Five Takeaways: MAIT
HAGERSTOWN, MD — We began our coverage of the 2017-18 season with a trip to St. Maria Goretti for the 35th Annual Mid Atlantic Invitational Tournament. Below we run down five takeaways from our time in the gym.
GAELS OFF THE MARK AT 4-0
Goretti lose valuable experience with the loss of seniors Jake Kuhn (Cornell) and Elijah Clarance (Illinois State), but have reloaded and look poised for a strong campaign. The Gaels, who knocked off St. Andrew’s in the MAIT Championship after cruising to a comfortable win over Bishop Walsh, are now 4-0 heading into their next game vs. Calvert Hall. Josh Mack, the lone senior on this team, had an excellent all around performance in the championship game.
NWOSU, BLIGEN STEP UP FOR SAES
Justin Nwosu, who is committed to Millersville, averaged a over 20 points and 10 rebounds in the two gmaes at Goretti. The sturdily built 6-foot-5 forward, who is a very good passer, appears set for a very productive senior campaign. Heru Bligen, who like Nwosu was named MAIT All-Tournament, averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Expect these two to provide consistency and leadership throughout the season for the Lions.
ST. PAUL’S SENIORS IMPRESS
AJ Sawyers played a key two-way role for St. Pauls in their contest vs. St. Andrew’s. The unsigned senior, who shot 8 of 14 from the field, recorded four steals and four rebounds on his way to a team-high 20 points. Starting point guard Trayon Wright, who chipped in with 11 points on 3 of 7 shooting 3 rebounds and 2 assists, displayed a solid skill set and commendable passion.
KAMARI WILLIAMS vs. ZIGGY REID
This game featured two of the top 20 prospects in our 2019 rankings in Ziggy Reid and Kamari Williams. The former, who didn’t shoot particularly well, continues to shed weight and looks much more nimble at the moment in his 6-foot-6 frame. Reid dished out three assists against St. Andrew’s, showcasing his high basketball IQ. Williams, who recorded 9 points, 13 rebounds, and a block, continues to improve while finding multiple ways to contribute on both ends of the floor.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Przemek Golek will certainly be included in our next 2019 rankings update. The 6-foot-4 190 pound SG from Poland, who scored 21 points for Goretti in their championship victory vs. St. Andrew’s, is a high IQ player who can absolutely fill it up from deep.
- Another Gael newcomer who we will need to insert into the rankings Abdou Tsimbila. The 6-foot-7 220 pound big man from Cameroon is a bruiser and a forceful paint presence with a very high motor.
- St. Andrew’s has a very promising young back court in Chace Davis and Colin Smalls. The two combined for six steals in the championship game vs. Goretti, and averaged close to 10 points per game respectively. They are both still clearly getting used to the speed at the varsity level, but they should be able to offer plenty of support to Bligen throughout the season.