Another week is in the books and the season is still is uncertain as ever. Nevertheless, the crew was able to get into some gyms this weekend and evaluate some top-notch talent. We’ll discuss standouts from the action, available shooters…
Another week is in the books and the season is still is uncertain as ever. Nevertheless, the crew was able to get into some gyms this weekend and evaluate some top-notch talent. We’ll discuss standouts from the action, available shooters that should be on small college’s radars and the candidates for MD and DC Gatorade Player of the Year if there happens to be season.
1. If we are to have a season, who’s your prediction for Gatorade Player Of The Year in MD and DC. (So two players)
Giacubeno: Julian ReeseJulianReese
6'8" | C St. Frances | 2021State#109NationMD
has been on an absolute tear this fall. It seems as if the 6-foot-9 forward is beginning to put it all together and assert his presence on the inside. I’ve seen him record a handful of 20 & 10 performances and recently a 30-point, 10-rebound performance in a win over Central Pointe. It’s safe to say given the schedule that St. France usually plays, if he can stay on track with this production, he’ll be in strong consideration.
D.C.’s award will be interesting. Ryan CornishRyanCornish
6'3" | CG Sidwell Friends | 2021StateMD
and Quincy AllenQuincyAllen
6'7" | SF Maret | 2021State#125NationMD
headline as the favorites, but I wouldn’t be quick to overlook Darren Buchanan at Wilson. Buchanan improved immensely this summer and it reflected in his recruitment. He’ll be the engine that makes this Wilson team go, so you can assume he’ll log some big numbers as a junior.
Wilson: For the state of Maryland, I am going to go with Jakai RobinsonJakaiRobinson
6'4" | SF Rock Creek Christian | 2021State#53NationMD
. As weird as this sounds especially after signing with an ACC program in Miami, I still believe Robinson is underrated. I think he could have a huge senior season with Rock Creek Christian where he transferred to and really make his mark on a national level.
In DC, I am going to go with Colorado commit Quincy AllenQuincyAllen
6'7" | SF Maret | 2021State#125NationMD
. Allen did not play during his junior season because of an injury but is set to bounce back for a strong senior season.
2. Who are one or two perimeter shooters that are still available for small colleges to target?
Giacubeno: I wanted to shed light on two under the radar prospects in this question. The first being senior wing Ramon VillanuevaRamonVillanueva
6'5" | SF Sparrows Point | 2021StateMD
. Villanueva is a 6-foot-4 wing who is a shot-maker at all three levels. He’s responsible for being the cowbell for his high school team, so many of his shots come from his own creation, but when he’s playing next to other capable players, he can really find his mark from three off the catch.
Montez Dunbar is a 6-foot-2 senior at Parkville High School. He’s seen his recruitment grow a bit here in the last few months, but for any Division III programs looking for a stout 3-and-D type of player, Dunbar could be your guy. His athleticism has improved steadily as well to a point where he finishes over the rim with regularity.
Ayalew: Chad Watson from Patriot High School is an absolute sniper. One of his best traits is his off-ball movement. Watson knows where to be, is always shot ready, and has a way of creating space on the perimeter.
Eli Bennett is a three-and-D guy who could certainly help out a small college for the long haul. He’s a blue-collar type wing who demonstrates a high basketball IQ. When Bennett is able to get his feet set he is a legit weapon from behind the arc
Wilson: Cole HaninColeHanin
5'10" | PG Bullis | 2021StateMD
. Hanin is a standout lead guard from Bullis that can shoot the ball very well. I know a fair amount of division three schools are intrigued with him as some low division ones. It will be interesting to see where Hanin lands as he has the making to be a good college point guard.
3. We each had the chance to get into the gym recently. Any performances standout?
Giacubeno: As mentioned earlier, Reese was a dominant force in St. Frances’ win over Central Point in the Myrtle Chaffic Classic. Finishing with a stat line of 30 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, there was simply no stopping him. He scored whenever he wanted to inside, converted on multiple mid-range jumpers and stayed efficient from deep knocking down his only attempt. Reese was used as the top guy on the Panthers’ full court press and got his hands on several passes that resulted into steals and easy dunks for him in the open floor.
Wilson: This past weekend I attended the A-Game Fall Shootout that played host to some of the top middle school teams in the Mid Atlantic. Two 2025 prospects of note that stood out and are next in line for the Team Durant program are Jalen Roane and Camren Flemming. Roane is a 6’2 guard that already has a good feel for the game and plays advanced for his age. Fleming stands at 6’6 with an already impressive frame who was towering over everybody this weekend.