Updated 2023 Rankings: Baltimore Prospect in the Top 25
Last week our updated player rankings for the 2023 class went live. There was significant movement throughout and as usual, the flow of content covering the updates can be found on the site. For this piece, I’ll be looking at…
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Continue ReadingLast week our updated player rankings for the 2023 class went live. There was significant movement throughout and as usual, the flow of content covering the updates can be found on the site. For this piece, I’ll be looking at the Baltimore prospect who were included in the top 25.
Amani Hansberry Amani Hansberry 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2023 State #52 Nation MD | 6’7 | Mount St. Joseph/ Team Durant
Ranking: No. 1
When a player such as Hansberry decides to transfer schools, it automatically changes the hierarchy of whatever conference he joins. In this case, he’ll be the next big that head coach Pat Clatchey molds for the high major level all while being a huge piece in making the Gaels a legitimate contender in the MIAA/BCL for the 2021-22 season. Hansberry’s size, IQ and versatility will prove to be extremely valuable in MIAA/BCL play and while he’s largely been featured as a big who operates on the block up to this point, you can expect to see Hansberry’s versatility on full showcase this winter.
Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #204 Nation MD | 6’3 | St. Frances/ Team Durant
Ranking: No. 2
All indications point to this season being the one that Lamothe becomes a heavy presence on the ball for St. Frances. It’ll be handled by committee, but I’d expect for him to operate in ball screen scenarios on a routine basis. He did the same for Team Durant this summer and proved to be a three-level scoring threat, an intelligent passer with sound vision and a strong ball handler under pressure. Lamothe boasts a high major recruitment with several power five programs prioritizing him.
Jeannot Basima Jeannot Basima 6'3" | CG John Carroll | 2023 State #200 Nation MD | 6’4 | John Carroll/Global Squad
Ranking: No. 3
Basima had his breakout in the BCL Tournament as he helped lead John Carroll to the conference title while capturing MVP honors. He kept his level of play at a high level throughout the spring and summer by standing out at almost every single event he attended. The 6-foot-4 guard is arguably the top two-way backcourt prospect in the state. He’s an elite slasher who is still developing his mid-range and three-point shot. He rebounds at an elite level for his position and can defend multiple positions on the defensive end. Despite his success, Basima’s recruitment still is underwhelming and I’d advise mid major programs to take a close look at his progress over the next 3-to-4 months. Siena and Howard are Basima’s only offers.
Carlton Carrington Carlton Carrington 6'4" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #84 Nation MD | 6’4 | St. Frances/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 5
If you hadn’t seen Carrington since his freshman year of high school, you likely would’ve had my reaction which was walking into the gym and not recognizing him at all. The Carrington I remember stood 5-foot-9 on a good day and spend his freshman season launching three’s. Now standing 6-foot-4, Carrington’s game is much more polished and he’ll emerge as a volume three-level scorer this season for the Panthers. He proved himself over the summer with Team Melo as a fluid shot-maker who brings some tools to the defensive end given his length. Carrington’s recruitment has been close to the vest up to this point, but I’ve been told that high major programs are keeping a close eye on his play this winter and could be close of pulling the offer trigger.
Mike Williams Mike Williams 6'3" | CG Bishop Walsh | 2023 State #141 Nation MD | 6’3 | Calvert Hall/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 7
Williams checks in at No. 7 and is set to have the most productive season of his high school career under new head coach and former NBA veteran Gary Neal. I caught Calvert Hall in action at the EBA Fall Fest and liked the different offensive schemes that Neal is infusing into his young team. A lot of which is initiated by Williams’ ability to create for himself and others. He has a quick first step and athleticism that allows him to finish around or above the rim with regularity. He’s become a better shooter off the bounce and will be expected to be just as effective as a distributor as opposing teams will scheme to stop his scoring. Williams holds offers from George Mason, DePaul, George Washington, LSU, UMass, East Carolina and McNeese State.
Mitchell Kalu Mitchell Kalu 6'5" | PF Mt. Carmel | 2023 State MD | 6’5 | Mt. Carmel/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 20
There’s a chance that seeing Kalu’s name so high in the rankings could catch people’s eye, but after seeing him this summer with Team Melo and in summer league play with Mt. Carmel, I’m confident in saying he’s pound-for-pound a top three rebounder in the state. The way that he pursues the ball at it’s peak given his explosive first jump, ability to embrace physicality and flat-out determination all go into him being a force in this regard. His brother, Kevin (UTEP), was a walking double-double and the BCL Defensive Player of the Year last season. Those are big shoes to fill, but Mitchell plays with the motor and intensity needed to make that void seem a tad smaller.
Austin Abrams Austin Abrams 6'3" | SG Mount St. Joseph | 2023 State MD | 6’3 | Mount St. Joseph/Mid-Atlantic Select
Ranking: No. 22
We had the chance to see Abrams a great deal this summer and feel great about his progress as he steps in the a bigger role with the Gaels as a junior. Abrams is a knockdown shooter in the mid-range and an underrated finisher around the rim. Most importantly, he’s a high IQ player who knows when to pick-and-choose his spots as a scorer. Sharing the floor with guys like Hansberry, 2022 Aidan Mess Aidan Mess 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2022 State MD and 2024 Bryson Tucker Bryson Tucker 6'7" | CG IMG Academy | 2024 #15 Nation FL will ensure consistent open shots for Abrams this season. If he can prove himself as a consistent sniping threat off the catch, it’ll only help raise his stock and give Mount St. Joe a better chance of capturing a league title.