Recruit Report: Gwynn Park Pull Away From Douglass

By ERIK LARSON, DMV Elite Director of Scouting

Gwynn Park entered Tuesday nights match up with a young but energetic Douglass team on top of PG County 3/2/1A Division.  After a great defensive effort, they left with their first place status in tact by putting up 64 points and holding Douglass to 44.  Key performers were Xavier Richards (18 points, 12 rebounds), Jarvis Hawkins (13 points), and Marcel Boyd (10 points, 12 rebounds).  The game Douglass squad kept the score close much of the game, but was unable to make a late run.  Douglass was led by Micheal Cunningham (10 points), Saquan Epps-Walker (8 points) and Trevor Johnson (8 points).  Here are their evaluations:

GWYNN PARK

Xavier Richards 6'2 W 2012- Xavier is an exciting player with an evolving game.  Athletically, he is great.  He is strong, fast, and can finish above the rim.  He had four dunks, one of them being an alley oop, on Tuesday.  He has the ability to attack the rim off of the dribble and score inside on post ups.  Defensively, he can defend quality players and cause turnovers in trap situations.  He also competes on the boards on both ends of the floor.  To improve, Xavier needs to add jump shooting to his scoring repertoire.  Avoiding being over aggressive on his basket drives is also important so he doesn't rack up charges.  Xavier is late to the scene, but may become a major player his senior year.  He has the athleticism and toughness to play on the low D1 level.

Jarvis Hawkins 6'4 F 2012- Jarvis is an athletic forward that does a lot of things well.  He is fast, can stay in front of his man on defense and his long arms make him useful when trapping.  He can shoot the ball from 3 point range and finish on the break.  He does need to add strength and bulk, this will make him more effective in all of his current strengths.  He also can improve in ball handling, allowing him to have more scoring opportunities.  Jarvis will be a very good D3 player.  If he has a really strong finish to the end of his senior campaign, there is a chance he can get a few D2 looks.

Marcel Boyd 6'9 F/C 2012 (Committed to Howard University)- Marcel has improved immensely since he arrive at Gwynn Park as a sophomore.  He has increased his strength, athleticsm and overall effectiveness.  His ability to rebound and block shots is what seperates him from a lot of big men.  He has also improved his offensive game with good post ups, passing and finishing.  He still needs to become more proficient with his left hand and should look to strengthen his hands.  He does need to get his footwork tighter and be consistently active throughout the game.  Marcel is committed to Howard, adding to the list of DMV members on the Bison squad.  He has the ability to be very effective there.  Look for him to be among the MEAC Conference leaders in block shots early in his career.

Douglass

Micheal Cunningham 5'11 Combo Guard 2012- Micheal is a efficient guard with good ball skills.  He uses his quickness to drive and finish at the basket.  He handles the ball well and makes good cuts freeing himself for shots in the paint.  He has the ability to stay in front of the ball and cause turnovers on defense.  To improve, Micheal must work on his outside shooting and look to set up his teammates.  Strength is another aspect of his game that can improve.  Micheal looks to be a D3 player who can use his ability to get to the rim to find playing time early.

Saquan Epps-Walker 6'3 SG 2014- Saquan is an athletic scorer, able to do so from all areas of the floor.  He has 3 point range and the ability to drive the ball to the basket and finish.  He can create for his teammates and get out of trouble with the pivot.  He has a quick first step and can handle the ball pretty well.  He does need to make more of a mark on defense and add strength to his thin frame.  He also needs to concentrate on getting open when he is the focus of the opponents defense.  Saquan, only a sophomore definitely has D1 potential. 

Trevor Johnson 5'8 PG 2015- Trevor is an exciting freshman who is already very effective on the high school level.  He is aggressive with the ball and has the ability to create for his teammates.  He has a nice pull up jumper from the freethrow area and can get to the basket, finishing with both hands.  Defensively, he does a good job of staying in front of the ball.  He does need to work on his outside shooting and avoid driving into taller players who can block his shot.  Trevor has huge potential and with maturity should grow into a scholarship player.