MD/DC Super Sophomore Wings/Bigs
In this article:
The MD/DC area is notorious for producing top-level talent and while we’ve enjoyed a fair share of prospects in the 2022-2024 classes, it seems as if 2025 could be even better. Let’s take a look at some of the rising…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe MD/DC area is notorious for producing top-level talent and while we’ve enjoyed a fair share of prospects in the 2022-2024 classes, it seems as if 2025 could be even better. Let’s take a look at some of the rising sophomore wings and bigs who enjoyed freshmen campaigns.
It’s only right to start this list off with the top-ranked prospect. In a talent pool this deep, it speaks to just how good Ward is. He has great size and is nearing 6-foot-6 1/2 with a skill set and versatility that are beyond his years. He was excellent for a loaded Team Durant 15U squad throughout the spring/summer, made impressions at underclassmen camps against national competition and dominated statistically for his Largo team in EBA Summer League. After a freshman season of posting eye-catching stat lines, expect more of the same from Ward as his body and skill set improve every time we see him.
Exinor asserted himself this summer by playing an important role on Team Thrill. He has good size at 6-foot-4, a very strong frame that’s helped him be a power five football recruit and an underrated jumper that can really open up his game when he gets it going. Exinor is willing to do the dirty work and is always a presence on the glass. He embraces contact on drives to the rim and can guard multiple positions on the defensive end. Simply put, Exinor is a swiss army knife and will thrive in a more involved role as a sophomore with McDonogh.
I think Rougier-Roane has one of the highest ceilings in this class locally. He’s equipped with good size nearing 6-foot-5, athleticism that continues to improve and a good feel with his approach. He’s a capable scorer from anywhere on the floor, but may be at his best in transition where he can throw down momentum-changing dunks even when defenders try and contest. He gets to his spots efficiently off the dribble and has solid shooting mechanics for his age off the catch. His blend of size, length and athleticism all contribute to him being able to guard 1-4 positions at the high school level.
Washington is one of the best leaders I’ve seen since having this job. It’s mind blowing to think that would be the case as a freshman and now a rising sophomore, but in every way possible he’s the kid that any coach would love to coach and any player would want to play alongside. There’s a reason why so many power five programs are recruiting him as a quarterback and all of the intangible traits translate on the basketball court, which result in wins for any team he plays on. Skill wise, Washington is a pit bull who is a constant presence on the defensive glass. He’s an elite communicator on that end of the floor who isn’t hesitant in diving on the floor for a 50/50 or giving his body up to draw a charge. Offensively much of his scoring occurs inside the paint. Whether it be in face-up scenarios where he take his man off of 1-to-2 dribbles, making timely cuts to the rim or feasting on the offensive glass, Washington’s presence will be felt. Luckily for Spalding head coach Josh Pratt, having a young roster won’t be as much of an issue with Washington acting as a coach on the floor.
Thomas is a skilled, 6-foot-5 forward with versatility. As the others included on this list, he can impact the game in a multitude of ways thanks to his size and ability to grab defensive rebounds, lead the break and make plays for himself or others. While his handle still needs to get tighter, Thomas is good enough in quick face-up isolation situations in a half-court setting to create space for his own look. He can bury defenders in the post and score over his left shoulder with efficiency or be a valuable option as a ball screener where he can either roll or pop. Thomas posted insane numbers for SEED last season and now that they’ve tried to bolster the schedule in comparison to last year, it’ll be interesting to see if he can follow through with another similar year statistically.