Way Too Early HS Preview: Breakout 2023 Wings/Bigs
With the AAU season coming to a close, it means we set eyes on the high school season that is still over three months away. Still, it’s never too early to pump out some early preview content based off the…
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Continue ReadingWith the AAU season coming to a close, it means we set eyes on the high school season that is still over three months away. Still, it’s never too early to pump out some early preview content based off the players that we have evaluated over the last five or so months. For this piece, I’ll take a look at some rising senior wings/bigs who look to have a breakout season this winter.
Jake Stout Jake Stout 6'7" | PF Boys Latin | 2023 State MD | Boys’ Latin/Mid-Atlantic Select
Stout had a quiet, but productive junior season for a young Boys’ Latin squad, but it was laying the groundwork for a spring where his name appeared on LM D1 radars. He has good size at 6-foot-6 with ability to make shots from three and mid-range at an efficient clip. He comes with good basketball IQ and while he may not be the most explosive player on the floor, he understands how to play in bursts, use his size against smaller defenders and hit tough fadeaways off the bounce that make it difficult to contest. Boys’ Latin should be an improved team overall, but the success will still rest heavily on Stout to not only produce as a scorer, but playmaker as well.
Omarion Reid Omarion Reid 6'6" | C Mt. Carmel | 2023 State MD | Mt. Carmel/Team Melo MD23
Reid is a guy I have raved about on here since the spring simply because of the motor he plays with. He has a bruising frame at 6-foot-6 and the build of a lineman on the football field, but make no mistake, Reid comes with sound footwork, soft touch and decent ability to move laterally. He’s a willing teammate who can play his role effectively and checks boxes that contribute to winning. Reid crashes the glass on both ends, finishes consistently on his looks inside and brings a physicality that can make driving guards think twice on lay up attempts. He’ll play an important role for the Cougars again this season after fulfilling his duties as a junior and helping them to a MIAA Championship Game appearance.
Aidan Harris Aidan Harris 6'6" | SF St. Marys | 2023 State #293 Nation MD | St. Mary’s/DMV Stags
Expect Harris to put up some crooked numbers this season if he remains as healthy as he was in the summer. The 6-foot-6 forward has become a mismatch nightmare with his ability to bully his defender in the post, face-up from mid-range or knockdown catch-and-shoot three’s. He pursues rebounds with purpose, runs the floor with consistency and provides versatility to the backline of a defense. He’ll be the cowbell for St. Mary’s once again this season as they try and repeat as MIAA B Conference champions.
Ethan Goon Ethan Goon 6'7" | PF Bishop Manogue | 2023 NC | Rosedale Christian
Goon is a new face to the area after moving to the area from the stat of Nevada. At 6-foot-7, he has good size and comes with a reliable shot from beyond the arc, making him a valuable floor-spacer. He can also operate in the mid-post with his back to the basket, but Goon will make his impact this season for the newly revamped Rosedale Christian program with his spot-up shooting ability, guarding multiple positions on the defensive end and having a presence on the backboard.
Malcolm Day Malcolm Day 6'5" | SF Old Mill | 2023 State MD | Takoma Academy/DMV Stags
Day put his name on our radar this spring given his skill set and athleticism as a 6-foot-5 wing. He carried over with a productive summer with steady improvement in many areas, which gave us reason to throw his name on this list with confidence. He’s a guy the defense must account for on any catch from three. That includes 5-to-7 feet beyond the arc. When crowded, Day has a good enough handle to put the ball on the deck and create for himself. When he get to the rim he can finish with either hand and with space, can throw down explosive jams. His combination of size and athleticism make for a movable piece on the defensive end in terms of matchups. Day approaches the game with toughness and grit.