Border League East: DC/MD/VA Evaluations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Border League East took place this weekend in Rock Hill, SC and multiple programs from DC/MD/VA made the trip to compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Highland and Mt. Zion both left unscathed with 4-0 records and for the majority of the weekend, led their games by double digits. Jackson-Reed finished .500 at 2-2 as they continue to show promising signs under new head coach Tre Mouton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Highland:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1782691"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc53169"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Not sure there's a better scorer in MD/DC/VA than Hunter and time and time again, he's proven that he cannot only put up a crooked number anytime he takes the floor, but also that his repertoire continues to expand. There was a narrative heading into the spring that he was a non-factor from beyond the arc. For those that put the hours in the gym and evaluate in different environments, it's safe to say he's taken significant strides in this aspect to the point where defenders can't go under screens and bigs shouldn't be suggested to play drop coverage in ball screens. The lead guard's burst is one of the best you'll see in the national class and because of that, he lives in the paint/at the rim for the majority of games. He can contort his body in various ways while maintaining soft touch on floaters, but you're starting to see the floor vision and processing for others surface more with each viewing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2353606"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc531cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The future Penn point guard produced at his typical, steady rate in Highland's dominant weekend. The toughness that he brings from the point of attack at both ends. He's the initiator for this Highland group in a half court setting and forced his defender to remain honest in any situation because of his shot making from mid range and three. It's no secret that this squad will be one of the best in DC/MD/VA and in large part, it's because of their backcourt duo in Asare and Hunter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2440984"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc5321d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ragland is one of the best 6-foot-6 rebounders you'll find in his national class. The combination of strength, leverage and instincts around the rim collects misses on both ends is impressive. He logs a lot of minutes guarding the other team's biggest player because of his physical makeup and it benefits him on the offensive end where he can force his man to play in space and respect him on the catch beyond the arc. There were plenty of occasions throughout the weekend when he was featured in a high ball screen with Asare or Hunter and as they drew two defenders, Ragland popped to the top of the key and sunk triples with confidence. If he parks himself on the block for post touches, Ragland will use a couple bumps before showing off his nimble feet on spins or quick turns to the middle where he attacks the cup through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2815380"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc53261"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Banks has shown improvements in a lot of ways over the last few months, but I think this weekend was the best stretch of basketball I've seen him play and it all had to do with his efficiency embracing his role. As the bulk of the defense's attention is focused on Asare, Hunter and Ragland, any production out of Banks and others can be demoralizing as the opposing team tries to establish momentum. Banks made his share of catch-and-shoot three's and made great decisions as a passer from the top of the key, in transition or in quick read-and-react situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2470569"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc532a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another key cog to this Highland group is Smith. His ability to toggle between the 1-3 positions for spurts when needed speaks to his versatility on the defensive end. Offensively, he was at his best keeping things simple. He saw a few of the three's off the catch drop this weekend, but can also pose as a consistent threat attacking gaps off swing passes. He ran the lanes wide in transition for scores, helped out on the glass and contributed to winning in ways that go beyond the box score. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2575696"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc532e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ross was his best in the first two wins of the weekend where he served as a 6-foot-7 Swiss army knife on both ends. His buckets were momentum-changing as many of them came above the rim as a lob-catcher or off deliveries that allowed him to attack in straight lines. Ross' size, length and athleticism all translate to multiple statistical categories and if he can be another guy that threatens the defense as a catch-and-shoot threat when in the corners, it'll allow the offense to operate even smoother than it was in their strong showing here this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3336925"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc53320"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kodi continues to figure out his niche and will be needed in the thick of EPL play this winter because of his size and length that he can use around the rim. He was good in his action as a backline presence where he caused multiple deflections that turned into run out opportunities and when he was actively flashing/cutting in the middle of the floor or along the baseline offensively, good things happened. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mt. Zion Prep:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2364701"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc5335f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Matthews is making a real case to enter the top three of the 2028 MD/DC rankings with his play this fall. He seems to be finding his role as the alpha for this Mt. Zion Prep team fairly easily and he's able to showcase all the aspects of his game within their system and style. Known for his supreme athleticism, Matthews has done an outstanding job progressing as an off the dribble threat and growing as a jump shooter. At this point, his shot is more consistent from the mid range than three, but make no mistake, he's no longer the 'dunk only threat' when he's on the floor. With time and space he can confidently bury three's and usually does so when the Warriors need it most. He dominated the glass throughout Mt. Zion's 4-0 showing, had his moments jumping the passing lanes and even slid over from the weak side a couple of times to draw charges. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's no surprise that more P5 programs are starting to join the sweepstakes with offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2201951"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc533a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've always been a fan of Canton's game because it rests on two-way impact and filling the ball handling duties offensively when needed. You can play him next to a ball dominant guard and he'll take on more of the scoring responsibilities, but in the last game of the weekend against Jackson-Reed, Canton was the catalyst in the final six or so minutes as he generated offensive himself and knocked down consecutive jumpers off the bounce to start the eventual run that led to a 20+ point victory. The New Mexico State pledge is as experienced and sturdy of a guard that you'll find in MD/DC today, which will be a reason Mt. Zion has success in the EPL and The Grind Session.