DMV Roundtable: Standout performances, games to watch this week, unsigned senior watch
For Maryland Public Schools, Saturday will be their last game of the season if they’re lucky enough to reach the state championship game for their respective class. Over the past week there’s been a ton of action and plenty of…
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Continue ReadingFor Maryland Public Schools, Saturday will be their last game of the season if they’re lucky enough to reach the state championship game for their respective class. Over the past week there’s been a ton of action and plenty of opportunities to gather takeaways. In this week’s roundtable, the gang discusses standout performances, potential games to watch this week and what unsigned senior we’re most looking forward to making a decision.
1. What was the best performance you saw throughout the past week?
Giacubeno: Marquette commit held his own destruction tour in Poly’s gym this past week and it was highlighted by his dominant performance against City. The 6-foot-8 dynamic forward scored 34 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked five shots. He was every bit of dominant as his stat line would point out. Why this performance gets my vote is the fact that his teammate, 2020 guard Brandon Murray Brandon Murray 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2021 #220 Nation FL , has been the talk of the town for the past couple of weeks. It was almost like Lewis’ performance reminded all in attendance that he’s the real deal. He scored in every fashion and from all three-levels. His presence on the glass was gigantic and City gave up on trying to score around the rim in the second half because his activity as a shot-blocker. Poly rallied to a 92-60 win after being tied at 37 after two quarters.
Ayalew: Potomac Falls defeated Albemarle to advance to the VHSL 5A State Semifinals on Friday Night. Landon Hawes Landon Hawes 6'4" | SF Potomac Falls | 2020 State VA and Jalen Coker put on a clinic. They combined to score 53 of 69 points. My favorite part about this performance is that nothing felt forced. Hawes and Coker would constantly look for each other, especially in transition. Albemarle’s game plan was clearly geared toward neutralizing those two, but it was to no avail as they were in sync.
Wilson: One of the lone bright spots for Bishop Walsh in their defeat to Rock Creek in the MD State Private School Championship for 2023 Malik Bowman. Bowman gave the Spartans a huge spark when they got down early. Bowman plays with high energy, rebounds well and scored in a variety of ways. Look for Bowman to have a bright future for Bishop Walsh.
2. Are there any match ups you’re looking forward to the most for this week?
Giacubeno: There are a few potential match ups that I’m looking forward to, but I’ll stick with the guaranteed game here for this question. Lake Clifton vs Fairmont Heights is set for Friday at 3pm at the Xfinity Center. It has all the makings for a classic to see who can punch their ticket to the state championship game. Both programs have seen immense success on this stage and are proven, tough teams that will battle to the end. It’s safe to bet on the winner of this game going on and winning the Class 1A title.
Ayalew: This matchup isn’t set in stone, but I’m anticipating Poly vs. St. Charles in the 3A title game. St. Charles will be heavy underdogs in this matchup, but it’s one I’m looking forward to. Poly came down to Waldorf last season and knocked them out of the playoffs, so I know they’ll be looking forward to trying to exact some revenge.
Wilson: I am very interested to see how the St. Stephens & St. Agnes/St Frances matchup goes in the first game of the Alhambra Invitational Tournament which starts Thursday. It will be a matchup of two of the top teams in the DMV which allows for the best of the best to compete against each other which we have been continuing to plead for.
3. Which unsigned senior has you most looking forward to his commitment?
Giacubeno: Brandon Murray Brandon Murray 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2021 #220 Nation FL has evolved into a national name with his play over this season. The 6-foot-5 guard has elite athleticism, elite shot-making ability and is a workhorse on the defensive end. High major programs are all drooling and hoping to get Murray on campus for a visit. So far, Ole Miss has been the only program to lock in a visit with Murray which will take place March 27. I’m told Murray will look to complete a total of four official visits. He has those schools in mind, but has yet to make an announcement as other high majors continue to get into the mix.
Ayalew: Probably Brandon Murray Brandon Murray 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2021 #220 Nation FL . His recruitment has skyrocketed over the past several weeks and it will be interesting to see what happens moving forward. Around this time of year, there is always a lot of turnover with college coaches so I’m anticipating that more schools will be looking to get involved.
Wilson: Milton Matthews Milton Matthews 6'2" | SG Rock Creek Christian | 2020 State #319 Nation MD . Down to a handful of schools, I expect Matthews to make a college decision shortly after his high school season is done with. Matthews is a light out shooter that can shoot from multiple areas on the court but is also a very underrated defender that can guard some of the other teams top scoring options. Look for Matthews to be a reliable option right away at the next level being an ultimate 3&D type of player.