BCL Impact Transfers Through Mid-December

As the holiday break approaches, we now have enough sample size to get out a small report on how the new faces in new places are performing in the Baltimore Catholic League. At this point in the season, every team has played at least nine games, which has been enough for a handful or so names to establish themselves within their new team's dynamic. Below, we'll highlights those prospects.    Smith has been a crucial addition for St. Frances as they came into the season losing a bulk of production in their backcourt from 2024-25 to the transfer portal. Making his way to Chase Street via Huntington Prep (WV), Smith immediately inserted himself into the starting lineup and provides the needed stability next to others such as [player_tooltip player_id='2975252' first='TJ' last='Jones'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2878470' first='Carter' last='Fisk'], both of which are at their best when they're in scoring roles. Currently sporting an 11-1 overall record, St. Frances has depended on Smith in a few games this season to lead the way with his own scoring prowess. He understands how to attack gaps, finish in the paint with touch, and has proven to be a factor on catch-and-shoot opportunities. Look for Smith to continue to be a major factor for the Panthers once the thick of conference play commences.     Alexander's number was called much earlier than expected when Samartine Hill was sidelined with an injury to begin the season. Alexander was being asked to make a quick adjustment from his former school in Delaware and take on an important role for the reigning BCL/MIAA champs. There were highs and lows as expected, but overall Alexander has embraced the challenge and is willing to play on or off the ball alongside [player_tooltip player_id='1782668' first='Tristen' last='Wilson']. His confidence as a shooter off the bounce and burst with his first step are two factors that opposing conference teams have taken note of. He works at it defensively, continues to gain the trust of his teammates in crunch time, and is adjusting to the constant ball pressure that guards face in the BCL. Hill returned to the lineup after a couple of weeks, but Alexander is still playing a vital role within head coach Tony Martin's scheme as the Cougars sit atop of the conference standings with an 11-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 in BCL play.     Coming into this season the Gaels were in need of a lengthy wing such as Simley to not only present mismatch problems on the offensive side, but also act as a versatile defensive piece. Simley's makeup and competitiveness have served him well as a defender thus far and the offensive side has flashed in spurts. He uses his size to get to spots in the mid-range and rise over defenders for jumpers. In the open floor, his athleticism is what can shine bright. Mount St. Joe has two losses on their record, both of which came in conference play to St. Frances and Archbishop Spalding respectively, and are currently riding a four-game winning streak at 11-2 overall.     Calvert Hall has experienced a few hiccups as of late, but Johnson has been consistent with his impact as a 6-foot-2 southpaw scoring guard. He's a smooth operator off the bounce who can get to his spots with good pace and quickly get into his fluid pull-up. Johnson sees the floor well and processes reads correctly, but is definitely more wired to score at this point of his development. Calvert Hall is on a six-game losing streak after winning their first six of the season, but with the young and talented core of Johnson, [player_tooltip player_id='2265685' first='Billy' last='Stanfield III'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2926352' first='Cameron' last='Wood'], there's hope to regain their footing and reel off some victories come conference play.     Rich is another young, talented scoring guard who made his way to the BCL after a productive freshman season at Suitland. St. Mary's Annapolis has an intriguing backcourt rotation comprised of guards in various classes, but Rich has provided a three-level scoring punch who can impact offensively both on or off the ball. He uses his strong frame on drives to initiate contact and help gain separation on attempts around the rim or can tap into some shifty crossovers while operating in space for jump shots. St. Mary's Annapolis has had a tough schedule thus far and sports a 3-11 overall record and 1-4 in BCL play.     Yet another critical addition for the Panthers has been McMahon, who made the move to Baltimore from Chopticon. You never really know how public school players will adjust to the level of play in the BCL, but McMahon has carved out an immediate role for himself for a team that was desperate for size in the frontcourt. McMahon brings length, activity around the rim, and ability to space the floor when he has time to set his feet. There have been multiple games where his presence helped swing the momentum, but none more impressive than his first couple of quarters in their win over Archbishop Stepinac (NY), as he was faced with the task of taking on the Ratliff twins.     Avery's impact has been well documented by us so far this season and to leave him off such a list would be irresponsible. He has arguably the highest ceiling of any prospect in the region and he's shown why in Spalding's first 10 games in the manner of high-flying posters, violently blocking shots, and being a constant presence on the glass. The Cavs have been battling injuries in their backcourt to go with a tough schedule and currently sit 5-5 overall, 4-2 in conference.

As the holiday break approaches, we now have enough sample size to get out a small report on how the new faces in new places are performing in the Baltimore Catholic League. At this point in the season, every team has played at least nine games, which has been enough for a handful or so names to establish themselves within their new team's dynamic. Below, we'll highlights those prospects.