Prospect Spotlight: Byron Ireland (2021)

St. Frances has established itself as a nationally recognized program throughout the 2019-20 season. Considering all that they’ve endured through this season whether it be losing two starters in 2020 Jahmal Banks and 2020 Jordan Toles, both of which left for their respective colleges early for football, or lingering injuries to main rotation players, the Panthers stayed in the top 25 rankings nationally.

One player who has cemented themselves in the starting lineup since Banks and Toles’ departure has been 2021 guard Byron Ireland. Ireland transferred to St. Frances this fall after being a standout in Anne Arundel County his first two seasons of high school. The transition from public school to a league such as the MIAA is never easy. Then you put into mind that he transferred to a powerhouse such as St. Frances and it makes that transition even tougher.

“At first is was really difficult for me to make adjustments,” Ireland said. “I really had to improve my defense throughout the season. Just being better guarding the ball and staying in front of my man for the full length of the floor”

Ireland has made the necessary strides to become a competent defender at both guard positions. There are stints throughout games where he’ll even guard taller wings because of the strength he brings to a 6-foot-2 frame.

While he’s made vast improvement on the defensive end, Ireland has become much better on the offensive side of the floor. Throughout his time at Annapolis, Ireland was a heavy on-ball presence and utilized his athleticism and strength to get downhill and attack the basket on a consistent basis. Now that he’s surrounded by a slew of Division I commits and prospects, he’s had to settle into a role, which ultimately forced him to become more efficient with his looks. 

Playing next to arguably the best passing point guard in the country in Ace Baldwin, Ireland has made the transition to being more of an off-ball presence and staying ready for catch-and-shoot opportunities on the perimeter.

Ireland is shooting 60 percent on his two-point field goal attempts, 77 percent from the free-throw line and 34 percent from beyond the arc. He was even more efficient in their last outing against Loyola in the BCL Semifinal game scoring 16 points.

St. Frances sets themselves up for a rematch against Mt. St. Joe in the BCL Championship game Sunday at 1pm at Reitz Arena. When asked about getting another shot at the Gaels Ireland replied, “We wouldn’t want it any other way.”

On the recruiting front, Mt. St. Mary’s has inquired about Ireland, but he currently holds no offers. I expect that to change by the end of the spring.