St. Paul’s Summer League Recruiting Notebook Weeks 1-2: Part 2
Tonight’s games starts week three of the St. Paul’s Summer League. From here on out, we’ll release a weekly article breaking down some recruiting notes from players who stood out during the week. To check out part one of our recruiting notebook, click here.
Darrius Tilghman | Calvert Hall | 2021
Tilghman is going to be a freshman on everyone’s radar once the regular season comes around. The incoming freshman has nice size at 6’3 to go with a very smooth all-around game. It’s just summer league, but the lefty point guard hasn’t been overwhelmed with the pace of the high school game at the varsity level. In fact, his playmaking off penetration has been impressive. Tilghman has a great feel for the game and makes all of the right reads in driving situations.
Trayon Wright | St. Paul’s | 2018
Wright has displayed his ability to score from all three levels thus far in the SPSL. In transition, he’s a shifty guard with a strong body that can absorb contact. He’s not lightning quick, but does a nice job of using change of pace dribbles to get the edge on his defender. Good communicator on both ends.
AJ Sawyers | St. Paul’s | 2018
Sawyers is more of a three or rim type of offensive player. He has good form on his jumper, but if he puts the ball on the deck, it’s most likely to attack the basket. Same goes for when in transition. Sawyers isn’t going to pull-up often, he’ll attack the defender and try to create contact to draw a foul. Defensively, he’s always trying to get a deflection that will allow his team to get a fastbreak opportunity.
Gates Cook | Dundalk | 2018
Cook is always a threat on the floor because of his ability to shoot the three. The defense must always be aware of where he is lurking on the perimeter and make sure they execute controlled close outs. Cook has had a few nice plays when he attacks the close out guy for a better shot inside the paint that results in a lay up or a drawn foul. Scoring is the first thing on his mind and thus far in SPSL play, he’s been solid doing that.
Damon Moore | Mervo | 2018
Mervo as a team has struggled in large part because of their young roster, but Moore has been the senior leader that has kept them in games. The 6’1 senior has a smooth release from deep and when he sees one go in, can feel it up quickly. In their last game against Woodlawn, Moore scored 11-straight points himself to tie the game, including three-straight three’s.
Caidon Owen | Glenelg Country | 2018
Owen will be one of Glenelg Country’s main go-to players once the regular season comes, and he’s proving why in summer league play. The 6’4 lefty is solid all-around, but is versatile in that he can guard many positions defensively. Even if Owen is stuck on a guard, he still makes it a priority to lock down the glass and only limit the other team to one shot. Offensively, he plays within the system. When an open look from three or mid-range, Owen can cash in efficiently.
Demetrius Mims | Poly | 2018
Mims is going to be one of the top players in Baltimore City this year. Poly has only played one game so far in SPSL play, but made a statement dismantling Edgewood 44-11. Mims is an explosive scorer that can knock down the long ball or take it to the rim and finish with a power dunk. His length always makes him a presence defensively in passing lanes or on shot attempt in the paint.
Rahim Ali | Poly | 2020
Ali proved last season he has what it takes to be the floor general of a championship team. Now as he approaches his sophomore season with much confidence, his skillset will step into the limelight. The 5’11 point guard has an extremely high basketball IQ and calming presence to the game. He uses many flashy methods to pass his teammates open and get them good looks. Ali also displayed great ability to play in the pick-and-roll and finishing at the rim when the big man found himself lagging.