Baltimore Power Rankings: 12/2/19

<p>We are two weeks into a official game play for some private schools and by the end of this week, public schools get in the mix! After a week of some intense games, let's take a look at how the Baltimore Power Rankings have shaped up.</p> <p><strong>1. St. Frances (3-0)</strong></p> <p><em>Last week’s games: win @ Curley (81-48)</em></p> <p><em>Next three games: vs Riverdale Baptist (@ Trinity University), vs Coolidge, vs Boys' Latin</em></p> <p>The Panthers wrapped up last week with a convincing win at Curley. This upcoming week will be a big one as they face a talented Riverdale Baptist squad down at Trinity University. Wednesday evening, they'll host a Coolidge team that will bring plenty of grit and toughness to what should be a great environment. They end the week with Boys' Latin, a team that has caught many by surprise with some new additions playing well.</p> <p><strong>2. Poly (0-0)</strong></p> <p><em>Next three games: TBA</em></p> <p>The Engineers have the deepest roster in Baltimore. Led by 2020 trio of <strong>Justin Lewis</strong> (Marquette commit),<strong> Rahim Ali</strong> and <strong>Brandon Murray</strong>, Poly has all the makings to have yet another dominant run to the Class 3A trophy (their fourth-straight). 2020 wing Ian Wallace brings size, athleticism and shooting to the wing slot. 2021 <strong>Trae English</strong> and 2022 <strong>Bryce Lindsay</strong> are two talented guard that will come off the bench and produce immediately. 2022 <strong>Adam Walden</strong> transferred in this summer and brings needed size at 6-foot-9 next to Lewis in the frontcourt. One to watch will be freshman <strong>Kwame Evans</strong>, a long, lanky 6-foot-8 left-handed wing who can make a difference in a multitude of ways. Head coach Sam Brand is equipped with a ton of talent and he has a proven track record of producing with talent.</p> <p><strong>3. Mount St. Joseph (2-1)</strong></p> <p><em>Last week’s games: loss vs DeMatha (83-62)</em></p> <p><em>Next three games: vs St. John’s Catholic Prep, vs St. Vincent Pallotti, @ McDonogh</em></p> <p>Despite a big loss to DeMatha at the Charm City Classic, the Gaels stay at No. 3. This week, they'll have a couple of good tests from the A Conference in Pallotti and McDonogh. Don't overlook St. John's Catholic Prep either, as they have a senior back court duo that keeps them in tough games and can put up decent scoring outings like they did against John Carroll.</p> <p><strong>4. Glenelg Country (1-0)</strong></p> <p>Last week's games: win @ Bishop O'Connell (68-60)</p> <p><em>Next three games: vs Rock Creek Christian (@ St. Frances), @ Loyola, vs Mt. Carmel</em></p> <p>The Dragons earned a quality win at Bishop O'Connell, a very difficult place to walk out victorious. They'll have another tremendous challenge coming up this week against Rock Creek Christian. The Dragons then get into conference play against Loyola and Mt. Carmel, two games that bring intrigue.</p> <p><strong>5. John Carroll (2-0)</strong></p> <p><em>Last week's games: win vs St. John's Catholic Prep (71-58), win vs Good Counsel (65-51)</em></p> <p><em>Next three games: @ Gerstell, vs Mt. Carmel, TBA @ Bullis Tournament</em></p> <p>The Patriots are starting to show early what kind of team they can be. They were the only BCL team to win at the Charm City Classic this past weekend. Their uptempo, disciplined style of play makes it tough for many opponents to keep up with. They'll open conference play at Gerstell, host Mt. Carmel and then head to Bullis for tournament play.</p> <p><strong>6. Mervo (0-0)</strong></p> <p><em>Next three games: vs City, vs Gilman, vs Forest Park</em></p> <p>It may come to some as a shock seeing Mervo at No. 5, but considering their roster after adding 2022 point guard <strong>Carlos Alexander</strong>, the Mustangs will have the talent to be a very strong team in the area. 2020 guard/wing <strong>Will Thomas</strong> will lead the way and do so in many ways. Thomas is a versatile scorer and playmaker who can impact both ends of the floor. 