EBA Play Day: 2023 Standouts

On Sunday the EBA Play Day took place at Parkville High School where 14 teams from surrounding counties (and one program from New Jersey) took the floor for a preseason primer. I'll have content surrounding the event being released throughout the week, but wanted to start with some general takeaways as 12 hours of hoops were enjoyed.   [player_tooltip player_id='1164817' first='Kedrick' last='Curtis'] | 6'6 | Friends   Curtis' team played in the early slot at 8AM. I always look at these time slots as an opportunity to see who really brings energy to the game. Curtis did that as he finished with 11 points and seven boards. Despite his team coming up short against a scrappy Aberdeen squad, the 6-foot-6 senior had a handful of grab-and-go opportunities where he led the break and made plays for both himself or others off the bounce. He made up for the loss with a win over Largo where he logged 14 points and five boards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1573292' first='Artarus' last='Brown'] | 6'2 | Aberdeen   Brown had a respectable amount of D3 interest coming into the event, but secured even more with the coaches watching on the baseline. He's a downhill guard who finishes aggressively around the hoop. With a clear takeoff lane, Brown can get over the rim for one-hand flushes. Brown knocked down occasional mid-rangers when he had the space, but was at his best when he was getting to the paint and forcing the defense to collapse. Brown averaged 10.5 points and four rebounds in the two wins for his team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1482976' first='Eric' last='Zhang'] | 6'3 | Dulaney   Another guard who will garner more D3 interest is Zhang, a 6-foot-3 lefty guard who can fill up the scoring column thanks to his ability to make shots from 15-to-17 feet off the bounce and his accuracy from three off the catch. He turned in well-balanced scoring performances for the Lions in their two wins by averaging 12.5 points per game.   Pat Wynne | 6'6 | Dulaney   Wynne had a strong performance in Dulaney's win over Largo where they held a significant size advantage as 2025 Cam Ward sat out with an injury. The 6-foot-6 senior scored 19 points, most of which came inside the paint or operating in the mid-post off 2-to-3 dribbles. Wynne did step outside and knock down two three's on the day as well. If he continues to add consistency in that sense, he'll be a tremendous long-term prospect at the D3 level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1573230' first='Favor' last='Okigweh'] | 6'6 | Parkville   Okigweh showcased to all in attendance that he'll be the main supplier of above-the-rim happenings in Baltimore County this season. The versatile forward can impact both sides of the ball. His offensive performances were headlined by a ridiculous reverse oop after making a quick cut backdoor. Okigweh is a low maintenance player who does a great job of making himself available with off-ball movement. He's a valuable defensive piece due to his shot-blocking prowess and willingness as a rebounder. He finished the day averaging 10 points and nine rebounds per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1114027' first='Aidan' last='Harris'] | 6'7 | St. Mary's Annapolis   Harris was the lone Division I commit in attendance (St. Francis PA) and didn't take long to prove why. It seemed like every time he had the ball he was knocking down fadeaway jumpers over either shoulder with confidence and fluidity. He manned the glass and was an effective communicator on the defensive end. On the day, Harris' team went 1-1 behind his 14.5 points and 7.5 rebound per game averages.   [player_tooltip player_id='1573332' first='Ajani' last='Lomax'] | 5'10 | St. Mary's Annapolis   I liked Lomax's aggressiveness in pushing the tempo any chance he could. If he wasn't going coast-to-coast and putting pressure on the defense by attacking the basket, he was making simple advance passes to streaking teammates or last second dimes after the defender committed to him. He also did a nice job of finishing through contact after exposing driving lanes and took advantage of his few looks from three. Lomax also supplied good on-ball pressure defensively. He averaged 9.5 points and 2.5 assists per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1482974' first='Omarion' last='Reid'] | 6'6 | Mt. Carmel   Reid continues to put forth productive outings in any event or showcase I watch him in. The Cougars finished 2-0 on the da and the 6-foot-6 bruiser had his best game against Rosedale Christian as he logged 17 points and eight rebounds. Reid brings a physicality that no one could match on instances where he received the ball on the block, used his body to gain position for rebounds or walled opposing matchups trying to operate against him down low.   [player_tooltip player_id='1164829' first='Mitchell' last='Kalu'] | 6'5 | Mt. Carmel   Next to Reid in the frontcourt is Kalu, an athletic and powerful forward with a seemingly endless motor. Kalu looked to make a statement anytime he had the chance to rise up and rip the rim off with two hands. On a routine basis, he used his pogo stick jumping ability to rise over the crown awaiting the defensive rebound and secured it himself. He'll once again be a valuable piece for head coach Trevor Quinn this season with his ability to impact the stat sheet in many ways.

On Sunday the EBA Play Day took place at Parkville High School where 14 teams from surrounding counties (and one program from New Jersey) took the floor for a preseason primer. I'll have content surrounding the event being released throughout the week, but wanted to start with some general takeaways as 12 hours of hoops were enjoyed.