Notebook: Metro Challenge 2016
Hyattsville, MD – Over 60 of the DMV region’s top sophomore & junior boys basketball players gathered at DeMatha Catholic High School to participate in the 2016 Metro Challenge, which was organized by Separation Sports Management. A lot of high level…
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Continue ReadingHyattsville, MD – Over 60 of the DMV region’s top sophomore & junior boys basketball players gathered at DeMatha Catholic High School to participate in the 2016 Metro Challenge, which was organized by Separation Sports Management. A lot of high level talent was on display, and several players stood out. Below you will find a list of superlative award winners, along with some additional names to watch this spring and summer.
Top Big Man:
Collin Nnamene – 6’9″ sophomore – St. Alban’s (DC)
Standing at 6-foot-9, and still growing, there was no better rim protector at the Metro Challenge than Collin Nnamene. The long-limbed, agile big man absolutely adores patrolling the paint. The sophomore out of St. Albans is fearless and relentless when challenging shots. Collin showed confidence offensively when operating on the low block, where he utilized his favorite jump-hook. It’s hard to believe he’s been playing organized basketball for just under 3 years. Look for him to turn a lot of heads running on the EYBL with Team Takeover 16U.
It's clear that Collin Nnamene enjoys protecting the rim. He moves well, and can really get off the ground. He's a high level shot blocker.
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
Top Wing:
Brandon Slater – 6’6″ sophomore – Paul VI (VA)
It’s been a joy to see the development of Brandon Slater. Paul VI‘s sophomore stand-out is a swiss-army knife on the court. There isn’t really a thing he can’t do well. His improved skill-set includes the ability to work out of a high ball screen, and pull up on a dime from 23+ feet. Slater was comfortable with the ball in his hands, and showed a confident handle. Defensively, he showed great intensity, versatility, and potential. The lanky, 6-foot-6 wing was without among the best athletes in attendance — with perhaps the highest ceiling.
Great play by Brandon Slater. Gets a block then collects the loose ball & finds fellow Soph. Noah Locke for the jam. pic.twitter.com/sEs1zG1mUA
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
'18 Brandon Slater continues to expand his skill-set. Pulls up on a dime & cashes in from 3 here. #MetroChallenge16 pic.twitter.com/duBhsQNIAU
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
Top Scoring Guard:
Noah Locke – 6’3″ sophomore – McDonogh (MD)
McDonogh‘s silky smooth shooting guard Noah Locke hasn’t quite cooled off since his season debut vs. Benedictine, where he lit up the Cadets to the tune of 20 points (8/11 FG; 4/5 3pt FG). The highly skilled sophomore has good size, at 6-foot-3. Noah owns a confident jump shot, and the ability to shoot both off the catch and the bounce. He moves well without the ball, and makes good decisions when he has it. With a recent offer from George Washington, bringing his total to 5, look for the uptick in Locke’s recruitment to continue with Team Melo 16U this summer.
Tough step back 3 by '18 Noah Locke. McDonogh's skilled guard is a very talented shot maker. #MetroChallenge2016 pic.twitter.com/PaiMxndLgx
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
Top Distributor:
Jared Bynum – 5’9″ sophomore – Georgetown Prep (MD)
Perhaps one of the most pleasant surprises of camp was the consistent, solid play of Jared Bynum. The 5-foot-9 sophomore out of Georgetown Prep exhibited a confident handle, along with great court awareness at the lead guard spot. He dished out a series of accurate passes out of pick & rolls, where he would also pull up on a dime and knock down threes and mid-range pull ups. His toughness was on display as he drove to the rim, where he was an efficient finisher. With offers from George Mason and Towson, and interest from the likes of Xavier and George Washington, look for him to become a hot target this spring and summer running with DC Blue Devils 16U.
'18 PG Jared Bynum is deadly in pick & rolls. Has good vision. Creates shots for self & others. Drills a 3 ball here pic.twitter.com/O6DQAxP8PO
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
Top Combo Guard:
Montez Mathis – 6’4″ sophomore – Oak Hill (VA)
Montez Mathis was simply exceptional on both ends at the Metro Challenge. Oak Hill‘s sophomore guard anticipated well defensively, where he would quickly turn a steal into points at the other end. He exhibited a smooth and confident handle, and the innate ability to get into the rim at will — where he made plays for others as well as himself. His high level athleticism was on display, particularly in the open court. Montez holds offers from Memphis, St. Johns, West Virginia, and USC, with interest from the likes of Washington, Miami, Maryland, and Villanova. Look for him to form a dynamic partnership this spring and summer in the back-court with Team Melo 16U teammate Noah Locke.
'18 Oak Hill PG Montez Mathis has dominated play on both ends. Here's another one of his dunks. #MetroChallenge2016 pic.twitter.com/I4kOOTwrgh
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
Top Three Point Shooter:
Drew Friberg – 6’7″ sophomore – State College (PA)
Drew Friberg can flat out shoot the basketball. The 6-foot-7 sophomore has great size for a wing, to go along with a quick and confident release and terrific rotation on his jumper. Look for the Pennsylvania native to be regarded among the top shooters on the EYBL with Team Takeover 16U.
