Five Key Questions: Mervo vs Calvert Hall
Last night, Mervo hosted Calvert Hall for a preseason scrimmage. It was both team’s second scrimmage of the preseason as they prepare for their season opening official games. Mervo upended the Cardinals in four quarters of play by a score…
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Continue ReadingLast night, Mervo hosted Calvert Hall for a preseason scrimmage. It was both team’s second scrimmage of the preseason as they prepare for their season opening official games. Mervo upended the Cardinals in four quarters of play by a score of 61-47. Both coaches agreed to play an extra quarter to get their reserves some playing time, but that quarter wasn’t accounted for by the stat book.
Here are five key questions from the contest.
Who were the standouts for Mervo?
The senior backcourt duo of Teon Rushing and Demonee Carter were very productive in the win. Both played well off each other’s ability to get into the heart of the defense. When they weren’t hitting their bigs standing in the dunker’s spot, they were kicking it out to each other for open three’s. Both Rushing and Carter finished consistently in the open floor in transition opportunities. Will Thomas had his usual flurry of mid-range jumpers that included a couple of high-rising fadeaways. Although this shot is frowned upon by many, Thomas has proven to be efficient. Elijah Rantin was a constant shot-blocking presence in the paint and did a nice job of controlling the game by collecting rebounds and quickly outletting to streaking guards.
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Who played well for Calvert Hall?
2021 guard Antonio Foxwell had a solid start to the game by hitting a couple of three’s. He cooled off in the second half, but still supplied some play making by taking his man off the dribble and forcing the defense to rotate. 2023 guard Mike Williams had many plays that caught attention. The 6-foot-3 guard obtains elite athleticism which was on display on a couple of his backboard pinning blocks. Williams also had a two-handed put back in traffic that put the gym on notice.
What can we expect from this Calvert Hall team?
Youth. The Cardinals’ rotation is filled with either freshman or players who transferred in. There are a couple of returners from last year’s roster, but the bulk of minutes will go to the new guys. With that being said, the freshman will have the ball in their hands often. They’ll show flashes of what can be a bright future, but there will also be a slew of mistakes along the way. That’s how young players learn and grow. So while the wins may not come flooding in, key experience will.
Does Mervo have what it takes to compete for a city championship?
The Mustangs are equipped with a talented roster. Key additions include Rushing (Mt. Carmel transfer) and 2022 point guard Carlos Alexander (St. Frances transfer), who was a late add. Alexander must practice 10 times before competing in any scrimmages or games, so he was sidelined for this contest. Thomas is the spearhead for this team. At 6-foot-5, Thomas is one of the most versatile players in Baltimore both as a scorer and passer. It’s players like Thomas that can ultimately put your team in position to win games you may not necessarily expect to win. 6-foot-9 senior center Rantin is a presence in the paint that will play a crucial role. His rebounding and shot-blocking ability is a must if this team wants to fulfill their potential. Make no mistake, Poly is deservedly the heavy favorite to win the city title, but teams such as Mervo and Lake Clifton won’t make it easy.
What’s next for both teams?
Mervo will have one more scrimmage this Saturday at Pikesville before getting their season started as they host City on December 5, which has all the makings to be a great match up. Calvert Hall will have a tall task as they take on St. John’s (DC) this Saturday at Loyola University in the Charm City Challenge.