Top 10 2021 Baltimore Frontcourt Players
Throughout the next few weeks here on Prep Hoops and especially here on Prep Hoops Maryland, we’ll be breaking down our top 10 player at all five positions for each class. These lists are never easy to compile. Not only…
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Continue ReadingThroughout the next few weeks here on Prep Hoops and especially here on Prep Hoops Maryland, we’ll be breaking down our top 10 player at all five positions for each class. These lists are never easy to compile. Not only having to pick and choose 10 players, but also the fact that today’s basketball has become more positionless than we’ve ever seen. There always seems to be debates with this topic. Who is a point guard? Should they be considered more of a combo guard? Is he a forward or a center? Or will they have to transition to the wing at the college level?
For this specific series, we will be categorizing players on what position they fill for their current high school team based off the 2019-20 season.
For the top 2021 point guards in Baltimore, click here!
For the top 2021 shooting guards in Baltimore, click here!
For the top 2021 wings in Baltimore, click here!
1. Julian Reese Julian Reese 6'8" | C St. Frances | 2021 State #109 Nation MD | 6’9 | St. Frances
Reese quickly adjusted to the boost in competition and national schedule after transferring to St. Frances from New Town. The 6-foot-9 lefty quickly catches coach’s eyes because of his length, ability to run the floor and shoot out to 17 feet. Reese was a beneficiary of VCU commit Ace Baldwin’s elite vision and passing that helped him get consistent open shots around the rim. Where he really made his impact was on the defensive end. His elite shot-blocking ability was the main reason for Reese taking home BCL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Going forward if Reese can assert himself more physically, it would greatly help boost his stat line overall. Reese has collected a wide list of offers including: Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, DePaul, Georgetown, George Washington, LSU, Marquett, Maryland, Miami, Ohio, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Stony Brook, VCU and Virginia Tech.
2. Koralp Turk Koralp Turk 6'7" | PF Mt. Carmel | 2021 MD | 6’7 | Mt. Carmel
Like Reese, Turk experienced his first season in the MIAA as well in 2019-20. However it was also Turk’s first year in the United States since moving from Turkey. At 6-foot-7, he presents an intriguing skill set for his position in today’s game. His calling card is being utilized in pick-and-pop scenarios where he can bury three’s off the catch. When he wants to operate on the block, he utilizes his brute strength to get position and showcases soft touch and efficient use of the glass. That brute strength also is evident with his presence on the glass. Turk lacks in the athleticism and quickness departments, but he’s learned to use his body in ways to still make him effective.
3. Clarence Obiajulu Clarence Obiajulu 6'7" | C National Christian | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | City
Obiajulu could be considered one of the diamonds in the rough when it comes to this class in the Baltimore area. At 6-foot-7, he plays much bigger than his height and has sneaky explosive athleticism that allows him to finish over the rim consistently. His motor, energy and athleticism all help make him a versatile defender. He has the size and strength to hold his own against bigger match ups on the block, while maintaining respective lateral quickness on the perimeter when guarding stretch fours. Obiajulu knows how to control a game on the glass and is efficient with quick outlet passes to spark transition opportunities. Where he can improve is his jumpshot. He’s still working with a funky release and while he is capable from making shots out to 15 feet, patching up his form could spark Division I programs to show heavy interest.
4. Cam Smith Cam Smith 6'7" | PF Loyola | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | Loyola
Smith is probably the best athlete featured on this list. It makes him a handful to guard in the open floor when he’s running next to a good guard and also on the glass. He has made a concerted effort on improving the consistency of his jumpshot and as a result, he’s become a player defenses need to account for around the perimeter. Given his size, length and athletic ability, Smith is a weapon on the defensive end being able to guard multiple positions, rebound out his area and challenge shots around the rim. Overall basketball IQ is the aspect that Smith needs to drastically improve on. Things like knowing when to pass the ball on his drives to avoid charges, his timing on going up for blocks and how to use his body and strength properly could all result in boosting his stock.
5. Bobby Hill Bobby Hill 6'5" | PF Reservoir | 2021 State MD | 6’5 | Reservoir
Hill experienced plenty of success in his first year at Reservoir since transferring from DeMatha. The 6-foot-5 lefty forward has a solid skill set both as a scorer and play maker. With ability to work off the bounce, Hill uses his size and strength effectively on drives to get into the paint where he can finish with soft touch or find open teammates as a result of the defense collapsing. He’s capable of making shots off the catch from mid-range and the perimeter. He was effective guarding multiple positions this past season and was even decent at disrupting shots at the rim from smaller guards.
6. Cole Paar Cole Paar 6'9" | C Glenelg Country | 2021 State MD | 6’9 | Glenelg Country
Paar has put on significant size to add to his 6-foot-9 frame over the last year and a half. In the right offense he’s a smart decision-maker with the ball when acting as a swingman at the top of the key or high-post area. He isn’t a guy who’s going to make an impact from shooting outside, but has decent success when operating with his back to the basket on the block. Defensively his size and length can put a wrench in opposing offensive execution and shot in the painted area. He rebounds well and is good at quickly locating guards to lead fastbreaks. Paar currently holds one offer from Mount St. Mary’s.
7. Kevin Kalu Kevin Kalu 6'10" | C Mt. Carmel | 2021 State MD | 6’9 | City
Kalu has a tremendous frame to work with at 6-foot-9 and a freakish wingspan. He’s always a rim-rocking threat on catches from dump-off passes. You won’t see Kalu put the ball on the floor much, but he is capable of knocking down shots from the high-post area. He rebounds at a high rate and when locked in, runs the floor well for his size. He has become a shot-blocking presence and given his measurables, catches the eyes of many college coaches looking for big guys who are potential late bloomers.
8. Sean Carr Sean Carr 6'6" | PF Mount St. Joseph | 2021 State MD | 6’5 | Mount St. Joseph
Carr acts as a utility player for the Gaels and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work such as crashing the glass, diving on the floor or taking charges when the opportunity presents. An efficient scorer around the rim, Carr isn’t asked to take many jumpshots and sticks to his role, but still showcases solid form and capabilities on his free-throws. He’s also regarded as one of the top volleyball players in the mid-Atlantic, so his quick-twitch reaction and timing on his second jumps are impressive.
9. Detwan Montague Detwan Montague 6'8" | C Springdale Prep | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | Milford Mill
Montague is an old-school big who’s at his best operating on the block with his back to the basket. He has good hands to handle dump-off passes from penetrating guard and uses the backboard with accuracy. Most importantly, Montague utilizes his motor and plays with tremendous effort crashing the glass and running the floor.
10. Alex Miller | 6’8 | Calvert Hall
I didn’t get a chance to see Miller as much as planned this season, but from what I saw he’s a 6-foot-8 forward that can finish with touch inside. He sets effective ball screens and understands how to play within a system and structured half court offense. He works hard on the glass and runs the floor well for his size.