2020 center <strong>Elijah Rantin</strong> provides an inside presence at 6-foot-9, 2020 guard Teon Rushing transferred in from Mt. Carmel to supply Thomas with another viable playmaker with the ball and 2020 guard <strong>Demonee Carter</strong> brings scoring and toughness needed to play in the city.</p> <p><strong>7. McDonogh (3-1)</strong></p> <p><em>Last week’s games: loss vs St. Andrew's (61-49), win vs South Lake Christian (67-34)</em></p> <p><em>Next three games: @ St. Paul’s, @ Franklin, @ Mt. Carmel</em></p> <p>McDonogh faced a tough St. Andrew's team in the opening round of the MAIT Invitational this past weekend and suffered their first loss. They bounced back with a win over South Lake Christian in the consolation game. The Eagles hit the road this week for three away games. Their hope is to get 2020 wing Curtis Jacobs and 2022 forward Preston Howard back in the lineup after missing the first four games with injuries suffered from their football season. With those two inserted in the rotation, this Eagles team becomes much improved.</p> <p><strong>8. New Town (0-0)</strong></p> <p><em>Next three games: vs Edmonson, @ Randallstown, vs Western Tech</em></p> <p>The defending Baltimore County champions will boast a much different roster from last years team with the amount of seniors that graduated. Fortunately, they return their strong 2020 duo of <strong>Martaz Robinson</strong> (Delaware St. commit) and last year’s Baltimore County Player of the Year <strong>Andrew Mills</strong>. 2020 guards <strong>Khyrie Johnson</strong> and <strong>Twan Carter</strong> will each see a boost in their roles after being nice support players on last year’s team. Freshman <strong>Cam Sparrow</strong> has nice length for a 6-foot-2 guard and can help space the floor with his shooting. 2020 guard <strong>Stephon Marcano</strong> transfers in from Coppin Academy and will bring a three-level scorer and playmaker off the bounce. The Titans will lack in the height department in comparison to last year’s roster, but they still have the players to help defend their county crown.</p> <p><strong>9. Dulaney (0-0)</strong></p> <p><em>Next three games: vs St. Paul’s, Havre de Grace (@ New Town), @ Franklin</em></p> <p>The Lions lost a ton of their production from last season due to players transferring, but they keep 2021 <strong>Ryan Conway</strong> and 2020 forward <strong>Cam Byers</strong> at bay to help lead them in county play this season. Conway is one of the most prolific scorers you’ll find and Byers should see the ball much more this season considering the holes that need to be filled. 2021 guard <strong>Jaylin Webster</strong> will be leaned on heavily to help Conway in the backcourt and provide ball handling to help push Conway to the two slot.</p> <p><strong>10. Parkville (0-0)</strong></p> <p><em>Next three games: @ Landsdowne, vs Kenwood, @ Woodlawn</em></p> <p>The Knights could very well be looked at as the most talented team in the county with the players the have returning and the plethora of transfers from this summer and fall. Head coach Josh Czerski will lean heavily on 2020 point guard <strong>John Godinez</strong>, 2020 forward <strong>Jordan Strickland</strong> and 2021 City transfer guard <strong>Darrius Tilghman</strong>. With a supporting cast of 2020 guard<strong> Khalil Dukes</strong>, 2020 guard <strong>Alphonso Morrow</strong>, 2023 wing<strong> Jayden Baker</strong>, 2020 wing Kevin Lewis and 2022 guard <strong>Jadyn Williams</strong>, there is plenty of quality support throughout the starting lineup and off the bench. There has been many talented teams who don’t pan out, so even though Parkville has the recipe to be a top team in the county, it’ll remain to be a wait and see basis.</p> <p><em>Others considered: Lake Clifton, Loyola, City, Boys' Latin, Milford Mill</em></p>