Top Baltimore Backcourts: Part 2
Our series continues as we break down the must-see backcourts in the Baltimore area this upcoming season.
’20 Adrian Baldwin & ’20 Jordan Toles | St. Frances Academy
These two players hit the high school scene strong last season and though the Panthers struggled according to their 16-18 overall record, the experience these two gained was immeasurable. It doesn’t take long to realize that Baldwin plays much older than his birth certificate would indicate. He’s been used to playing with older, more experienced players throughout his childhood, so his high basketball IQ is second nature. After next season, I think Baldwin will be the best guard in the class of 2020 in the state of Maryland. Toles brings elite athleticism and tremendous energy on both ends of the floor. When these two get out in transition with each other, get your cameras ready.
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’19 Gerard Mungo & ’19 TJ Thomas | Patterson
This will be the first season Mungo and Thomas share the backcourt for the Clippers considering Thomas is a transfer from Lake Clifton. They have both played in a number of all-star games with each other, so they won’t come into this season unaware of how each other plays. Thomas is a crafty finisher around the rim and a tough-nosed guard defensively. Mungo will be depended on heavily to put up points especially after Marvin Price announced that he is transferring to Huntington Prep (W.V.) for his final two year of high school. The Clippers will hit the court in 2017-18 looking to protect their 2A state title. Mungo and Thomas will be key in doing so.
’18 Cleveland Horton & ’20 Rahim Ali | Poly
Poly lost a monumental piece of last year’s 3A stat title team in Dre Perry (Temple), but two of their key returners include Horton and Ali. Ali did well transitioning to the varsity pace and physicality and a freshman. He’s one of the best pick-and-roll operators in the area. His vision and anticipation on both ends make him a constant threat. Horton brings an toughness and confidence to the Engineers. Defense has always been a strong suit of his. Offensively he depended heavily upon getting to the rim, but Horton has worked vigorously on his outside shot. In a few summer league games he showed his hardwork is translating and will give opposing coaches one more thing to worry about when Poly comes up on their schedule.
’18 Josh Cornish & ’21 Ryan Conway/Ike Cornish | Dulaney
Dulaney will feature an entirely new backcourt compared to last season’s team. Calvert Hall transfer and recent Southern Utah Commit Josh Cornish will look to lead the Lions to the top of the Baltimore County standings with elite outside shooting and leadership. His running mate will either be one of two highly anticipated freshmen in Ryan Conway or Josh’s little brother, Ike Cornish. Head coach Matt Lochte may even feature all three in the starting lineup alongside another nationally coveted recruit in Che Evans (2020). It’s a good problem to have if you’re Coach Lochte. Conway is a great playmaker with the ball in his hands by breaking down his defender. Cornish is long, 6’5 guard that can fill the role of a floor general. Because of his length, Ike can impact the glass from the guard spot and cause problems defensively. There will be other Baltimore County backcourts featured on this series that will make for some exciting basketball.