Updated 2021 Player Rankings: Stock Risers
Yesterday we released the updated 2021 player rankings after what was an unprecedented spring and summer. Even though majority of college coaches were unable to get into the gym, us scouts here at Prep Hoops Maryland tried to be active…
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Continue ReadingYesterday we released the updated 2021 player rankings after what was an unprecedented spring and summer. Even though majority of college coaches were unable to get into the gym, us scouts here at Prep Hoops Maryland tried to be active as possible getting our eyes on the prospects in this area that is often referred to as a hotbed for collegiate talent.
Who were the players who boosted their stock the most? Let’s take a look.
Ahmad Harrison Ahmad Harrison 6'1" | PG National Christian | 2022 MD | 6’1 | National Christian/Team Thrill
Previous ranking: 50
Current ranking: 19
Harrison was a common name thrown around throughout the summer on this site due to his high level of play for an undefeated Team Thrill squad. It was our first time getting to see him play the point guard position for an extended period against high caliber talent. Previously at Gerstell and City, Harrison was playing off the ball and was mainly featured as an off-ball option. The 6-foot-1 southpaw was excellent in taking control as a floor general. He executed sets, created for others and made the most of scoring opportunities when they came his way. Harrison is a relentless defender who should see a major uptick in his recruitment after announcing that he will suit up for new head coach Kenny Johnson at National Christian Academy alongside some impressive talent.
Bobby Hill Bobby Hill 6'5" | PF Reservoir | 2021 State MD | 6’5 | Reservoir/Team STAT
Previous ranking: 36
Current ranking: 20
Hill rounds out our top-20 after leaping from no. 36. The 6-foot-5 wing/forward claimed the Howard County Player of the Year award following his standout junior season for the Reservoir Gators. He followed it up with a productive summer for a fun Team STAT team that shocked many shoe circuit opponents along the way. Hill was a versatile stretch four option that scored inside and out while being a presence on the glass. I’d expect for high Division II and low-major Division I programs to track him very closely in the coming months.
Byron Ireland Jr. Byron Ireland Jr. 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2021 State MD | 6’2 | St. Frances/DMV Stags
Previous ranking: 44
Current ranking: 23
Ireland makes a big jump in the rankings after being a consistent producer for a nationally ranked St. Frances team as a junior. He’ll take on a much bigger role as a season for the Panthers and has given good indication he is ready based off the energy he’s supplied this summer with the DMV Stags. A rough and rugged downhill scorer, Ireland has polished his perimeter game and become a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. He’s a versatile defender in the backcourt and continues to improve in the strength and athleticism departments.
https://twitter.com/ByronIreland/status/1305188655275945984?s=20
Thomas Whitley Thomas Whitley 6'6" | PF Eleanor Roosevelt | 2021 State MD | 6’6 | Eleanor Roosevelt/District Basketball Club
Previous ranking: 53
Current ranking: 24
Whitley was another prospect who really made a big impression on scouts and coaches with his play this spring and summer. At 6-foot-6, a chiseled frame that can still fill out some and intriguing athleticism, Whitley was sought after aggressively by Division II programs. Earlier this week he received his first Division I offer from Army West Point. He screams versatility as he can kill defenses with his corner three as well as finish consistently through contact around the rim. Defensively is where he can be used like swiss army knife and realistically guard any position for stretches throughout games. Chestnut Hill and Gannon have also extended offers.
Mike Woods Mike Woods 6'4" | SF Frederick Douglass | 2021 State MD | 6’4 | Frederick Douglass/DMV Sports Academy
Previous ranking: 65
Current ranking: 31
Woods’ name really started to surface as a stock riser late this summer as he asserted himself in the I-95 Coalition League for DMV Sports Academy. The 6-foot-4 guard/wing led his team to the 17U title and claimed MVP honors as he scored consistently and at an efficient clip. He’s a creative scorer who finds ways to put the ball in the basket from all three levels. Woods holds offers from Army West Point, Bowie State, Canisius and Livingstone. His two Division I offers came after his play this August.
Jamai Felt Jamai Felt 6'8" | C Randallstown | 2021 State MD | 6’8 | Randallstown/Team Choo
Previous ranking: not ranked
Current ranking: 22
Perhaps the biggest stock riser in the DMV area, Felt established himself this spring and summer as a legitimate Division I prospect. The combination of his size, length and athleticism along with his high ceiling are super intriguing to a slew of programs. The 6-foot-8 lefty makes plays above the rim that really catch you off guard in terms of just how explosive he can be. He’s a dominant shot-blocking presence although he needs to grow in that area and avoid picking up fouls. He’s an aggressive rebounder and a determined floor-runner. Felt holds offers from Bowie State, Chestnut Hill, Miles, Towson and SMU.