Maryland/DC 2021 Rankings Breakdown: Point Guards (Part 2)
Prep Hoops Maryland recently posted the initial class of 2021 player rankings. Gathering a list of players and choosing which rank best fits the individual was an extremely difficult challenge, but we do our best to keep them updated every three months. Our first ever update for the class includes 35 prospects. Here we resume our breakdown series by taking a closer look at some of the point guards ranked from the southern parts of Maryland and DC.
Saveon Jackson | St. John’s
Ranking: 24
Saveon Jackson has yet to make a significant impact at the high school level, but we believe that’s not far of as it might seem. Armed with broad shoulders and long limbs, he is an aggressive playmaker with intriguing potential on defense. Jackson is coming off a productive spring with New World, and hopes to gain more confidence during the Capitol Hoops Summer League.
Jordan Rayford | Georgetown Day
Ranking: 28
We first saw Jordan Rayford at last season’s IAC/MAC Challenge, where at 6-foot-3 he caught our eye with his ability to see the floor, involve teammates, and get to spots where he could create his own shot. He still has some skill development to do in terms of tightening up his ball handling abilities, but it’s been a while since we’ve had the chance to see the work he’s been putting in. Rayford has as much potential as any lead guard on this list, and we’re excited to track his progress moving forward.
Jalen Miller | Saint James
Ranking: 29
As the starting point guard for a team that won it’s respective league championship, Jalen Miller gained a ton of valuable experience on a senior-laden team. The hard-nosed and reliable playmaker was a key contributor in the spring for a very good 15U Team Takeover squad that has qualified for Peach Jam. With Coach Dan Prete recently leaving the program at Saint James for Bishop Walsh, we have to wonder whether Miller will follow along to run the show.
Cole Hanin | Bullis
Hanin holds a reported offer from JMU.Ranking: 30
Cole Hanin is a dead-eye three point shooter, and that’s just one aspect of his game that makes him a great prospect. The skilled and ultra competitive floor general, who saw his role increase over the course of his freshman year, is really putting things together this summer after a solid spring with Team Durant. Hanin is one of few local guards in his class who holds a reported scholarship offer.
Michael Aiken | Thurgood Marshall
Ranking: 31
He may often be the smallest player on the floor, but that doesn’t stop Michael Aiken from controlling the game while he’s on the court. The diminutive floor general caught our eye with a virtuoso all-around performance at the Dunbar Holiday Showcase this past winter. Look for Aiken to be the go-to-guy throughout the remainder of his high school career at TMA.
Afamdi Achufusi | Sidwell Friends
Ranking: 32
Talk about a big PG, Afamdi Achfusi is the prototype. At 6-foot-3 and probably still growing, he is a physical presence who can defend a variety of positions on the perimeter. After missing virtually his entire freshman campaign due to injury, he is working his way back this summer, and should be ready to contribute consistently as a sophomore.
Guy Fauntleroy | St. John’s
Ranking: 33
Pound for pound, Guy Fauntleroy might be the toughest player on this list. We’ve seen him hound opponents for 94 feet at a time for the last 6 months, and we don’t expect that to stop any time soon. Look for Fauntleroy to play an assertive brand of basketball this summer to propel him into the winter.
Rasheed Dupree | Friendship Tech
Ranking: 35
Rasheed Dupree was the spark plug for a very good Friendship Tech squad that was a mainstay in our DMV Top 30 rankings throughout last season. The super quick, explosive and strong lead guard prospect is certainly one to keep an eye on moving forward.