WCAC Tournament Preview
Seedings and match-ups are ready to go for the imminent WCAC Tournament, and it should be a good one. Below is a preview of the tournament, featuring predictions, x-factors, and much more! BRACKET OUTLOOK The 8/9 and 9/10 match-ups will…
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Continue ReadingSeedings and match-ups are ready to go for the imminent WCAC Tournament, and it should be a good one. Below is a preview of the tournament, featuring predictions, x-factors, and much more!
BRACKET OUTLOOK
The 8/9 and 9/10 match-ups will definitely be hotly contested, but Carroll and Ireton probably have what it takes to advance. The top four seeds will be in good position to advance to the semifinals, but there are definitely no guarantees. PVI has had Gonzaga’s number so far this year, and the winner of that semifinal matchup is our pick to win the tournament. DeMatha looked close to invincible earlier in the season, but their lack of continuity in recent games has us questioning them.
KEY EARLY ROUND MATCH-UP
#4 ST. JOHN’S vs. #5 O’CONNELL: Unfortunately this game will be played at 1PM this Saturday at Gallaudet, meaning there will be little fan support expected to show. How well O’Connell does in this game will depend on their ability to defend Casey Morsell and Darius Maddox, two of the most effortless scorers in the conference.
X-FACTORS
DeMatha: Josh Wallace – Wallace adds value to the Stags starting lineup with his excellent ability to defend the ball. If he can defend at a high level and score when he needs to, DeMatha will be tough to stop.
Carroll: Keyshawn Johnson – Johnson has the ability to change the outcome of a game with his jump shot and playmaking ability. He’ll be a central figure in Carroll’s efforts to make a run.
Good Counsel: Bryce Walker – Good Counsel is desperate to find support for Bez Mbeng, and Walker could be that man. He’s shown the ability to impact the game on both ends in the past, and will need to do so if the Falcons hope to advance.
St. John’s: Ish Leggett – Leggett has quietly been one of the most consistent players in the league this season. O’Connell better make sure they find him and box him out or he will kill them on the offensive glass.
O’Connell: Charlie Weber – Weber is a stretch big that many teams would love to have, but his ability to rebound is underrated. If he can help the Knights control the glass and stretch the floor with some consistency, they’ll be a difficult team to match up with.
McNamara: Aaron Russell – Russell is a heat check guy who can fill it up in a hurry. His versatility as a scorer, secondary ball-handler, and playmaker have been key ingredients to McNamara’s success.
Gonzaga: Myles Stute – When Stute plays well, the Eagles are hard to stop. His blend of size, skill and athleticism is difficult for most to contend with.
Ireton: Sese Mobutu – Mobutu has the ability to create space for his own shot, and Coach Neil Berkman will certainly put him in adequate positions to attack. If he can capitalize, Ireton might be tough to knock off.
Ryken: Louis Tang – Tang has shown he has the ability to dominate a game with his scoring and rebounding. He will need to play confidently, but also lead by both words and actions for a young Ryken team.
PVI: Josiah Freeman – Freeman can go off for 20+ on a given night. If he can do this on a consistent basis throughout the tournament, the Panthers will benefit.
FIRST TEAM ALL-WCAC PREDICTIONS
Justin Moore – DeMatha ’19 (POY)
Hunter Dickinson – DeMatha ’20
Trevor Keels – Paul VI ’21
Mekhi Long – Bishop McNamara ’19
Dug McDaniel – Paul VI ’22
Casey Morsell – St. John’s ’19
Earl Timberlake – DeMatha ’20
Terrance Williams – Gonzaga ’20