Baltimore Power Rankings 11/20
As a new wrinkle to the 2018-19 season, I’ll be releasing a top 10 list of teams in the Baltimore area to make up a ‘power rankings’ list. Criteria that goes into these rankings are things like record, strength of…
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Continue ReadingAs a new wrinkle to the 2018-19 season, I’ll be releasing a top 10 list of teams in the Baltimore area to make up a ‘power rankings’ list. Criteria that goes into these rankings are things like record, strength of schedule and an overall comparison of how teams would stack up against others who are considered top teams in the area.
To clear the air, if a team is playing an easy schedule and starts their season 6-0, they may not appear as high in these rankings as a team who is playing a much tougher schedule with a 4-2 record. So please, don’t look at raw numbers to base arguments against the rankings.
Let’s get started.
1. St. Frances (1-0)
Key Wins: @ Gerstell 69-45
Next three games: vs Mt. Carmel (11/26), vs John Carroll (11/28), @ Archbishop Spalding (11/30)
The Panthers got off to a strong start with a 24-point victory over Gerstell, the defending MIAA B Conference champions. Freshman Carlos Alexander kicked his high school career off with a team-high 15 points and a number of flashy assists. Ace Baldwin was right behind his prodigy with 14 points including three three’s. It’ll be an interesting development to watch Baldwin not have to play every second of the game like he did last season. Alexander and Baldwin even shared time on the court together and seemed to mesh well. Jason Murphy had a strong performance down low finishing with six points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Looking forward, the Panthers shouldn’t have an issue with the next three games, all of which come against very young teams. If they play they way they should, they will start their season off with four-straight wins.
2. Mount Saint Joseph (0-0)
Next three games: vs Curley (11/20), vs John Carroll (11/26), vs Archbishop Spalding (11/28)
The Gaels will by led by LSU commit James Bishop, one of the best scorers you’ll find in the country. His ability to score from all three levels in pretty much any way will just be too much for teams to keep up with. While Bishop is a certified scorer, there are plenty of others who make up as the pieces to the puzzle. Sophomore guard Ausar Crawley will act as a floor general with an increased role offensively this season after a strong freshman campaign. Junior guard Tyler Brelsford will be counted on to stretch the floor with this shooting ability. 6-foot-10 transfer from Canada, Javonte Brown, fills the massive void left behind by Jalen Smith and gives the Gaels an inside presence on both ends. A pair of juniors off the bench in Chandler Johnson and Jason Edokpavi and freshman Antonio Hamlin will be crucial in adding quality depth throughout the course of games.
3. Poly (0-0)
Next three games: @ Digital Harbor (12/5), vs Wilson in Baltimore/DC Challenge (12/8), vs Ben Franklin (12/8)
Poly sets their sights on capturing the 3A state title for the third-straight season. Led by a highly-touted 2020 prospect in forward Justin Lewis, the Engineers will be a force not only in the area, but also the state. Point guard Rahim Ali will have to take on a larger scoring role with the loss of Demetrius Mims. Ali has sound experience considering as a freshman two seasons ago, he had the keys to the offense and orchestrated the team to their first state title in school history. Amani Walker at 6-foot-9 will supply more size next to the 6-foot-8 Lewis that will offer a mismatch against almost any team they play. Head coach Sam Brand was fortunate enough to get a few key transfers in Brandon Murray, Trae English and Hassan Massenburg. Murray is out until December 21 due to grades. Freshman guard Bryce Lindsey will supply them with a three-point shooter to help stretch the floor.
4. Patterson (0-0)
Next three games: vs Wilde Lake (12/5), vs Curley (12/8), vs Aberdeen (12/10)
The factor that will go into the Clippers remaining a top five team in the area will be the health of 2019 Marvin Price. If he can return to the player he was that led them to a 2A state title two years ago, Patterson will be a very tough team. If not, they could see themselves drop significantly. Luckily, they have a trio of guards in TJ Thomas (2020), Millersville commit Gerard Mungo and Zack Blackwell (2020). The problem Patterson will have is size, similar to what they struggled with last year. Based off pure talent, they should be able to rattle off three wins to begin the season.
5. Dulaney (0-0)
Next three games: @ Kenwood (11/26), vs Curley @ Johns Hopkins (12/7), @ Friends (12/11)
Dulaney returns much of their young, talented roster that looks to take another step. Led by 2021 points guard Ryan Conway, the Lions are in the driver seat to be the Baltimore County champion. They were able to get a transfer in 6-foot-6 Cam Byers to help sure up their desperate need of an inside presence. 2021 Ike Cornish showed strides this summer in his development and will be counted on to provide more consistent production in comparison to his freshman season. If this teams wants to reach their full potential, they’ll need 6-foot-6 junior Che Evans to play his hardest for the entire 32-minute span. Senior leader Cam Amoruso is a guy that every great team needs. Someone who will dive on the floor, take charges and crash the offensive glass relentlessly.
