Primo Spears is One of Maryland’s Best Available 2021 Guards

COVID-19 continues to restrict the majority of private and public school leagues of any games or practices, but prep schools seem to be in full swing. Mt. Zion Prep has won their first seven games and continue to look stronger each time they take the floor. Last season the Warriors had a plethora of talent and high-major prospects. While this season's team isn't as spectacular in the talent department, they play harder and are more in sync as a unit. 2021 combo guard Primo Spears is a major reason why.

Spears is a Connecticut native who decided to do a post-grad prep season at Mt. Zion. He quickly asserted himself as a go-to option for the Warriors and has steadily produce both on and off the ball.

"The intensity here is overall just higher," Spears said about his experience thus far. "Coaches, practices, and games there's just such a difference in intensity and competition. We have basically another quarter in games time wise. I think we're adjusting well as a team and I think personally I'm adjusting well and getting used to how Coach Rod coaches."

Head coach Rodrick Harrison and his staff play a college style on both ends. Offensively if there are no easy baskets in transition, he demands half court execution and for sets to be run through multiple times. Defensively he wants every player on the court to move on a string when it comes to rotations. It takes complete buy-in from the players and so far so good as indicated by their 7-0 record with wins over opponents such as Sunrise Christian Academy and Massanutten Military Academy.

"It wasn't tough for me to gel with Coach Rod as a coach because he's a real gritty coach, just as I am as a player. Adjusting to him off the floor wasn't as hard with him as I thought it would be, but definitely the system was tough. There isn't much freelancing like in public school. You actually learn how to play as a guard. Being called a 'combo' guard here is something new to me. I've always been a point guard and being pass-first. But we have so many talented guards here and me playing next to B.J. Francis and A.J. Lopez has made me a better player so I've learned to love it," Spears told Prep Hoops.

It doesn't take long in watching Spears to realize he can impact the game in multiple ways. He was taken out of his natural position in point guard, but for the betterment of the team and his overall development that will benefit him at the next level.

"Just keeping it simple," Spears said as he reflected on his improvements since stepping foot on campus. "I was so used to having the ball in my hand at all times up in Connecticut and maybe having a little too much freedom. Coach Rod has helped me simplify things and be efficient. Two moves and go or give it up. My jumper is also something that has improved. We're constantly on the gun getting up shots and I'm seeing it translate.

Spears' decision making as both a scorer and passer fit the mold for what Division I programs seek in their guards. His toughness, willingness on defense and communication on both ends are intangibles give even more reason why programs should be tracking him closely.

North Texas is the program reaching out to Spears on a consistent basis, but other mid-majors are starting to show interest. As well as a few high-major programs.

"It's going to come down to who shows they truly want me. I'm not hung up on level, but I want to come in and play some minutes as a freshman."