Re-Ranking the 2018 Class (Part 2)
We’ve been thrown a curveball this summer. Due to social distancing guidelines, opportunities to comprehensively evaluate prospects in and around the DMV area have been few and far between. As a result, we will not be providing a mid-summer rankings update as we typically do.
But to be creative and keep content flowing consistently, the team is excited to take a look back at the 2017 and 2018 rankings. Our aim is to re-rank notable prospects in those respective classes based on their performances since high school and ultimately come up with a new top-30 for each.
Here we continue this series by taking a closer look at #21-25 from the new 2018 update.
#25 | Demetrius Mims, 6’6″ W | Poly | Original Rank: #11 | College: Towson
Giacubeno: After leading Poly to two-straight state titles and averaging 18.1 points and 7.1 rebounds as a senior, Mims went across the country to Long Beach State where he appeared in 18 games as a freshman. He made one start his freshman season and averaged just 1.3 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-6 guard/wing transferred back home to Towson where he would sit out and have surgery on his shoulder. As he looks to settle in next season for the Tigers, Mims should bring versatility and scoring to the roster.
https://twitter.com/BigWestHoops/status/1081785645922701317?s=20
#24 | Da’Shawn Phillip, 6’5″ W | Dunbar | Original Rank: #47 | College: UMES
Giacubeno: Phillip led Dunbar to a Class 1A state title before deciding to attend Mt. Zion for a post-grad prep year. The 6-foot-5 guard signed with Maryland Eastern Shore late in the recruiting process but didn’t take long at all to make an impact. His 7.4 point and 3.4 rebound-per-game averages helped him secure the MEAC Rookie of the Year Award. He finished top 10 in the conference in steals and blocks while starting 19 of the 32 games.
Now we will have the awards for @ESHawksHoops! First up is the Rookie of the Year. Congrats to Da'Shawn Phillip! @Lbg_shawn #HawkPride pic.twitter.com/69UOawQZC3
— Maryland Eastern Shore Hawk Athletics (@UMESHawkSports) June 5, 2020
#23 | Jaden Faulkner, 6’4″ W | Eleanor Roosevelt | Original Rank: #41 | College: Millersville
Ayalew: A two-sport standout at Eleanor Roosevelt, Faulkner was not only a stud quarterback on the football team, but also a versatile contributor and reliable playmaker for the basketball team. After a successful high school career including a state championship win, being named First Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-Met two times each, he committed to Millersville where he has made a significant impact from day one. After a breakout freshman campaign in which he was named All-PSAC Second Team, Faulkner was poised to continue his momentum into his sophomore season which was unfortunately cut short due to a knee injury. Expect a major bounce back soon.
Jaden Faulkner is the PSAC East Freshman of the Week for the fourth time! #MarauderPride pic.twitter.com/GhhzHUWykk
— Millersville Marauders (@VilleMarauders) February 25, 2019
#22 | Ricky Lindo, 6’8″ F | Woodrow Wilson | Original Rank: #21 | College: George Washington
Wilson: After a lackluster two seasons at Maryland, Lindo decided to transfer to George Washington where head coach Jamion Christian has done a tremendous job of getting local transfers to come back home and play for the Colonials. Lindo will try to revamp his career in the A10 and if he turns out to be what we saw from in high school, he will be a very nice player in the A10.
#21 | Ayinde Hikim, 5’11” PG | Woodrow Wilson | Original Rank: #36 | College: La Salle
Wilson: Minutes wise Hikim had a very nice first year at LaSalle averaging 21.9 minutes per game. On a nightly basis, he averaged 6.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. After prepping at Mt. Zion, LaSalle did a good job with their local DMV ties to snag Hikim as he could play a beneficial role in the rebuild Ashely Howard is constructing in Philadelphia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M4O2-hqvp0