Top 10 2021 SG’s in Baltimore
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.
1. D’Angelo Stines D’Angelo Stines 6'2" | CG Mount St. Joseph | 2021 State MD | 6’2 | Mt. St. Joseph
Stines played off the ball as more of a scoring two-guard this season. It was his first year at the varsity level after developing his game on JV for his first two high school seasons. It took a few games for Stines to adjust, but once he began seeing shots fall, his confidence immediately soared as did his production. Stines turned into a dynamic scoring option who could finish with either hand around the rim while also doing damage off the dribble from mid-range or on catch-and-shoot situations beyond the arc. For stints in the latter portion of the season, Stines was the Gael’s most consistent scoring threat and will look to carry over that production as he steps in next season looking to be the primary option on the perimeter. Howard and Mt. St. Mary’s are two programs that have already offered the 6-foot-2 guard, while there are plenty low majors showing heavy interest.
2. Khyrie Staten Khyrie Staten 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2021 State MD | 6’2 | St. Frances
Along with Stines, Staten was one of Baltimore’s biggest stock risers with his play. The 6-foot-2 guard was a key contributor for the nationally ranked Panthers. He averaged 9.7 points per game behind 2020 Jamal West Jamal West 6'5" | PF St. Frances Academy | 2020 State #334 Nation MD (South Alabama), 2020 Ace Baldwin (VCU) and highly recruited forward 2021 Julian Reese Julian Reese 6'8" | C St. Frances | 2021 State #109 Nation MD . He also averaged 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 44 percent from the field. He contributed in whatever way he could to help his team fire on all cylinders. Staten continuously locked down the opposing team’s biggest perimeter threat and was the perfect complement to Baldwin’s play-making ability, as he stood in the corner and canned three’s. With many local low major programs tracking Staten, he’s a player that any program could benefit from having.
3. Ahmad Harrison Ahmad Harrison 6'1" | PG National Christian | 2022 MD | 6’1 | City
Harrison checks in after leading City to a dominant 2019-20 season. The 6-foot-1 southpaw is known for his versatility on both ends despite standing 6-foot-1. His toughness allows him to guard taller players through stints of games, but his natural match up would be either guard spot. A heady scorer and play-maker in transition, Harrison is an efficient finisher around the rim and has shown consistency stopping on a dime from 15-to-17 feet and converting jumpers. He’s a plus rebounder at his position and brings energy to his teammates when locked in. Harrison’s recruitment is a bit confusing as most of his offers came early in his high school career, but look for him to generate some buzz if there is indeed a travel season this summer.
4. Byron Ireland | 6’2 | St. Frances
Along with Staten, Ireland supplied consistent and efficient production from the off-ball guard position. At 6-foot-2 and a strong frame, Ireland would use that strength to help finish through contact on drives, but also showcased soft touch on his jumpers from mid-range and three. He was a tough-nosed defender who could hold his own against bigger match ups or use his athleticism and lateral quickness to stay in front of shifty guards. Ireland has yet to receive an offer, but schools of the low and mid-major variety have inquired and are tracking him closely.
5. Darrius Tilghman Darrius Tilghman 6'3" | PG Parkville | 2021 State MD | 6’4 | Parkville
Tilghman had a rejuvenating junior season as he transferred to Parkville and helped the Knights to a 22-3 overall record. The 6-foot-4 lefty was a dynamic play-maker for others off the bounce, showed glimpses of finishing with craft around the rim and showed improved accuracy on his three-point shot. Tilghman averaged 10 points and 4 assists per game. He played more off the ball next to 2020 John Godinez John Godinez 5'10" | PG Parkville | 2020 State MD (Notre Dame (OH)) this past season, but will likely become the lead guard of next year’s team. Tilghman’s tape has caught the attention of low to mid-major programs as many are close to pulling the trigger on offering.
6. Jaylin Webster Jaylin Webster 6'0" | CG Dulaney | 2021 State MD | 6’1 | Dulaney
Webster split time on and off the ball for Dulaney this season with 2021 guard Ryan Conway Ryan Conway 6'0" | PG Dulaney | 2021 State #111 Nation MD . When Conway suffered a foot injury that would keep him sidelined for the final chunk of the season, Webster took over completely as the lead guard. Webster is a crafty play maker who makes high IQ plays as a passer. Sometimes he tries to fit the ball into windows that aren’t there, but as he continues to grow as a player, those plays will come less often. When Conway was out it forced Webster to manufacutre offense both as a scorer and passer. His outside shot has improved since his sophomore season and he finishes with soft touch on his floaters. Defensively Webster does a nice job of pressuring the ball and stunting at the ball handler to make things difficult. In transition, his eyes are always up looking to advance the ball for quick scores. Webster has no current offers, but has attracted programs from all levels.
7. Malik Scipio Malik Scipio 6'3" | SF Parkville | 2021 State MD | 6’2 | Parkville
Scipio is one of the most overlooked players in Baltimore. He was the x-factor in many ways for Parkville this season and consistently put up big scoring performances. At 6-foot-2, Scipio is a bull in a china shop when he drives to the rim. His brute strength allows him to finish through contact. He’s a streaky shooter from three and mid-range and has the ability to get it going quickly once one shot falls. Defensively he can guard positions 1-4 competently. His combination of speed and strength make him a valuable asset on that end. Division II schools have been most attracted to Scipio. As a senior, he’ll become the primary scorer as Tilghman takes over as the full-time floor general.
8. Jaiden Jakubowski Jaiden Jakubowski 6'0" | CG John Carroll | 2021 MD | 6’2 | John Carroll
Jakubowski is a player that any team would love to have. At 6-foot-2, he’s a sharpshooter off the catch and totally buys into his role. If he doesn’t have a clean shot on the catch, he quickly gets the ball out of his hands and cuts to free himself up. He doesn’t waste dribbles or mess up the flow in the offense with his decision making. While Jakubowski can improve as a 1-on-1 defender, he shines as a weakside help man. He always sees the entire floor and has good understanding and instincts of when to slide over for charges. Jakubowski should have endless Division III programs interested in him over the next 6-to-7 months.
9. Vincent Payne Vincent Payne 6'2" | CG St. Maria Goretti | 2021 State MD | 6’2 | St. Maria Goretti
The first thing that sticks out with Payne is his frame. At 6-foot-2, he’s got wide, broad shoulders and a body that should fill out once he’s put in a strength/conditioning program. Added muscle would certainly help his game, but what he brings to the table now is outside shooting and effort. Payne can get it going once he sees one three drop and he’s strategic when coming off screens to free himself for shots. He has potential to be a great weapon defensively, but where he has to improve is staying locked in every possession. With Payne’s work ethic and willingness to be coached, I have little doubt that he’ll be a nice college prospect for programs of the Division II or III level.
10. Dayyan Noble Dayyan Noble 6'1" | CG Gerstell | 2021 State MD | 6’2 | Gerstell
Gerstell struggled mightily as a team this season, but Noble was a bright spot especially when his shot was falling. The 6-foot-2 guard was their leading scorer at 14.7 points per game. He was effective from all three levels where he could quickly get his shot off from the perimeter off the catch, showed ability to break his man down and take advantage in isolations and utilize good footwork following jumpstops around the rim. Noble also averaged 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. Consistency will remain a key factor in his development and if Noble can spark the interest of college programs going forward.