Must-See Baltimore Juniors in 2017-18: Part 2
The high school season is only a little over two months away. Although it may be a little early, it’s always fun to foreshadow and preview some of the top players in their respective classes. As our ”must-see” series continues, we look at the rising juniors in the Baltimore area. To view part one, click here.
Jalen Rucker | Gilman | 2019
Rucker is ultra competitive. That in itself is what makes him so intriguing to watch, but then you put his skill-set with it, it’s what qualifies him to make this list. The 5’10 point guard plays with a chip on his shoulder that translates to toughness on both ends. He is a solid operator in pick-and-rolls and does a good job reading the rotations of the defense. Rucker takes what the defense gives him. If his team is down, he can take over the scoring load himself and do so quickly. Once the defense is honed in on him, he sets up teammates for open looks. Defensively, his effort and energy produce plenty of deflections and steals for transition opportunities. Gilman will lean heavily on Rucker’s shoulders as they look to bounce back from a tough season in 2016-17.
https://twitter.com/AyalewAdam/status/847964019113775106
Gerard Mungo | Patterson | 2019
After the announcement from Marvin Price that he would be transferring to Huntington Prep for the final two years of his high school career, all eyes shifted to Mungo. The 6’1 point guard was the general for last year’s Class 2A state title team. Price was one of the vital pieces to that championship puzzle, but that isn’t to say Mungo can’t man the ship and keep the Clippers as one of the top teams in the city. Mungo is a shifty guard with good handles and ability to break down a defense. He has strength to absorb contact and finish the play around the rim and has improved on his outside shot.
'19 @PattersonBBall G Gerard Mungo (@Gmungo5) connected on a handful of 3s in tonight's game and had a throwdown of his own. pic.twitter.com/kFgnIcjCGY
— Colby Giacubeno (@ColbyGHoops) August 20, 2017
Anthony Walker | Perry Hall | 2019
The fact that the Gators will have another long, athletic big man is a scary thought. Already supplied with the best froncourt duo in the state in Laquill Hardnett and Anthony Higgs, Anthony Walker will be expected to follow in their footsteps. Walker was moved up to varsity last season and showed glimpses of being a great contributor. At 6’9, Walker gives the Gators another option for lobs and poster finishes on offense while being a force defensively around the rim. Because Hardnett has the ability to play the point forward role, we may very well see a Hardnett-Higgs-Walker lineup at times during games. Three players with great athleticism and standing 6’9 tall.
Caught a body 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/OCGVdE9ZwW
— Anthony Walker (@Antgotclout) July 2, 2017
T.J. Thomas | Patterson | 2019
Thomas will be a new face in a Clippers jersey this season after transferring from Lake Clifton. He’ll join Mungo to make up and exciting backcourt. Thomas has high basketball IQ and will likely be featured as the facilitator with Mungo being the scorer. The 6’2 guard is crafty when he gets in the paint with his finishes and dump passes to big men. He has good athleticism that makes him an effective defensive player both on and off the ball.
Amani Walker | Poly | 2019
Walker is a long 6’9 forward that runs the floor effectively. Similar to Perry Hall, Poly has an extremely strong frontcourt in Walker and Justin Lewis (2020). Walker does well in his role of crashing the glass, contesting shots at the rim, running the floor and finishing. He can also step out and hit a three occasionally, but often times isn’t needed to because of the firepower the Engineers are working with. Poly will have a good chance of protecting their Class 3A state title that they won last year and Walker will play a big role in them doing so.