Now that the high school season for both private and public schools is in full swing, it’s time to bring back the roundtable articles featuring your three scouts here at Prep Hoops Maryland in Adam Ayalew, Houston Wilson and myself.…
Now that the high school season for both private and public schools is in full swing, it’s time to bring back the roundtable articles featuring your three scouts here at Prep Hoops Maryland in Adam Ayalew, Houston Wilson and myself. As usual, we’ll tackle three questions as they pertain to the action we’ve taken in over the last couple of weeks.
1. We are now a few weeks into the season. Who is a prospect that has helped boost their stock the most?
Giacubeno: I’m going to bring a new name to the fold in 2022 West Nottingham point guard Vakaris Gauslys. I didn’t know about Gauslys before seeing the Rams host John Carroll earlier this season, but the Lithuanian native blew me away as he scorched the reigning BCL champions for 32 points in a win. His outside shooting, his command of the offense and his overall leadership were clear indications that he could help out a low major Division I program. For the folks in the crowd who are against 6-foot-1 point guards, his intangibles make up for his lack of size in that department and his energy is clearly contagious as his teammates fed off of it.
Ayalew: I think Drew McKennaDrewMcKenna
6'7" | PF Glenelg Country | 2024#61NationMD
from Glenelg Country has established himself as one of the premier prospects in the local 2024 class. He has grown to 6-foot-7 and has significantly improved in every facet of his overall game. McKenna has been very productive for Glenelg Country so far in the early part of the season. He has recorded 25+ points on multiple occasions, showcasing the ability to create and score from anywhere on the floor. McKenna’s defensive versatility is also a vital asset for his team.
Wilson: Colby wrote about Cortez JohnsonCortezJohnson
6'7" | PF St. Frances | 2022StateMD
last week and I was able to see him play this past weekend at the Gonzaga Classic and I walked away very impressed. He was very active in the paint for a very good St. France’s bunch and will continue to play an important role for them as the season goes on. I would not be surprised to see some more regional programs try and get involved with the unsigned senior.
2. Who is a transfer that has thrived with their new team?
Giacubeno: 2024 forward Luke Bamgboye has been a major factor for Mount Carmel early this season and it was pretty easy to predict that he would be just that considering his size at 6-foot-9. Bamgboye still has plenty of filling out to do, but his motor combined with his anticipation skills make him for an elite shot-blocker and rebounder at the rim. As he continues to get more comfortable with the American game, the London native is showing glimpses of his major upside and a pick-and-roll threat. A couple of weeks ago, he had what was the most impressive individual sequence I have seen this season:
Ayalew: It looks like Bryce LindsayBryceLindsay
6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2022StateMD is thriving in his role at St. Frances. The Panthers are off to an undefeated start (pending the Gonzaga Classic Championship), and Lindsay has been a key contributor throughout. He’s been a constant threat from three but has also done well to mix it up in the paint.
Wilson: The number one player in our 2023 MD/DC rankings, Amani HansberryAmaniHansberry
6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2023State#52NationMD
, transferred this past offseason to Mount St. Joseph’s and has been a huge spark for them. Right now Mount St. Joseph’s is 8-0 and Hansberry has been a force around the rim. Right now Mount St. Joe’s looks to be the favorite to win the BCL this year and Hansberry will play a big role for them to help them conquer that task.
3. We’ll be updating our player rankings within the next month. Are there any prospects making a push to potentially change the No. 1 spot?
Giacubeno: At the moment, our No. 1 spots are clearly cemented in my opinion, but I’m keeping an eye on 2023 National Christian wing/guard Isaiah ColemanIsaiahColeman
6'5" | SF Word of God | 2023State#59NationNC
. His electric scoring ability has helped him blossom into a prospect that several high major programs are beginning to recruit. As he continues to prove himself on different stages against top notch competition, that interest should quickly turn into official offers. Amani HansberryAmaniHansberry
6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2023State#52NationMD
, our current No. 1 prospect in the 2023 class, is one of the most skilled bigs I’ve covered so unless something drastic happens, I don’t see him giving up the top spot anytime soon.
Ayalew: After watching Mike WilliamsMikeWilliams
6'3" | CG Bishop Walsh | 2023State#141NationMD this winter, I think he is deserving of consideration for the top spot in Maryland. He has the physical tools to play the game at the highest level. Williams also has a solid skill base that should only improve over time.
Wilson: Right now I think we have every guy right at the number one spot for respective classes. As the season goes on there certainly could be some debates about some guys but right now I believe everyone at that slot has proven they deserve to be one