Baltimore Sun high boys basketball preview: Storylines, players to watch and top 15 teams heading into 2023-24 season
Here’s what you need to know for the 2023-24 high school boys basketball season in the Baltimore area.
Storylines to watch
Familiar foes at the top, coaching shakeups headline private school leagues.
Perennial powers Mount Saint Joseph, the defending Baltimore Catholic League champion, and St. Frances, the title winner in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference, are once again the top teams in those leagues. But there are plenty of contenders primed to make their own runs.
Two teams — Loyola Blakefield and Mount Carmel — will be taking the court under new coaches. Josh Czerski, a Towson Catholic graduate who led Parkville to the Class 4A state title last year, is the new Dons coach. After seven years coaching in North Carolina, former Archbishop Spalding and John Carroll coach Tony Martin brings his title-winning resume to Mount Carmel.
Two Baltimore County teams aim to defend state titles.
For only the third time since the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association went to four classifications in 1981, two Baltimore County teams captured state titles last season with Parkville claiming the program’s first crown in 4A and New Town winning its fourth in 2A. It previously happened in 1992 (Catonsville and Milford Mill) and 2007 (New Town and Randallstown).
New Town comes in as the defending Baltimore County champion and the favorite in a tough field that includes Parkville, which is now under former Gerstell Academy coach Ben Thompson. Also, after 18 seasons and 250-plus wins, Dulaney’s Matt Lochte stepped down and was replaced by former junior varsity coach James Dickey.
Defending Carroll, Howard county champs look to repeat with new coaches.
After leading their respective teams to county titles, Liberty’s Brian Tombs and Wilde Lake’s Jansen McMillan stepped down with both taking administrative positions in their respective county’s school districts. At Liberty, Tombs’ assistant coach George Sinnott takes over. At Wilde Lake, Ty Lawson, who previously served as the junior varsity coach at Oakland Mills, is now in charge.
Both counties are expected to have balanced competition. In Carroll, Manchester Valley and Century bring back experienced rosters to give the Lions a push, while Wilde Lake will get challenges from Long Reach, River Hill and Howard.
Father and son combo times two in Baltimore City.
Defending state champions City and Edmondson will be among the favorites in the competitive Baltimore City league and both bring a special family vibe. Last year, Edmondson junior guard Darnell Dantzler Jr. made an incredible impression playing for his father Darnell Sr. in leading the Red Storm to the Class 1A state crown. This season at City, standout guard Omarr Smith Jr. transferred from Archbishop Curley to play for his father, Omarr Sr. The teams meet at Edmondson on Dec. 19 in what could be a preview of the Baltimore City title game.
Keep an eye on …
With parity in several area leagues, one player taking the next step could make the difference. Here are a few players primed for a breakthrough.
While Severn guard Kingston Price, a four-year varsity player, has already established himself as a go-to player, he’s ready to lead the Admirals to the MIAA B Conference crown. Loyola Blakefield junior Mason Ellison is primed to be an impact player at several positions with a versatile game. At Edmondson, center Chase Foster showed glimpses during his freshman year and is set to take on a bigger role as the Red Storm challenge for the Baltimore City crown and second straight Class 1A title. Led by Aiden Igwebe, River Hill will be in the mix in Howard County. Century looks to get back on top in Carroll County led by Ben Chenoweth. And James Crimaudo brings special skills to South River in Anne Arundel County.
Players to watch
RJ Barnes Jr, Long Reach, forward, senior
The 6-foot-5 Barnes, who averaged a team-high 15.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season, makes an impact at both ends with his versatility and competitiveness. With Howard County up for grabs and several teams in contention, Barnes’ winning intangibles could be the difference.
Tjay Beckles, Overlea, guard, senior
Averaging 21.4 points per game last season at the point, Beckles brings do-everything skills with smart decision-making and positive energy that’s infectious. His ability to score at all three levels stands out most, and he also averaged 3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2 steals last season.
Jordan Brown, Broadneck, guard, senior
In his breakthrough junior season, Brown emerged as the Bruins’ go-to player and leader and was at his best in the season’s biggest moments. In the team’s run to the Class 4A state quarterfinals, he averaged 16 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
Darnell Dantzler Jr., Edmondson, guard, junior
The poised point guard brings do-everything skills with a knack for making winning plays consistently. In leading the Red Storm to the Class 1A state championship last season, the All-Metro first-team selection averaged 24 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
Tyonne Farrell, Mount Saint Joseph, forward, senior
The 6-foot-6 All-Metro selection brings an athletic and aggressive presence to the floor that sets a strong tone for the Gaels. After averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds last season as a junior, he’s added new layers to his game and is primed to take on a bigger leadership role.
