MD/DC Roundtable: 2021 sleepers, super sophs, college freshmen

After a brief hiatus, we’re back at it with another roundtable discussing various topics surrounding the high school basketball scene in the MD/DC area. As usual, Adam Ayalew, Houston Wilson and myself address three questions. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Elijah-Hawkins.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1040649" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/08/Elijah-Hawkins-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> 1. Who is a 2021 prospect that has yet to see his recruitment equate to his skillset? Giacubeno: The first player that pops to mind for me is Rock Creek Christian’s [player_tooltip player_id="836473" first="James" last="Gross Jr."] The 6-foot-3 guard had a productive summer and showcased a plethora of reasons why he should have at least a handful of programs hoping for his commitment. Bryant and Howard are his two current offers, but with his elite athleticism, unique competitiveness and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, I’m very confident in saying he could contribute at the CAA level. Ayalew: Chris Kuzemka from Centreville High School. He missed a year due to a major knee injury but is back and looks better then ever. He could emerge as a legitimate target for high academic division one programs. Wilson: It is only a matter of time until [player_tooltip player_id="775338" first="Elijah" last="Hawkins"] sees his recruitment pick up more and more. Hawkins was arguably one of the biggest stock risers from the DMV this summer and more colleges would have taken notice I believe if we were not going through a pandemic. Hawkins has always been a great defender and now has taken his offensive game up a notch to where he is a consistent threat on both ends of the floor. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/Gardner-Marcel-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1045224" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/Gardner-Marcel-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> <div> </div> <div>2. Which 2023 prospect do you see making the biggest jump in production from his freshman to his sophomore season?</div> <div>   Giacubeno: The easy answer here is St. Frances guard [player_tooltip player_id="957025" first="Jahnathan" last="Lamothe"]. I could include a few others, but I don’t think they’ll have the impact that Lamothe will for a Panthers team who catches many off guard this season. Folks are writing off St. Frances because of the seniors they lost to graduation, but they could eventually be a better team with how this group plays together. They’re stacked with capable shot makers who play at a high level on the defensive end. Lamothe embodies both of those characteristics and should translate his breakout summer into the winter months as a sophomore. Ayalew: [player_tooltip player_id="957033" first="Malik" last="Bowman"] from Bishop Walsh. He was used sparingly as a freshman but has gained valuable experience logging heavy minutes this summer. Bowman is probably in line for an uptick in playing time therefore his production should increase. Wilson: I really like the potential and upside of 6’8 center [player_tooltip player_id="957036" first="Marcel" last="Gardner"] of St. Andrew’s. With the departure of Benny Williams to IMG, Gardner should definitely see an increase in minutes. Gardner had a very nice summer with New World and should have good momentum heading into this winter. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/05/Timberlake-Earl-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1005019" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/05/Timberlake-Earl-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> </div> <div> </div> <div>3. Which DMV college freshman do you see having the biggest impact for his team in 2020-21?</div> <div> </div> <div> Giacubeno: There have been rumblings about how well former St. John’s (DC) guard [player_tooltip player_id="832827" first="Ishmael" last="Leggett"] is playing early on at Rhode Island. I think he’ll quickly find his way into the rotation and playing important minutes for head coach David Cox. The Rams have an extremely talented roster and will be expected to be another strong contender for the A-10 crown. Ayalew: I think Anwar Gill will make an immediate impact at La Salle this year. The former Gonzaga standout took a prep year at Montverde and should be ready to roll from day one. Expect Gill to play a myriad of roles on both ends and produce like he did on a nightly basis in the WCAC. Wilson: [player_tooltip player_id="562092" first="Earl" last="Timberlake"]. For some reason I still think Timberlake is underrated nationally but I don’t think that will be the case once he steps foot on the floor in the ACC. Timberlake is a dynamic two-way player that plays with tons of energy every second he is on the floor. Timberlake is a candidate two make the ACC All-Freshman team. </div>