DMV 2021 Hot Recruits – Top Under the Radar Players

Jake Koverman is long, broad, has terrific feet, and high-level timing as well as one of the highest IQ’s we have seen for a middle school player. His game is skill-based but considering the improvements we have seen in his athleticism and quickness his ceiling is immense.   A player who can guard multiple positions with his improved lateral movement he has always excelled as a shot-blocker and is a big contributor on both glasses.

He runs the floor like a deer with the frontline speed improving each time we see him, his timing is impeccable around the rim when it comes to getting his shot off where he uses an assortment of moves/fakes including a very nice step-back combination. He has good hands and he can finish in transition he has improved his release timing and release point on his jump shot which he can shot out the arch. He plays with great energy, doesn’t mind playing through contact, and may the Rodney Dangerfield in the DMV area.  There are simply not that many players with transferable size and skill-set within the class of 2021 right now – Koverman is one that has it and is quietly becoming one of the most asked about rising 2021’s in the area by those that know what they are looking for and at.

Detwan Montague standing 6’6/6’7 with great length is considered by many to be the prospect with the most upside on a solid 2021 Team Thrill squad and one of the most intriguing players in the DMV; at this juncture is a dominant shot-blocker with all the tools necessary to be a true rim protector for years to come. He's quick off his feet with his first and second jumps, has an innate sense of timing without fouling, and the ability to get up to the top of the box.

He's equally quick rotating back to the rim, which allows him to patrol wide radius's and still erase mistakes. Offensively, he is a work in progress and is still very raw and is almost exclusively getting his own off the offensive glass.   As his hands improve he has shown flashes of being an exceptional finisher around the basket with the ability to chase down the lob.  He's capable of changing ends extremely well and also has a lot of upside in pick and roll because of his quickness and explosiveness.  Montague is the type of kid who doesn't need many touches or points to impact a game, but for his development long term it would be wise to maximize his gifts.

Detwan plays on a guard dominate team where is touches are limited, realizing his long-term developmental value will be essential for this growth trajectory to be maximized.  Has the physical tools, dexterity, size to be considered one of the best prospect in the area as long as he is a focal point of given the opportunity to mature into the player we believe he can be.

High School coaches looking for a point guard in the 2021 class look no further than Md. Playmakers lead guard Jalen Miller, underrated quickness, deceptive athleticism, and high IQ are just some of the attributes that define the budding star.   He possesses a strong frame with solid length and quick hands.

He has a great burst in the open court and he knows when to pull it back to monitor the defense. He gets to the rim due to his elite ability to use angles, make reads, along with his exceptional strength. In addition, he has the vision to locate teammates for easy buckets. He keeps his handle low and tight and is difficult to keep contained while penetrating.

Miller is a blur with the ball in his hands and his ability to create tempo is virtually unmatched in the field of PGs. He is in the discussion be the best pure point not only in the DMV but also be in the national discussion. He is great at dribble penetrating and finding open teammates for great shots. Miller will be a major recruit for all area high schools if only for his IQ, physical tools, and his ability to make his teammates better.  If he were a little more selfish he frankly could control the game from a scoring perspective too and this is something he at some point must figure out – but his “make the right play attitude” is a “bad habit” no coach will mind breaking.

 

 

 

EJ Jarvis is the DMV's Top Under The Radar Prospect

EJ Jarvis – One of the biggest and best UTR players in the country and the DMV can be found suiting up for the Maryland Playmakers.  Having the opportunity to witness the development of Jarvis over the past few years we are convinced that our area has another special player in its midst.

EJ is that prototypical 4/3 that has college coaches and scouts alike intrigued about his potential. He is the latest example of the saying, "it's not where you start off, it's where you end up."

His frame oozes potential with extremely long arms and he is extremely bouncy. He can fill the lane and finish with authority or drain a 3-point shot now mostly off the catch, but witnessing his development we know it won’t be long before he’s doing it off the dribble as well. We noted that his shot is smooth and easy (gets great lift on his shot) and he has range out to 18-feet.

