Sleepy Thompson Day 2 Underclass Standouts
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The oldest basketball tournament in Virginia is back after a year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it just feels right heading to St. Stephen’s St. Agnes for the 65th Annual Sleepy Thompson Boys Basketball Tournament. I was there…
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Continue ReadingThe oldest basketball tournament in Virginia is back after a year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it just feels right heading to St. Stephen’s St. Agnes for the 65th Annual Sleepy Thompson Boys Basketball Tournament.
I was there for day two, taking in four games with tons of talent around the DMV and Virginia area. Here’s a look at some of the 2024 and 2025 standouts from the day.
Isaiah Abraham Isaiah Abraham 6'7" | SG Paul VI | 2024 State #62 Nation VA | 6’6” WG | Highland School ’24
Abraham looks every bit like one of the top young prospects in VA, and the way that he has improved already from when I saw him this summer is a very good sign moving forward. He has a great frame and is super bouncy, he has improved his consistency on his jump shot and has tightened his handle and showed he can create and make shots from multiple levels and he plays with a great motor on both ends of the floor. He finished with a game high 20 points in their win.
Patrick Ngongba Jr. Patrick Ngongba Jr. 6'10" | C Paul VI | 2024 State #25 Nation VA | 6’10” C | Highland School ’24
Another impressive sophomore for Highland who is improving and heading in the right direction, Ngongba looked great in their win as he dominated in the paint and showed his impressive skill set at his size. The 6’10” big has grown and is very long, he has great hands and footwork in the paint and can score it around the rim and in the midrange and he has a nice looking shot that should develop over time. He finished with 17 points. 7 rebounds and 4 steals in their win over Collegiate.
Donovan Richardson | 6’5” WG | Collegiate ’24
Richardson is showing he’s one of the top intriguing young prospects in the RVA as he has the length and skill set to be very good moving forward. He can play on or off the basketball and has good feel for the game, he shot it well hitting 3 from deep and he competed on both ends of the floor. He finished with 15 points in their loss to Highland.
Chance Mallory Chance Mallory 5'10" | PG St. Anne's Belfield | 2025 State #73 Nation VA | 5’7” CG | STAB ’24
If you love basketball, you have to love Chance Mallory Chance Mallory 5'10" | PG St. Anne's Belfield | 2025 State #73 Nation VA as the 5’7” guard always produces every time I see him play and this was no exception against Carmel School. He’s tough as nails and brings it on both ends of the floor; he’s a skilled scorer that can knock it down with range, get in the lane and hit the floater and layups, and he gets to the line often; and he’s a smart player who makes good decisions. He finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals in their win.
Caleb Williams | 6’7” F | Sidwell Friends ’24
It was my first time seeing Williams, and I left impressed and think he’ll be a player to keep an eye on moving forward in the DMV area. The 6’7” forward has a frame that’s well beyond his years, he’s an explosive athlete that can rebound and play above the rim and he showed the ability to play on the perimeter and make shots and put it on the deck. He finished with 14 points in their win over Episcopal.
Austin Williford Austin Williford 6'4" | CG Saint Anne’s Belfield | 2025 State #137 Nation VA | 6’5” WG | STAB ’25
Williford played a little bit during their Covid club season last season, and it didn’t take long for him to prove that he’s one of the top freshmen in the state. At 6’5” he’s very long and athletic and finishes above the rim in ways many freshmen can’t, he has great tools defensively and competes on that end and he can make shots from multiple levels as well. He finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals in their win.