2019-20 First Look: Parkville
There weren’t many teams in the area that experienced the turnaround that Parkville did last season. After finishing with a .500 record two seasons ago, the Knights boasted a 17-6 record in 2018-19. Many factors went into their success, but…
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Continue ReadingThere weren’t many teams in the area that experienced the turnaround that Parkville did last season. After finishing with a .500 record two seasons ago, the Knights boasted a 17-6 record in 2018-19. Many factors went into their success, but with that success, the expectations and standards increase for the upcoming season. Head coach Josh Czerski returns 90% of his overall production throughout his rotation, but there have been new faces added to the roster who should make a sizable impact.
Moving On
2019 forward Timmy Awani graduated after playing respectable minutes last season and contributing as more of a utility role player.
2021 center Kevin Kalu transferred to City where he will look to make an impact in Baltimore City.
Returning starters
The engine of this team will be 2020 point guard John Godinez. The 5-foot-9 guard finished second in Baltimore County Player of the Year voting last season, and has only added to his game since. Godinez is one of the best play makers at his position in the county. His vision, anticipation and feel for the game is unmatched. He is certainly a point guard that makes all others around him better. He can also score it from all three levels in a variety of ways. One word that can be used to describe Godinez’s game is crafty. Everything his does comes with some zest to it, but he remains fundamental as well. It’s safe to say that this team will go as far as he can take them.
2020 forward Jordan Strickland continues to become a dynamic player catching the eyes of every JuCo that walks in the gym. At 6-foot-4, he is an undersized forward, but knows how to use his body and timing to impact the glass on both ends. He has improved his perimeter skill set and can put the ball on the floor a few times to make plays. Strickland led the county in double-doubles last season and I would expect nothing different to happen in 2019-20.
Reserves playing a bigger role
2022 point guard Jadyn Williams had a solid freshman campaign where he came off the bench and supplied pesky on-ball pressure defense. Williams has become more confident with his offensive abilities by tightening up his handle and pull-up jumper. The 5-foot-7 guard should play a key role for this year’s team as he offers a competent ball handler when Godinez is out of the game.
Impact Additions
In terms of impacting the stat sheet, 2021 guard Malik Scipio should be the biggest presence in the Parkville newcomers. The 6-foot-2 guard plays with downhill speed and brings brute strength with a mix of sneaky athleticism. Scipio, a Mt. Carmel transfer, can create on his own in isolation situations, score in ball-screen sets or play make for others with solid vision. Scipio competes in ever facet of the game, making him an above average rebounder for the guard position and a solid defender.
Kahlil Dukes steps in as a senior looking to make a serious impact as a lock down defender and slasher. The 6-foot-2 guard transferred from Mt. Carmel this summer and provides the Knights with another scrappy player who makes winning plays. More times than not, he’ll be used to guard the other team’s best player on the perimeter and should mesh well with Godinez in transition.
Alphonso Morrow is another senior transfer from Mt. Carmel who brings physicality with ability to play make from the guard slot. An underrated part of his game is his shooting accuracy off the catch. He has a set shot where he doesn’t get much lift, but displays soft touch and decent rotation. His worth will come to the forefront with Godinez and other guard’s penetration into that paint that will result in open shots for Morrow around the perimeter.
Jayden Baker is a freshman that flew under the radar coming into high school. He has great size at almost 6-foot-4 and is capable of putting the ball on the floor and creating for himself. He’ll surprise you with his springy athleticism that is shown when he goes up for blocks, which he often does. It won’t take long for Baker to catch the eyes of many with how comfortable he seems to be adjusting playing with varsity guys.
Coach’s outlook
“Coming off a 17-6 season last year we are looking to improve and build off of that. Our goals are to compete for a county championship and ultimately be ready to make a state title run. This year we will have one of the best backcourts in the area and I am just excited to be able to coach these guys. We have four seniors that will absolutely play college basketball and a strong core of underclassmen that will bring energy and stability to our team.