He is showing signs of being able to face up his defender and slash his way to the rim despite being 6-foot-7. In addition, he has the agility to play in the passing lanes, utilize his quick hands, and get the steal.

Versatility is his gift and blessing as a basketball player he showed he can score in a variety of ways all season and again against the areas best in the Coach Francis Classic. He is long, athletic, skilled and can be considered a potential high major prospect that’s loaded with upside.

He is so close to becoming a major problem for anyone that has to face him and he is so humble he has no idea as of yet - his secret lies in his ability to become a consistent performer on each possession, as when his motor is fully charged he is tough to stop or score on, on the defensive end. Overall and as scary as this may be, Jarvis is still very raw and once he gains strength and savvy which is a when not if statement his upside is immense. There is no such thing as a “can’t miss kid”, but this one is very close for success at the college level without question.

DMV Preps - NYBL Session II (2019) Weekend Update

NEW WORLD (9-1)

The New World basketball program continues to represent the DMV well in its travels; bringing a winning tradition to their name and the area.  New World 2019 returned from a solid weekend in the NYBL’s second session in Richmond, Va.  going 4-1 bringing their overall record to 9-1 placing the team in a tie for first place in the league.   

The coaching staff at New World has done a phenomenal job in regards to player development over the last year and the improvement of the individual players is clear and apparent.  The initial roster without question boasted immense talent and vast potential in specific players.  Watching the players improve and other come into their own as they prepare for the next level is what is right with youth basketball in the DC Metropolitan area – this is a group that is doing things the right way and it is reflective on the court and the results therein program at multiple age groups.

Jay Heath

Malik Anderson

Malik Anderson and Jay Heath operated with fluidity and have formed one of the most talented wing combinations in the NYBL – Anderson has played next level lock down defense, while showing creativity in the paint finishing with both hands.  He scored from all 3 levels and brought a high level of intensity to each possession on both ends of the court.  Jay Heath continued to put up some very impressive scoring totals in Session II – and has done so in impressive fashion.  We like his ability to allow his defense to dictate his offense and to get off within the flow of the offense without isolation sets.  We see him thinking the game, using the various cuts to establish consistent looks which he is taking advantage when given the opportunity.    He is playing the game unselfishly yet is still one of the top scorers in the league.  

Karim Couliby continues to impress; no longer a surprise teams are game planning and gearing up to stop him – what does he do?  He shows the ability to hit cutters and spot-up shooters off the post catch even on the weak and backside.  With guards like Anderson and Heath and a contingent of spot up shooters this skill set is invaluable and frankly skills that many post players haven’t developed even at the highest level.  Karim still put up solid numbers as was able to step outside and knockdown shots forcing the defense to respond to him even on the perimeter.  

BMORE’S FINEST (8-2)

James Bishop

James Bishop is taking this team to a whole other stratosphere; his scoring ability is quickly reaching legendary status.  Battling one of the top point guards in the country EJ ‘The Nasty Truth’ Jackson, Bishop took over the game and the stage in a 32-point performance and victory over the current #2 ranked team in the country.  The Finest who find themselves in contention for the regular season title returning to the DMV 8-2 and in 2^nd place in the league with a guard like “Buckets” Bishop they cannot be counted out of any game or title.

His running mate Logan Curtis has also impressed and continues to make an impact for the team and the league; he has put up solid numbers and has been very efficient with his looks while also making big time contributions  on the defensive end.

MARYLAND PLAYMAKERS (7-3)

Quietly flying under the radar the Montgomery County based group has amassed a 7-3 record and remain in contention.  6’7 CJ Amsellum is the guy for this group, he can catch and shoot, shows very soft hands, as well operate of the block with the ability to score over either shoulder; he may have one of the most intriguing upsides in the area  and they have surrounded him with shooters Christopher Margarites who continues to prove he is much more than a shooter as he is putting the ball on the floor with confidence - add slashers Albert Jackson who can also knock it down from distance and Jordan Miller who is also easily one of the most intense defenders anywhere.  After a close 5-point win in their first game, the Playmakers put together two dominating performances before falling to a very tough Butler Elite team 38-23.  

