2022 Rankings Breakdown: Baltimore Stock Risers

<p>Yesterday we released our updated 2022 player rankings and as usual, we’ll have an influx of content to follow breaking down different aspects. For this article, I’ll take a look at the Baltimore prospects who saw a boost in their ranking thanks to their play this spring.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1215151" first="Cesar" last="Tchilombo"] | 6’9 | John Carroll/Global Squad</strong></span></p> <p><em>Previous Ranking: No. 19</em></p> <p><em>Updated Ranking: No. 10<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Cesar-Tchilombo.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1168081 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Cesar-Tchilombo-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></em></p> <p>Even though Tchilombo didn’t jump 20 spots, he entered into the top-10, which is an accomplishment within itself. He was the anchor that John Carroll needed defensively in order to make their run at the BCL title this past season by rebounding and altering shots at a high rate. Tchilombo is equipped with a great motor and competitive mindset that allows him to outwork many opposing bigs. He’s becoming a consistent finisher above the rim and makes sound decisions as a passer from the post area. Siena, Mount St. Mary’s and Howard have all offered.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904632" first="Adam" last="Walden"] | 6’9 | Team Choo</strong></span></p> <p><em>Previous Ranking: No. 50</em></p> <p><em>Updated Ranking: No. 22</em></p> <p>Walden was a significant mover in the rankings thanks to two things. The dust is beginning to settle in this class and the lack of bigs is real. Walden is a guy who brings great size to the frontcourt at 6-foot-9 and plays extremely hard. As he continues to hone in on his skills his worth to Division I programs in need of a big will only increase. Walden holds offers from Mount St. Mary’s, Bryant and Hofstra.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1110551" first="Aidan" last="Mess"] | 6’7 | Mount St. Joseph/Mid-Atlantic Select</strong></span></p> <p><em>Previous Ranking: No. 55</em></p> <p><em>Updated Ranking: No. 26</em></p> <p>Mess played his role effectively in his first season for the Gaels since transferring from Reservoir. It usually takes players a year or so to settle into the MIAA/BCL, but Mess has emerged this spring and should be a dominant force as a senior. The 6-foot-7 forward is a workhorse with sound fundamentals and high IQ for the game. He can impact the box score as a scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker while making other hustle plays that won’t be accounted for. Judging off his play this spring and summer, it’s realistic to think Mess could gain significant interest from Patriot League programs.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904680" first="TJ" last="Vaughn"] | 5’11 | John Carroll/Mid-Atlantic Select</strong></span></p> <p><em>Previous Ranking: No. 68</em></p> <p><em>Updated Ranking: No. 55</em></p> <p>Vaughn was another important piece to John Carroll’s championship puzzle who has translated his production to the spring AAU scene. The 5-foot-11 southpaw played a facilitating role for the Patriots, but hit timely three’s during their playoff run to keep the momentum in their favor. He’s an energizing defender who can speed up the opposing ball-handler with his pressure. Decision-making is Vaughn’s biggest question right now, but that has steadily improved since the start of the high school season. Division III programs should be courting him aggressively. </p>