Updated 2020 Rankings: Baltimore Guards (1-50)
Our updated player rankings released earlier this week, starting with the rising seniors. We’ve seen a good amount of them already make their pledges to their future college teams, but there are still many who remained unsigned. Nevertheless, rankings continue…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur updated player rankings released earlier this week, starting with the rising seniors. We’ve seen a good amount of them already make their pledges to their future college teams, but there are still many who remained unsigned.
Nevertheless, rankings continue and for this series, I’ll be taking a look at the Baltimore guard who were featured in the top 50.
Ace Baldwin | 6’1 | St. Frances/Team Durant
Ranking: No. 5
Baldwin spearheads a top-heavy 2020 class in the Baltimore area. Ever since he first stepped on the floor as a freshman, you could tell Baldwin had the know-how to be a special point guard. He turned that into becoming a coveted prospect on the East Coast and will head to VCU after completing his senior season. The 6-foot-1 guard is the definition of a floor general who makes advanced reads, plays effective on-ball defense and proved time and time again to be a clutch finisher with games on the line. In my opinion, Baldwin is the best player in the DMV when it comes to maximizing production of the teammates around him.
Jordan Toles | 6’3 | St. Frances/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 17
Toles is one of the best two-sport athletes not only on the east coast, but in the entire country. The 6-foot-3 guard will play safety in the SEC next season for the LSU Tigers while also playing for head coach Will Wade on the hardwood. If you live in the area, it’s no secret that Toles is a high-flying finisher any time the opportunity presents itself. Over the past two years, he’s developed his jump shot dramatically. His anticipation as a safety carries over to when he is playing passing lanes off the ball as a defender.
Rahim Ali | 5’11 | Poly/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 24
Ali is one of the most accomplished players the state of Maryland has seen. He’ll prepare the Engineers to pursue their fourth-straight Class 3A state title this season, all of which have been led by Ali handling the controls at the point guard position. His advanced feel for the game is what makes him one of the best passers you’ll find in the area. Where he has improved drastically over his high school career is with his scoring ability. Ali is now a threat at all three levels. When involved in ball screens, Ali now gives opposing coaches fits on how they decide to cover it. With his developed jump shot, there’s no room for slippage in any coverage. Ali will make you pay. On top of all this, Ali plays with tremendous intensity and passion. A handful of Division I programs are after the 5-foot-11 decorated point guard.
Tyler Brelsford | 6’2 | Mount St. Joseph/New World
Ranking: No. 29
Brelsford had a big spring and summer that included committing to head coach Jamion Christian at George Washington. The 6-foot-2 guard is known for his outside shooting ability, but has shown steady progression as a play maker off the bounce. He’ll need to for the Gaels this season with James Bishop suiting up for LSU this season. The increase in responsibility should help prepare Brelsford for the next level.
Brandon Murray | 6’5 | Poly/Team Melo
Ranking: No. 39
Murray checks in at 39 after having some solid performances on the EYBL Circuit with Team Melo this summer. The 6-foot-5 guard is a diamond in the rough. His potential screams high major, but because of a number of circumstances, mid-majors are the only schools involved with Murray. He has elite athleticism and can be a factor as a shooter beyond the arc. He plays with a high motor and competes on both end of the floor. Murray is one of the most explosive players you’ll find in the open floor in the area. Wherever he heads to play college ball is getting a prospect with an extremely high ceiling.