Predicting the DMV’s Top Playmakers (Part 1)
In anticipation of the upcoming high school season, we will be taking a closer look at various teams and players throughout the DC Metro Area. In this edition we highlight point guards who could find themselves among the top assist men in the area this season.
HERU BLIGEN | ST. ANDREW’S ’19
Heru Bligen will be expected to step up and provide reliable play at the lead guard spot for Head Coach Kevin Jones at St. Andrew’s this season. The rising junior, who led the team with 64 assists last season, should provide solid play on both ends of the floor. The Lions, who lose two integral playmakers to graduation in Enzo Bascon and Chris Smalls, will likely place the ball in Bligen’s hands more than ever.
JARED BYNUM | GEORGETOWN PREP ’18
When Georgetown Prep get going, they can be difficult to defend because of the high level playmaking ability that Jared Bynum brings to the lead guard spot. The St. Joe’s commit, who led Prep in assists last season, applies pressure off the bounce before he more often than not makes the correct decision. The Little Hoyas return most of their significant players from last season, and appear to be in good shape to make a run at the IAC Championship once agin.
XAVIER JOHNSON | BISHOP O’CONNELL ’18
It’s no secret that Xavier Johnson will be an integral factor to the success of his team this season. He is almost impossible to keep out of the lane, and demonstrates a high basketball IQ. Look for Johnson, who will be flanked by good shooting outlets in Matt Becht and Charlie Weber, to consistently flirt with double figure assist numbers this season.
DONOVANN TOATLEY | RIVERDALE BAPTIST ’18
The departure of Ayan Teel to O’Connell gives Donovann Toatley even more reinforcement as the primary playmaker for Head Coach Lou Wilson at Riverdale Baptist. The highly skilled lead guard has an extremely quick first step, and is improving as a playmaker. Expect the Chattanooga commit to have the ball in his hands when the Crusaders need points.
TRE WOOD | ST. JOHN’S ’18
As we saw during summer league, Tre Wood is extremely difficult to defend, and it’s virtually impossible when his shooters are knocking down shots. Even when he’s not recording the assist, he is making the hockey assist. Wood’s experience, and growing role as a leader will be vital to his team’s success this season.