Josiah Legree, St. Frances, guard, senior
A Parkville transfer, the All-Metro first-team selection brings versatility to the Panthers’ backcourt with a knack for coming through in big moments. He averaged 15.5 points and 5.3 assists in helping the Knights win the program’s first Class 4A state championship last season.
Brendan Luddy, Manchester Valley, guard, senior
The Mustangs are primed for a run at the Carroll County title and Luddy’s pinpoint shooting and all-around game will play a big role on their quest. In a breakthrough junior season, he showed a knack for knocking down big shots in averaging 13.4 points to go with 4.5 rebounds.
Omarr Smith Jr., City, guard, senior
The Archbishop Curley transfer is a strong perimeter shooter who also can get to the rim in a hurry. After averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the Friars last season, Smith will see time at both backcourt spots for the defending Class 3A state champions.
Drew Pape, Patterson Mill, guard, senior
Most dangerous in the Huskies’ half-court sets, Pape has a deep shooting range that stretches the floor and sets up teammates. He averaged a team-high 19.3 points in leading Patterson Mill to a second straight Class 1A region title last season while also contributing 48 assists and 31 steals.
Malik Washington, Archbishop Spalding, forward, junior
The 6-foot-4 All-Metro pick, who averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season, plays like a point forward with an imposing inside-outside game and strong rebounding. Also a standout quarterback on the school’s high-powered football team, Washington brings vital leadership to the young Cavaliers.
Preseason Top 15 poll
1. Mount Saint Joseph
Coach: Pat Clatchey
Last season: 38-4, No. 1 ranking
Postseason: BCL champion, MIAA A runner-up
Outlook: With a quality mix of returnees and newcomers, the Gaels are determined to maintain the program’s consistent success. All-Metro forward Tyonne Farrell is a dominant force and the Gaels feature a versatile perimeter game led by Jordan Brathwaite, DJ Wingfield and Joe Green.
2. St. Frances
Coach: Nick Myles
Last season: 29-11, No. 3
Postseason: MIAA A champion, BCL semifinalist
Outlook: With a deep and versatile roster, the Panthers will bank on strong defense and the ability to score in transition or half-court sets. Parkville transfer Josiah Legree, a senior guard, is a clutch shooter who has winning intangibles. Wing Jordan Downs and forward Donovan Flamer both bring plenty of skills to the floor.
3. City
Coach: Omarr Smith Sr.
Last season: 28-0, No. 2
Postseason: Class 3A state champion
Outlook: A remarkable senior class sparked the Knights last season and a new cast wants to keep rolling. Combo guard Omarr Smith Jr., the coach’s son and an Archbishop Curley transfer, takes on the lead role with center Gage Howard, forward Paul Frazier, point guard Camonte Griffin and guard Marquel Paschall other key contributors.
4. Edmondson
Coach: Darnell Dantzler Sr.
Last season: 22-7, No. 6
Postseason: Class 1A state champion
Outlook: The Red Storm have all the pieces in place to defend their state championship, and their combination of experienced guard play and size makes them the favorite in Baltimore City. All-Metro junior point guard Darnell Dantzler Jr. is the floor general, sophomore center Chase Foster is the inside force with guards Kyrie Sherrod and Josiah Brown as other key returnees.
5. Mount Carmel
Coach: Tony Martin
Last season: 20-16, No. 9
Postseason: MIAA A semifinalist, BCL semifinalist
Outlook: Martin brings a proven track record having won five MIAA A and BCL titles in stints at Spalding and John Carroll. With a largely new roster filled with underclassmen, look for the Cougars to improve on the go. Senior guard Drew Dixon is the catalyst as one of three returning players with junior Mario Tatum and sophomore transfer Tristen Wilson also playing big roles.
6. Archbishop Spalding
Coach: Josh Pratt
Last season: 15-18, No. 10
Postseason: MIAA A semifinalist, BCL quarterfinalist
Outlook: Still one of the youngest teams among the private school leagues, the Cavaliers are primed to make further strides with four underclass starters returning. All-Metro junior forward Malik Washington is the focal point with sophomores TJ Moultrie, Elijah Barrett and Kam Carter all ready to come into their own.
