A number of teams from around the DMV officially started their seasons last week. Myself and Adam Ayalew were able to get into quite a few gyms and take in some action and address three questions that relate to our…
A number of teams from around the DMV officially started their seasons last week. Myself and Adam Ayalew were able to get into quite a few gyms and take in some action and address three questions that relate to our findings.
1. Now that some teams have started official games, what are takeaways that you have in mind that you didn’t think of prior to the season?
Ayalew: There is going to be a lot of parity this season in the DMV! Scrimmage results indicate this. Public schools like Hayfield in Virginia and Parkville in Maryland are showing they can compete with privates in their respective states. National Christian went to DeMatha and played them incredibly tough. It looks like we are in for an exciting season.
2. Who are some under the radar prospects that have caught your attention in the first couple of weeks?
Giacubeno: 2022 Parkville guard Nick Jones has been extremely impressive since I first saw him this summer. He’s a name that prep and JuCo programs should be prioritizing. The 6-foot-1 guard comes equipped with explosive athleticism that results in routine above the rim finishes. He’s an underrated playmaker and has significant craft to his game that translates. His athleticism also boosts him as a plus shot-blocker at the guard position.
2022 Loyola guard Ryan JohnsonRyanJohnson
5'11" | PG Loyola Blakefield | 2023MD
is going to be a critical piece for the Dons this season. At the moment, he’s by far their strongest ball-handler and in a league loaded with tremendous guard play, if Johnson doesn’t perform at a high level it could mean for some ugly moments for Loyola. Luckily thus far he’s been performing at a high level considering how early the season is and has his squad sporting a 3-0 record.
Ayalew: I want to highlight three players from Woodrow Wilson who I watched for the first time in their scrimmage at Ireton over the weekend:
Kha Cao Rā James – forward – 2023
Jumped off the page instantly because of his length. Plays with incredible effort. Blocks shots. Rebounds. Shares the ball. Has a decent skill base that will only improve over time.
Greg Lomax – point guard – 2024
Robustly built. Good ball-handler and playmaker. Changes speeds. Crafty finisher.
Noah Richmond – point guard – 2022
A quick floor general. A pesky on-ball defender who will pick your pocket if you’re not careful. Gets paint touches. Finds the open man. Can shoot the three with his feet set.
3. Matchups/players you will be looking forward to in the upcoming week?
Giacubeno: Two games during the week that have my full attention both involve John Carroll. First, the Patriots will host Good Counsel. It’s rare that a WCAC team comes up and plays a Baltimore team, so I’ll be ready to go for that Tuesday evening. Full coverage can be read here on Prep Hoops. John Carroll has another massive matchup against Mt. Carmel to end the week on Friday in which they’ll make the trip down to Essex. Mt. Carmel is one of the deepest teams in the area with plenty of firepower and new faces, but their first test won’t be easy as they host the reigning BCL champs.
Also, Adam and I will be in attendance for the National Hoopfest this weekend. Be sure to follow along on the site with takeaways from that loaded event.
This weekend will be a great one for the local hoops scene. The Sleepy Thompson, Flint Hill Tip-Off, and National Hoopfest will all feature must-see talent