Early Preview: 2022 BCL Prospects to Watch Pt. 2
We’re a little over a month out until the high school basketball scene gets into the swing of things. It’s never too early to get some preseason preview content out and over the next week, I’ll be breaking down some of the…
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Continue ReadingWe’re a little over a month out until the high school basketball scene gets into the swing of things. It’s never too early to get some preseason preview content out and over the next week, I’ll be breaking down some of the prospects in various classes who participate in the Baltimore Catholic League. There is a healthy list of 2022 prospects to keep eyes on, so this will be a two-part release.
Tyson Commander Tyson Commander 6'4" | SG The John Carroll School | 2022 State #203 Nation MD | 6’4 | John Carroll
Commander had a brilliant string of games to end the shortened season and lift John Carroll over St. Frances in the BCL title game. The 6-foot-4 southpaw will take on even more of the offensive load as a senior and showed confidence throughout the summer that he has expanded his game to carry the responsibility. Known for his long range shooting, Commander has grown tougher and become more of a threat off the bounce. His size and athleticism make him a consistent finisher when around the rim in transition. Opposing teams keyed in on Commander last season and some saw success in doing so, but this season if the Patriots plan on repeating as champions, they’ll need him to be a consistent 20-point per game scorer no matter the defense that’s thrown his way.
Cesar Tchilombo Cesar Tchilombo 6'9" | C John Carroll | 2022 State MD | 6’8 | John Carroll
The reigning BCL Defensive Player of the Year will once again act as the anchor for the Patriots inside. His presence on the glass as a rebounder and as a shot-blocker in the paint can disrupt an opposing team’s entire game plan. I’m hoping to see Tchilombo play with more freedom offensively and showcase his ability to shoot from mid-range or even three in smart, but effective scenarios. He’s an effective screener and has good hands while rolling to the rim for finishes. When he gets the ball on the block, he is a willing passer but has shown soft touch on over the shoulder hooks as well.
TJ Vaughn TJ Vaughn 5'10" | PG John Carroll | 2022 State MD | 5’11 | John Carroll
Vaughn takes over as the starting point guard and will have big shoes to fill with Jalen Bryant Jalen Bryant 5'11" | PG John Carroll | 2021 State MD ‘s departure. Vaughn is a 5-foot-11 southpaw floor general who hit some big three’s in their playoff run last winter. He brings a toughness as an on-ball defender and isn’t afraid to put his head down on his way to the rim offensively to get into the paint.
Terry Long Terry Long 6'4" | SF John Carroll | 2022 State MD | 6’3 | John Carroll
Long may not blow you away with the numbers he’ll post on the stat sheet every night, but he plays a vital role in John Carroll’s success. He’s expected to do all of the little things such as take charges, secure 50/50’s and run the floor consistently. He understands how to play without the ball and make himself available for open opportunities. Long rebounds at a decent rate and can guard the three or four position competently.
Gavin Walsh Gavin Walsh 6'7" | PF Loyola Blakefield | 2022 State MD | 6’7 | Loyola
Walsh’s decision to transfer back to Loyola from Bishop Walsh was huge for the Dons’ outlook this season. They were thin in the frontcourt and didn’t have many guys who could be a versatile scoring threat at the four position. In Walsh, they have that and more. He’s coming off a productive summer with Team Melo on the EYBL Circuit and has improved not only his game, but his athleticism. Look for Walsh to be a consistent double-double threat especially if he wants to lift his team into the conversation with the top five consisting of St. Frances, Archbishop Spalding, Mount Carmel, Mount St. Joseph and John Carroll.
Owen Fischer | 6’3 | Loyola
Next to Walsh, Fischer will emerge as a guy who the Dons will need to be a consistent threat on offense. Fischer was steady throughout the EBA Summer League and proved that he can be a reliable threat from three off the catch, but also plays with good pace getting to his spots in the mid-range for pullups. He has solid size for an off-guard, but will need to sure up his lateral quickness when going against the heavy hitters of the league. Fischer is an above average rebounder for his position and is always willing to make advance passes in transition to increase his team’s chances in easy scores.
Cortez Johnson Cortez Johnson 6'7" | PF St. Frances | 2022 State MD | 6’7 | St. Frances
Johnson will now be a major x-factor for St. Frances with 2024 Luke Bamgboye transferring to Mount Carmel. As the roster stands today, there isn’t much size on this Panther team although they have a slew of talented guards. Johnson is known for his versatility at 6-foot-7 and is a guy who will take advantage of any looks he gets inside of 10 feet. His length and bouncy athleticism make him a lob threat and steady rebounder as well as a shot disruptor around the basket defensively. Look for Johnson to draw matchups with much bigger size as St. Frances embarks on a national schedule.