Top 2021 Wings 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.
For the top 2021 point guards in Baltimore, click here!
For the top 2021 shooting guards in Baltimore, click here!
1. Jared Billups Jared Billups 6'5" | SF McDonogh | 2021 State MD | 6’6 | McDonogh
Billups has developed into the top wing in the Baltimore area and there’s really no debate for anyone else in the 2021 class. At 6-foot-6, he’s a dynamic player on both ends who can impact the box score in many ways. His athleticism, defensive versatility and strong frame are the first things that come to mind that will translate well at the college level. Billups can competently guard positions 1-4 in the MIAA A Conference and when focused, take his match up out of the game. His combination of length and athleticism make it difficult on small, quick guards or against stretch fours who may lack quickness. Offensively Billups is a great finisher around the rim. His athleticism is evident in transition opportunities but he also has improved on his mid-range jumper off the bounce in half court play. Billups holds offers from Bucknell, UMass-Lowell, Bryant, Mount St. Mary’s and Loyola (MD). CAA programs are starting to show interest and with a spring/summer travel season, I wouldn’t doubt that Billups would’ve picked up at least two offers from that conference.
2. Nick Marshall Nick Marshall 6'4" | CG River Hill | 2021 State MD | 6’4 | River Hill
While Marshall will be featured more as a guard at the college level, his size and versatility allows River Hill to feature him more as a wing. Marshall possesses good body control and is at his best in transition where he can finish above the rim or make crisp passes to teammates for easy buckets. He mixes his attack up well offensively by being a threat from three off the catch, knocking down mid-range jumpers off the bounce or finishing tough, crafty lay ups on his drives. Marshall holds offers from Fairfield, Howard and Loyola (MD) and similar to Billups, would’ve been a prospect who took advantage of a spring travel season platform.
3. Marlon Lewis Marlon Lewis 6'5" | SF Havre de Grace | 2021 State MD | 6’4 | Havre de Grace
Lewis is one of the most athletic prospects you’ll find in the DMV. At 6-foot-4, his explosive athleticism makes him a handful in transition and someone who must be accounted for on the offensive glass. Lewis likes to give the fans plays to rave over. He’s an underrated three-point shooter who can rattle off multiple shots after seeing one fall. Defensively he is an above average shot blocker for his position and rebounds with aggression. There are still portions of Lewis’ game that needs polishing, but low to mid-major programs have all inquired about his recruitment. Lewis currently holds no offers.
4. Malik Missouri Malik Missouri 6'5" | PF Gilman | 2021 State MD | 6’5 | Gilman
Missouri got bit by the injury bug mid-way through the season that put him on the sideline. His progression with the injury is still unknown, but Missouri was on the radar of many college coaches with his size, length and versatility. Going forward, I’d hope to see Missouri become comfortable operating with the ball off the bounce. He’s proven to be an efficient shot maker from the mid-range with ability to convert from beyond the arc with time and space, but approaching his attack with more aggression and confidence will help widen his opportunities at the next level.
5. Barry Evans Barry Evans 6'7" | SF Poly | 2021 State MD | 6’7 | Oakland Mills
I haven’t seen Evans live multiple times, but I’ve collected a ton of film and feel comfortable inserting him at this position on this list. At 6-foot-7, Evans is still growing into his body and impressive wingspan. He’s a lefty who can finish above the rim in transition or showcase soft touch with either hand on his floaters in the paint. He’s a decent three-point threat off the catch and works with effort earning second chance opportunities for his team. His length allows him to finish around the rim while contested and also contributes to his shot blocking presence as a defender. Becoming more explosive and quicker laterally could help him generate some buzz within his recruitment.
6. Dinari Boykin | 6’4 | Curley
Boykin was a key contributor for a Curley team that won the MIAA B Conference title. At 6-foot-4 and athletic, Boykin filled many roles defensively for the Friars. He could defend either guard position, contain wing players and even get away with matching up against some of the stretchier fours in the conference. Boykin is sneaky explosive getting to the rim off the bounce and takes advantage of any driving lanes that are presented. He can make the defense pay leaving him open on the perimeter off catch-and-shoots. Lastly, Boykin plays with great effort and energy, which is why he was a factor on the glass and off the ball as a defender where he thrived on anticipating in passing lanes to create fast break opportunities.
7. Ramon Villanueva Ramon Villanueva 6'5" | SF Sparrows Point | 2021 State MD | 6’5 | Sparrows Point
Villanueva’s name surfaced after a productive season at Sparrows Point as a junior. A transfer from Perry Hall, Villanueva stepped in an immediately asserted his versatility in Baltimore County as a main option. He averaged 22 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while shooting a blistering 86 percent from the free-throw line. Villanueva isn’t going to impress with his athleticism, but his high IQ and instincts make him an intriguing prospect. Defensively he’s better suited against slower wings or fours, but his lateral quickness will be an area that must improve before college. Offensively he can be a handful considering he’s a scoring threat from all three positions. He can pass with both hands off the live dribble and makes sound decisions.