IAC Preview
It’s October, and that means we’re inching closer to the start of another high school season. In the upcoming days, we will be previewing respective conferences around the DMV. In this edition, we take a closer look at the IAC.
(1) WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR BULLIS TO REPEAT?
We expect Bullis to once again challenge among the top teams in this league, and their guard play is a big reason why. Mount St. Mary’s commit Vado Morse is considered one of the biggest matchup nightmare’s in the DMV, and his ability to get into the lane at will will open up looks for his teammates. If Morse can find ways to consistently attack while getting others involved, the Bulldogs will be tough to stop.
(2) WHO ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGERS TO BULLIS?
Georgetown Prep are probably the favorite to win the league, as they return a majority of last season’s runner-up team. St. Joe’s commit Jared Bynum, one of the most reliable point guards in the region, will lead a dynamic attack that will likely give opponents fits.
Episcopal is a team that should contend among the top teams in the league, and will have a chance to win it if they can get consistent play inside from senior Zach Pfaffenberger. The Sacred Heart commit will play a vital role in his team’s success.
(3) WHO ARE THE DARK HORSE TEAMS?
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes have the experience on the court, and the talent to contend with the top teams in the league. Under their new head coach Mike Jones, the Saints will surely be an intriguing team to watch.
St. Albans features a potentially dominant big man in Collin Nnamene, and an improving junior in Cole Matthiesen. Along with their strong front court, the Bulldogs will rely on solid guard play from junior Phillip Jordan.
(4) WHO WILL LEAD THE LEAGUE IN SCORING?
DOMENICK BAILEY | SSSAS ’18
Bailey will have plenty of opportunity to create for himself and others this season. Expect the senior to pick up the slack left by Denmark Slay’s graduation.
JARED BYNUM | GEORGETOWN PREP ’18
Bynum will definitely look to facilitate, but the Little Hoyas will rely on his ability to efficiently put the ball in the basket at times. Look for the senior to lead his team, and possibly the league in scoring.
VADO MORSE | BULLIS ’18
We mentioned that Morse is difficult to keep out of the lane, and this is a big reason why he will have a chance to claim the scoring title. He is wired to score, and will certainly be a contender for the league scoring title.
XAVIER JOHNSON | EPISCOPAL ’19
We saw Johnson go for 30 at SSSAS last year, and this was with George Mawanda-Kalema on the team. Given the fact that Kalema has graduated, Johnson will have to put the ball in the hole more than ever this season. We expect him to be more aggressive, and he could be a dark horse to lead his team in scoring.
CANIN REYNOLDS | LANDON ’20
Canin Reynolds is an explosive guard who can score it as well as anyone in the league. He may be small, but he’s a strong competitor. Reynolds can shoot it as well as any guard in the league, and if will probably be the top scorer for the Bears.
(5) WHO WILL LEAD THE LEAGUE IN DOUBLE DOUBLES?
CJ AMSELLEM | BULLIS ’18
Amsellem is a really good rebounder, and he will be given enough minutes to produce. The 6’7 forward should lead his team in this category, and might have a chance to be the best in the league.
COLE MATTHIESEN | ST. ALBANS ’19
Matthiesen has a high IQ, and works really hard on the boards. He has solid fundamentals, and is always boxing out his man. Matthiesen ultimately may not average a double-double, but he will certainly record one or two on a given night.
IKE NWEKE | GEORGETOWN PREP ’18
Nweke is a flat out monster on the boards, and he will without question be near the top of the league in the rebounding category. If he can provide consistent offense, he should be a walking double-double.
ZACH PFAFFENBERGER | EPISCOPAL ’18
We mentioned how important Pfaffenberger’s production will be for his team. His size, and ability to rebound in traffic, as well as score around the paint will be welcomed by his team.
CHARLES THOMPSON | SSSAS ’19
Thompson is as improved as any player in the league over the least twelve months, and should be close to averaging a double double this season. We expect the 6’6 forward to compete as hard as any big in the league.
(6) WHO WILL WIN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR?
DOMENICK BAILEY | SSSAS ’18
Bailey will surely play a key part for SSSAS if they hope to compete. As a senior, he will probably be in line to win league player of the year if his team can win the championship.
JARED BYNUM | GEORGETOWN PREP ’18
Bynum is the maestro for this team. If they can get back to the championship and win, he will be the one that makes sure it happens.
VADO MORSE | BULLIS ’18
Morse’s ability to balance scoring, and creating for others will be key for his team. If he can find a way to do both efficiently, his team should succeed.
ZACH PFAFFENBERGER | EPISCOPAL ’18
Pfaffenberger is the senior on this team, and the focal paint presence. If he can anchor the interior, Episcopal will have a good shot to compete.
(7) WHO ARE THE LEAGUE’S TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATES?
DEJEAN DESIRE | GEORGETOWN PREP ’19
Desire is a lock down defender who is improving offensively. Expect him to guard all the top players in the league, and provide some offense.
COLE MATTHIESEN | ST. ALBANS ’19
Matthiesen is a candidate to lead St. Alban’s in several categories this season. Look for the 6’6 forward to have a productive junior campaign.
CANIN REYNOLDS | LANDON ’20
Reynolds is one of the most dynamic guards in the dmv regardless of class. He has the ability to go for 30 plus on a given night.
NENDAH TARKE | BULLIS ’19
Tarke will get an opportunity to make an impact for Bullis this season. If he can take advantage, his team will reap the benefits.
CHARLES THOMPSON | SSSAS ’19
Thompson’s presence in the paint will be vital for his team. If he can be a solid anchor the interior, SSSAS will have a chance to contend.
(8) WHO MADE OUR PRESEASON ALL IAC TEAM?
G | DOMENICK BAILEY | SSSAS ’18
G | JARED BYNUM | GEORGETOWN PREP ’18
G | XAVIER JOHNSON | EPISCOPAL ’19
G | VADO MORSE | BULLIS ’18
G | MEZIE OFFURUM | GEORGETOWN PREP ’18
G | CANIN REYNOLDS | LANDON ’20
G | LINCOLN YEUTTER | BULLIS ’18
F | COLE MATTHIESEN | ST. ALBANS ’19
F | IKE NWEKE | GEORGETOWN PREP ’18
F | ZACH PFAFFENBERGER | EPISCOPAL ’18