2022 Baltimore Guard Rankings (15-11)
As we continue to battle through these unprecedented times, here at Prep Hoops the staff is doing deep dives into each class. I’ve began my release of position rankings for Baltimore, the area I cover heavily. It’s time to move…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs we continue to battle through these unprecedented times, here at Prep Hoops the staff is doing deep dives into each class. I’ve began my release of position rankings for Baltimore, the area I cover heavily. It’s time to move to the 2022 class where there is no shortage of talent and even a few prospects who have a chance to play at the high-major Division I level. I understand there is much confusion these days with claiming a player’s true “position,” so instead of breaking down point guards and shooting guards separately for this class I’ve decided to group them into one, break down their games in the write-ups and hopefully give the reader a better feel for what the player offers.
Let’s get into it starting with the guards who came in at 15-to-11.
15. Tre Green Tre Green 6'2" | CG Glenelg County | 2023 MD | 6’2 | Boys’ Latin
Green was a beneficiary of a short Lakers’ rotation and received opportunities to win the coaching staff’s trust with his play. The 6-foot-2 lefty guard can make defenses pay when left open around the perimeter. While he seems to have a decent game off the bounce, he remains efficient with his dribbles in his team’s read-and-react offense. Green makes smart, solid decisions as a passer and didn’t try to force the ball in too many nonexistent windows this past season. As time goes on, Green will continue to gain confidence which should ultimately allow him to showcase other aspects of his game.
14. Samuel Ejindu Samuel Ejindu 6'1" | CG Glenelg Country | 2022 State MD | 6’1 | Glenelg Country
Ejindu is a 6-foot-1 combo guard that saw increased playing time as the season progressed. He’s better playing off the ball and in isolation situations where he can use his ability to break down his man with quick-twitch, shifty moves to get himself a look. He’s capable of making shots off the bounce from mid-range, has shown to be a decent finisher at the rim and can make three’s on catch-and-shoot scenarios. Ejindu is more athletic and explosive than he looks, which helps him on the defensive end staying in front of quick guards when he’s focused. When he sets his mind to it, he can also be a solid rebounding presence for a guard. Once Ejindu invests as much focus as he does scoring to other areas of his game, he presents as a really intriguing prospect.
13. Sammy Scott Sammy Scott 5'7" | PG Milford Mill | 2022 State MD | 5’6 | Milford Mill
Scott is one of the smallest players in the area, but is also one of the toughest and most annoying defenders (in a good way). He uses his low center of gravity to his advantage and is effective at anticipating crossovers when pressuring his man the length of the floor. He guard with the effort and determination that any coach would admire in their point guard. Offensively with the ball, Scott isn’t blazing fast, but can get shifty enough to make his defender unbalanced and take advantage. He like to pull up for jumpers from 12-to-16 feet and is efficient in his attempts. Going forward, Scott should look to be a bigger threat from three, an attribute that is a must with extremely small guards.
12. TJ Vaughn TJ Vaughn 5'10" | PG John Carroll | 2022 State MD | 5’11 | John Carroll
Vaughn was the primary ball-handler for a John Carroll team that had no shortage of scoring at his position. Vaughn’s responsibilities ranged from facilitating the offense in the half court, controlling the pace of the game, providing ball pressure as a defender and forcing turnovers by way of steals or drawing charges. He checked each of those boxes and was an important reason as to why the Patriots experienced a drastic improvement in record despite still playing a rotations filled with underclassmen. Vaughn routinely finds himself getting into the painted area where he can finish with either hand or find his open big roaming around the dunker’s spot. He has a quick, smooth left-handed release on his jumper, which is an area he has improved in since his freshman season.
11. Jalen Marshall Jalen Marshall 6'0" | PG Gilman | 2022 State MD | 6’0 | Gilman
Prior to the season, head coach Will Bartz raved about Marshall and the impact he could make for the Hounds. It didn’t take long for Marshall to prove him right. A 6-foot guard who can play on or off the ball, Marshall is a fearless player on both ends. He attacks the rim with fearlessness and embraces contact on the way. Defensively, he locks in and defends his man the full length of the floor. Often times, Coach Bartz would assign Marshall to the opposing team’s best perimeter player. His anticipation in passing lanes is another impressive aspect that Marshall brought to a Gilman team that finished atop the Black Division of the MIAA A Conference. He showed hints of being a capable three-point shooter, but that will continue to be a work in progress going into his junior season. He’s certainly a name that could emerge as a diamond in the rough in this class.