Five Takeaways: Mount St. Joseph vs. DeMatha Scrimmage
HYATTSVILLE, MD — A new season is upon us, and we kicked off our coverage with a high level scrimmage between DeMatha and Mount St. Joseph. Below are five takeaways from the highly competitive preseason matchup.
JUSTIN MOORE MAKES A STATEMENT
There were questions surrounding just how healthy Justin Moore is heading into this season, and he silenced all doubters on with a fantastic two-way performance on Friday night. Not only did the competitive combo guard pick up full court, but he showcased effortless scoring prowess. Moore, who is currently the top ranked player in our 2019 rankings, is much stronger at this point than we anticipated. We only expect him to improve as the season progresses, and he regains full fitness.
https://twitter.com/HoopMajor/status/931900615395078144
FUTURE TERP PERFORMS AT HIGH LEVEL
The Maryland coaching staff was in the gym, and they had to be impressed with what they saw from Jalen Smith. The 6-foot-10 forward, who is listed second in our 2018 prospect rankings, is still still scratching his extremely high ceiling, but the production is clearly there. Smith pumped in 31 points, and provided superb defense for the Gaels.
MELVIN COMING INTO HIS OWN
The Stags are very lucky to have the luxury of bringing a player like Jamel Melvin off their bench. At almost 6-foot-10, the junior post can stretch the floor, but has also shown significant improvements with his ability to score inside. Melvin looks very confident at the moment, and should be in for a breakout season.
Shoutout to @HoopMajor for the clip🎥 pic.twitter.com/J2ocl4vxEh
— Jamel M (@JaMelvin_) November 19, 2017
UNSIGNED SENIOR STANDS OUT
https://twitter.com/AyalewAdam/status/931978752858513409
In a game filled with high division one talent, Kendall McMillan found ways to make a major impact with his intelligence, motor, and stingy defense. The unsigned senior, who is a popular target among local division three programs, stated his case as a possible scholarship level player with a very strong performance. We expect McMillan’s role to steadily grow as this team gains its chemistry.
STAGS DEFENSE SUFFOCATES GAELS
DeMatha put on a defensive clinic in this contest, holding Mount St. Joseph to just 40 points through three quarters. Hunter Dickinson‘s impact as a rim protector and communicator on the back line cannot be ignored. Another DeMatha player who made a major impact defensively with his versatility and high basketball IQ was Earl Timberlake. James Bishop managed to score 22 points for Mount St. Joseph, but he had to work hard as there was little room to operate.
https://twitter.com/HoopMajor/status/931911049556656128