7. Loyola Blakefield
Coach: Josh Czerski
Last season: 11-15, not ranked
Postseason: MIAA A quarterfinalist, BCL quarterfinalist
Outlook: After guiding Parkville to the program’s first state championship, Czerski moves on to Loyola Blakefield, where he’ll bring an up-tempo system with relentless defense. He has a promising group to work with led by senior guard J’Lin Brown, the team’s leading returning scorer, and a gifted junior class led by emerging star guard Mason Ellison.
8. New Town
Coach: Derek Wise
Last season: 22-3, No. 4
Postseason: Class 2A state champion
Outlook: After a gifted senior class led last year’s state title run, a largely new nucleus will look to maintain the program’s lofty standard. Transfers Will Deshields (Springdale Prep) and Tyriq Liggins (Rosedale Christian) lead the backcourt with Kareem Fowlkes the focal point up front. Injured standout Justus Stanton could return around playoff time.
9. Lake Clifton
Coach: Herman Harried
Last season: 22-5, No. 8
Postseason: Class 1A state finalist
Outlook: A largely new cast will look to present opponents with the same challenges that have brought the Lakers consistent success: rugged defense and a no-quit attitude. The backcourt — featuring senior leader JaZae Jones and promising junior Elijah Nelson — will set the tone.
10. John Carroll
Coach: Seth Goldberg
Last season: 14-18, not ranked
Postseason: MIAA A quarterfinalist, BCL quarterfinalist
Outlook: Something special is in the works at John Carroll, where a young and close-knit group is working hard to reach its full potential. Sophomore Aidan Able, the team’s leading returning scorer, and juniors Caden Chinnia and Theartis Battle are the starting points with the Patriots looking to play fast and count on quality shooting.
11. Poly
Coach: Christopher Cromartie
Last season: 20-3, No. 15
Postseason: Class 3A North Region I finalist
Outlook: A deep and tight senior-laden group, including four starters, is eager to pick up where it left off in a season that brings unlimited potential. Point guard Anthony Gaymon II is the floor general with backcourt mate Elisha Kutcherman and forwards Rashid McLeod and Ziyan Gates the key pieces.
12. Severn
Coach: Mike Glasby
Last season: 17-9, not ranked
Postseason: MIAA B quarterfinalist
Outlook: With a special backcourt and mix of experienced returnees and talented newcomers, the Admirals are primed to make a move in the B Conference. Along the perimeter, senior Kingston Price and junior Jacob Randal combined to average 33 points last season as the tone-setters. Senior forward Bo Fowler is a key returner down low with junior guard Dan Growney adding to the team’s offensive firepower.
13. Calvert Hall
Coach: Gary Neal
Last season: 19-18, not ranked
Postseason: MIAA A quarterfinalist, BCL quarterfinalist
Outlook: The Cardinals will look to increase their tempo this season with scrappy pressure defense leading to opportunistic offense. They’ll bank on their experienced guards — Tyrin Bizzelle at the point and Brendan Johnson a consistent scoring threat — with improved size and depth helping the interior.
14. C. Milton Wright
Coach: Mario Scott
Last season: 18-5, not ranked
Postseason: Class 3A North semifinalist
Outlook: The Mustangs are primed to build on last year’s 18-win season, returning all five starters and eight regulars while adding quality talent. A promising junior class is led by forward Dylan Sander and guard Jordan Ross with senior guard Cayne Woodland, a Parkville transfer, ready to make an instant impact.
15. Wilde Lake
Coach: Ty Lawson
Last season: 21-4, No. 14
Postseason: Class 3A state quarterfinalist
Outlook: The defending Howard County champions have a hungry core looking to stay on top under first-year coach Lawson. Senior guard Kain Corkeron is the starting point with Noah Brazil and Jasiah Hyson further bolstering the backcourt and Dre Hoskins the key cog at forward. Look for the Wildecats to play with grit and balance.
Others considered: Broadneck (17-7), Long Reach (21-3), Manchester Valley (13-11), Northeast (18-6), Overlea (20-5), Parkville (27-1), River Hill (15-8), St. Mary’s (24-7)