2023 Player Rankings: Baltimore Wings/Forwards
The freshmen class is always the most difficult to rank given their young age and untapped potential. There’s a good chance our list will look drastically different by the time these players are heading into their senior seasons, if not…
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Continue ReadingThe freshmen class is always the most difficult to rank given their young age and untapped potential. There’s a good chance our list will look drastically different by the time these players are heading into their senior seasons, if not sooner. However we did get the opportunity to see a handful of freshmen in the Baltimore area who contributed consistently for the respective school at the varsity level, while others earned a ranking by dominating at the junior varsity level. For this series, I’ll break down the prospects featured in our top 50 who play in the Baltimore area. We move to the wing/forwards.
For part one of the guards, click here.
Kwame Evans Kwame Evans 6'9" | SF Montverde | 2023 State #20 Nation FL | 6’9 | Poly
Current ranking: 2
Evans is one of the most unique prospects not only in the DMV area, but the country when scanning the 2023 class. His elite size, length and shooting ability from the wing position are all prized in today’s game. The 6-foot-9 lefty has a quick trigger off the catch with great form and gets textbook rotation on the ball. He was a crucial floor spacer for Poly, who had a plethora of players who could routinely get into the paint and collapse the defense. The corners seemed to be Evans’ sweet spots, but he also has awareness and feel moving without the ball to get open looks from pretty much any area. He was a consistent rebounder and shot-blocking presence given his long wingspan. Where he surprised me the most was his comfort in leading the break himself and making sound decisions as a scorer or passer. It didn’t seem like Evans had trouble adjusting to the speed of the varsity level even with Poly’s difficult schedule featuring nationally ranked teams. Putting size on his frame will be a focus as Evans matures, but at this point he has the makings to be a coveted prospect nationally. Virginia Tech, Georgetown, Auburn, George Washington and DePaul have extended offers.
Jayden Baker Jayden Baker 6'4" | PF Parkville | 2023 MD | 6’3 | Parkville
Current ranking: 14
Baker played a big role on a 22-3 Parkville team who was slated to play in the Class 4A Final Four before the tournament getting canceled. At 6-foot-3, he’s an undersized wing and was even featured at the four during stretches of the season. While his perimeter skills off the dribble still need work, he proved to be a capable three-point threat off the catch and was very efficient from the high post area both as a scorer and decision maker. He plays with a solid motor on both ends and did a nice job of cleaning up misses in transition via offensive rebounds. Baker’s name didn’t surface in many conversations of top freshmen this season, but it very well should have. With continued progression, people will certainly take notice.
Karim Harris Karim Harris 6'2" | SF Rosedale Christian | 2023 State MD | 6’3 | Calvert Hall
Current ranking: 28
Harris was another freshmen who fits the bill as an undersized wing at this point, but played more of a utility role for a young Calvert Hall team. Scoring around the rim, grabbing rebounds, diving for 50/50 balls and other things that don’t show up on the box score is what he hung his hat on. Along the way there were growing pains that every freshman experiences, but he should show decent progression as an experience sophomore in 2020-21.
Julien Moutome Julien Moutome 6'3" | SG Mount St. Joseph | 2023 MD | 6’3 | Mount St. Joseph
Current ranking: 45
Moutome saw limited opportunities throughout his freshman season, but the fact that he was on varsity at Mount St. Joe says enough. In a program that takes an effective, old school approach in putting talented underclassmen on junior varsity to gain confidence, head coach Pat Clatchey thought highly of Moutome’s work ethic and motor. In his spot minutes, he displayed that motor by relentlessly crashing the glass. He’s 6-foot-3, but has good size and strength for his age. He’ll likely see an increase playing time next season, which will give us a much better feel for what he can offer in other categories.
Ian Robinson Ian Robinson 6'6" | C McDonogh | 2023 State MD | 6’8 | McDonogh
Current ranking: 49
Robinson is equipped with superb size and length for his age, but is extremely raw as an overall prospect. His freshman season consisted of stints on both the junior varsity and varsity level, but as McDonogh’s rotation became decimated by injuries, Robinson quickly saw a boost in playing time. He ran the floor consistently and did a decent job of finishing around the rim. His overall feel for the game needs to improve, but with more reps and experience at the varsity level, he should round out well in that aspect. His height, length and potential are all going to be factors into programs investing attention at some point.