MAC Tournament Preview
Seedings and pairings are set for the upcoming MAC Tournament, and it should be a good one. Below is a preview of the tournament, featuring predictions, x-factors, and much more! BRACKET OUTLOOK If Maret can get past a tough first…
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Continue ReadingSeedings and pairings are set for the upcoming MAC Tournament, and it should be a good one. Below is a preview of the tournament, featuring predictions, x-factors, and much more!
BRACKET OUTLOOK
If Maret can get past a tough first round match-up with St. Andrew’s, they’ve already proven they have what it takes to match up with and defeat Flint Hill. On the other side of the bracket, Sidwell will probably have to prove they can defeat Potomac School in the second round. The Quakers lost both regular season match-ups vs. the Panthers, but only time will tell if they’ve learned any lessons.
KEY OPENING ROUND MATCH-UP
#4 MARET VS. #5 ST. ANDREW’S: This will likely be the most intriguing round matchup. Ultimately, the Frogs have more experience, but will have to contend with Heru Bligen in a win or go home situation. We will see if the Lions have what it takes to collectively neutralize EJ Jarvis.
X-FACTORS
Flint Hill: Dowar Jioklow – Jioklow has the ability to impact the game in a variety of areas with his length and relentless motor. If he can consistently produce alongside Hairston and Wahab, the Huskies will be tough to stop.
Maret: Quincy Allen – Allen has emerged into a reliable contributor for the Frogs throughout the season. He will need to step up his production and be consistent if his team wants to win it all.
St. Andrew’s: Spencer Hayes – Hayes is really embracing his role as a defensive stopper, but has also demonstrated the ability to put the ball in the basket. The 6-foot-5 wing will need to continue to make an impact on both ends for the Lions.
Sidwell: Afamdi Achufusi – Achufusi is a unique guard prospect who is probably the best post player for Sidwell. The 6-foot-3 guard is also the best perimeter defender on the team, and will be asked to shut down the opposing team’s best player throughout the tournament.
St. James: Xzavier Long – Long is a nice prospect who has the potential to dominate a game, especially on the defensive side of the ball with his length and athleticism. He’ll need to show he can put the ball in the hole consistently vs. a great defensive team in the first round.
Potomac School: Preston Bacon – Bacon is the heart and soul of this Potomac School team. He is a tenacious on-ball defender, but will also need to be aggressive with the ball in his hands for the Panthers.
GDS: Montez McNeil – McNeil is a talented forward who has the ability to pose mis-match problems against bigger defenders with his quickness. It will be interesting to see if he can get the best of Jamel Melvin in the opening round.
ALL-MAC TEAM PREDICTIONS
Qudus Wahab – Flint Hill ’19 (POY)
Quincy Allen – Maret ’21
Preston Bacon – Potomac School ’19
Heru Bligen – St. Andrew’s ’19
Jason Gibson – Sidwell ’19
Jordan Hairston – Flint Hill ’19
EJ Jarvis – Maret ’19
Jack Lewis – Sidwell ’19
Xzavier Long – St. James ’21
Jamel Melvin – Potomac School ’20
Jordan Rayford – GDS ’21
Colin Smalls – St. Andrew’s ’20