2022 Player Rankings: Baltimore Wings/Forwards 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…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
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. This article will feature the wings/forwards in the top 50.
Cameron Whitmore Cameron Whitmore 6'7" | PF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State #30 Nation MD | 6’6 | Archbishop Spalding
Current ranking: 3
Whitmore exploded onto the scene after missing his freshman season with a knee injury. The 6-foot-6 versatile wing was also featured as a forward and even a center at times given the fact that he was the tallest player on the roster. His blend of size, athleticism and ability to score from all three levels made him a mismatch nightmare in the MIAA A Conference. He rebounds out of his area and can push the tempo himself. Projecting Whitmore for the long term if he stays on his current trajectory, he’ll have power 5 options as he evaluates a list of offers. Virginia Tech, Towson and UMBC have all offered the sophomore.
Cesar Tchilombo Cesar Tchilombo 6'8" | C John Carroll | 2022 MD | 6’8 | John Carroll
Current ranking: 6
Tchilombo took the next step in his development as he continues to get comfortable with the American game. The 6-foot-8 Congo native established himself as one of the top shot blockers in the area and was the anchor to John Carroll’s defense. He improved his offensive skills when catching the ball with his back to the basket as well as catching and finishing as the roller off of ball screens. His motor and consistency in running the floor is what usually gives him the advantage over his match up. Mount St. Mary’s and Howard have both extended offers.
CJ Scott CJ Scott 6'4" | SF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 MD | 6’4 | Archbishop Spalding
Current ranking: 11
While Whitmore has the most potential on this Spalding team, Scott was arguably their most consistent player throughout the season. At 6-foot-4, Scott does a variety of things to help his team. He was initiating offensive sets in the half court for much of the season and made solid decision with the ball when you consider he hasn’t been playing point guard leading up to 2019-20. Scott is most effective when he’s getting downhill and attacking the rim. He’s particularly effective at drawing contact, getting to the free-throw line and taking advantage of his opporunities at the stripe. Scott doesn’t need the ball to be an impact. He has a good feel as a cutter and finding weak spots in the defense to free himself up. He’s an above average rebounder for his size and can guard multiple positions competently in the MIAA. Towson and UMBC have offered.
Noah Batchelor Noah Batchelor 6'6" | SF IMG Academy | 2022 State #184 Nation FL | 6’7 | Glenelg Country
Current ranking: 13
Batchelor made waves over the summer with his performance at USA Basketball Mini Camp that parlayed in offer from high major programs. At 6-foot-7 with above average athleticism and ability to shoot with efficiency from three, it’s not hard to see why programs want to buy stock early. Batchelor had to adjust to a new school and team in 2019-20. While he had glimpses of what makes him a special prospect, there were also times that he struggled. Defenses are now well aware of his strengths. I’m confident in saying that Batchelor will have a bounce back junior campaign as he works to become more dynamic off the dribble and tighten up his defense. Georgetown, Memphis, Maryland, Florida, Virginia Tech, Clemson and George Washington have all offered Batchelor.
Dani Dennis-Sutton Dani Dennis-Sutton 6'6" | C McDonogh | 2022 MD | 6’6 | McDonogh
Current ranking: 33
Dennis-Sutton had one of the best seasons that no one talked about. At 6-foot-6, the star defensive end on the football field is an absolute force in the paint and makes it impossible for the long, lean forwards to gain any leverage. If he isn’t bullying his defender under the basket, Dennis-Sutton is shooting face up jumpers from 10-12 feet with decent efficiency. His release isn’t pretty, but it goes in and has soft touch on the rim. His physicality translates to dominance on the glass and for his size, he has impressive athleticism and motor. Already holding offers from top college programs in the football department, Dennis-Sutton will likely project as a future NFL prospect.
Preston Howard Preston Howard 6'5" | PF McDonogh | 2022 MD | 6’5 | McDonogh
Current ranking: 47
Howard missed basically the entire season dealing with two injuries throughout. The Eagles were desperate for his size at 6-foot-5 and his versatility on both ends. There’s no doubt he still has plenty of potential to become an interesting prospect to college coaches, but similar to Dennis-Sutton, he’s gaining offers from SEC programs for his quarterbacking skills on the football field.
Adam Walden Adam Walden 6'9" | C Baltimore Polytechnic | 2022 MD | 6’9 | Poly
Current ranking: 48
While Walden didn’t get much playing time on a loaded Poly team that spent a good portion of their season in the top 25 nationally, he still showed progressions. His body is the most evident as he shed the baby fat that he came into high school with and has become leaner and as a result, more explosive. Walden took advantage of his opportunities and contributed as a scorer in the paint, a consistent rebounder and a shot blocking presence. I’m going to assume that Walden will see his role increase significantly next season. Hofstra and Coastal Carolina have offered.