MIAA A Conference Sophomore Standouts
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We are now halfway through the MIAA A Conference schedule and will be taking a look at the prospects from the various classes who have stood out thus far. We saw a number of freshmen from last season assert themselves…
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Continue ReadingWe are now halfway through the MIAA A Conference schedule and will be taking a look at the prospects from the various classes who have stood out thus far. We saw a number of freshmen from last season assert themselves at the varsity level and they continue to do so as sophomores. Let’s take a look at the list of names who have impressed.
Mike Williams Mike Williams 6'3" | CG Bishop Walsh | 2023 State #141 Nation MD | 6’3 | Calvert Hall
Williams has been given the keys to the Cardinals’ offense and is taking complete advantage. The 6-foot-3 combo guard has his young team sitting with a 5-2 record and is a huge reason why. His best performance came against McDonogh when Williams exploded for 35 points. Not only is Williams making plays around the rim with his above average athleticism, but he’s becoming a much more efficient shooter off the bounce from mid-range and continues to improve from beyond the arc.
Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #204 Nation MD | 6’3 | St. Frances
Lamothe emerged this summer with Team Durant after making drastic improvements to his body and playing more on the ball. While his on the ball duties have taken a back seat with St. Frances given the roster, Lamothe continues to have an impact with his outside shooting. His floor-spacing ability is critical for this Panthers team to execute in the half court. Defensively he remains active and always seems to be anticipating passes off the ball that lead to fastbreak layups for himself or his teammates. St. Frances remains perfect this season with a 7-0 record.
Mathani Paul-Swinson Mathani Paul-Swinson 5'11" | PG McDonogh | 2023 MD | 5’11 | McDonogh
After being thrown into the fire as a freshman as a result of injuries, Paul-Swinson is looking more comfortable as a main option during his sophomore season. He’s better playing off the ball where he can spot up or attack off the catch where he can get into the paint and finish with floaters or create for his bigs along the baseline. The Eagles have experienced their struggles this season and are currently 2-5, but the continued development of Paul-Swinson will be key moving forward to prepare for success in the next two seasons.
Ace Valentine Ace Valentine 6'2" | PG Mount St. Joseph | 2023 State MD | 6’2 | Mount St. Joseph
Valentine has been a consistent starter for head coach Pat Clatchey in his first year at the varsity level. The 6-foot-2 guard can play on or off the ball while being a shot-making presence from all three levels. Valentine has already had stints in close games where he’s proven to be ready for the big moment. He’s also experienced a few hiccups here and there, but that’s to be expected. As the season progresses, he’ll settle in and become a crucial piece to the championship puzzle for the Gaels who are currently 5-1.
Jeannot Basima Jeannot Basima 6'3" | CG John Carroll | 2023 State #200 Nation MD | 6’3 | John Carroll
The Patriots have struggled mightily this season, but a consistent bright spot has been the play of Basima. Whether he’s in the starting lineup or the first man off the bench, he brings the same valuable energy to both sides of the ball. Offensively Basima is going to expose any sort of driving lane available to him and he’s been finishing more efficiently at the rim than he was as a freshman. Defensively he’s extremely active at creating deflections or gathering rebounds. John Carroll will have to fix their wrongs quickly in order to improve their 2-5 record.