2022 Player Rankings: Baltimore Prospects (1-15)
For the first time, we have released the top 50 player rankings for the class of 2022. These players consist of the talented freshmen that left an imprint on their first seasons at the varsity level. It seems like every…
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Continue ReadingFor the first time, we have released the top 50 player rankings for the class of 2022. These players consist of the talented freshmen that left an imprint on their first seasons at the varsity level. It seems like every year, we get a new talented batch of freshmen in the area, but this particular group has the potential to be special.
For this series, we’ll take a look at the Baltimore area prospects that landed in the rankings. For this specific article, we’ll cover 1-15.
Noah Batchelor | 6’7 | Glenelg Country/Mid-Atlantic Select
Ranking: No. 3
Batchelor came onto the scene and logged respectable minutes for a senior-heavy St. Maria Goretti team. Not only were they comprised of mainly seniors, but they were also regarded as one of the best teams in the state. The fact that the 6-foot-7 forward cracked the rotation is something in itself. Batchelor is a versatile forward that can shoot it off the catch from three and is a good finisher around the rim. He was at his best last season is in transition where he could showcase his athleticism. This spring/summer, he’s playing well for the Mid-Atlantic Select 17U squad and for his new school, Glenelg Country, during the June live period. He earned his first scholarship offer from George Washington this past week.
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Cesar Tchilombo | 6’9 | John Carroll/Global Squad/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 7
Tchilombo took some time to adjust to the American game last year after moving from Congo, but being a defensive presence was something that transitioned nicely. The 6-foot-9 forward always displayed nice timing on shot-blocking and as a rebounder. Since the beginning of the season, Tchilombo has improved drastically in both aspects. He also has made big leaps as an offensive player. Tchilombo is efficient around the rim, can score from the block with his back to the basket and is becoming a consistent scoring threat on pick-and-rolls. The long term vision with Tchilombo is to put more perimeter skills into his game to make him into a versatile forward. That will take some time, but college programs have already bought in. Howard and Mt. St. Mary’s have both offered the rising sophomore.
Tyson Commander | 6’2 | John Carroll/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 9
Commander came in as a freshman and immediately asserted himself as a scoring two guard. The 6-foot-2 lefty can score it in a bunch of different ways, but it’s his ability to knock down three’s with range that opens up the rest of his game. He quickly forced teams to face-guard him, which resulted in Commander scoring more off the dribble in the painted area. Commander has a smoothness to his attack and is creative with the ball. He had a handful of big games, but none were bigger than his 38-point outburst to upset Annapolis Area Christian. Mt. St. Mary’s offered Commander after John Carroll played in their team camp earlier this summer.
Christian Winborne | 6’1 | Gilman/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 11
Winborne had a tougher situation to come into considering Gilman relied heavily on senior point guard Jalen Rucker (Army) for production. Winborne took some time to find his niche with the team, but by the middle of the season, you could tell he had become more comfortable with his role. The 6-foot-1 guard can score off the dribble from mid-range and around the rim, while also being an efficient shooter from three off the catch. He competes on the defensive end and is a tough-nosed player who is willing to take charges and get on the floor. This upcoming season will be huge for Winborne. He showed tremendous improvement when I saw him in June playing with Gilman against some of the top teams from Philadelphia. I wouldn’t be surprised if Winborne puts up some big numbers now that he’s a go-to option offensively.
Antonio Hamlin | 6’2 | Mt. St. Joe/Team Thrill
Ranking: No. 13
Hamlin was used as a Swiss army knife last season for a very good Mt. St. Joe team. The 6-foot-2 guard is built like a brute, which allowed him to hold his own when guarding power forwards for stretches during big games. Hamlin is also athletic and quick enough to guard perimeter players, which allowed head coach Pat Clatchey to be creative with lineups. It was no secret that the Gaels would live or die by James Bishop (LSU), so a lot of their offense was predicated on getting the ball in his hands. Every now and then, Hamlin would show ability to score it off the dribble either pulling up in the mid-range or finishing around the rim. With his strength, contact doesn’t throw Hamlin off as much as the usual freshman. Looking ahead, Hamlin will have an increased role with the team and be able to showcase his offensive game a little more.
Preston Howard | 6’5 | McDonogh/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 15
Howard missed a chunk of his freshman season dealing with a foot injury, but was still able to leave a lasting impression on how good he can become. The 6-foot-5 forward is a great passer from the high-post or on the block. When he’s not on the hardwood, Howard is starring as the football team’s quarterback, so being able to anticipate and putting the ball where it needs to be is an instinct. Howards athleticism makes him a presence on the glass. He displays a good motor when running the floor and not giving up on plays to earn his team second chances. He’ll make shots from 15 feet on occasion, but once that part of his game becomes consistent, it’ll be difficult for teams to find a good match up for him.