Maryland Team Camp Takeaways
COLLEGE PARK, MD — Over 60 teams from the DMV and beyond participated in the second annual University of Maryland Team Camp this weekend, and Vantage Hoops was there to take in the action. Below are five thoughts from a full weekend of basketball.
Rising Seniors Make Statements
Bishop O’Connell, Mount St. Joseph, and Sidwell Friends each captured the championship in their respective brackets. Three 2017 prospects, Nate Watson, Darryl Morsell, and Jelani Williams were instrumental to their team’s success. As the anchor of his team’s defense, Watson was a forceful two-way paint presence who commanded the boards. Nate averaged 18.2 points 9 rebounds per contest over the course of the weekend. The consistent energy and aggression with which Darryl Morsell plays with is quite impressive. Morsell also has a knack for making the right play with the ball in his hands. Another player with impressive playmaking skills, Jelani Williams excelled in a lead guard role for Sidwell. He was vocal and showed good leadership intangibles as he consistently looked to get others involved, but also knew when to take it himself.
Young Playmakers Thrive
The DMV’s next wave of guards has the chance to be special. In the class of 2019, Anthony Harris, Sherif Kenney, and James Bishop have each demonstrated high basketball IQ’s and maturity beyond their years. Anthony Harris started the weekend with a bang, as he exploded above the rim for a highlight dunk over a defender in transition. The super skilled guard carried positive momentum with him into his final contest where he lit up HD Woodson for 20+ points in a win. In his head-to-head matchup with highly touted recruit Bryan Antoine of Ranney, Sherif Kenney more than held his own. The strong, athletic, 6-foot-4 guard locked down Antoine defensively. He also demonstrated a great feel when pulling the strings at the point. Mount St. Joe’s benefited from the play of their smooth lefty James Bishop. He’s very long and has solid defensive instincts. Bishop understands how to create space off the bounce, and is an efficient shooter from long range. Barly Kanu is another left-handed guard in 2019 who made a statement this weekend. He’s a very capable threat from long range who can get into the paint and mix it up. He was also a vocal presence to his team, and his ability to consistently communicate to his teammates was well-noted. 2019 Jay Heath was very aggressive on both ends of the floor for Bishop O’Connell. He earned a ton of trips to the foul line and did a nice job rebounding out of his position. One other name to keep an eye on is rising freshman Paul VI guard Jeremy Roach. Another highly skilled lead guard, Roach is a knock-down shooter who can also get into the lane and create.
Kiyon Boyd, Luka Garza reinforce high major credentials
Kiyon Boyd scored a game-high 31 points vs. Paul VI. Perhaps what was most impressive about his production was how nimble yet powerful the 6-foot-5 210 pound shooting guard was off the bounce. He changed speeds well, exhibiting a crafty handle as he often got into the paint and finished efficiently through contact. He certainly looks the part. One of the first things that was evident about Luka Garza this weekend was the transformation of his body. He’s in excellent shape, and his mobility continues to improve while his motor remains consistently high. You must pick your poison when defending Garza, as the fundamental big man is a real threat on the perimeter who has a deep arsenal of moves on the low block.
Chyree Walker, Jared Bynum lead respective squads
Two of the biggest stock boosters from this weekend were Chyree Walker of Bullis and Jared Bynum of Georgetown Prep. Walker, a 6-foot-5 rising senior, put on a solid two-way performance in a win vs. Paul VI. He’s a strong, aggressive wing who can do a bit of everything. His most impressive quality had to be his passing, as he was very reliable with the ball in his hands. Jared Bynum nearly propelled Prep past DeMatha in a hotly contested overtime battle on Sunday. The crafty and quick rising junior lead guard is a knock-down shooter but is also good paint getter who seeks contact and looks to get to the charity stripe. These two gym rats are good candidates to see their recruitment expand during July’s live period.
Xavier Johnson takes the reigns at O’Connell
Rising junior point guard Xavier Johnson is playing at a very high level this summer. His dynamic playmaking ability on both ends was a key factor for Bishop O’Connell during their run to the Alex Len bracket championship. Defensively, he’s very solid as a result of his length and positioning. Johnson isn’t afraid to take a charge, and is known for turning steals into quick and easy scoring opportunities in transition. He can pass with either hand, and is learning when to use his extra gear.