Five Takeaways: Dunbar Holiday Showcase
WASHINGTON, DC — We took the opportunity to catch three entertaining games on Friday night to close out the Dunbar Holiday Showcase. Here are five takeaways from our time in the gym.
AGGRESSIVENESS ESSENTIAL FOR FLAHERTY
If you’re in the need of a guy who can consistently put the ball in the basket, look no further than Christian Flaherty of Takoma Academy. The crafty and explosive combo guard looks much improved in terms of his playmaking ability, and continues to get in the lane at will where he converts at a high percentage. We saw him pump in 30 efficient points (11/15 FG, 8/8 FG) in a 3-point overtime win against a very scrappy Dunbar team. He still has some maturing to do in terms of decision making (6 assists, 5 turnovers), but overall we are pleased with the strides that Flaherty has made.
ENERGETIC EACKLES LEADS RYKEN
Lelan Eackles has been the most consistent player for Head Coach Walter Booth at Ryken to start the season. The 6-foot-6 wing, who won MVP honors in his team’s win over Thurgood Marshall, recorded 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block. With injuries keeping Ryken from full strength at the moment, Eackles has stepped up, providing efficient offense (5/8 FG, 4/4 FT) and versatility on defense.
DOCKERY PROPELS ROOSEVELT
Silky-smooth lefty Marcus Dockery has been rock solid for Head Coach Rob Nickens at Theodore Roosevelt this season. The promising sophomore, who won MVP the day before we saw him, doubled up his trophy total for the week by picking up his second MVP award in two nights with 18 PTS 4 STL, 3 AST, and 2 REB in his team’s win over Northwestern. Not only did Dockery shoot the ball exceptionally (6/11 FG, 4/7 3FG), but he also came up with several important hustle plays that wont show up in the stat sheet.
MICHAEL AIKEN SHINES FOR TMA
He’s just a freshman, but Michael Aiken looked like the best player for Thurgood Marshall on Friday night. We loved the way he defended the ball, handled pressure, and constantly created easy looks for his teammates as well as himself. The reliable lead guard recorded 15 PTS, 3 STL, 3 AST & 2 REB in a loss vs. Ryken.
QUICK HITS
- Darius Miles, a class of 2020 guard for Theodore Roosevelt, is seeing his recruitment pick up in recent weeks. After receiving an offer from Oklahoma State, he is now reportedly being recruited by Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-6 southpaw is one of the more intriguing prospects in his class, and has considerable upside moving forward.
- Savion Gallion had an up and down performance against Ryken. We liked how he was aggressive and looked to score, but he has to get better at finishing around the basket. He did look comfortable shooting it from the perimeter though, and that is one thing we like about him along with his size at 6’4.
- 2018 Victory Mbagwu came in off the bench and provided a crucial spark in the fourth quarter and overtime for Takoma Academy. The 6’8 face up four man displayed a soft touch from the perimeter.
- 2018 D’Angelo Tull scored 12 of his game-high 22 points in the third quarter to help lift Ryken over Thurgood Marshall. He was on fire, and deserves mention for his strong performance.