MIAA A Conference Preview: Newcomers To Watch
As the season looms closer, it’s time to start our preseason previews. For this article, we’ll be looking at prospects in the MIAA A Conference who will have either just transferred to a new team in the MIAA or are…
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Continue ReadingAs the season looms closer, it’s time to start our preseason previews. For this article, we’ll be looking at prospects in the MIAA A Conference who will have either just transferred to a new team in the MIAA or are coming into high school as a freshman.
Wade Jackson | 6’1 | St. Vincent Pallotti ’20
Jackson, a transfer from Gonzaga, is a dynamic scorer who forms the most overlooked backcourt in the area. The Loyola commit pairs with Anthony Blunt as St. Vincent Pallotti will look to be a tough team for opposing defenses to contain. Jackson can score and play make off the bounce while also guarding the ball on defense effectively.
Julius Reese | 6’9 | St. Frances ’21
Reese brings the much needed size to the Panthers’ frontcourt. With a loaded national schedule, they’ll need all the size they can get. Reese is versatile enough to play inside-out offensively while being a shot-blocking presence on the defensive end. Look for Reese to benefit immensely from playing with VCU commit Ace Baldwin.
Jahmal Banks | 6’4 | St. Frances ’20
Banks, a Bishop O’Connell transfer, brings size, versatility and athleticism to St. Frances for his final year. Banks recently committed to Wake Forest for football, but will be a key cog on the hardwood for the Panthers prior to departing. In some instances, Banks’ versatility will allow him to guard small ball fours effectively. St. Frances is always looking to get out in transition, which is where Banks shines brightest.
Koralp Turk | 6’7 | Mt. Carmel ’21
Turk arrived at Mt. Carmel a few weeks after representing Turkey in FIBA play. The 6-foot-7 forward provides the Cougars with a shot-maker from deep and a physical, strong rebounding presence inside. Turk and 2022 point guard Deon Perry should work well together in pick-and-pop situations. Turk’s athleticism won’t jump out at you, but he knows how to leverage his body and utilize his size to be a presence on the glass.
Mathani Paul-Swinson | 5’11 | McDonogh ’23
Paul-Swinson joins an Eagles team and will be expected to fill a rather big role as a freshman point guard. Adding Paul-Swinson opens the option to slide 2022 guard Everett Cooper off the ball, which suits his game better as a scorer. He’ll provide a dependable ball handler and bring energy on the defensive end.
Samartine Bogues | 5’6 | Calvert Hall ’23
Bogues joins a very young Calvert Hall team as a freshman point guard who will need to be a primary play maker with the ball. In comparison to other freshman, Bogues will need to produce at a higher level consistently if the Cardinals plan on making a push for the playoffs. Throughout his time in middle school and AAU, he’s shown not only the ability to facilitate, but also has great vision with the ball all while being a pesky on-ball defender.
Toby Nnadozie | 6’4 | Mt. Carmel ’22
Nnadozie is a Perry Hall transfer who will reclass into 2022. At 6-foot-4, he’ll provide the size and explosive athleticism needed on the wing. Transition is where Nnadozie will make his presence felt the most, but also in his versatility as a defender to guard multiple positions. The Cougars saw plenty of struggles last season, but with the addition of Turk and Nnadozie, they’ll be a formidable opponent going forward.
Jeannot Basima | 6’2 | John Carroll ’23
Basima is a freshman from Congo who can score effectively around the rim. The 6-foot-2 guard plays with tremendous energy especially on the defensive end. In transition, he applies pressure to the defense and straight-line attacks the basket. Defensively, he anticipates well in the passing lanes and has active hands to cause deflections.
Joel Turay | 6’7 | John Carroll ’22
Turay hails from London and brings even more size to the Patriots’ frontcourt next to 2022 6-foot-9 forward Cesar Tchilombo. The 6-foot-7 big has a good feel for the game when he gets the ball inside. Once he becomes more efficient as a finisher, his impact will really be felt. Nevertheless, his size and strength inside further beefs up the frontcourt as the Patriots look to take a big step forward in 2019-20.