Five Takeaways: IAC/MAC Challenge
POTOMAC, MD — Bullis hosted the IAC/MAC challenge this year, and at the end of the day each league picked up three wins. While neither league earned bragging rights on Saturday, all who were in attendance were treated to some…
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Continue ReadingPOTOMAC, MD — Bullis hosted the IAC/MAC challenge this year, and at the end of the day each league picked up three wins. While neither league earned bragging rights on Saturday, all who were in attendance were treated to some great basketball. Here we recap the event with five takeaways.
STOP SLEEPING ON THESE GUYS
The three unsigned guards listed below continue to look like bonafide division one prospects. They’re all in good academic standing, and could each help anyone who needs a point guard.
KAMDYN CURFMAN | GEORGETOWN PREP ’19
Curfman is extremely good at what he does, which is shoot the ball. He is adept at creating space off the bounce, and while he does need to improve at his finishing skills around the basket, his mid range game is exceptional and so is his feel.
JASON GIBSON | SIDWELL ’19
Gibson is a big time player, and there is no doubt about it. He is still transitioning into a point guard role, but in most games he’s been the best player on the floor and he can consistently score the ball from anywhere inside half court. Gibson is a skilled handler and a tough defender who isn’t afraid to lay his body on the line.
JORDAN HAIRSTON | FLINT HILL ’19
Hairston’s biggest asset is his ability to score, and in particular shoot the ball. He is a strong ball handler, and an improving defender. Hairston’s consistency has been a big reason why Flint Hill is off to such a great start this season.
LOCAL ’21 CLASS LOOKING STRONG
AFAMDI ACHUFUSI | 6’3 G | SIDWELL
Achufusi is next in line to run the show at Sidwell. He’s a big guard who can defend a multitude of positions and take advantage of smaller guards with his ability to score inside.
QUINCY ALLEN | 6’6 G | MARET
Allen is developing into a strong, athletic wing who can do it all. It shouldn’t be much longer before high major programs are all over this kid.
DARIUS JOHNSON | 6’0 G | EPISCOPAL
Johnson already has such an important role, and continues to embrace it with confidence. He is perhaps already the best perimeter defender on the team, his shot looks as smooth as ever, and he is already very strong and athletic.
KINO LILLY | 6’1 G | LANDON
Lilly is so efficient with the ball, and has incredible footwork. He keeps the ball on a string and is a fundamentally sound passer. Lilly was the best player on the floor in Landon’s win over GDS, and has the ability to take any game by the scruff of its neck.
JORDAN RAYFORD | 6’5 G | GDS
Not many have the blend of size, mobility, ball skills and feel that Rayford possesses. He’s learning on the fly, but is certainly improving and gaining some valuable experience as the go-to-guy for GDS.
ERIK REYNOLDS | 6’1 G | BULLIS
It would be a safe bet to say that Reynolds has been the most consistent player for Bullis this season. He is a graceful slasher who can finish from uncommon angles in the paint, and a quick twitch athlete who can pull up on a dime and hit shots from the mid range. Reynolds is a more than capable spot up three point shooter and is really becoming a prolific on ball defender as well.
ZION RUSSELL | 6’0 G | PREP
Russell is one of the more unique prospects you will find in this class because of his blend of skill and world class athleticism. He needs to tighten up his ball handling and become more assertive in exploiting mismatches, but has proven to be a reliable spot up three point shooter. Russell is earning his stripes defensively, where he takes pride in shutting down the opposing team’s best scorer.
BENNY WILLIAMS | 6’7 G | ST. ANDREW’S
It’s quite clear that Williams is still gaining command of his growing body, but at times he amazes you by some of the things he can do on the court. Defensively he has become tenacious and imposing. Williams has always been a skilled offensive talent, but it’s been nice to see him take the challenge on the other side of the ball.
MOST IMPROVED PROSPECTS
DEAN MAZLISH | SIDWELL ’19
Over the past couple of years, Mazlish has quietly developed into a reliable high school lead guard who projects as a solid division three prospect. You will not find a tougher player in the area pound-for-pound. Mazlish is a coach on the floor and an asset to any team with his overall intelligence and leadership intangibles.
VICTOR MURESAN | GDS ’20
It appears that Muresan is starting to benefit from his decision to reclass and transfer. The 6-foot-9 post prospect played better than we’ve ever seen against Landon. Muresan could consistently add value to a college program as a rim protector and rebounder, and he is becoming a comfortable spot up shooter from 15 feet.
BOTH LEAGUES ARE LEGIT
This event did a great job of showcasing the level of talent that both leagues have. Nationally, and sometimes even locally, these two conferences can be overlooked because of how strong the WCAC is each year. When you consider the high academic standards that most of the schools in the IAC and MAC are known for, it’s impressive to see how the kids are able to balance school and sports.
TWO GYMS WAS A GOOD IDEA
With games going on in both gyms at Bullis, it created an incredible atmosphere where it was difficult to find a seat during certain games. While it was impossible to watch every minute of each game, it allowed everyone involved to be efficient and productive while enjoying some high level basketball.