Capital Beltway League Preview
It’s October, and that means we’re inching closer to the start of another high school season. In the upcoming days, we will be previewing respective conferences around the DMV. In this edition, we take a closer look at the Capital Beltway League.
(1) WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR NCA TO REPEAT?
It’s no secret that National Christian loses a bulk of their roster from last season’s championship team. They do return their starting point guard Jimmy Kpadeh, who will be asked to score it a bit more this season. NCA will feature several new players that will have to make an impact in order for them to repeat as champs.
(2) WHO ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGERS TO NCA?
The consensus in DMV basketball circles is that Riverdale Baptist is the favorite to win the league this year. The Crusaders, who are led at the point by Chattanooga commit Donovann Toatley, have high level talent on the wing, and the ability to score inside as well as from the perimeter.
Rock Creek Christian is another team that will have a good shot to win the title this year. Even though they lose Earl Timberlake and Sherif Kinney to transfers, they still have one of the region’s top bigs in Jermaine Harris. The 6-foot-10 URI commit will be the focal point of his team’s attack.
(3) WHO ARE THE DARK HORSE TEAMS?
Capitol Christian are a team that has several guards that can score the ball well, and will be difficult to defeat on a given night. Judah Jordan, Darien Simmons, and Isaiah Borders will look to provide a majority of the offense, and solid defense on the perimeter.
(4) WHO WILL LEAD THE LEAGUE IN SCORING?
JERMAINE HARRIS | ROCK CREEK ’18
Jermaine Harris is a matchup problem each time he steps on the floor. At 6’10 he can shoot over top of smaller defenders, and doesn’t mind contact when finishing in the paint. The senior should rack up the foul shot attempts, and lead his team in scoring this season.
DONOVANN TOATLEY | RIVERDALE BAPTIST ’18
Donovann Toatley was more of a facilitator last season, considering he played with the likes of Deion Hammond and Cyril Ogbuagu. Wayne Bristol Jr. and David McCullough Jr. are talented wings, but aren’t as prolific offensively as Hammond. Toatley will have to pick up the slack, and should see his scoring numbers increase as a result.
JUDAH JORDAN | CAPITOL CHRISTIAN ’19
Judah Jordan will be in a crowded back court, but he has the talent to command the ball and score it from three levels. The junior is aggressive off the bounce, and efficient from the line.
(5) WHO WILL LEAD THE LEAGUE IN DOUBLE DOUBLES?
JERMAINE HARRIS | ROCK CREEK ’18
We don’t really see anyone challenging Harris for this if he can stay engaged throughout the season. His size will cause opponents fits, and if they aren’t disciplined enough to box him out, they will surely pay.
(6) WHO WILL WIN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR?
JERMAINE HARRIS | ROCK CREEK ’18
Harris is a returning first team all met, and his role for the team will be even more significant this year. Look for him to be the favorite to win this award.
DONOVANN TOATLEY | RIVERDALE BAPTIST ’18
If Riverdale wins the league championship, Donovann Toatley will most likely stake his claim as the team’s MVP. The Crusaders will go as he goes.
(7) WHO ARE THE LEAGUE’S TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATES?
DAVID MCCULLOUGH JR. | RIVERDALE BAPTIST ’18
McCullough has a chance to make an impact if he can hit the boards and defend the paint. The 6’6 forward could be a dark horse to record double doubles, and challenge Harris in that category.
JIMMY KPADEH | NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ’19
Kpadeh will be good position to dictate his team’s results this season. If he can put together a solid junior campaign, his team will be in good position to challenge for the top spot in the league.
(8) WHO MADE OUR PRESEASON ALL LEAGUE FIRST TEAM?
G | JIMMY KPADEH | NATIONAL CHRISTIAN ’19
G | JONATHAN PRESTON | ROCK CREEK ’18
G | DONOVANN TOATLEY | RIVERDALE BAPTIST ’18
F | JERMAINE HARRIS | ROCK CREEK ’18
F | DAVID MCCULLOUGH JR. | RIVERDALE BAPTIST ’18