Five Takeaways: Sidwell Friends vs. St. Andrew’s
WASHINGTON, DC — St. Andrew’s picked up a massive league win on Tuesday at Sidwell Friends to start off the calendar year, and we were in the gym for a hard fought contest. Here are five takeaways from our time in the gym.
LIONS ON A ROLL
St. Andrew’s has now won 11 straight games dating back to their loss at Goretti on November 25. This is probably one of the youngest teams that Head Coach Kevin Jones has ever led, but he has them playing at a very high level right now. Led by unselfish Millersville commit Justin Nwosu, and downhill playmaking lead guard Heru Bligen, the Lions look like a sleeper in the MAC right now.
SMALLS & DAVIS STEP UP IN BACK COURT
Sophomore Colin Smalls and frosh Chace Davis are two new players that have been key contributors for St. Andrew’s so far this season. Both guards have shown commitment defensively, and can put the ball in the basket on offense. They seem to have good chemistry between them, and certainly have the potential to be very dynamic down the road.
ELIJAH WILLIAMS EMERGING FOR SFS
Junior Elijah Williams came in and made several significant plays to keep Sidwell in the game. The high energy 6’5 junior knocked down a three from the corner, and was probably the team’s best rebounder. We like the progress that Williams has shown since summer league, and believe he has a chance to be a consistent contributor for the team by season’s end.
KAMARI WILLIAMS DISPLAYS VERSATILITY
2019 Kamari Williams didn’t have the biggest night in terms of scoring numbers, but we saw the type of impact he can make without putting the ball in the basket. He’s very long and active both in the passing lanes and on the glass at 6’7. Williams knocked down a three pointer, had an athletic finish in transition, and showed that he can beat his man off the dribble and score in traffic. He sees the floor well, and should continue to gain more confidence as he continues to develop his skill set and grow into his body.
GIBSON, BEY HELD IN CHECK
The three ball wasn’t falling for Jason Gibson on Tuesday night, but we must give the Lions credit for not giving up any second chance opportunities. Justin Nwosu and Kamari Williams led the rebounding effort, with plenty of aid from Heru Bligen. We thought Saddiq Bey converted some really tough baskets around the mid post and in the paint, but he was neutralized for a majority of this contest. Colin Smalls took two charges in this game, and he should definitely be recognized for laying his body out on the line.