Available Baltimore Seniors of Note
As we continue on the path of the unknown with the current pandemic, it has forced college programs to take a number of options. For one, they want to lock up the current high school or post-grad players they’ve been…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue on the path of the unknown with the current pandemic, it has forced college programs to take a number of options. For one, they want to lock up the current high school or post-grad players they’ve been recruiting all season. Whether it’s getting them to verbally commit or sign their letter of intent, having something that helps them sure up the roster for the 2020-21 season is vital. Another inkling I’ve realized after talking with coaches from various levels is that I’ve they’re heavily invested with the transfer market. Getting a player from the JuCo ranks or a college transfer that has proven they can get it done at their respective level seems to hold more weight at this time as coaches fully depend on film.
In the Baltimore area there are still available seniors that can bring production to a college program. They aren’t all Division I prospects, but as usual here at Prep Hoops, that comes to no surprise as we like to highlight players who could contribute to any level.
Mitchell Fischer Mitchell Fischer 6'7" | PF Loyola Blakefield | 2020 State MD | 6’8 | Loyola
Fischer is the top available Baltimore senior who still seems to be seeking a Division I program to take a chance on him. At 6-foot-8, Fischer can score inside and out, rebound at a good rate and has high-IQ as a swing man within a structured offense. A plethora of Division II programs had reached out to Fischer and while I think he has the potential to be an all-conference player at that level, Fischer still is chasing his dream of Division I. Army and Navy both loved Fischer’s game and skill set. While both schools offered, Fischer was hesitant not for reasons that have to do with the basketball program. While his overall athleticism can use improvement for the Division I level, his size and skill set are tailor made for what coaches like in their stretch four options.
Dominick Carrington Dominick Carrington 5'10" | PG City | 2020 State MD | 5’10 | City
Carrington is one of the top shooters left on the market. Dealing with the Baltimore area, he’s hands down the top shot-maker from deep. The off ball guard can fill it up in a hurry as indicated by a few breakout scoring performances this season. Carrington scored 50 points in a blowout win that included 14 triples. He can also contribute at the defensive end. He has a knack for being at the right place at the right time and is a pesky on ball defender. Carrington showed growth this season as a play maker off the bounce, but in order to get the college attention he’s looking for, he must be able to develop into a point guard given his size.
Jordan Brathwaite Jordan Brathwaite 6'6" | C Glenelg Country | 2020 State MD | 6’8 | Glenelg Country
Brathwaite presents size and tremendous length at 6-foot-8. Pair that with his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter at a decent rate and he falls into that category that was mentioned with Fischer as being a prototypical stretch four option in today’s game. The rest of his overall game still needs a decent amount of work and that may be why he’s considering the prep route. I believe Brathwaite is a player who would benefit from an extra year to put more muscle onto his long frame and polish some of the weaknesses that kept the Division I programs from pulling the trigger. With a successful season as a post-grad, Brathwaite would be a prospect many programs should keep their eye on.
Lorenzo Donadio Lorenzo Donadio 6'3" | SG Boys’ Latin | 2020 State MD | 6’3 | Boys’ Latin
Donadio received interest from a variety of the local low-major Division I programs as he burst onto the scene for his final season after transferring from Farragut Academy (FL). The 6-foot-3 combo guard was effective in head coach Cliff Rees’ read and react offense. He consistently scored from all three levels, made sound decisions as a passer and rebounded well above average for his position. While Donadio would be an instant standout at the Division II level, it seems he’s still giving Division I programs time to see if he can earn a late offer. Nevertheless, Division II’s should stick around as Donadio would be a huge boost to anyone’s roster.
Igor Yoka-Bratasz Igor Yoka-Bratasz 6'0" | PG Glenelg Country | 2020 State MD | 6’1 | Glenelg Country
Yoka-Bratasz served as a go-to option offensively for Glenelg Country this past season. The 6-foot-1 guard played majority of his minutes off the ball and with a scoring mentality. He’s a threat from distance, which opens up opportunities for him to take advantage of bad close outs. Yoka-Bratasz made defenders pay and finished around the rim with soft touch. He has a competitive edge to him and brings toughness as well as energy while he’s on the floor. I haven’t heard much from a recruiting standpoint on Yoka-Bratasz, but I’m confident in saying he could be a contributor to a number of Division II or Division III programs right away.
Ian Wallace Ian Wallace 6'5" | PF Baltimore Poly | 2020 State MD | 6’7 | Poly
Wallace has garnered interest from a few Division II programs. Wallace is a 6-foot-7 wing with a chiseled frame that can provide shooting from range and versatility within a given lineup. The nationally ranked Engineers had a stout roster, so Wallace didn’t see as much time as most coaches recruiting him would’ve liked, but given his size, ability and experience playing with high level players, I’d buy stock in him becoming a productive college player. There’s been rumors that Wallace is exploring the prep route, which could help him focus on his weaknesses and get more time against high competition. From what I’ve been told though, Wallace’s recruitment remains wide open.
Zack Blackwell Zack Blackwell 6'0" | CG Lake Clifton | 2020 State MD | 5’10 | Lake Clifton
Blackwell is arguably a top defender at the guard position in the DMV regardless of class. He has an old-school mentality on that end of the floor and takes pride in pressuring the ball the second it’s inbounded. His active hands and accurate anticipation result in turnovers and transition opportunities for his team. Offensively Blackwell can make shots from beyond the arc. Most efficient off of catch-and-shoots, the 5-foot-10 guard can get it going after seeing one fall, but also can attack close outs and draw contact on his way to the bucket. Not much has been made of Blackwell’s recruitment. Last I heard he was being contacted by Division III programs, but no specific leader had emerged.
Chandler Johnson Chandler Johnson 6'1" | CG Franklin | 2020 State MD | 6’0 | Franklin
Johnson filled the role of being a lead guard for Franklin in his final high school season. Previously playing his first three years at Mount St. Joseph, Johnson is an effective option in ball screen situations. He’s a threat to score from three and in the mid-range off the bounce, which makes it difficult on the defense in pick-and-roll coverages. This year Johnson took on more of scorer’s mentality but throughout his time at Mount St. Joe, Johnson showcased his ability to step in off the bench and facilitate offense in the half court. A couple of Division II’s have reached out to Johnson, but none have offered. He’d be a great get for a Division III program who has already established a winning culture in a high level conference.
Jermaine Goodwyn Jermaine Goodwyn 6'2" | SG Milford Mill | 2020 State MD | 6’2 | Milford Mill
Goodwyn is an intriguing prospect given his versatility as a 6-foot-2 left-handed guard. Throughout his high school career, I’ve seen him have more of a floor general mindset, but this past season he had to be a primary scoring option for the Millers. He did that successfully as he was a dependable shooter from deep and a crafty driver on this way to the rim. Goodwyn has ability to break his defender down in isolations, stop on a dime in the mid-range and convert. He’s a player I could see having immediate impact at the Division III level. There’s a good chance he may end up at a JuCo to further develop and get more exposure.