Baltimore County Preview: Non-Senior Guards to Watch
A little over a week ago, the MPSSAA announced that the first official practice for the basketball season will begin on December 7. The first official games can be played on January 4. With that being the case, it’s time…
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Continue ReadingA little over a week ago, the MPSSAA announced that the first official practice for the basketball season will begin on December 7. The first official games can be played on January 4. With that being the case, it’s time to begin the preseason previews.
We’ll take a look at the non-senior guard to watch for the upcoming season.
For the senior guards, click here.
For the senior wings and bigs, click here.
Sincere Barfield | 6’0 | Parkville ’24
Barfield has the chance to be one of the best freshmen in the Baltimore Metro area. He’s a 6-foot-1 guard with a ready-made body for the varsity level. Barfield has elite athleticism that allows him to finish over the rim consistently and a mentality to embrace contact on his way to the rim. Many private schools were after Barfield, but he ultimately decided to attend Parkville and should play a significant role for the Knights coming off a Class 4A Final Four appearance.
Tjay Beckles Tjay Beckles 5'10" | PG Overlea | 2023 State MD | 5’10 | Overlea ’23
Beckles could very well be one of the best players in Baltimore that no one talks about. He’s an elite shooter from three and can shoot it well beyond the arc with comfort and efficiency. Beckles cans triples both off the catch or off the dribble. He has playmaking ability operating in ball-screen scenarios and because of the gravity he demands from the defense, he creates many open looks for others.
Cam Sparrow | 6’2 | New Town ’23
Sparrow played a respectable role as a freshman for a senior laden New Town squad last season that won the Baltimore County title for second-straight year. As a sophomore, he balloons into a massive role and will likely be the go-to guy offensively. Sparrow can get it going from three with time, but also has shown improvement in his in-between game and has become more of a threat off the dribble. No matter what their roster looks like, the Titans always find themselves in the mix of the top team in the county and I don’t expect that to change drastically behind Sparrow’s leadership.
Sammy Scott Sammy Scott 5'7" | PG Milford Mill | 2022 State MD | 5’6 | Milford Mill ’22
Scott looks to take complete control of the offense for the Millers this season after they lost Jermaine Goodwyn Jermaine Goodwyn 6'2" | SG Milford Mill | 2020 State MD to graduation. The 5-foot-6 point guard looks like a fullback, but is equipped with quick-twitch ability and understands how to get into the paint with regularity. Despite his size, Scott is a consistent finisher around the rim and in the paint, but his first intention is to create for others on his drives. The key for Milford is for the surrounding guys to finish the easy looks that Scott creates.
Devin Adams | 5’8 | Kenwood ’22
Adams made huge plays for Kenwood in game-winning or game-tying situations on multiple occasions last season. As he approaches his junior season, look for Adams to assert himself earlier in games as a scorer. Kenwood will need all the scoring they can get from him, but luckily he’s a capable shot-maker from all three levels. He can hold his own defensively against quick, shifty guards and will be the reason that Kenwood competes with teams who have better overall talent.
Mark Bidinger | 6’3 | Western Tech’ 22
Bidinger presents good size to play as an off-ball guard or wing position for Western Tech. He can make the defense pay when left open from the perimeter or mid-range. Bidinger is an underated playmaker in the open floor in transition where he can finish consistently around the basket, but also possesses good vision and feel for the game as a passer. The county doesn’t have much size, so Bidinger will be responsible for a fair share of the rebounding on the defensive end for a guard.
DJ Leak | 5’10 | Western Tech ’22
Leak is coming off a solid summer with an uber-talented Team Melo squad. The 5-foot-10 guard flies under the radar, but can impact the game in a multitude of ways. Leaks is a dependable scorer, sets the table nicely in the half court and defends with energy. Leaks will spearhead this Western Tech squad who will have a chance to surprise some folks this winter.