MAC 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 MAC.
(1) WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR SIDWELL TO REPEAT?
A senior-laden Sidwell team persevered through a myriad of injuries, and won the MAC Championship last season. This year, behind the dynamic duo of Saddiq Bey and Jason Gibson, the Quakers will look to repeat. The two guards, who combined for 47 points in last year’s title game win, will be asked to provide a majority of the offense for the team this season.
(2) WHO ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGERS TO SIDWELL?
Saint James is a team that has re-loaded, and will certainly be up to the task as a challenger for the championship. With the addition of seniors Amir Harris, Dima Zdor, and freshman Akok Akok, the Saints should be in good shape to compete.
Don’t sleep on the experienced Potomac School team coached by Levi Franklin this season. They have one of the area’s top bigs in Devon Flowers, and an underrated back court led by senior Mike Grimes.
(3) WHO ARE THE DARK HORSE TEAMS?
Flint Hill will have a chance be relevant this year, and are expected to compete among the top teams in the league. The Huskies have picked up a couple of key transfers who should make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Maret lose All Met Luka Garza, and his production will be a difficult task to replace. EJ Jarvis will have a chance to show what he’s been able to learn from Garza. If he can produce consistently, the Frogs will have a chance to compete for the title.
St. Andrew’s are young, but talented. The Lions will be a difficult matchup, and should not be counted out in this league.
(4) WHO WILL LEAD THE LEAGUE IN SCORING?
SADDIQ BEY | SIDWELL FRIENDS ’18
Bey has a chance to be an All Met this season. He should put up over 20 points per game easily.
DEVON FLOWERS | POTOMAC SCHOOL ’18
Flowers is becoming more consistent offensively. He’s had a couple of thirty plus point games, and should record some monster outings as a senior.
AMIR HARRIS | SAINT JAMES ’18 (DARK HORSE)
Harris has always been a talented scorer, and will have plenty of opportunities to create, both for himself and others. Expect him to be aggressive, and have some monster games.
(5) WHO WILL LEAD THE LEAGUE IN DOUBLE DOUBLES?
SADDIQ BEY | SIDWELL FRIENDS ’18
The Quakers lose most of their size from last season, and Bey has grown to 6’7. He will probably have to average close to 10 rebounds per game for his team to be successful.
DEVON FLOWERS | POTOMAC SCHOOL ’18
Flowers has incredible defensive potential, and part of that is because of his rebounding ability. The 6’9 big has soft hands, and will be a good candidate to lead the league in rebounding.
BRYCE GOLDEN | SAINT JAMES ’18
Pitt commit Bryce Golden is a sturdily built forward who helps his team dominate the glass. Expect the 6’9 senior to pull down 10+ boards per game regularly.
QUDUS WAHAB | FLINT HILL ’19
There’s little doubt that Wahab can rebound with the best bigs in this league, but he must stay on the floor consistently to produce. If he can stay out of foul trouble, he collect 10+ rebounds easily. His offense has improved, and he definitely plays hard enough to score 10+ points per contest.
(6) WHO WILL WIN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR?
SADDIQ BEY | SIDWELL FRIENDS ’18
If Sidwell wins the league, Bey will have the driver’s seat for this award. His numbers will probably be ridiculous, and his impact for the team is absolutely vital.
DEVON FLOWERS | POTOMAC SCHOOL ’18
If Flowers can help his team win the league, he will probably win this award. The Loyola commit led his team in most statistical categories last season.
BRYCE GOLDEN | SAINT JAMES ’18
This could go to Amir Harris, but we can’t underscore the importance of Golden’s impact in the paint. This league has a ton of size, and the battle in the paint will be key.
(7) WHO ARE THE LEAGUE’S TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATES?
JASON GIBSON | SIDWELL FRIENDS ’19
Jason Gibson has a chance for a monster year. He will have the ball in his hands at the point, and should take advantage.
ISAIAH MOORE | FLINT HILL ’18
Isaiah Moore is one of the most underrated players in the DMV, and a highly respected player in the Flint Hill locker room. He will play an important role for the team if they win the championship.
KAMARI WILLAIMS | ST. ANDREW’S ’19
St. Andrew’s is looking for someone to step up this year, and Kamari Williams is a good candidate to do so. The junior is gaining confidence, and could have a huge year.
DIMA ZDOR | SAINT JAMES ’18
Dima Zdor is new to the league, and will have the chance to make an impact from day one. Look for the 6’8 forward to make some noise for the Saints.
(8) WHO MADE OUR PRESEASON ALL MAC TEAM?
G | SADDIQ BEY | SIDWELL FRIENDS ’18
G | HERU BLIGEN | ST. ANDREW’S ’18
G | LUKE DOWNING | MARET ’18
G | JASON GIBSON | SIDWELL ’19
G | MIKE GRIMES | POTOMAC SCHOOL ’18
G | AMIR HARRIS | SAINT JAMES ’18
G | ISAIAH MOORE | FLINT HILL ’18
G | KAMARI WILLIAMS | ST. ANDREW’S ’19
F | BRYCE GOLDEN | SAINT JAMES ’18
F | DEVON FLOWERS | POTOMAC SCHOOL ’18