Seven Baltimore County Standouts from this Season

It's almost playoff time here in Baltimore County and the region has a rich tradition of turning out players who are tough, competitive and skilled players who provide high level impact for winning basketball programs. Here are seven players who could be next on that list:   Jean-Marc Nken: A junior who can score on anyone   In what's been an otherwise forgettable season for Pikesville basketball, junior guard Jean-Marc Nken stands out with his ability to score from all three levels of the court. Despite facing heavy defensive attention each game, Nken consistently turns that pressure around, displaying shotmaking that translates at any level. Whether driving to the rim with finesse, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, or sinking shots from beyond the arc, Nken keeps the dial turned up on offense, attacking any space given to make a play. He hasn't had as many opportunities to show off his passing skill but Nken is more than serviceable in that regard, proving all season that he can elevate the play of his supporting cast on the offensive end. He doesn't shy away from playing defesne despite his workload, he's a true leader who puts in the effort to guard his man and does so in solid fashion. Most impressive of all, Nken remains an efficient shooter while serving as the only go-to option on a team devoid of scoring threats. I'd have no trouble slotting Nken in as one of the five to ten best guards in the region going into his senior year, and I'd love to see what he does in a winning situation.   Cam Alexander: A rising Star with an expansive skillset   A gifted sophomore, Cam Alexander has already made a name for himself with an impressive combination of skill. His footwork and fluid shooting stroke set him apart as Alexander maneuvers through defenses like water rushing through rapids. He's a heady player, never getting sped up or letting the pace of the game take him out of character and his ability to control his body on jumpshots or layups bodes well for his future, whether he adds to his growing frame or not. Alexander can play either guard spot at an above average level and his shot mechanics and shot making indicate a trajectory towards stardom. While he plays with a roster of incredibly talented players in their own right (looking at you Chima Egeonu,) Alexander could be the true benchmark for this Parkville team as he provides the Knights another ballhandler and playmaker beside Mikko Persia. Parkville is no slouch when it comes to developing D-1 players so I'd keep an eye on Cam as he continues to develop and refine his game.   Neo Feehan: A gritty big man who does the little things needed to win   Neo Feehan does the things that don't show up in the box score while still excelling at the things that do. He brings a workman like mentality to the court, using his natural abilities to position himself well. He doesn't have an array of flashy moves, instead he uses soft hands, a high basketball IQ and good positioning to make plays. You'll find him in the paint or 10-15 feet out, securing rebounds, and diving for loose balls as often as he can. He's still a play finisher at the moment, but he also plays a role as a connector for a Kenwood team without a natural set-up man. Feehan's unselfishness and positional versatility allow him to play multiple positions effectively, making him a valuable defensive asset in any lineup. A good strength and conditioning coach would likely bring the best out of him, and allow him to better capitalize on his bruising style of play. Feehan will contribute in eleven different ways, but he rebounds at an above average level on the offensive and defensive glass. He can knock down the midrange and finish plays at the rim but outside of that, his limited offensive skill set means he's better served in a lineup with additional scorers, not one where he's looked to as a main source of points.   Austin Mbuyi: An undersized scorer and dedicated defender   A bit undersized as a lead guard, senior Austin Mbuyi more than makes up for his stature with his ability to put the ball in the hole. Mbuyi excels when scoring around the rim and in the midrange, showcasing a mature game that's played under control. He can serve as a primary shot creator but at the next level should not be looked at to do so for extended periods of time lest he become inefficient. What should be coveted is his ability to spell either guard position while providing solid defense and ball movement. I'm particularly excited to see him match up against Dulaney and their talented wings, as Mbuyi plays up to the level of competion he goes against. There's no fear in his game and it shows in the way he attacks the rim, where he looks to initiate contact and finish with touch. Look for Mbuyi to continue making an impact at the D-II or D-III level as a microwave scorer.   Jericho Wondeye: A tenacious slasher and hard-nosed defender   It's hard choosing one Eastern Tech guard because they've got three who play so well. The best of the bunch and the one with the best all around game is Jericho Wondeye. While teammate Matt Foley flies around the court being a general pest, Wondeye follows that up with point-of-attack defense that makes opponents give the ball up. He's a genuine threat slashing off the ball, displaying consistently finish with either hand, and his passing adds another dimension to his game, making him a valuable asset as a play-finisher or maker. He's unselfish, making the right read rather than taking it upon himself and his steady play makes him a reliable teammate and connector on both ends. Wondeye crashes the boards with a ferocity that belies his frame, and it's not difficult to see him transitioning to a role as a backup PG or SG in more advanced settings. A player that defends this well will always have a role, and his off ball cutting and ball movement make him more than passable on offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='2639992' first='Kelan' last='Dennis']: An Athletic Wing with scoring flair   Whenever Dulaney plays, [player_tooltip player_id='2639992' first='Kelan' last='Dennis'] has made it a must see. He brings athleticism and scoring flair to the court as a springy wing player with growing ballhandling skills. Dennis is the kind of player that ignites an offense with both ability and presence. He's a deadeye shooter off the catch or on the move, and his athleticism allows him to play above the rim while serving as a threat in transition. On the less glamorous side, Dennis' defensive tenacity are on display from the way he bristles at opponents who dare to challenge him, to the joy he takes in securing rebound after a stop. He's asked to finish plays much more than initiating them, so Dennis hasn't had to show off much in the way of passing chops but this is an area he can continue to grow in. He's excellent controlling his drives and playing within the flow of the offense, and his profile reads as someone with even more room to grow if given the responsibility. I'm very high on Dennis as a D-I player and think he'll be one of the five best in the region with another year under his belt.   Xavier Cooper: An all-around wing with high basketball IQ   If I need to win a game today, give me Xavier Cooper on my team. Cooper is a do-it-all wing who excels in various facets of the game. His above the rim highlights will certainly catch your eye first but what holds you there is his ability to impact the game even without scoring. Cooper is a lockdown defender, capable of guarding anywhere on the perimeter and sticking with ballhandlers like flies to honey. He displays exceptional basketball IQ on the court, showing off his strong understanding of the game by positioning himself well and reacting before his man. His quick hands and strong base mean you're likely not moving or beating him to a spot, and if he gets his hands on the ball it's as good as going the other way. He's an above average athlete and a developing shooter who at the least can hit an open spot up with extended range to three. Cooper is the kind of player that pushes others in practice because if you're dogging it, it'll show in comparison to his effort. Cooper fills in like a swiss army knife, giving Randallstown a plug and play player for any situation and allowing him to contribute to winning basketball without even scoring.

It's almost playoff time here in Baltimore County and the region has a rich tradition of turning out players who are tough, competitive and skilled players who provide high level impact for winning basketball programs. Here are seven players who could be next on that list: