EBA Summer League-2024 Standouts

The EBA Summer League came to a conclusion last week and as usual, it's a great opportunity to get a peek at private and public schools from various counties. Each team played eight games and throughout the month of June, it allowed us to gather some standouts from each class. We'll start with the rising seniors.   Caleb Franze | Gerstell   Franze was one of the most prolific scorers in the league this summer and used the stage to generate college interest. Franze is a 5'9 southpaw lead guard who has great burst and end-to-end quickness. He exposes driving lanes in the blink of an eye and showed progression with his three-point shot throughout the month. He shoulders the majority of production for this Gerstell team.   [player_tooltip player_id='1366895' first='J'Lin' last='Brown'] | Loyola Blakefield   Brown has always been an intriguing, versatile prospect. Many teams experience lineup changes due to their players having other commitments such as family vacations, etc., which meant Brown had to fill multiple positions. The 6'4 hybrid forward scored it with efficiency around the rim, defended multiple positions and always makes his imprint on the glass with effort.   [player_tooltip player_id='1579098' first='Josiah' last='Legree'] | Loyola Blakefield   Legree provided plenty of proof that he will be just fine making the transition to his new team. The 6'1 guard was a highlight waiting to happen almost every time he had the ball in his hands. Whether it was throwing down a rim-rattling dunk, knocking down a tough shot after creating separation with his crossover or delivering pin-point passes to cutting teammates, Legree provides production with almost every touch.   CJ Jackson | Boys' Latin   Jackson was another stock-riser from his production throughout the EBA SL. The 6'4 rising senior can be used in several ways at the next level, but shined in grab-and-go situations where he led the break and used his size to get to the rim. He shot the deep ball at a decent rate off the catch, but the biggest takeaway for me with Jackson was his assertiveness and aggression that wasn't present as a junior. Remaining consistent in that sense will have colleges vying for his commitment.   [player_tooltip player_id='1948345' first='Paul' last='Gross'] | Dulaney   Gross displayed why he'll be a force once again in the Baltimore County landscape thanks to his physical frame at 6'3 and downhill determination at the point guard position. He plays with wiggle to get his defender off balance and uses his broad shoulder to bully his way to the rim for layups. He's a consistent finisher through contact and brings a rebounding presence that allows for plenty of transition opportunities.   Ezra Tull | Dulaney   Tull has more of a old school big man game despite standing 6'4-6'5. He keeps it simple and moves from block-to-block where he has good hands on last second dump-offs from penetrating guards. It was good to see him extend his range when the opportunity called for it, which usually took place in pick-and-pop scenarios. Tull does a good job of establishing leverage on the defensive end as the shot goes up to put himself in the best position for boards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1127308' first='Ashton' last='Kendall'] | McDonogh   Kendall's bucket-getting mindset will be valuable for this year's Eagles squad. In years past, he had to split on-ball duties with other guards who weren't ready to take over the role full time. Now that McDonogh has a couple of small, skilled guards it allows Kendall to play more off the ball as a guy who comes off screens looking to shoot. He still made his impact felt in transition where he can stop on a dime for mid-range pulls and occasionally got to the rim for quick layups.   Tjay Beckles | Overlea   It'll be another season with big scoring performances for Beckles as he enters his senior season as the primary offensive threat for Overlea. He gets it going quick from beyond the arc and has the confidence to let it go from five feet beyond the high school line off the bounce. He can mix it up and break his man down off the bounce. Throughout the month of June, he reminded us that he's an underrated passer and when dialed in, can make life hard as a defender when harassing the ball.   Amir Shaheed | Atholton   Atholton has a few weapons that can help establish control of a game from the early goings. Shaheed was one of them and when his shot was falling from three early, you knew there was a chance to see a handful more. The Raiders have a few different guys who can play on the ball, but Shaheed was at his best roaming the perimeter and catching on swing passes in the shot-ready position.   Darion Parris | Aberdeen   Parris ended his junior season with a strong showing against City in the Class 3A Final Four game. The 6'5 senior shows flashes, especially in the open floor where he'll rise up for over-the-rim finishes with space. He tends to gravitate towards the perimeter in the half court and is capable of knocking down shots from deep. There remains inconsistent results within his release, but when he sees a couple of shots drop, his value increases.

The EBA Summer League came to a conclusion last week and as usual, it's a great opportunity to get a peek at private and public schools from various counties. Each team played eight games and throughout the month of June, it allowed us to gather some standouts from each class. We'll start with the rising seniors.