DMV Roundtable: Super Sophomores, Under The Radar Teams, How To Stand Out At The Top 250
In this week’s DMV Roundtable, the Prep Hoops Maryland trio tackles questions and address which sophomores are ready to take the next step, teams that many could be overlooking and the ways to catch college coach’s and evaluators eyes at…
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Continue ReadingIn this week’s DMV Roundtable, the Prep Hoops Maryland trio tackles questions and address which sophomores are ready to take the next step, teams that many could be overlooking and the ways to catch college coach’s and evaluators eyes at the Top 250 Expo this Saturday.
1. Who do you see taking the biggest step for the 2022 class this season?
Giacubeno: There are a few guys in the Baltimore area that could fit the bill for this question. At the top, it’s Noah Batchelor from Glenelg Country. Not only did the versatile 6-foot-7 forward get invited to USA Basketball Mini-Camp this summer, he parlayed his efforts into multiple high major offers. Batchelor transferred from St. Maria Goretti to Glenelg Country and will see plenty of opportunities come his way throughout the course of games. The Dragons have a young, talented and interesting roster, but Batchelor will be leaned on heavily as a consistent leader despite only being a sophomore.
Other guys like Everett Cooper (McDonogh), Antonio Hamlin (Mount St. Joe), Tyson Commander (John Carroll) and Christian Winborne (Gilman) all have an argument as well.
Ayalew: George Perkins from Sidwell Friends. He’s looked good in recent months and is expected to play a much more significant role this season. I’m excited to see what Perkins does for what should once again be a solid group at Sidwell.
Wilson: Last week when I went to watch open gym at St. John’s, I walked away really impressed with what I saw from 2022 Christian Watson. Watson is a guy that is athletic, plays with a high motor and was showing off a nice jump shot last week. Defensively, Watson will be a guy that St. John’s can rely on at the wing position. He is going to get thrown into the mix right away for Pat Behan as the Cadets have three seniors on their roster, zero juniors with the rest of the roster filled with freshmen and sophomores.
2. Which team in your area is one that may catch teams by surprise? Why?
Giacubeno: I’m going with Loyola Blakefield for this one. Led by 2020 forward Mitch Fischer, who had a breakout junior campaign earning First-Team All MIAA Honors, the Dons will be a team that could catch some teams on any given night. Their 2021 duo in guard Jordan Moore and Cam Smith are viable to have very productive seasons along with a number of role players. Loyola is always a well coached team that can lull teams to sleep in the half court. Their experience from last year making it to the BCL Semifinal game should serve well in taking the next step.
Ayalew: Bishop Ireton. This is starting to look like one of the most talented teams that they’ve had in recent memory. James Berry and Sese Mobutu will be a fun backcourt to watch. Expect juniors Ariel Goddot and Sage Uwemedimo to continue their development while producing consistently.
Wilson: Bishop McNamara has an opportunity to possibly squeeze into the top 4 of the WCAC with the addition of the top player in our Maryland/DC 2022 class, in Favour Aire, and a big time transfer in David Brown III who recently stood out at the annual DMVElite80 event. Kenneth Womack and Aaron Russell are now senior guards who have experience in the WCAC which will help them throughout the season. Down low in the post, 2021 Terrence Butler Jr., is back and will be relied on a lot to rebound and score around the rim. With all of this being said, the WCAC is very top heavy but around that 4 and 5 position the door is open for McNamara to finish there and will definitely be a tough out against some of the more top heavy WCAC teams.
3. The Top 250 Expo is coming up this Saturday. Put scoring aside. What are some other ways players can stand easily in this type of event?
Giacubeno: I naturally draw to the guys who are the best communicators. Not only does it tell me that they’re locked in to what they’re doing, but they’re also concerned about helping their teammates. Communicating can prevent a ton of mistakes even if it’s with guys you’ve never teamed up with before. Also, how coachable a player is. Again, this setting isn’t ideal to get a full feel for a player, but if you see they’re responding well to being challenged or displaying the ability to adapt to certain situations, it can be really attractive to college coaches watching.
Ayalew: Play hard, play efficiently, and be vocal. Playing hard is 100% under your control and it’s an easy way to get noticed. Playing efficiently means being conscious of the number of dribbles you take and looking to make the right play rather than the heroic one. Being vocal is another easy thing to do that is under your control. Things like talking on defense and learning/calling out your teammates names are good ways to stand out.
Wilson: The annual Top 250 expo is this weekend which is always a great time for some of the more underrated players in the area to get some exposure they are not used to. Body language is something I always look at when evaluating prospects as it is important to coaches. Is the kid playing hard, getting back on defense, a good teammate are all things coaches look at. Obviously, how well someone can pass the ball, rebound the ball, move off the ball, leaderships, get out in transition are other things to. Some coaches will look at defense before anything so playing defense in an event is just as important as putting the ball in the basket.