TEAM MELO (NA) 

Che Evans

Taking the floor for the first time as a group; the Baltimore outfit jumped right into the fire and responded well.  Led by 6’5 WF Che Evans scored in every way imaginable while facilitating and setting up his teammates for easy baskets.  Any question regarding Evans ability to play on the highest level where asked and answered as he proved to be a bigtime talent and game changer.  Showed triple double potential and all the scouting services in the building took notice.  

 

Zion Harmon

Zion Harmon, who officially answered any questions confirming his alliance with the Melo organization; looked great in the backcourt and made the game easier for his teammates.  Was just as effective at this level; possibly more as his IQ and generalship were more apparent battled with EJ Jackson and no one in the gym would have known that he was 2-years his junior dropping 15-points and 7 helpers.

Mahki Long

Mahki Long who competed in the league last year returned and didn’t miss a beat, the 6’4 Guard knocked down jumpers from all over the court and was especially impressive in the mid-range and in transition.  Long’s scoring versatility is impressive both in the half-court and in transition and he plays the game on both ends – he defended and he boarded against the nation’s best teams and players. 

Nate Lemons

Nate Lemons 6’7 center/forward blocked multiple shots and controlled the backboards in debut with the program.  A dedicated defender he was excellent both on the ball and on help side.  Look excellent in transition and moved very well for a man hi size.  Huge hands and a size 16 shoe makes him and his upside huge, combine that with an exceptional frame Lemon’s ceiling is high.  He made the most of his opportunity as you saw improvement with each passing quarter and game.  











Bobby Carson, also came out for the first time and contributed in many facets – his potential is clear and he showed the ability to do numerous things around the basket and in the mid-range. Rahim Dante Ali (Rah-Rah) played a solid floor game, scored when needed, and showed the leadership and generalship required to be an elite lead guard.

Cam Byers

Cam Byers gave a little double duty playing both 2019 & 2020 and is quickly becoming a dominant force at both 2019 & 2020; having added a very impressive face up game to his power skill set.  Byers is doing if from all over the front court and this includes being effective with the jumper from 12-15 feet; putting the ball on the floor and finishing, while still making a strong impact on the back board.  The finesse aspect that Byers has added has him on the verge of being almost impossible stop he now has the ability to carry a team for extended stretches.  

DMV Prep: London Hinton Jr. & Albert Jackson Explode onto the Local Scene

Name: London Hinton Jr.

Position: Point Guard

Program: Baltimore Elite 

Analysis:  Shows an excellent IQ for such a young player, looks to get his teammates involved while delivering the ball to his teammates in their scoring zones.  Has solid physical tools, size/length, to defend the position and with continued work Hinton has the potential to be one of the area’s special players.  Positional determinations at such a young age are somewhat difficult but the development of court vision, unselfish tendencies, ball-handling, and IQ/leadership are all skills that continue to translate up levels.  Once Hinton becomes proficient scoring the ball he will be a certified problem for the DMV.

Name: Albert Jackson

Height: 6’3

Position: Wing Forward

Program: Maryland Playmakers

Analysis:  High School Coaches this may be one of the best kept secrets in the entire DMV; Jackson will be making an impact at the high school level that will make his middle school career pale in comparison.  Jackson has three level scoring ability and five category contributor on the stat line.  His size and basketball frame makes him extra attractive and as a quickly improving athlete his upside may be impactful nationally.   His ability to put the ball on the floor in the attack zones as well as his transition and finishing skills are the exact skills that are converted at the wing position; combine that with his court stretching ability with his consistent 3-point stroke and you have a player that is very hard to contain for four quarters. Plays hard on both ends and uses his physical tools to create multiple problems on the defensive end both on the ball and as a weak side contributor.