Eight Baltimore County 2024 Shooters from this Season

A great shooter can change the course of a game with the attention he demands from the defense. When shooters force defenses to extend, the space they create means more opportunities to get to the rim and easier shots at the basket. Here are eight players from the Baltimore County region known for getting 'em up and knocking' em down.   Braden Renner - Towson   While Quint Fryer is indisputably Towson's best player, Braden Renner is their most important. Renner's season-long consistency from beyond the arc and ability to hit contested shots under pressure provide Towson with a reliable perimeter scoring option. Renner shoots over 40% on a diet of spot ups, kick outs and on the move threes. He's not as adept shooting off multiple dribbles but off the ball, his ability to threaten from deep forces defenses to spread out, opening up driving lanes for teammates. Renner's form and footwork getting shot ready are also impressive, he's always ready to catch and shoot from triple threat, and he's able to find room to get it off even in a congested half court offense.   Andrew Otuyelu - Kenwood   Sophomore guard Andrew Otuyelu's shooting ability adds a dynamic element to Kenwood's offense, keeping opponents from keying on Neo Feehan and Austin Mbuyi. With a smooth stroke and quick release, he catches the ball and moves into his shot pocket seamlessly. Otuyelu's well-rounded game means defenders can't simply play the jumpshot, they must respect his drive and ability to make plays for others. Playing alongside a ball-dominant guard in Mbuyi, Otuyelu has had to pick his spots game-to-game, using the defensive attention drawn by teammates to slip into open spots all over the court. I expect Otuyelu to continue evolving his game as he grows, especially with Mbuyi and Feehan moving on after this season. Otuyelu is a already a strong defender and a capable playmaker, improving his ball handling to the level of a true lead guard should be priority one this offseason.   Mike Owens - Catonsville   Besides being a great shooter, Mike Owens is an exceptional team leader. His combination of deadly accuracy from all three levels, clutch scoring and heady play make him a cornerstone of Catonsville's offense. Owens has a strong frame and solid athleticism that allows him to rise up and fire over contests, or shoot through contact. His balance and body coordination getting shots off are top of the league and he never seems rushed. The lack of go-to scorers for the Comets has allowed Owens to grow his game this season, stepping into the alpha role confidently and excelling in his situation. Owens is fundamentally sound, using everything at his disposal to create opportunities for him to get his shot off. He's physical when engaging with defenders running around the court, and he moves without the ball extremely well. When he catches it's straight up, straight down and hold the followthrough. Owens is a college athlete, one that could capably play off the bench or starting in either guard spot.   Tjay Beckles - Overlea   Tjay Beckles growth each year regardless of team has been fun to watch. He's a scorer through and through, with the shooting proficiency and basketball IQ to be a key player at the next level. In Overlea's offensive scheme, Beckles combines with star [player_tooltip player_id='2635802' first='Korey' last='Blair'] to form a flamethrowing duo capable of scoring 60 by themselves. Beckles moves well without the ball, and his incredibly active style of play means you can't lose track of him or he's going to create headaches for your defense. Beckles is as complete an offensive player as you'll find in the area, he pivots both ways, can dribble, pass, and finish around the basket with assertiveness. One distinguishing quality between Beckles and most shooters is his proficiency off the dribble. He's equally comfortable rising and firing off one dribble or a crossover as he is running the floor and spotting up on the break. Beckles should have college looks at the DII and low-mid DI levels, with work on his efficiency and playmaking as a lead guard, he could be a gem.   Earl Jordan - Loch Raven   Loch Raven has been a pleasant surprise to watch this year. Their only losses have been to really good teams like Overlea, Dulaney and SVHS. One of the main reasons for that is the play of junior guard Earl Jordan. Jordan's emerging talent as a shooter has added a new dimension to Loch Raven's game plan. Loch Raven is a fairly undersized team, so his ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots provides much needed spacing for [player_tooltip player_id='2639985' first='Amonte' last='Johnson'] and Loch Raven's offense, allowing for better ball movement and scoring opportunities inside. Jordan is using his junior season to show he can be counted on to effectively space the floor and attack closeouts at the next level. There's potential to further refine his skills and expand his game with continued development especially around shot selection and footwork. He's assertive with the ball, and doesn't shy away from contact on the shot or the drive. While a decent athlete, Jordan will have to rely more on technical ability than athleticism to improve his chances at the college level.   Mikko Persia - Parkville   Mikko Persia uses his experience as a senior to set up the best shot for himself or his teammates. Honing his skills at one of the best programs in the county, Persia is a lethal weapon for Parkville's offense, showcasing a skill set highly valued at the next level. He can catch fire from downtown or mid-range, and his mental fortitude and penchant for showing up in the biggest moments means he's capable of seinging the momentum of a game by himself. Persia values the basketball, makes smart passes and shoots a high percentage at the free throw line. For coaches that prioritize recruits with a track record of success and experience in high-pressure situations, a player like Persia who can consistently deliver in crucial moments is a tone setter. Persia has the potential to evolve into a valuable contributor for a college team as a true perimeter scoring threat.   Cameron Alexander - Parkville   By this time next year, Cam Alexander will likely be a household name for basketball fans in the Baltimore area. Should Parkville go on another playoff run in defense of their 2023 title, Alexander will likely feature prominently in the discussion for best players on the court. His talent as a shooter only adds to the firepower of a star-laden Parkville team and Alexander's heavy workload as a sophomore foreshadows even greater heights to come in the future. Alexander immediately impacts the game with the gravity he pulls from defenders. He shoots confidently from anywhere on the floor, and his shot motion is repetitive and fluid. He's fundamentally sound with his footwork, whether driving and finishing with control or using the right angles to create space off the dribble. it's often called the least efficient shot in basketball but Alexander's proficiency in knocking down shots from mid-range aligns well with the demands of a go-to scorer in high school or college basketball. He's a player that'll be talked about A LOT moving forward as he enters his junior and senior seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='2635802' first='Korey' last='Blair'] - Overlea   [player_tooltip player_id='2635802' first='Korey' last='Blair'] might be the best pure-shooter in Baltimore county high school hoops. It's difficult to describe the ease and quickness with which Blair raises up to fire when going up for a shot. From his body positioning to his follow through, there's no wasted motion. Blair's jump shot is something akin to the strike of a viper, quick, deadly and composed. He's got unwavering confidence on the court, and he plays with a maturity that shows in his shot selection and ability to contribute in multiple ways offensively. Blair's elite shooting ability from various spots on the floor is a translatable skill, and with his mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure, he's got a shooters makeup to go with the game. With more time on the ball Blair will grow his off the dribble game. He already shows great mechanics when pulling up and likely needs more reps to attain a higher level of comfort with the ball in his hands. Did I mention he's just a sophomore? Between Blair and Cam Alexander, Overlea vs. Parkville will be one of THE games to watch next year.

A great shooter can change the course of a game with the attention he demands from the defense. When shooters force defenses to extend, the space they create means more opportunities to get to the rim and easier shots at the basket. Here are eight players from the Baltimore County region known for getting 'em up and knocking' em down.