Stephaun Walker Looks To Capitalize Off Big Sophomore Season
There haven’t been many opportunities to get in the gym for game action in Baltimore so far this winter due to COVID-19 restrictions, but last week I had the chance to watch a group of prospects from the DC area take on a local powerhouse program. Of that DC group was 2022 Coolidge/Team Takeover forward Stephaun Walker Stephaun Walker 6'7" | PF Coolidge | 2022 State MD .
Walker is 6-foot-7 and built a reputation for being a walking double-double based on sophomore campaign. He was looking forward to translating his production to the summer with Team Takeover on the EYBL Circuit, but the global pandemic forced all major shoe circuit events to be canceled. Team Takeover still found a way to run a few exhibitions within guidelines to give their players exposure.
“It went well,” Walker said of his summer. “Takeover scheduled their own little tournament where we took on some of the top teams in the area. It was live streamed and a lot of coaches were watching. Even though we would’ve liked to play in front of those coaches, it seemed like the film helped a lot of us.”
Walker presents good size and length for his position at the high school level. He has ability to guard high school centers for spurts as his length can help contest shots around the rim. He’s at his best when it comes to rebounding. Walker pursues the ball at its peak and doesn’t just rely on his athleticism to go get it. He has sound fundamentals on boxing out his man and making early contact during the process.
“I focused on my jump shot, my handles and being able to check a guard full court,” Walker told Prep Hoops when asked what he worked on this summer. “I’m always working on my rebounding, but that’s always been a good area for me. Just being strong with the ball and not having turnovers that I can avoid.”
In the game that I saw Walker play in last week, he was counted on as the center and went up against a high major signee. As usual, Walker established his physical style of play and quickly frustrated his matchup to the point where they got into a scuffle. I was impressed with Walker’s composure. The opposing player was removed from the game and Walker went about his business as if nothing happened.
Looking at Walker’s recruitment, he told Prep Hoops that Akron and Mount St. Mary’s are the two programs reaching out to him the most. Mount St. Mary’s has officially offered Walker as has Bryant, Canisius, Howard, Rider, and Southeastern Louisiana. Akron has yet to offer, but could be added to the list based off their communication.
The high school season is still as uncertain as ever, but if there happens to be some sort of games, expect Walker to put forth some impressive outings and show a polished overall game.