2020 Rankings Breakdown: Baltimore Guards
We’ve made it through all of our player breakdowns and we finally get to the fabulous freshman of last season. Now sophomores, these players will look to build off their experience from their freshman seasons and begin making a name for themselves. Let’s take a look at the Baltimore guards who made the short list of 2020 players.
Adrian Baldwin | 6′ G | St. Frances/Team Thrill | #9 overall
It’s safe to say that Baldwin will end up being one of the top players in the class of 2020. He’s ninth at the moment, but as his career continues and he improves, not only will be be the best guard in the class, but will be one of the top players overall. Baldwin has tremendous basketball IQ to go with tight ball handling, great vision, and anticipation. He’s the type of player that makes the game look easy. The point guard position has become filled with score-first players, but Baldwin’s priority is getting open shots for his teammates. Make no mistake, the lefty can also feel it up himself scoring wise when he has to.
Rahim Ali | 5’11 G | Poly/Team Melo | #16 overall
Ali had the tall task of coming in as a freshman for the Poly Engineers and helping facilitate a team to their first ever state championship title. Like Baldwin, Ali has great basketball IQ that ranges years past his actual age. He operates well in pick and rolls executing solid pocket passes when the window presents itself. He’s an average three-point shooter, but wants to develop a consistent mid-range jumper this summer to make him even more difficult to guard off ball screens.
Tyler Brelsford | 6’1 G | Mt. St. Joe/Team Melo | #18 overall
Brelsford has the tools that you want in a point guard when he’s surrounded by a solid cast of players. The 6’1 floor general can facilitate an offense, be a knockdown three-point shooter, and have active hands in passing lanes defensively. Brelsford is also an excellent free throw shooter in crunch time. Coming off a JV season for Mt. St. Joe where he led the Gaels 31-2 overall record that included winning the MIAA and BCL championships. As he makes the jump to varsity, he’ll have quite the challenge to get a ton of playing time with a stout backcourt of players such as James Bishop, Kendall McMillian, and Tyree Myers.
Martaz Robinson | 6′ G | Newtown/Team BBC | #23 overall
Robinson provides plenty entertainment when you watch a game of his. He’s very shifty and crafty with his moves and passes. Does a nice job of mixing it up offensively in terms of looking for his own shot and setting up teammates. Because he likes to utilize combo moves, many of his off the dribble points come off takes to the basket whether it be lay ups or floaters in the paint.
Jordan Toles | 6’2 G | St. Frances/Team Thrill | #23 overall
Toles is the most athletic player in his class. Not only in the state of Maryland, but the entire country. The 6’2 guard already has the body of a senior to go with a huge vertical. He and Baldwin can be a force for years to come as they both played significant minutes for St. Frances last season. They both also play on the same team for Team Thrill, so the chemistry is never in question. Toles shines in the open floor where his athleticism can be displayed, but he also has a capable three-point shot and mid-range off the dribble jumper. He’s determined on the glass, which to go with his jumping ability, results in his rebounding numbers being high for a guard.