WCAC Preview and Predictions for 2019-20
It’s almost November, and with each day that passes we inch closer to the official start of another high school season. Over the past few days and weeks, we’ve been previewing conferences and regions around the DMV respectively. In this…
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Continue ReadingIt’s almost November, and with each day that passes we inch closer to the official start of another high school season. Over the past few days and weeks, we’ve been previewing conferences and regions around the DMV respectively. In this edition, we attempt to predict the WCAC by answering eight key questions.
(1) WHO MIGHT THE “CONTENDERS” BE?
DeMatha once again looks like one of the teams to beat in this super-competitive league. The Stags lose several key pieces from last year’s squad but certainly still have enough talent to contend.
Gonzaga rosters an experienced group that should once again find themselves in the thick of it down the stretch. The seniors on this year’s team have won the championship twice in three years and are looking to make it three in four.
Paul VI is always considered one of the top teams in the WCAC, and this year is no different. Do the Panthers have what it takes to lift the trophy this time around?
(2) WHO COULD BE THE “DARK HORSES”?
St. John’s could certainly make things interesting in the title race. The Cadets have a nice combo of veteran players to go along with an infusion of good young prospects.
Bishop Ireton has as much talent as they’ve had in recent years. Coach Berkman’s group is always a tough out and we expect that trend to continue.
Bishop McNamara should be in a position to make some noise once again this year. The Mustangs possess a legitimate threat when considering their ability to play inside-out.
Good Counsel’s group of promising young players have improved steadily over the years. Could this be the year that the Falcons can consistently compete at a high-level?
St. Mary’s Ryken is on the right track, but will this be the year they contend? The Knights have a good pool talent that could be ready to turn the corner.
Archbishop Carroll is a sneaky-good team that could catch some off guard. The Lions will be tough to score on and are always a tough out.
Bishop O’Connell will have a new look this year. We know that Coach Wootten’s group will be well-coached and prepared to compete on a nightly basis.
(3) WHICH TEAM MIGHT HAVE THE BEST BACKCOURT?
There are several very talented backcourts in this league, but Paul VI takes the cake in this category. The Panthers have three nationally touted prospects in Jeremy Roach, Trevor Keels, and Dug McDaniel, but Will Paige helps put them over the top. Paige, an unsigned senior, is a respected player and a pesky defender who leaves it all out there each time he hits the court.
(4) WHICH TEAM MIGHT HAVE THE BEST FRONT-COURT?
Assuming that Paul Smith and Hunter Dickinson will be starting at the 4 and 5 respectively, DeMatha has the best combo of size and talent at those positions. The Stags will also have the luxury of deploying Tyrell Ward or Earl Timberlake at the 4 when they want to play small. Both are certainly capable of playing and defending the 3 position.
(5) WHICH TEAM HAS THE MOST DEPTH?
Gonzaga won’t wow you with size, but the depth on the roster is evident. Chuck Harris and Devin Dinkins are as good as it gets in terms of one-two point guard punches. Judah Mintz and Jared Turner are a couple of sophomore two guards who continue to improve while Malcolm Dread and Quinn Clark will likely hold it down at the three. Terrance Williams, Myles Stute, and Josiah Hardy are three versatile forwards who can all defend and play all over the front-court.
(6) WHO COULD WIN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR?
Hunter Dickinson is a no-brainer candidate here. The 7’1 senior has a good chance to be the most dominant player in the league.
Trevor Keels stepped up in a big way last year with all the injuries and should have the confidence to continue his progression.
Ishmael Leggett will be a vital figure in the success of St. John’s this year. Can the Rhode Island commit help the Cadets become legit contenders?
Jeremy Roach is healthy and if he returns to form it will be a long season for PVI’s opponents.
Earl Timberlake had an outstanding summer and will once again have a major role at DeMatha. Look for him to carry the momentum he has built with him throughout the season.
Terrance Williams is known as the most difficult matchup problem in this league. He has produced consistently for three years and that should continue.
(7) WHO MIGHT THE LEAGUE’S TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATES BE?
James Berry III is a terrific shooter and a willing rebounder on the wing for Ireton. Can he consistently assert himself and help the Cardinals make some noise this season?
Devin Ceaser is trending up after a breakout summer. Could this be the year where he commands the respect he deserves?
Bez Mbeng has quietly been an effective player in this league for a couple of years now. He appears primed for a big season.
Judah Mintz is the favorite to win the award for “most improved” player in this league. His usage could spike considerably after a modest freshman season.
Tegra Izay could emerge into a truly dominant paint presence this season. His ability to neutralize the other talented bigs in this league could prove key to Carroll’s success.
Wes Peterson Jr. will probably be the main man at O’Connell this year. He is due for a huge year and is expected to break out.
Tyrell Ward showed promise throughout his freshman year and should be ready to take the next step. If he fully realizes his potential and contributes on both ends of the floor, DeMatha could be very tough to beat.
Reiss Whitaker is a blue-collar forward who has previously shined at PVI. Can he adopt a significant role and take advantage?
John Wilson should be off and running after experiencing a full year of WCAC basketball. He will be asked to run the show at St. John’s, and based on what we saw towards the end of last season, he is ready to deliver the goods.
(8) WHO MADE OUR PRESEASON ALL-WCAC 1ST TEAM?
HUNTER DICKINSON | DEMATHA ’20
CHUCK HARRIS | GONZAGA ’20
JORDAN HAWKINS | DEMATHA ’21
TREVOR KEELS | PAUL VI ’21
ISHMAEL LEGGETT | ST. JOHN’S ’20
KNASIR “DUG” MCDANIEL | PAUL VI ’20
JEREMY ROACH | PAUL VI ’20
MYLES STUTE | GONZAGA ’20
EARL TIMBERLAKE | DEMATHA ’20
TERRANCE WILLIAMS | GONZAGA ’20