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2353590"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc533e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The three-headed monster of Matthews, Canton and Etolue will be the engine for head coach Rod Harrison. Etolue had his spurts throughout the weekend, but has been one of the offensive focal points in the early fall events and I expect that to carry over to the season. At 6-foot-4, he's at his best playing off the ball where he can hover around the perimeter. His range off the catch extends a few feet beyond the three-point line, but his ability to put in on the deck and score amongst contact is what keeps his defender on edge. Defensively he keeps guards/wings in front of him with a frame that allows him to guard players 2-to-4 inches taller. His active hands result in deflections and his hardhat mindset surfaces as he hauls in rebounds at a plus rate for a guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1588134"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc53426"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McGlone made the move to Mt. Zion and provides yet another athletically explosive creator for Harrison to work with. After Canton converted on some big late jumpers against Jackson-Reed on Sunday, McGlone provided the exclamation point on a couple of transition opportunities where he dunked with intentions of ripping off the rim. Headed to Texas Southern next season to play for former Mt. Zion Prep National head coach Lafayette Dublin, McGlone will spend his senior season honing in on his point guard skills and developing his game away from the cup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2454553"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc53463"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rucker is the prototypical combo forward that any team in the area could use because of his ability to adapt to the play style of those around him. His length, vertical athleticism and activity all shine on the defensive end where he alters attempts in the paint or helps close down one-shot possessions ripping rebounds at their peak. A switchable defender through four positions, Rucker makes for a massive advantage in ball screen coverages where he comfortably steps out beyond the arc in space and can bait the guard into bad situations. He was loud on fast break situations where he flushed a few dunks with authority. He can flare out to the corners and space the floor for others and has nice timing as an instinctual cutter reading the defense without the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3684645"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc534a4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A few highs from Dickerson as he too is a new face to this Mt. Zion group. The 6'4"-6'5" southpaw has been exceptional as a communicator on the defensive end in my viewings this fall. He seems to be buying in as more of a connective piece compared to early in his high school career where he sometimes tried to win games with one possession. Offensively he's been more of a baseline runner who can flare out to corners when others establish paint touches. His work on the glass has been another area of promise, especially as this team approaches it as a job done by committee. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jackson Reed:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2623334"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc534e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's always impressive to see how quickly Mahan can get his shot off when finding his spots on the wing or the corners. He has nice pre-catch footwork that allows his defender little-to-no room for error on closeouts and on more than a handful of occasions this weekend, those defenders learned the hard way. The 6-foot-5 Darmouth bound sniper projects well in the Ivy League thanks to his positional size as an off-ball guard/wing, his know-how in finding windows around the arc to make himself available and the lethal touch he has as a floor-spacer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3796146"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc53525"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brutley is a prospect who has helped himself a great deal this fall in my book. He'll certainly appear in the next update of the class rankings and is primed for a productive junior campaign under new Jackson-Reed head coach Tre Mouton. He's a lead guard who can put others in position of strength with his knack for paint touches and breaking down the defense. He has a quick first step and is twitchy enough to shake defenders if they're able to anticipate his first move. He's been a handful in high ball screens with his ability to split the defense and quickly process the defense as either a scorer or distributor. Defensively, he's the definition of a pest who will take it upon himself to pressure the ball the full length of the floor, where he's secured over a dozen steals/deflections over the course of their fall showings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2623928"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc53561"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Freeman made the move from Takoma Academy to finish his high school career for the rejuvenated Tigers. He's a 6-foot-1 gutsy shot maker who helped Takoma capture last year's MDPSSBT B Division title as he was key in late games when it mattered most. I see him filling out a similar role for Jackson-Reed this season and so far this fall, that assumption is checking out pretty accurately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2574738"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc5359b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Frye is always consistent whenever I see him. He's more of a combo guard than an off-ball guard and that's because he has the ability to mix it up off the bounce more than the eye test would lead you to believe. If he gets to the rim, he's good for a few crafty finishes. When he's off the ball, he's typically in the corners for spot ups, but if the closeout is effective, he can also put it on the ground and make nice reads as a passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2896951"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad51afc535d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The first time I saw Bryant I couldn't help but think it was a doppelgänger of former Jackson-Reed standout JJ Massaquoi (Southeastern Louisiana), which is the perfect player for Bryant to emulate his game after. A bruising 6-foot-5 forward who is expected to fill time at both the 4-5 positions for the Tigers, Bryant brings a bruising frame that allows him to carve out space when operating around the rim. His lower body strength also allows to establish leverage inside when battling for position on the glass. He's capable to step away from the basket and knock down shots, gives optionality when screening in space and will definitely be a name that rises up the rankings in the next update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->