Unsigned Seniors in Baltimore (Part Three)

Prior to the 2019-20 season tipping off, I'm confident in saying nobody could've predicted how it abruptly came to an end. Each year, we see seniors make a mark in the postseason which usually results in more college opportunities. With that platform being unavailable this time around, I'll be giving them attention in this series of articles by going through the unsigned seniors in the Baltimore area. For part one of this series, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2020/03/unsigned-seniors-in-baltimore-part-one/">click here.</a> For part two, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2020/03/unsigned-seniors-in-baltimore-part-two/">click here</a>. [player_tooltip player_id="953809" first="Ben" last="Murphy"] | 6'2 | Franklin Murphy caps off two successful seasons as Franklin's primary offensive threat since transferring from Calvert Hall his junior year. The 6-foot-2 guard is one of the more athletic players in the Baltimore area as he showcased throughout the season with plenty of impressive above the rim finishes in transition. Murphy can make shots off the dribble in the mid-range. He does a nice jobs of creating separation on one or two dribbles and gets good lift on his release to avoid being blocked. He is also a capable shot-maker from three off the catch. Murphy made everything go for Franklin, so it was expected to see opposing defenses throw double teams or creative coverages his way. Murphy adapted by finding open teammates with crisp passes that didn't allow the defense to rotate quick enough to contest. Defensively with his athleticism, Murphy is an above average shot-blocker for his position. He can also rebound at a decent rate. Guarding the ball is something he'll need to lock in more at the next level to be successful, but he's capable of doing so. Division III programs have tracked Murphy closely. I personally think he would be a great option at that level and it wouldn't surprise me if a few Division II programs expressed interest here soon. For Murphy's Hudl page, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10469806/Ben-Murphy">click here.</a> [player_tooltip player_id="900206" first="Jermaine" last="Goodwyn"] | 6'2 | Milford Mill Goodwyn is a smooth operator with the ball in his hands. The 6-foot-2 combo guard slid over to the two-spot this season where he looked more comfortable with his freedom to take on the lead scoring role for the Millers. Goodwyn is a lefty that can get by his man with quick crossovers and finish around the rim with craft or pull back and knock down mid-range jumpers consistently. He's an efficient shooter from three off the catch and knows how to find windows as the ball is being swung and the defense is rotating. When locked in, Goodwyn is an effective defender and can guard either guard position competently. He averaged 20 points, four rebounds and four assists per contest. JuCo's who are looking for an effective combo guard should certainly take note. [player_tooltip player_id="832901" first="Elijah" last="Rantin"] | 6'9 | Mervo Rantin has shown steady progression since arriving to Mervo as a junior. The 6-foot-9 big man was extremely raw and inexperienced, but in that short amount of time had blossomed into a game-changing presence with his size, ability to block shots around the rim and rebound. Perhaps the most improved area of his game over the past two seasons has been his hands and awareness offensively. When he catches around the basket, he's a threat to finish above the rim. He'll convert on the occasional 10-to-15 foot jumper, but is at his best when he's running the floor consistently as a rim-runner and finishing off penetrating guards. Rantin's recruitment has been interested. A few Division I programs have reached out about possibly redshirting him for next season, but I'm told that Rantin is also looking at doing a post-grad prep season somewhere before heading off to a four-year school. [player_tooltip player_id="832900" first="Teon" last="Rushing"] | 5'11 | Mervo Rushing made the move to Mervo after spending his first three years of high school at Mt. Carmel. He quickly stepped into the Mustangs' lineup and shouldered much of the scoring load in the backcourt. The 5-foot-11 combo guard is best when he's attacking the basket going downhill. Shooting isn't his strength, but when left open Rushing can knock down shots beyond the arc. Defensively is where Rushing can make some profit for a team. He pressures the ball, moves well laterally and has active hands both on and off the ball. Rushing brings a sense of toughness and grit. Division III programs have remained interested in Rushing. Jamal Cannady | 5'10 | New Era Cannady is a point guard who comes with shooting range well beyond the arc. He can knock down shots in a hurry off the catch or off the dribble. Once he gets his defender to face guard him, he can use his quickness with the ball to get into the paint. Cannady embraces contact on his way to the basket and does a nice job of anticipating rotations from the defense. As a defender, Cannady competes and prides himself on supplying solid ball pressure the entire length of the floor. Kobe Edwards | 6'5 | Mt. Carmel Edwards was a valuable utility player for Mt. Carmel this year providing much needed size to their front court. The 6-foot-5 lefty doesn't have a ton to his game, but his willingness to work hard on the glass and as a shot-blocking presence can bring value. He's a competent screen-setter and showed ability to roll, make the catch and quickly finish around the rim. Edwards runs the floor consistently and can often times make up for his shortcomings with his work ethic on the floor. [player_tooltip player_id="900193" first="Kendall" last="Walker"] | 6'1 | Boys' Latin Walker stepped up for the Lakers this season as he shared the scoring load with fellow backcourt senior [player_tooltip player_id="832966" first="Lorenzo" last="Donadio"]. As a junior, Walker was more of a facilitator and table-setter for the countless shooters who were on the roster. This past season he had to be more aggressive if Boys' Latin wanted to be relevant. His production resulted in the Lakers holding onto the top seed of their division for majority of the year. Walker is a high-IQ point guard who can score from all three levels and do so within a system. He guards the ball effectively and doesn't gamble on plays that would ultimately cost his team points. A number of Division III programs are pursuing Walker.