DMV Roundtable: 2021 Eye-Catchers, Cinderella Teams, Must-See Games
We are winding down the regular season schedule in the next week or two, which means the playoffs are just around the corner. It’s a time that we not only can reflect on the season that was, but also foreshadow…
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Continue ReadingWe are winding down the regular season schedule in the next week or two, which means the playoffs are just around the corner. It’s a time that we not only can reflect on the season that was, but also foreshadow what will happen in postseason play. For this week’s DMV Roundtable, the gang addresses questions pertaining to both the regular season and what to watch as the playoffs creep closer.
1. Which 2021 prospect (s) have really caught your eye over the course of the season?
Giacubeno: I’m not going with the ‘big name’ players for this question. Sean Carr for Mount St. Joseph has been on prospect that I have bought stock in from his play this season. At 6-foot-5, Carr is a blue-collar type of forward who battles on the glass both offensively and defensively. His versatility allows him to guard wings and centers for stints during games. Offensively he keeps it simple. I’ve seen him knock down 15-foot jumpers with confidence in the past, but this Gaels team doesn’t need him to do that. Carr is always ready for dump off passes from guard penetration or has proven to be a successful option rolling to the rim after setting screens.
Khyrie Staten is the obvious answer here. The 6-foot-2 guard practically went from being unknown last season to one of the leading scorers on a nationally ranked St. Frances squad. His efficiency from three brings spacing to the Panthers half court offense and in transition he’s been brilliant in terms of finishing contested lay ups. Staten has accepted the challenge of guarding a plethora of top players on opposing teams and when you really break down film, he almost completely eliminates them from the game.
Ayalew: Erik Reynolds from Bullis is playing at a high-level this season. His role has recently increased due to the injury of Rodney Rice.
Wilson: I feel like a broken record talking about him but the play 2021 Jordan Hawkins has shown since transferring to DeMatha is quite impressive and is most likely going to see a ranking increase in our next 2021 updated rankings. Hawkins is becoming a reliable scoring option for the Stags and has been impressive defensively in my viewings of him.
Another prospect that should see a recruitment rise in my opinion is 2021 Kino Lilly of Landon. Lilly is one of the top shooters in the DMV but is also much more than a shooter as he seems to have a good basketball IQ.
2. Are there any surprise teams that you could see getting hot late and making a surprise run?
Giacubeno: In the Baltimore area, there aren’t really any teams I could see all of a sudden making a significant run. The area is so top heavy and the teams battling for last playoff spots largely consist of younger teams that are taking in the experience. While they haven’t been able to get a marquee win in the MIAA, John Carroll is always a dangerous opponent in my opinion because of their ability to shoot from deep. St. Frances and Mount St. Joseph clearly have had the Patriots’ number this season, but again, in a playoff game the Patriots could catch fire from deep and very well be able to pull off the unimaginable.
Ayalew: I‘m going to stand by my preseason bold prediction, Bishop Ireton, and say they will go on a run late in the season. They’ve gone through the gauntlet in the WCAC and have been unable to pick up any significant wins, but I’d hate to have to play against them in the conference tournament. If they get hot at the right time, things could get interesting.
Wilson: I still think Riverdale Baptist is a lot better than their record currently shows at 9-12. They already have a win over Capital Beltway foe National Christian and have suffered some close losses. If they can close out some of these close games they are in and get some momentum in this final month of regular season, I think they are a team to watch heading into postseason play.
Another team that seems to be better than their actual record is Bishop Walsh. They have a lot of pieces on their roster that could definitely catch some momentum heading into Alhambra where I believe they have the talent and definitely the home court advantage to surprise teams in the annual end of the year catholic tournament.
3. What are the big games for the rest of this week that people should know about and look into attending?
Giacubeno: While there are a few intriguing games throughout this week, none bring the build up of this weekend’s event. East Coast Bump will be held at UMBC and feature some of the top talent in the country. St. Frances will face off against Oak Hill (VA) at 4pm while Poly will battle with IMG Academy (FL) at 6pm. Four team that just a couple of weeks ago, were all present in the ESPN Top 25 rankings. If you live in Baltimore and aren’t at this event, I question your sanity.
Ayalew: In the public school ranks, Potomac (MD) travels to Douglass (2/4) and Fairmont Heights (2/7) respectively. Both of those games should be very good. In the private school ranks, DeMatha hosts Gonzaga on Friday, 2/7. This is obviously a huge game for the WCAC as DeMatha has yet to lose a game in the conference. A sneaky-good game to watch is also going down on Friday, 2/7 between Sidwell Friends and Maret, two MAC rivals.
Wilson: As we get into February, league games become more and more important and this week offers a few good match ups.
Tuesday: St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes at Bullis, Flint Hill at St. Andrew’s, DeMatha at Good Counsel
Friday: Gonzaga at DeMatha