DMV Showcase Saturday Takeaways
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UPPER MARLBORO, MD — There was a standing-room-only crowd on hand to witness a pair of preseason contests featuring Virginia Gold, the District Eagles, CBC, and the Hyattsville Stags. Here are some takeaways from the action. The Eagles are in…
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Continue ReadingUPPER MARLBORO, MD — There was a standing-room-only crowd on hand to witness a pair of preseason contests featuring Virginia Gold, the District Eagles, CBC, and the Hyattsville Stags. Here are some takeaways from the action.
The Eagles are in good form
The Eagles’ 2025 backcourt of Nyk Lewis and Derek Dixon Derek Dixon 6'4" | SG Gonzaga | 2025 State #153 Nation MD both impressed. Lewis played hard defensively. He was also assertive on the ball and dangerous in transition. Dixon looks to be in line for a big year. He scored the ball, made plays for others, and competed defensively.
Seniors Thomas Batties, Ryan Sabol Ryan Sabol 6'3" | CG Gonzaga | 2023 State MD , and Jack Cadin Jack Cadin 6'2" | SG Gonzaga | 2023 State MD all played well also. Batties was a difference-maker on both ends. His rotations defensively were on point. He also scored it from inside and out. Sabol was on a heater. He started off by hitting a couple of shots inside the arc, then drained a couple of triples. Sabol easily scored in the double-figures by halftime. Cadin took his opportunities when they came. He was aggressive in getting downhill and scoring in 1v1 situations.
2025’s Alex Touomou Alex Touomou 6'6" | PF Gonzaga | 2025 State #350 Nation MD and William Harper William Harper 6'4" | PG Gonzaga | 2025 State MD showed flashes of their potential. Touomou is a big wing with a good-looking jump shot. He still has a ways to go defensively but has the talent to become quite menacing on that end of the floor. It was good for Harper to get some experience in this environment. Once he hit those three free throws in the first half, he settled into the game.
Warriors Have Talent
Despite the loss, several guys stood out for Virginia Gold. 2024 Zion Pipkin Zion Pipkin 6'1" | PG Oak Hill Academy | 2024 VA is a broad-shouldered guard who is tough as nails. He picked up full court consistently on defense. Pipkin demonstrated confidence in his handling under pressure. He was also a reliable playmaker on the ball. 2023 Josh Holloway Josh Holloway 5'10" | PG Oak Hill | 2023 VA , a Memphis native, was another impressive guard for Virginia Gold. He is a top-tier athlete with commendable vision and playmaking skills. Other names to know for the Warriors include AJ Swinton AJ Swinton 6'6" | SF Bishop O'Connell (VA) | 2024 State #134 Nation VA , Micah Robinson, Jeremiah Whitmore & Kaden Magwood Kaden Magwood 6'3" | PG Oak Hill Academy | 2025 State #139 Nation VA .
Stags Defend “Home” Court
Despite being at Wise, it felt like we were on Madison Street for the nightcap between CBC and Hyattsville. Jaden Winston Jaden Winston 5'9" | PG DeMatha | 2023 State MD set the tone early by bringing a competitive edge. This permeated throughout his team. Winston was outstanding in this contest. Whether he was taking away air space at the point of attack defensively, or getting a teammate an open shot, he did whatever it took to give his team the advantage.
The Stags have a couple of sleepers in the 2023 class. Adam Fox Adam Fox 6'5" | SG DeMatha | 2023 State MD had a breakout performance. He looked explosive and appears ready to make a consistent impact. 2023 Cristian McElveen had a night to remember. The lanky wing had a dunk that set the gym into pandemonium. Both guys are firmly on our radar moving forward.
Several underclassmen also made an impact with the Stags. 2025 Kade Sebastian Kade Sebastian 6'4" | SG DeMatha | 2025 State MD had some nice moments coming off the bench. He made a difference with his motor and shot-making. 2025 Charles Thomas III helped his team close the gap to an early deficit late in the first half. He was disruptive defensively as a result of his length and energy. 2026 Ashton Meeks introduced himself by making shots and taking on the challenge defensively.