2019 Rankings Breakdown: Baltimore Forwards
Since our player rankings were released a little over a week ago, Adam Ayalew and myself are doing in-depth breakdowns of each. I am focusing on the players who reside in the Baltimore area. Be sure to check out the main page of PrepHoops MD to see all of the breakdowns for the class of 2018.
Now, moving onto the class of 2019. There are a ton of talented players in the state of Maryland who will be juniors next high school season. With any rankings, it’s difficult to find the perfect spot for each player. Here’s where the Baltimore big men ended up:
Marvin Price | 6’5 F | Patterson/D.C. Blue Devils | #11 overall
Price has separated himself as the top player of his class in the city of Baltimore. His size to go with a long 6’5 frame makes it difficult to find the best match up to throw against him. If a team puts a bigger player on him, Price can play out on the perimeter and take him off the dribble. Putting a smaller player will only force him to use his strength on the block. As he plays this summer with the D.C. Blue Devils, Price fills the role of a small forward. For Patterson, he’s more of a frontcourt presence. The lefty holds offers from Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, and DePaul. At the next level, Price will likely be playing most of his minutes at the small forward position, but his versatility and strength will allow him to be featured as a stretch four as well. To see a highlight reel from courtside films, click here.
Will Thomas | 6’5 F | Mount Carmel/Team Melo | #13 overall
Thomas may be listed as a forward because of his size, but he can operate as a point/forward that has become so popular in today’s NBA game. In terms of ball-handling, he’s at the top of his class in the Baltimore area and it allows him to do many different things on the floor. Thomas is strongest when he’s going to the hoop either in transition or the half court breaking down his man in isolation situations. What makes him a bigger threat is his ability to operate in pick-and-rolls with big man Brandon Watson (6’8). Thomas can turn the corner quickly and attack the rim, or force the big to step up and deliver a solid pocket pass for a Watson bucket. Thomas holds two offers from Towson and Southern Utah with many other schools showing interest.
https://twitter.com/Wthomas___/status/850433908407771139
Amani Walker | 6’9 | Poly/Team Thrill | #29 overall
Walker is a long, mobile forward that can produce on both ends. His all around game is still a work in progress, but he has the size and tools to be a high impact player for Poly the next two seasons. Walker is active defensively and is always seeking an opportunity to distort or block an opponent’s shot. He does a good job of being the beneficiary of trailing baskets in transition after grabbing a rebound. With Dre Perry headed to Temple, Walker will be expected to step up and become a needed presence in the frontcourt for the Engineers as they try and protect their Class 3A State Title.
Ryan Marshall | 6’4 F | Mt. St. Joseph/Mid Atlantic Select | #61 overall
On a team like Mt. St. Joe, it’s easy for good players to get pushed to the side considering the elite talent that makes up the roster. Marshall does a great job of filling in where the team can use him most, and that’s coming in and playing intense on ball defense. Offensively, he’s a high IQ player that understands the importance of ball movement and when to look for his own opportunities.
Chase Drew | 6’5 F | Gilman/Team Thrill | #66 overall
Drew is an athletic stretch forward that can knock down the long ball with the best of them at his position. He finishes around the rim well in transition due to his ability to go above the rim, but he still has room to improve on finishing off catches from rolls to the basket in the half court. Defensively, Drew is good at making the weakside rotation on drives to disrupt an opponent’s shot. Drew recently received his first offer from Siena, with a number of other low and mid-major schools showing interest.