DMV Roundtable: Weekly Reflection, Players Starting Off Strong, Games To Watch This Week
By the end of this week, all of the schools in the DMV (private and public) will have officially began their seasons. The past week has given us another opportunity to dissect the early goings of the private schools and…
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Continue ReadingBy the end of this week, all of the schools in the DMV (private and public) will have officially began their seasons. The past week has given us another opportunity to dissect the early goings of the private schools and gather some information to watch for the remainder of the winter. We cover those findings in this week’s roundtable.
1. What did you learn within the past week?
Giacubeno: I learned that the WCAC is a forced to be reckoned with. Archbishop Carroll, St. John’s, Gonzaga and DeMatha all cruised to convincing wins over opposing BCL opponents. Many of the BCL teams are full of youth and the league is top-heavy. The WCAC is regarded are the best conference in the country and this past weekend, that was on full display.
Ayalew: One thing I’ve learned is that there is considerable depth in the local 2020 class. Guys like Mark Llewellyn, Jarod Robinson, and Thomas Weaver helped themselves with their performances over the weekend. There is still plenty of talent for college coaches to seek out in this area.
Wilson: When we debuted our DMV Top 30 Power Rankings a few weeks back, we were not exactly sure if Gonzaga was going to start the season at number one. After we discussed, we put them there and I learned last week that was the right decision. I saw them on Friday night beat a very solid Bishop McNamara team by 30 to open the season. It was a complete team effort and Terrance Williams looks as dominant as ever.
Giacubeno: A couple of players fit this mold for me that I’ve seen thus far. Everett Cooper of McDonogh has been a consistent scoring threat throughout the first four games. Cooper has gone from a facilitating point guard getting a hold of the varsity level as a freshman last season, to a primary scorer by moving off the ball as a sophomore. He’ll continue to fill that role and do so successfully for the Eagles. 2021 guard Jalen Bryant is a player that it’s impossible not to like. Not only has he sharpened his outside shot by a considerable margin, but the 5-foot-10 guard also does all the little things required to put his John Carroll team in a position to win games. He doesn’t have to score to stand out. He’ll get after you defensively every possession and the second the ball handler let’s Bryant’s pressure get to him, Bryant baits him into an offensive foul.
Ayalew: Ryan Cornish from Sidwell Friends comes to mind immediately. He will have plenty of opportunities to score and should do so given his continuously improving skill set. Even when he isn’t scoring, Cornish finds other ways to impact the game. He will only improve as his 6-foot-3 frame fills out.
Wilson: Kino Lilly dropped 31 points for Landon last week in a 63-50 win over Georgetown Day to open the season. I did not attend the game but evidently he was great from three point range and I think his success is vital for Landon this year. If his jumper can continue to stay hot, Landon may be able to sneak out some sneaky good wins in the IAC this year.
Giacubeno: The one that pops out to me most is Glenelg Country vs Rock Creek Christian for the Jump Ball High School Season Tip Off event at St. Frances on Wednesday. Glenelg Country is coming off of a big win at Bishop O’Connell over the weekend at the Wooten Invitational. Rock Creek Christian blew Severn out over the weekend and will play Thurgood Marshall tonight. There will be plenty of talent on display from both teams including 2020 guard Lonnie Hunt, 2021 Zaakir Williamson and 2022 Noah Batchelor.
Ayalew: On Monday night, Coolidge and Bishop Walsh, two teams ranked in the top-30, will face off. The Colts are looking for a statement win against a new-look Spartans team. I’m intrigued to see how quickly Coolidge can gel and integrate their newcomers Kyle Gaskins and Chase Cook into the team.
Wilson: The annual DC Hoop Fest is this weekend which also happens to be my favorite event of the year to attend. The matchup I can’t wait to see is IMG vs Paul VI. IMG is coming off a terrific year last year after winning Geico Nationals and they are loaded again this year. Paul VI is led by Duke commit Jeremy Roach who will face off against another Duke commit in Mark Williams of IMG. 2022 Dug McDaniel really broke out on the national scene last year during this event and I am excited to watch him on the big stage once again.