CBG x Assist Juco Prep Showdown: Underclass Budding Stars

The CBG x ASSIST Juco Prep Showdown has become a routine stop for me every October due to the wealth of talent ranging from several states and the reach of high school, prep, and JuCo programs in attendance. The Saturday slate delivered as expected and for this article, we'll look at the underclassmen who fit the mold as the next pack of budding stars in MD/DC/VA.    Anderson is as polished of an underclassman guard that you'll find in the region. He stands 6-foot-2 with a frame that resembles a high school senior who is preparing for the collegiate level. Anderson uses that frame to his advantage on drives to the rim as he initiates and manipulates contact with great balance to finish attempts through harm. His frame fits the mold of a high school lead guard who overwhelms others simply due to his strength, but the progressions with his jumper are evident. He knocked down several three's throughout the weekend and did it both off the bounce or off movement while rotating off-ball.     Fitzgerald's name started circulating around the DMV after his strong summer league showing with Flint Hill. Since then, he's taken his talents to a strong Highland School roster and reclassed to 2028. He'll end up being one of the better rebounders in the area if he isn't already in that conversation and while he continues to learn his own capabilities offensively, the 6-foot-8 forward showed plenty of flashes throughout the weekend in Richmond. He knocked down three's off kick-outs, displayed dependable hands in the dunker's spot, and threw down one of the dunks of the event in transition where he put an opposing defender in the rim.   The potential, the skill, and the mindset are all in Fitzgerald. Head coach Logan Miller is going to make sure each of those characteristics are maximized to the fullest extent.     Ragland is going to be one of the most productive freshmen in the region and any supporting evidence needed to support that claim can be found on film from the weekend. He uses his 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame as you'd see a senior would in the post as he bullies his way to angles around the rim. The special thing about Ragland is that for as talented as he is as a scorer, he's at his best playing off the ball as a cutter where he makes timely decisions that put himself in the best situation for a clean look. Whether it's a quick dive down the middle of the lane, a backdoor from the corner or lifts as ball-screen actions die on the weak side, his instincts in this sense are mature beyond his years.   Don't limit Ragland to the eye-test either because he's more than capable of throwing down on a defender with authority.     One of the most intriguing 2029 prospects in the region with a ceiling that seems limitless. Closing in on 6-foot-8 with plus length, Hunter is a smooth operator on the ball as he attacks from the perimeter. He uses his length in the form of long strides in transition where he glides by defenders to the cup. There are small technical topics with the shooting mechanics, but the results aren't anything to complain about.   Don't be fooled with his quiet approach. The southpaw wing will happily drive baseline and put you on a poster when he's able to get a head of steam. High ceiling prospect here.

The CBG x ASSIST Juco Prep Showdown has become a routine stop for me every October due to the wealth of talent ranging from several states and the reach of high school, prep, and JuCo programs in attendance. The Saturday slate delivered as expected and for this article, we'll look at the underclassmen who fit the mold as the next pack of budding stars in MD/DC/VA.