MIAA/BCL Non-Senior Stock Risers
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The MIAA and BCL schedule came to an end this past weekend as John Carroll managed to pull a historic upset over the No. 1 undefeated St. Frances Panthers. Even though we only got to experience a shortened season of…
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Continue ReadingThe MIAA and BCL schedule came to an end this past weekend as John Carroll managed to pull a historic upset over the No. 1 undefeated St. Frances Panthers. Even though we only got to experience a shortened season of 11-to-13 games per team, it was a great opportunity for players to return to the floor and prove their worth. Over the last month, I was fortunate enough to take in a ton of action and have compiled a list of non-seniors who helped boost their stock over that timeframe.
Jeannot Basima Jeannot Basima 6'3" | CG John Carroll | 2023 State #200 Nation MD | John Carroll ’23
It’s difficult to start this list without having Basima as the headline. The 6-foot-4 used the playoff stage as a springboard and helped lead the Patriots to a BCL crown. Basima was crucial in both the semifinal and championship as he scored 19 and 29 points in each game, eventually locking up the BCL Tournament MVP. He’s as pure of a slasher as you’ll find. To put it into perspective, Basima attempted one shot outside of the paint in the title game. He routinely finished around the rim despite the Panthers’ size in the frontcourt at 6-foot-10 and 6-foot-8. The thing to love about Basima is the energy and passion that he brings to both sides of the ball. Over the summer if he’s able to develop a somewhat capable jumper, you can expect his recruitment to really take off.
Cameron Whitmore Cameron Whitmore 6'7" | PF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State #30 Nation MD | Archbishop Spalding ’22
Whitmore is another headliner of this list after taking home BCL Player of the Year honors. The 6-foot-7 wing is equipped with pro athleticism and lives above the rim on both ends. There were long stretches throughout this season where the opposition simply couldn’t do anything to stop Whitmore from getting wherever he wanted to. A nightmare in transition, Whitmore supplied the photographers/videographers with plenty of content in their 15 games (including playoffs) with what seemed like endless poster-style finishes. Progressions with his jumper will be key in Whitmore unlocking himself as the blue blood potential prospect that I believe he is.
Deon Perry Deon Perry 5'8" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2022 State MD | Mount Carmel ’22
Perry engineered the Cougars to an impressive 12-4 record and a semifinal appearance in the BCL Tournament. While most thought Mount Carmel would be a tough opponent, not many had them winning as many games as they did and it was a testament to Perry’s production. The 5-foot-8 junior eclipsed the 1000-point mark while logging a handful of 20+ point performances. His playmaking and feel for the game continue to trend upward quickly as does his on-ball defense. Perry is the type of player that keeps opposing coach’s up at night and further confirmed his balanced approach as a point guard this season
Gavin Walsh Gavin Walsh 6'7" | PF Loyola Blakefield | 2022 State MD | Loyola ’22
Walsh was awarded as the most improved player of the BCL and for good reason. The 6-foot-7 junior was a steady producer for the 8-6 Dons and emerged as their primary scorer. He has a great size of blend and improved athleticism that help create mismatches at the forward position and Walsh knows how to exploit his advantages. He’s a reliable pick-and-pop option, can score off one or two dribbles when operating in the mid-post and has emerged as an above the rim threat in both transition or the halfcourt.
Mike Williams Mike Williams 6'3" | CG Bishop Walsh | 2023 State #141 Nation MD | Calvert Hall ’23
Williams made First-Team All BCL despite Calvert Hall finishing last in the BCL. It was Williams who was responsible for keeping them in games or managing to sneak out with the five wins that they earned through both MIAA and BCL play. Williams is a 6-foot-3 combo guard with explosive athleticism who can finish impressively in traffic. His jumper has improved a bit since his freshman year from three and he’s certainly become more consistent as a threat off the dribble from mid-range. It surprises me that more local programs aren’t beginning to recruit Williams, but I think those days are coming to an end sooner rather than later.
Tyheil Peterson Tyheil Peterson 5'10" | PG Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD | Archbishop Spalding ’22
Peterson made himself known as a valauble and consistent second scoring option next to Whitmore this season. The 5-foot-11 guard played both on and off the ball and regularly finished games with 15-to-20 points. He has a very balanced scoring attack as a scorer. He can host target practice off the catch from three, break his man down off the dribble in isolations or finish with craft around the basket. As the season progressed, so did his confidence and despite coming up short in the semifinal against John Carroll, Peterson ended his junior campaign by making a number of huge plays late in the game. I expect his overall development to continue and for him to be a potential first or second-team player next season.
Christian Winborne Christian Winborne 6'2" | CG Gilman | 2022 State #199 Nation MD | Gilman ’22
Winborne finished the year averaging 21.6 points and five assists per contest leading a young Gilman group to a 7-7 record. The 6-foot-2 guard is one of the more dynamic scorers you’ll find in the state at his class and position. He’s truly a three-level scorer who had to look for his shot often this season due to the lack of scoring options around him. One thing you’ll never have to question with Winborne is his competitiveness. He’ll do whatever it takes to put his team in a position to win.
Jordan Nkoa-Abessolo Jordan Nkoa-Abessolo 6'5" | PF St. Maria Goretti | 2022 State MD | St Maria Goretti ’22
Abessolo was a workhorse for the Gaels this season by stuffing the stat sheet. At 6-foot-4 with strong build and frame, he plays extremely hard and it doesn’t take long to tell with how he crashes the glass. His athleticism makes him a factor when finishing around the basket and when he’s streaking down lanes in transition. He still needs to polish on his ball-handling and jumpshot, but you can expect Abessolo to really surface as a household name in the league as a senior.
Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #204 Nation MD | St. Frances ’23
Lamothe took more control of the ball as the season progressed and was featured more as a lead ball-handler in the playoff games. As a result, he reminded everyone how valuable of a scorer or playmaker he can be after showing first signs with Team Durant last summer. Lamothe is a deadly three-point threat off the catch, but has made significant strides as a finisher around the rim. Continuing to tighten his handle and become more consistent as a shooter off the bounce should be on his to-do list before his junior season begins. As many of these players will, Lamothe has all of the tools to be considered and first or second-team player next season.