin is a prospect I’ll miss watching develop, but has the potential to become a low-to-mid major Division I prospect if all bodes well.
Deon Perry Deon Perry 5'8" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2022 State MD | 5’8 | Mt. Carmel
Current ranking: 34
Perry was the cowbell for Mt. Carmel this year. He made everything go offensively to the point where I’m willing to bet he easily had the highest usage rate in Baltimore (oh, how I wish they kept those sort of stats). He operated heavily on ball screen sets where he’s a threat to shoot from deep range, break his man off the dribble and get to the basket or hit the screener for a pocket pass rolling or flaring out to the perimeter. Pound for pound he’s one of the best players you’ll find in Baltimore. The issue with him is obviously his size. In order to have a strong shot at landing offers, he’ll need to improve on making more sound decisions with the ball and becoming a consistent defensive presence. These are two areas that I can easily see Perry making strides in over time.
Tyheil Peterson Tyheil Peterson 5'10" | PG Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD | 5’11 | Archbishop Spalding
Current ranking: 37
Spalding’s production in large part came from their sophomore class throughout last season. Peterson filled a crucial role as the point guard, but could also play off the ball and adopt more of a scoring mentality. The 5-foot-11 guard is a fearless driver who can finish in a variety of ways at the rim. A capable shooter from mid-range off the bounce, Peterson also showed progression in his efficiency from beyond the arc. Defensively he’s a competitor who pressures the ball and showcased quick lateral movement. Peterson doesn’t talk much, but his toughness is clearly shown in his play and that mindset quickly spreads to his teammates.
Carlos Alexander Carlos Alexander 5'11" | PG Mervo | 2022 MD | 5’11 | Mervo
Current ranking: 49
Alexander took over the point guard duties for Mervo after transferring from St. Frances last spring. The 5-foot-11 lefty brings a ton of craft and glamour to the court with his shifty crossover, array of no-look passes and his finishes around the basket. I wouldn’t classify Alexander as a threat from three just yet, but he can knock shots down when left with enough space and time. When he’s locked in defensively, he can be a pest both on and off the ball, but staying focused is an area of improvement. His attitude is the biggest concern. Considering that he’s still a sophomore offers plenty of time to grow and mature, but he’ll need to start proving that soon in order for colleges to be willing to offer.