January Recap: Emerging Underclassmen
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January was an eventful month for hoops in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Now that we’re about halfway through this unique basketball season, it’s a good time to review what we’ve learned. 10 emerging underclassmen are highlighted below. Thomas…
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Continue ReadingJanuary was an eventful month for hoops in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Now that we’re about halfway through this unique basketball season, it’s a good time to review what we’ve learned. 10 emerging underclassmen are highlighted below.
Thomas Batties II Thomas Batties II 6'7" | PF Gonzaga | 2023 State MD | Gonzaga (DC) ’23
It’s probably just a matter of time before Thomas Batties II Thomas Batties II 6'7" | PF Gonzaga | 2023 State MD becomes a household name on Eye Street. The rangy wing plays with a high IQ, a motor, and can stretch the floor but also does his due diligence defensively.
Ty Bevins | Gwynn Park (MD) ’24
Ty Bevins is a big guard who can grab the ball off the boards and go in transition. He’s a slasher who embraces contact in the paint and defends with tenacity.
Caleb Foster Caleb Foster 6'4" | PG Notre Dame | 2023 State CA-S | Oak Hill (VA) ’23
Caleb Foster Caleb Foster 6'4" | PG Notre Dame | 2023 State CA-S is already logging heavy minutes as the point guard of the future for Coach Steve Smith. Foster’s size along with his proficiency from the mid-range makes him a tough matchup for smaller guards.
Darren Harris | Paul VI (VA) ’24
2024 wing Darren Harris has impressed on multiple fronts so far this season for the Panthers. Yes, he’s a knockdown shooter. But as the son of a coach, he naturally does all the little things that contribute to wins. Harris will take a charge, keep the ball moving, and help his team rebound among other things.
Jamari Hodnett | Bishop Ireton (VA) ’24
Jamari Hodnett has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff at Ireton, and when you watch him play it’s easy to see why. He’s a very good shooter who knows how to mix it up. Hodnett is also a good rebounding guard.
Jaden Johnson Jaden Johnson 6'0" | PG Bishop McNamara | 2023 State MD | Bishop McNamara (MD) ’23
Jaden Johnson Jaden Johnson 6'0" | PG Bishop McNamara | 2023 State MD is steadily growing in his role at Bishop McNamara. He’s a shifty, downhill type guard who handles the ball well and can score.
Jaeden Mustaf | DeMatha (MD) ’24
Jaeden Mustaf has earned consistent minutes at DeMatha, which is rare for a freshman. He’s a big guard who embraces contact when finishing in traffic. There is plenty to like about Mustaf’s long-term potential as a two-way guard.
Manny Okitondo | Oak Hill (VA) ’24
Manny Okitondo has proven himself as a difference-maker in crunch time already for the Warriors. The energetic big man has tremendous hands and excels as a rebounder and shot-blocker.
Ke’Juan Richburg | St. Mary’s Ryken (MD) ’24
Ke’Juan Richburg is a nice guard prospect coming up in the Ryken program. He’s a good shooter who is standing out in the early part of the season.
AJ Swinton | DeMatha (MD) ’24
AJ Swinton is a physical 6-foot-4 wing who plays with a high motor. Swinton impacts the game in multiple ways. He rebounds well and is a very good athlete.