'27 Rankings Update: New Additions

New readers: Use code "Proia30" for discounted subscription   Today we updated our <a href="https://prephoops.com/2024/10/updated-2027-maryland-rankings/">individual prospect rankings</a> for the sophomore class ('27) in the combined coverage zones of Maryland and Washington DC. We added in 43 new names since updating this class over the summer for a total of 100 total prospects. Let's dive into discussing some of the new additions to the rankings!    -Barker is a hidden gem that steps into a bigger role for a Wise team that has added depth this season. Barker hits the glass hard, can pass well from a standstill, sets solid screens and understands how to roll to space. He can also score it well from the low block with his back to the basket or by facing up with his opponent. Barker serves as a viable pick n pop threat with improved form as a midrange jump shooter. Interested to see how he can separate himself this season as a prospect to watch in PG County     -Strickland transfers into Gwynn Park and should have a bigger role with the Hornets this upcoming season. Strickland excels as a POA defender that can guard 1-3 comfortably at the HS level because of his size, footwork, and speed. Has shown a new side to his game as a guard that occasionally brought the ball up the floor at CBG but can also get downhill to score at the basket or draw FTs. Once he becomes more consistent with his shot prep and mechanics, a good midrange jumper to keep the defense honest will open up his game to make him a more well-rounded prospect     -I've liked the flashes that I've seen from the sophomore as an athletic wing that can guard his yard, run the floor in transition, and has worked to improve his shooting touch in the paint and from the midrange. Standing at 6'4 and still growing (both parents 6'4+), he competes hard defensively and communicates well both on and off the ball for a pretty deep Sidwell group. Whether he is developing with the JV team this season or is in practice against the upperclassmen in varsity every day, I think he is a good long term bet to be a productive wing talent that can block shots, rebound, score from the perimeter, and finish above the rim.     -Morris is a quick point guard prospect that played well at open gyms and impressed at the Top 250 Expo. His handle allows him to scan the floor for passing options and read helpers without looking down at his dribble but also gets him into his pull-up jumper from the top of the key smoothly. He understands how to play with high-level talent and takes the right shots if he doesn't see a good "one-more" option, unselfishly moving the rock to get his team a good look. Defensively he works hard to contest jump shooters without fouling and keep drivers out of the paint.     -Popped onto our radar late this summer as a scoring PG that can mix his matchup off the dribble and get off a clean look 18' and in. Although he will need to add more muscle onto his frame to absorb contact, he's already dunking as a 5'10 no-reclass sophomore point guard. I like his processing speed coming off of ball screens, he sees the floor well and reacts quickly on the fly to defender's movements. Bates plays the passing lanes well defensively but will need to learn to stay more disciplined on the ball heading into his second year in the DCIAA as a starter

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