Impact Transfers In Baltimore City
As we continue our ‘dead period’ previews, I move onto the impact transfers in the Baltimore City Public School conferences. While there is always a lot of movement in public schools, only a select few can be categorized as impact…
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Continue ReadingAs we continue our ‘dead period’ previews, I move onto the impact transfers in the Baltimore City Public School conferences. While there is always a lot of movement in public schools, only a select few can be categorized as impact transfers. Guys that move the needle and help put their team in a better position to compete for the city or state title. There could very well still be a few prospects that move immediately before school starts, but as of now, here are some impact transfers to watch for the 2019-20 season.
Zack Blackwell | 5’11 | Lake Clifton ’20
Blackwell greatly bolsters the Lakers backcourt next to 2020 guard Mike Gray. Together, these two will form what should be the best defensive backcourt in the area. While Blackwell and Gray are both tough-nosed, intense defenders, they are different offensive players. Gray is at his best when playing downhill either coming off of ball screens or in transition, while Blackwell is a sniper from the outside. He shoots it best off catch-and-shoot situations, which will fair well next to Gray’s ability to get into the paint and force the defense to collapse. Blackwell was a great addition as the Lakers prepare to defend the Class 1A title.
Adam Walden | 6’9 | Poly ’22
Poly wasn’t hurting for size on their roster, but adding 6-foot-9 Walden bolsters their frontcourt and makes them better equipped to play the nationally ranked teams on their schedule. Walden supplies a true big man presence in the paint next to Marquette commit Justin Lewis, who will likely be featured more on the perimeter this year. The Engineers are loaded with quality depth at the guard and wing positions, but needed to fill a void at center after losing Amani Walker (Gannon University), who played a vital role next to Lewis during their state title run. While Walden still needs some time to grow as a player, his size alone can be a factor. Since making it known that he would transfer from St. Frances, Walden has transformed his body by shedding weight and improving his motor and athleticism as a result. They would’ve been fine with Lewis alone, but adding Walden makes Lewis’ duties in the paint that much easier. He’ll be key by the time Poly gears up for the state tournament and goes for their fourth-straight Class 3A title.
Kywon McCray | 6’4 | Lake Clifton
McCray is another transfer that will make Lake Clifton a formidable opponent in the city. At 6-foot-4, McCray offers brute size, athleticism and motor that will likely be featured on the wing for head coach Herman ‘Tree’ Harried. Their backcourt was solidified with Gray and Blackwell, but McCray ensures a quality contributor on the wing who can fill up the box score in a hurry, something every state title team needs. McCray has spent his high school career at Green Street Academy, but joins the Lakers and will be a key cog in making them a tough team to beat in the Baltimore area.
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Jalen Morris | 6’1 | Lake Clifton ’20
As if Gray and Blackwell aren’t enough, Morris adds another quick, scoring guard to the fold. I assume that Coach Harried will start a smaller lineup with all three, but there’s still a lot of time to figure all of that out. Nonetheless, the 6-foot-1 transfer from Joppatowne operates well in isolation opportunities where he can beat his man off the dribble and either finish around the rim with soft touch or pull up in the mid-range. He has shown ability to make shots from the perimeter, but the majority of those makes off of catch-and-shoot scenarios. Morris possesses some nice athleticism as well, which will come in handy in the open floor and defensively.