2022 Baltimore Guard Rankings (5-1)
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…
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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.
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5. Deon Perry Deon Perry 5'8" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2022 State MD | 5’8 | Mt. Carmel
Perry was the cowbell for a Mt. Carmel team that earned some big wins throughout the season. He made everything go offensively for the Cougars as a scorer and distributor. He was at his best in high ball-screen scenarios where he could make opposing bigs pay for late hedges, gather his dribble and pull up for three or slither his way into the paint to find an open teammate as a result of the defensive rotation. If usage rate was kept as a stat, I’d feel confident betting that Perry led the area considering how much he had the ball in his hands.
4. Everett Cooper Everett Cooper 5'10" | PG McDonogh | 2022 MD | 6’1 | McDonogh
Cooper missed the majority of this season with a leg injury, but in the 15 games he did play, the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 11.7 points and 4.7 assists. The Alabamba baseball commit had to take on more of the scoring responsibilities as the Eagles’ roster was decimated with injuries to frontcourt players. The addition of freshman Mathani Paul-Swinson Mathani Paul-Swinson 5'11" | PG McDonogh | 2023 MD also allowed Cooper to slide to the two-guard and be more aggressive as a primary scoring option. Cooper can score it from all three levels and brings competitiveness and grit to the defensive end.
3. Bryce Lindsay Bryce Lindsay 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2022 State MD | 6’2 | Poly
The argument for best shooter in this class comes down between Lindsay and John Carroll’s Tyson Commander Tyson Commander 6'4" | SG The John Carroll School | 2022 State #203 Nation MD . Poly’s loaded roster was made up of multiple playmakers who demanded the defense’s attention, freeing up space for Lindsay to have target practice from three. Even a split-second look at the rim on the catch resulted in the ball hitting nothing but the bottom of the net. Lindsay is categorized as a shooter, but his game isn’t limited to that. The 6-foot-2 guard can also find open teammates when he gets into the paint off the bounce. Before colleges start offering Lindsay, they’ll want to see more consistency as a playmaker, which Lindsay will have this season.
2. Tyson Commander Tyson Commander 6'4" | SG The John Carroll School | 2022 State #203 Nation MD | 6’3 | John Carroll
Commander is the other top option as a sharpshooter from beyond the arc and NBArange, which has become arguably the most valuable skill for a player in today’s game. It’s a huge reason why schools such as Bryant, DePaul, Howard, Mount St. Mary’s, St. John’s, Towson and Xavier have all extended offers. Commander averaged 18 points per game on 38 percent shooting from three as he was the primary scoring option for the 22-12 Patriots. He’s someone the defense has to account for as soon as he crosses half court. While there’s no doubt that he can shoot it with the best of them, Commander can also make plays off the bounce and finish around the basket. His athleticism is to a point where he can finish above the rim over defenders in transition. Becoming a more consistent on-ball defender will be huge for his development and will keep the high major programs in the mix.
1. Christian Winborne Christian Winborne 6'2" | CG Gilman | 2022 State #199 Nation MD | 6’2 | Gilman
Winborne proved time and time again this season how well-balanced he can be as a lead guard. There were questions with him stepping in and filling the void left behind by Jalen Rucker (Army), Gilman’s all-time leading scorer, but Winborne proved his worth quickly both as a scorer and playmaker. The 6-foot-2 guard is a scoring threat from all three-levels and is effective in pretty much any scenario. He also has great instincts and knows how to create open shots for his teammates. Defensively, he competes extremely hard and is always looking to poke the ball free from the ball handler or anticipate in passing lanes. Winborne’s competitiveness is something that is easily admired and his leadership naturally came to the forefront as he led the Hounds to the top spot in the Black Division of the MIAA A Conference. Winborne holds offers from Loyola (MD) and UMBC. It’s puzzling to me that more schools haven’t gotten into the mix.