2018 Rankings Breakdown: Baltimore Forwards Part 1
With the release of our 2018 player rankings, the breakdowns continue. Take a look at our part one of the Baltimore guards portion that was released earlier today. Maryland is arguably the best state for high school basketball in terms of Division I prospects.
With a very guard-heavy emphasis on the rankings, the forwards have their share of big time talents. Let’s take a look at the first handful that reside in Baltimore.
Jalen Smith | 6’10 F | Mt. St. Joseph/Team Takeover | #2 overall
Smith is regarded as one of the top players in the country. His size helps him dominate on both ends. Smith is extremely long and can score on the block or from the outside, which makes him a match up nightmare for most players his size. The Gaels lose Darryl Morsell to the University of Maryland, so Smith will be expected to be the unanimous leader to protect their MIAA and BCL championships. Smith’s list is down to nine schools. Maryland, Syracuse, and Virginia are schools amongst the list.
Anthony Higgs | 6’9 F | Perry Hall/Team Melo | #19 overall
In the last calendar year, Higgs has made quite a name for himself. Making up one of the twin towers that Perry Hall won the 4A state title with will do that. What was most impressive about Higgs’ rise was the development of his outside game. He was known for his great athleticism to finish poster dunks and be a shot blocker defensively, but he now has a capable three-point shot. Higgs doesn’t settle for three’s, but in kick-out situations with a little time, he can knock them down. Both he and teammate LaQuill Hardnett will be expected to deliver another state championship to Perry Hall just one year after giving the school their first in program history. Higgs holds six current offers including Massachusetts, Old Dominion, and Kansas State.
https://twitter.com/HoopMajor/status/854465734549929985
LaQuill Hardnett | 6’9 F | Perry Hall/Team Melo | #23 overall
Hardnett is one of the most versatile forwards in the state. For both Perry Hall and Team Melo, Hardnett is featured as a point forward that has become so popular in basketball today. His jumpshot is still a work in progress, but it’s improving. The 6’8 forward can knock down consistently from 15 feet, but shines when he is taking his an off the dribble to the basket. From there, he can finish around the rim at an efficient rate or use his vision to find an open teammate. Hardnett is also a versatile defender who is quick enough to guard guards on pick-and-roll situations, while also being a shot blocking presence at all times when he is around the paint. Hardnett holds offers from Quinnipiac, Hofstra, Canisius, La Salle, Towson, and ECU.
Jordan Jones | 6’7 F | Mt. Carmel/Team BBC | #41 overall
Jones comes from a deep basketball family. His older brother Jared played for Loyola (MD) and his older sister Brionna Jones was recently selected by the Connecticut Sun with the No. 8 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Jones is a good shot-blocker defensively. His athleticism allows him to be an effective scorer from 15 feet and in. Jones will be one of the key members for the Mt. Carmel Cougars as they try and continue last season’s success of appearing in the MIAA and BCL championship games.
Eyabi Anoma | 6’6 F | St. Frances/Randallstown Rebels | #55 overall
Anoma is a star on the basketball court, but an even bigger one on the football field. He is currently the No. 2 overall prospect in the country with the option of going pretty much anywhere he chooses. His size and strength at 6’6 225 pounds makes him a handful for any opposing big man. Because of his physicality, Anoma is able to dominate a game in the rebounding category. He also has the ability to catch and finish on rolls after setting ball screens. He isn’t an outside shooter, but he can play like a guard defensively given his great footwork and athleticism.