Drew Friberg can flat out shoot the 3 ball. The 6'7" sophomore boasts a 4.0 GPA, w/interest from Penn State & Navy. pic.twitter.com/Yqe1Ag5AcN
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
Top Pest:
Reese Mona – 6’2″ junior – St. John’s (DC)
In the final game of camp, the gym went crazy when Reese Mona caught a tip slam. The junior out of St. Johns College High School has a tireless work rate, and attacks every 50/50 ball with relentless tenacity. He has a great feel defensively, and quick, strong hands. Reese is the type of player you would love to have on your team, but hate to have to play against.
Love the energy I'm seeing out of St. John's guard Reese Mona. The 6'2" junior runs the floor well & keeps plays alive with sheer hustle.
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
Extra Notes:
- Bryce Golden set to break out
After a highly productive season for St. James, Bryce Golden is set to break out this spring and summer. The 6-foot-8 sophomore is a strong presence both in the low and high post. He sets forceful screens, and knows how to read defenses and react accordingly in those situations. Bryce has soft hands, and a soft touch to go along with a great motor. Look for him to emerge as a top big man target on the EYBL with Team Takeover 16U.
'18 Bryce Golden has done a nice job running the floor today. Throws down another emphatic dunk. #MetroChallenge2016 pic.twitter.com/EyHr4yBWVL
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
- Aaron Thompson can run the show
Aaron Thompson is so good at dictating pace. Paul VI's Jr. PG has a tight handle & can dish out a variety of accurate passes #MetroChallenge
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
Aaron Thompson looked very confident at the Metro Challenge. As usual, he played high level defense on the perimeter, and controlled tempo on offense. He hit a pull up 3 in transition, and showed great paint getting ability — where he made the correct play. Look for his recruitment to expand while he runs the show for Team Takeover 17U on the EYBL.
- Denmark Slay dynamic on both ends
Denmark Slay did an outstanding job digging in defensively. He consistently kept whoever he guarded in front, and did a terrific job moving his feet. Offensively, the explosive junior exhibited a crafty handle, along with the ability to create shots for himself and his teammates.
Denmark Slay finds fellow junior Darryl Morsell for the alley-oop. Morsell can absolutely jump out of the gym. pic.twitter.com/aW3aC7DY7h
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
- Darryl Morsell emerges as a nice surprise
Baltimore native Darryl Morsell immediately stood out as an exceptional athlete, and a terrific rebounder. He’s just 6’4″, but he’s long, bouncy, and tireless. Morsell did a great job running the floor in the open court, where he displayed a series of athletic dunks. It’s easy to see that he plays much bigger than his listed height.
- Nigel Jackson is a smooth scorer
Nigel Jackson, who is a teammate of Darryl Morsell at Mt. St. Joe’s (MD), came close to winning the superlative for top scorer as a result of his ability to fill it up consistently at all levels. At 6’5″, the junior has good size and strength, to go along with confidence and efficiency around the basket.
'17 Nigel Jackson continues to fill it up from the perimeter. The 6'5" wing out of Baltimore is a skilled scorer. pic.twitter.com/Z0tzTU6iqB
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
- Naji Marshall authors strong outing
Naji Marshall showed great versatility on both ends of the court at the Metro Challenge. He rebounded well out of his position, and defended both on the perimeter and in the post. Offensively, he slashed and either kicked to open teammates, or finished strong at the rim. With offers from Virginia Tech, Rutgers, and VCU, along with interest from the likes of Maryland, Xavier, and West Virginia, look for Marshall’s recruitment to take form this summer.
- Xavier Johnson carrying momentum
Bishop O’Connell sophomore Xavier Johnson got great experience at the point guard position in the VISAA Championships, where he started games vs. Trinity Episcopal and Paul VI. The young floor general exhibits a crafty and confident handle. Johnson has a high IQ, and a tendency to make exciting and impactful plays on both ends. He should excel in a lead guard role for Team Takeover 16U on the EYBL.
Xavier Johnson races up the floor & connects w/'17 Quinton Drayton for the alley-oop. Nice pass by the sophomore. pic.twitter.com/v7iTWyLYRc
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016
- Jermaine Harris thoroughly impresses
Jermaine Harris literally did not miss in his first game at the Metro Challenge. The sophomore went 7/7 from the field and 3/3 from the line. The strong, well-built 6’8″ sophomore also snared 10 rebounds and blocked a shot. He displayed good lateral quickness, and great reactions to go along with soft hands. The Atlanta native should become a popular target this spring and summer.
- Myles Dread could see recruitment soar
There are plenty of things to like about Myles Dread. First off, he’s a flat out gamer. No matter who he’s playing against, the sophomore displays a fearless demeanor and plays with reckless abandon. At 6’4″, Dread is a strong and stocky wing who brings versatility and awareness on defense. He also stretches the floor with high efficiency, range, and confidence. Myles should thrive on the EYBL with Team Takeover 16U.
'18 wing Myles Dread catches & finishes with authority. Holds an offer from George Mason. #MetroChallenge2016 pic.twitter.com/iREPbpLMjY
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 26, 2016