DMV Roundtable: Postseason Unsigned Seniors, Cinderella Teams, Maryland Terps’ Success
The MIAA Playoffs tip off this evening and the WCAC postseason is almost upon us. Things are starting to rev up as the best time of year is now. The DMV trio address questions surrounding unsigned seniors to watch going…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe MIAA Playoffs tip off this evening and the WCAC postseason is almost upon us. Things are starting to rev up as the best time of year is now. The DMV trio address questions surrounding unsigned seniors to watch going forward, potential cinderella teams and the Maryland Terrapins success and how it’ll all carry over into March Madness.
1. The playoffs are upon us! Who is an available senior locally that you think could use the platform and increase his stock over the next week or two?
Giacubeno: As the next couple weeks hold some of the most exciting basketball we’ll see, I think it’s a great opportunity for a guy like Andrew Mills to really make a name for himself. The 6-foot-5 wing won Baltimore County Player of the Year and yet his recruitment hasn’t picked up. He’s been a steady leader for a New Town team that is currently 20-1 and will face Woodlawn next week as they attempt to repeat as county champions. New Town has a strong team that could make some waves in state tournament play as well.
Ayalew: John “Mikey” Square is someone I’ll have my eyes on. The development of his three-point shot has been one of the biggest keys to success for St. John’s this season.
Wilson: You never know what can happen once the playoffs begin and if Archbishop Carroll wants to make any type of run in the WCAC playoffs, they are going to need 2020 Tegra Izay to be the best player he can be. Izay stands at 6’11 and can be a force to reckon with on both sides of the ball because of his size and activity around the rim. Izay can do wonders for his recruitment if Carroll can make some noise in the WCAC tournament.
2. Are there any cinderella teams you believe could make a run despite not having the greatest regular season?
Giacubeno: Archbishop Spalding is team that is starting to catch eyes over in the MIAA/BCL. With a young roster led by 2022 duo of Cam Whitmore and CJ Scott, the Cavaliers ended the season with some statements wins. They enter as the four-seed in the MIAA Playoffs and will travel to take on #1 Gilman tonight. If they pull an upset, they’ll likely face the winner of #2 Mount St. Joe/#3 Pallotti, two teams that Spalding can beat. Can they make a run? Or will their youth come back to the forefront? It’ll be fun to watch unfold.
Ayalew: I’ve said this before, but I think Bishop Ireton has what it takes to make a run in the WCAC Tournament. If they can catch fire, and first take care of business in the play-in game, I’d hate to be the team that has to face them in the quarterfinals.
Wilson: Bishop McNamara. Yes, they finished 3 games above .500 in conference play but in the WCAC that earns you a 6 seed. McNamara swept the 2 seed, Paul VI this year and in my eyes can compete with any team in the conference. Don’t be surprised if you see McNamara making things interesting at American University this weekend.
3. Maryland is seemingly on fire as of late. How do you see this recent success changing your mind (if it did) in them making a run in the NCAA Tournament?
Giacubeno: Maryland just won in thrilling fashion against a Michigan State team that hasn’t lived up to expectation. Nevertheless, this team has proven time and time again that they battle until the final buzzer. All season long it seemed like they would get off to slow starts and must rattle off a comeback effort to escape with a win. If anything makes me uneasy about this team, it’s the slow starts. What is undeniable is the talent and how well they’re gelling as a team. Anthony Cowan and Jalen Smith have emerged as a one-two punch that teams around the nation should fear. Staying consistent in the Big 10 Tournament will hold heavy weight on how I think they can fare in the NCAA Tournament. They have potential to be a Final Four team, but the players’ effort and the coaching strategies will decide whether that potential gets showcased.
Ayalew: I do think Maryland has the talent to make a run in March, with Jalen Smith being the x-factor if they do. His versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is unparalleled on that team. The recent success reinforces their potential to do damage down the road
Wilson: It is so important to be playing your best basketball at this time of year and that is exactly what Maryland is doing. Winner’s of eight street, the Terrapins are showing us why they were a preseason top 10 team and have the roster to go to a final four. If Mark Turgeon keeps this type of momentum going into the Big 10 Tournament and beyond, my prediction is that we will see Maryland in Atlanta participating in the final four.