Updated 2022 Rankings: Baltimore Forwards
Earlier last week, we released our updated 2022 player rankings. As usual, the flow of content follows with different breakdowns of the updated list. I’ll be focusing on the Baltimore prospects and break down each position starting with the point guards.…
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Continue ReadingEarlier last week, we released our updated 2022 player rankings. As usual, the flow of content follows with different breakdowns of the updated list. I’ll be focusing on the Baltimore prospects and break down each position starting with the point guards.
For the point guards, click here!
For the combo guards, click here!
For the wing prospects, click here!
Cameron Whitmore Cameron Whitmore 6'7" | PF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State #30 Nation MD | 6’7 | Archbishop Spalding
Overall ranking: No. 2
Positional ranking: No. 1
Whitmore may have the most upside in the MD/DC area regardless of class. His blend of size, versatility and explosive athleticism all make him into a matchup problem and a major weapon on both ends. Offensively he’s at his best getting downhill and attacking the rim where he finishes well above the cup. In transition he has poster dunk ability both with the ball or when he’s on the receiving end of a lob. His mid-range and three-point game is still a work in progress, but let it be known that he cannot be left open with time on catches beyond the arc. Defensively Whitmore is used to guard multiple positions and has a knack for pinning shots against the backboard on drives. He pursues rebounds at their peak and offers the skillset to lead the fastbreak by himself.
Preston Howard Preston Howard 6'5" | PF McDonogh | 2022 MD | 6’5 | McDonogh
Overall ranking: No. 30
Positional ranking: No. 5
Howard is another versatile forward who can make his presence known in multiple categories according to the box score. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to have an impact because of his willingness to crash the glass, make hustle plays and provide the toughness and edge his team needs. You won’t see Howard step out to three, but he has face-up ability in the post and can be a capable mid-range shooter. Often times you’ll see him use his quick first step to get into the paint and finish through contact. He’s an enforcer defensively that uses his physicality from the football field to battle opposing bigs for position.
Cortez Johnson Cortez Johnson 6'7" | PF St. Frances | 2022 State MD | 6’7 | St. Frances
Overall ranking: No. 31
Positional ranking: No. 6
Johnson made the move from Loch Raven to St. Frances this summer, bringing needed length and versatility off the bench as a four. The Panthers already have Julian Reese Julian Reese 6'8" | C St. Frances | 2021 State #109 Nation MD and Derik Queen Derik Queen 6'9" | PF Montverde Academy | 2024 State #18 Nation FL , but Johnson brings a different style of play in that he plays off other’s playmaking abilities. Johnson is good in ball-screen actions where he dives to the rim, has dependable hands and has the athleticism to finish over the rim or with craft to avoid shot blockers. In the open floor his athleticism comes to light where he poses as a lob threat. Defensively he can guard from wings to centers for spurts and works extremely hard on getting in position for rebounds.
Gavin Walsh Gavin Walsh 6'7" | PF Loyola Blakefield | 2022 State MD | 6’6 | Loyola
Overall ranking: No. 33
Positional ranking: No. 8
Walsh had a productive summer and had a chance to show off his much improved body playing with the DMV Stags. It wasn’t that Walsh was out of shape before, but he’s maturing and starting to show the signs of becoming more comfortable and nimble with his frame. Walsh is engaged defensively at all times and now has the ability to switch onto small, shifty players and hold his own for a possession. He shows good IQ offensively and understands what pass to make as a swingman within an offense. He knows how to move and cut without the ball and has the athleticism to finish above the rim on a routine basis. He’ll play a crucial role for Loyola going forward.
Garvin Sween | 6’7 | Glenelg Country
Overall ranking: No. 43
Positional ranking: No. 9
Sween showed some positive signs in spurts for a senior-laden Glenelg Country team last season. At 6-foot-7 he has decent size and length to make him a versatile option on both ends. He won’t blow you away athletically, but has a quick first step and soft touch on his finished in the paint. He’s a capable shooter from three off catch-and-shoots when he has time to square up and get it off comfortably. Overall he still has improvements to make, but as he continues to grow into his body, those improvements should come naturally.
Noah Jones Noah Jones 6'6" | PF Mount St. Joseph | 2022 MD | 6’7 | Mount St. Joseph
Overall ranking: No. 44
Positional ranking: No. 10
Jones was a prospect that I was looking forward to watching this season because of the increased role he was primed to take on. The 6-foot-7 forward can knock down 15-to-18 footers with regularity and can even step out to three and do damage. He’s an active defender and willing communicator who can provide the necessary energy as a role player. Confidence is the key with Jones, as sometimes he can let a missed shot or missed rotation impact his play on the following possession.
Aidan Mess Aidan Mess 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2022 State MD | 6’7 | Mount St. Joseph
Overall ranking: No. 66
Positional ranking: No. 11
Mess was an under-the-radar transfer this summer making the move from Reservoir. He would’ve found himself logging respectable minutes in the Gael’s frontcourt because of his blue-collar approach to the game. He’s an aggressive rebounder and never let a loose ball go without diving on the floor or giving the extra effort to earn another possession for his team. Offensively he can score from the paint and also step our from three where he’ll make defenses pay for leaving him with an open look.