Category: Baltimore Catholic League

Tom Strickler ranks the top junior boys' basketball players in the Baltimore area

Justin Lewis from Poly

Nobody watches more high school basketball than Tommy “Hoops” Strickler, the scouting guru with the Hoop Group.

While the 2018-19 basketball season still sits a few months away, the summer circuit is red hot and Stickler is on the scene daily.

Exclusively for VSN, Strickler ranks the Top 15 juniors heading into the coming high school season.

1. Justin Lewis, Poly, 6-foot-7, combo forward

Budding superstar rounding out a complete game with commitment to rebounding to go with his floor game and scoring ability. High high major prospect.

 

Che Evans from Dulaney

2. Che Evans, Dulaney, 6-6, small forward

Like Lewis, Evans is defining his game as a legit high major wing forward with improved shooting and scoring around the basket. High major prospect.

 

3.  Adrian "Ace" Baldwin, St. Frances Academy, 6-0, guard

Purest of point guards, Baldwin's smooth glider has great feel for the game gets the rock to teammates in good fashion and getting a more consistent jumper. High major prospect.
High Major

 

4. Atwood "Woody" Newton, Mount Zion Prep, 6-8, combo forward

Lithe combination forward with plenty of upside and can score from all over with his height, but must beef up. High major prospect.

 

Jordan Toles from St. Frances

5. Jordan Toles, St. Frances Academy, 6-2, shooting guard 

Football phenom plays hard, scores at will and energizes his teammates, but must brush up his jumper. High major prospect.

 

6. Jordan Wilmore, Mount Zion Prep, 7-0, center

Transfer from Dematha Catholic showing much progress at both ends of the court. Potential force when he defines offensive game. High major prospect.

 

7. Jamal West, St. Frances Academy, 6-5, small forward

Dunbar transfer is an energetic slasher who can score on defenders, but needs bonafide jumper. High-to-mid  major prospect.

 

8. Brandon Murray, Poly, 6-4, shooting guard

True power guard via Boys' Latin School gets to basket with ease. Could be a diamond in the rough when he gets more exposure. Mid-major prospect.

 

9. Rahim Ali, Poly, 5-11, point guard

Compliments Murray as a true playmaker who gets everyone involved and can knock down 3-pointer when unguarded. Mid-to-major prospect.

 

Lake Clifton's Michael Gray

10. Mike Gray, Lake Clifton, 5-11, point guard

Power playmaker who attacks the basket and delivers the ball to teammates. Needs to develop consistent jumper. Low-to-mid major prospect.

 

11. Cameron Byers, Dulaney, 6-6, power forward

Burly banger from John Carroll School has really polished offensive game to go along with his rebounding prowess. Low major prospect.

 

12. Martez Robinson, New Town, 6-2, point guard

Blossoming floor leader can spot the open man and score when needed. Good size. Low major prospect.

 

13. Corey Patterson, C. Milton Wright, 6-7, center

New addition to Harford County school has good size bounce and ability to score in the paint. Low major prospect.

 

14. Roman Hinds, Gilman School, 6-8, center 

Very raw, but could emerge as a factor for Greyhounds, who could be a Top 4 team in MIAA A Conference this coming season. Low major prospect.

 

15. Joshua Odunowo, Reservoir, 6-7, center

Howard County's No. 1 prospect shows the ability to score and rebound. Low major prospect.