Public School Warmup: Underclassmen To Watch For

Jordan is primed for another breakout year as he heads to the DCIAA in his second season. Averaged well over 20 points a game as a freshman in a tough conference with Avalon and I anticipate he will follow up with higher numbers considering the offensive freedom and defensive pressure that Cardozo will play with. Jordan is versatile offensively can get to his spots through pick-and-roll or through a spread look in iso-situations. He will have the ball in his hands a ton with the Clerks in his debut season this year, but the way he can impact winning will be key as he shifts to the DC playing field. Already off to a red-hot start with the Clerks early on this year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2886457' first='De'Chae' last='Turner'] has a rare blend of athleticism and IQ already at an early stage in his career. Caught my eye during the summer with Largo as a solid contributor who does the little things that lead to wins. Complimented Jalen and Toby very well on the floor due to his skills to adapt to any role on the floor. De'Chae can shoot the ball from three while defending and rebounding consistently. Has the potential to really expand his game while continuing to execute as a dependable 3&D wing. Plays well on the wing and can occasionally take his man at the basket and finish at the rim. Can get up for a big slam on the break, sneaky athleticism. Name to watch in the 2028 class, especially pertaining to the prestigious Largo High.     Abdul is a smooth operator at the guard spot. Contains great size and control already as a young guard and has a lot of experience under his belt to date. This season will be his second and Dully is looking to really make a name for himself not only in his county, but across the state. I expect Abdul will see a jump in his scoring average this season as more will be expected of him. He can score at all three levels, and his size gives him an advantage over a lot of his matchups. Learning how to read the floor and make plays when the defense reacts, but overall looking like a strong prospect coming out of Maryland in the coming years. Has a true knack for scoring the ball that should only improve in levels and efficiency.     Cayden is another athletic wing with good size and potential to further progress his game. He impressed over the summer as a 2-way wing that showed some flashes of big-play ability. His confidence is an attribute a lot of times, often proving he can go toe-to-toe with respectable competitors. Cayden gets active on the defensive end, taking pride in locking down whatever is in front of him. He can elevate for blocks, time steals in the passing lanes and rebound the ball all in the same. Intangible player that will leave his impact on the floor even without the points.     [player_tooltip player_id='2926383' first='Malachi' last='Brown'] is a name I plan to watch closely over the coming year. Big guard that has a natural understanding for what to do with the ball and stringing baskets together. There were times this summer I watched Malachi effortlessly get into his spots and rise over the contest or finish strong at the rim. Versatile but fundamental scorer, can spot up on the outside while the offense is run, or he can take his matchup 1-on-1 and score in isolation. His reads on the floor are smooth to watch, he can pick apart a defense by penetrating the lane or by clearing out the lane for him to break down his defender. Has a chance to be special if he keeps the production consistent and progresses year-by-year.