Updated 2023 Rankings: Baltimore Prospects in the Top 25
Yesterday we released our updated 2023 MD/DC player rankings and it’s time for articles that help break down players that were included. For my first article since the update, I’ll look at the prospects from the Baltimore Metro area that…
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Continue ReadingYesterday we released our updated 2023 MD/DC player rankings and it’s time for articles that help break down players that were included. For my first article since the update, I’ll look at the prospects from the Baltimore Metro area that appear in the top 25.
Jahnathan LaMothe | 6’4 | St. Frances/Team Durant
Ranking: No. 2
Lamothe jumped from No. 5 to No. 2 since the last update. One reason being that Kwame Evans transferred to Montverde Academy, which removed our former No. 1 player from the list, but also because of the steady improvement that Lamothe has made over the last few months. His game is maturing at a fast rate and he’s learning not only how to be an impact scorer, but also a primary ball-handler and playmaker. Lamothe was a popular name among high major programs on the day of June 15 and of the 25+ programs that reached out to him, Maryland and Ohio State extended offers. Expect the recruitment battle to heat up as summer progresses for the 6-foot-4 combo guard.
Jeannot Basima Jeannot Basima 6'3" | CG John Carroll | 2023 State #200 Nation MD | 6’4 | John Carroll/Global Squad
Ranking: No. 3
Basima soared in the ranking since the last update with his dominant run in the BCL Playoffs where he led John Carroll to the championship win over an undefeated St. Frances squad. The 6-foot-4 guard is a relentless competitor who is at his best slashing to the rim and finishing with either had. He’s an active, versatile defender and a plus positional rebounder. One thing that is guaranteed with Basima is that he will play with 100 percent effort no matter the score or opponent.
Bryan Simmons Bryan Simmons 5'10" | SF #175 Nation PA | 6’6 | St. Frances/Team Durant
Ranking: No. 4
Simmons joins a St. Frances team and helps move the meter even more when it comes to national ranking consideration. The 6-foot-6 wing/forward is as versatile as they comes, sports a long wingspan and athleticism with pogo-stick hops around the basket. He’s an elite lob threat in transition, works hard on the glass at both ends and can guard multiple positions competently.
Cortez Johnson Cortez Johnson 6'7" | PF St. Frances | 2022 State MD | 6’7 | St. Frances/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 6
Johnson had a breakout season for St. Frances becoming an instrumental contributor to their dominant season this winter. Like Simmons, Johnson is a versatile player who can guard multiple positions, finish above the rim with regularity and continues to become more comfortable with his looks on the perimeter. His productivity for Team Thrill this spring and summer has been steady. Johnson is a prospect with untapped potential and is catching the attention of mid-major programs throughout the region.
Mike Williams Mike Williams 6'3" | CG Bishop Walsh | 2023 State #141 Nation MD | 6’3 | Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 7
It’s unsure where Williams will play his next high school season, but I’ve seen major progress in his game this spring and summer with Team Thrill. He’s understanding how to become a true two-way impact player especially with the tenacious on-ball defense he supplies. He can guard either backcourt position and is extremely active in passing lanes where he’s always looking to cause deflections for steals. Offensively, Williams has always been a consistent finisher around the rim, but his three-point shot off the catch and his solid decision-making off the bounce in the mid-range has clearly improved, earning him a spot within the top 10.
Carlton Carrington Carlton Carrington 6'4" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #84 Nation MD | 6’4 | St. Frances/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 18
We missed Carrington on the high school scene last season after some confusion with the shortened season, but the 6-foot-4 combo guard will suit up for St. Frances in the fall and play a big role likely as the starting two guard. Carrington is a floor-spacer with his ability to knock down three’s and he’s always looking to streak down court for easy layups in transition. In stints, Carrington has shown growth as a ball-handler and facilitator for stretches throughout games, which will continue to be the next step in development for him going forward.
Aidan Harris Aidan Harris 6'6" | SF St. Marys | 2023 State #293 Nation MD | 6’6 | St. Mary’s/DMV Stags
Ranking: No. 22
Harris is an intriguing prospect that caught attention this winter with some dominant performances. He has solid size at 6-foot-6 to go with valuable physicality, but it’s his athleticism and wiggle off the bounce that catches you off guard. He can switch it up and be a bruiser inside offensively or step outside for the occasional three. Harris shows ability to put the ball on the floor and create shots for himself depending on the matchup while hitting the glass at both ends with effort. Look for low and some mid-major programs to take a long look at Harris going forward and track his progress.