Five Key Questions: NCA vs. Rock Creek
FORT WASHINGTON, MD — Rock Creek picked up an important road win at NCA on Wednesday night by a final score of 67-59. Here we recap this contest by answering five key questions? WHO WAS THE MVP? DeLonnie Hunt was…
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Continue ReadingFORT WASHINGTON, MD — Rock Creek picked up an important road win at NCA on Wednesday night by a final score of 67-59. Here we recap this contest by answering five key questions?
WHO WAS THE MVP?
DeLonnie Hunt was the best player on the floor in this game. Battling through a chest injury, Hunt was efficient, shooting 6 of 11 from the field on his way to 22 points. He scored 13 third quarter points, and absolutely took over in that period. Hunt hit all 7 of his free throws, handed out 5 dimes and committed no turnovers. The smooth lefty got to his spots and was able to convert from all three levels, but also played stingy defense both on and off the ball. He added a steal and a block to his MVP effort.
HOW GOOD IS JAKAI ROBINSON?
In the first quarter, and for a good portion of this game, Jakai Robinson was the best player on the floor. A versatile 6-foot-5 southpaw who is just a sophomore, Robinson started the game on fire. He hit his first 5 shots, including 3/3 from long range. His effort was unwavering, and his mid range pull-up game was impressive. If Robinson can continue to make shots from the perimeter like he has been, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be regarded as a high D1 prospect and one of if not the best wing in the local 2021 class.
WHAT TYPE OF IMPACT DID ZAAKIR WILLIAMSON HAVE?
Rock Creek has been in dire need of an inside presence, and that’s exactly what Zaakir Williamson brought in his first game with the team. The physically mature 6-foot-7 big man made an immediate impact on the boards. Williamson also used pump fakes shrewdly to get his defender to bite and commit silly fouls. If he can prove to be a reliable free throw shooter and a confident low post scoring option, Williamson could be tough to stop moving forward.
WHICH OTHER PROSPECTS STOOD OUT?
CAM BROWN | RCCA ’22
Brown came up big down the stretch. The freshman, who did not commit any turnovers in this game, scored 6 points in the fourth quarter. Brown created space for a smooth pull-up three, and gave great effort defensively.
GUY FAUNTLEROY | RCCA ’21
Fauntleroy provided a major offensive punch for Rock Creek. He shot 4 of 8 from deep on his way to 19 points. While Fauntleroy can get caught holding the ball for too long at times, there’s no question he’s a confident ball handler who can get to his spots and execute.
JAMES GROSS | RCCA ’21
Gross was an X-Factor for his team with his defense. The athletic wing was matched up against bigger opponents all night, but still managed to pull down 7 defensive rebounds. Gross also recorded 2 blocks and a steal.
OUMAR KOUREISSI | NCA ’20
Koureissi did not have his best game, but he only took 6 shots. The 6’8 forward did showcase a smooth mid range turnaround and knocked down a spot up three. He also had 7 boards and a steal, but has to work on his ball security. Koureissi committed 4 turnovers and had just 1 assist.
NGONADI OLISA | NCA ’19
Olisa might be on the short list of best rim protectors in the DMV. The Robert Morris commit blocked a huge dunk attempt by Gross in the early stages of this game, and proceeded to repel five more shots over the course of the game. Olisa is still a work in progress offensively, but he’s efficient with the ball and doesn’t force the issue. He added 9 boards and played with unrelenting effort on both ends of the court.
WHERE DO THESE TWO TEAMS STACK UP IN THEIR LEAGUE?
These two teams look like the cream of the crop in the Capital Beltway. Riverdale should be able to make things interesting, but Rock Creek and NCA both have size and athleticism to go along with good perimeter play. We might have witnessed a preview of the league championship game, but you never know how things will play out.