6. Boys’ Latin (0-0)
Next three games: vs Goretti (11/20), vs Severn (11/26), @ Friends (11/28)
The Lakers will be led by Loyola (MD) commit Cam Spencer. Spencer is the area’s best spot-up shooter, but spent time this summer with Team BBC working on his point guard and play making skills off the dribble that should make him an even bigger threat. Cam Watts joins Spencer in the backcourt and will provide as the primary ball handler and initiator offensively. He’s a capable shooter off the catch and the bounce. Sam Grace, a 5-foot-11 guard, can shoot it from the parking lot and brings toughness and physicality even as a smaller guard. Jake Nichols is a 6-foot-6 junior forward that will bring length and athleticism to a team that severely lacks in that area. Where the Lakers will be tough is with their ability to shoot, work extremely hard and be very disciplined.
7. New Town (0-0)
Next three games: vs Southern (11/29), @ Catonsville (12/5), @ Roland Park (12/7)
Junior point guard Martaz Robinson looks to take a big step this season after bursting onto the scene as a sophomore. The Titans have plenty of talent. It’ll be Robinson’s responsibility to ensure that everyone is getting the ball where they want while also showcasing his ability to score. Senior guard Jordan Guerrero offers good size at 6-foot-4 and ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shot. Andrew Mills is a 6-foot-5 forward who is versatile on both ends and has athleticism to play over the rim. Julian Reese, a 2021 forward, brings great length at 6-foot-8. He still has a ways to go in his development, but he’ll be vital to the Titans’ success. Senior transfer Maurice Smith brings another aggressive guard to the fold while senior guard Eric Bass Jr. is someone who can fill up the score sheet quickly.
8. Annapolis Area Christian (0-0)
Next three games: vs St. Mary’s (11/20), @ Severna Park (11/24), @ Pallotti (11/27)
Annapolis Area quietly has a strong roster with plenty of senior talent. Starting with point guard Dylin Borden, a floor general that can defend and knock down three’s at a good rate. Aaron Celcis is a 6-foot-6 forward that provides size and skill in the frontcourt. Celcis is a good rebounder and finishes well around the rim as he looks to have a breakout junior season. Eddie Scott brings athleticism and rebounding from the guard slot. At 6-foot-2, Scott is a hard worker who can finish well inside the paint. RJ Forbes will be a guy who can stretch the floor with his outside shooting ability. He stands 6-foot-4, adding another decent sized wing to their roster. DeMatha transfer Ray Rittner is the most athletic player on the team. He has active hands defensively and is a major threat in the open floor.
9. Gilman (0-0)
Next three games: @ Georgetown Prep (11/28), @ Mt. St. Joe (11/5), vs Loyola (12/7)
Senior point guard and Army commit Jalen Rucker will take the keys to the offense as he did last season. As a senior though, much of the weight will be on his shoulders. Rucker is a proven leader and a guy who can not only put up a crooked number in the scoring column, but also a guy who makes everyone around him better. We’ll get to see Chase Drew, a senior who sat out last season due to transfer rules. Drew will provide shooting and athleticism on the wing. Freshman guard Christian Winborne should be an impact right away for the Hounds with his ability to score and handle the ball. At 6-foot-9, Roman Hinds will be the inside presence. Although he is very raw as a junior, he’s shown improvement over the past couple of months. Gilman has a very tough schedule to start out, so we’ll see how they handle the adversity if they start slowly.
10. City (0-0)
Next three games: vs Mervo (12/5), @ Pikesville (12/7), vs Gerstell (12/8)
I’m going out on a limb with this selection considering all of the new pieces for City. Sophomore transfer guard Darrius Tilghman will be an immediate impact at 6-foot-3 and an ability to play on or off the ball. Junior transfer guard Dominick Carrington is a deadly three-point shooter than can fill it up in a hurry. Sophomore forward Clarance Kossy brings size at 6-foot-6 that the team desperately needs. We’ll get a better feel for this team after their games against Mervo and Gerstell. While it may take a little to obtain chemistry, they should be a tough opponent in Baltimore City.
Honorable Mentions: Loyola (2-0), McDonogh (0-0), Milford Mill (0-0), St. Paul’s (0-0), Mervo (0-0), Parkville (0-0)