Recruiting Report 2018: Xavier Mabry
Xavier Mabry, 6’4″ CG, 2018. 190 DeMatha Catholic Stags HS. 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD. 20781. Grassroots Team: Team Takeover Orange There are many sleepers in the DC /DMV & Xavier is one of the best. He has played basketball…
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Continue ReadingXavier Mabry, 6’4″ CG, 2018. 190 DeMatha Catholic Stags HS. 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD. 20781.
Grassroots Team: Team Takeover Orange
There are many sleepers in the DC /DMV & Xavier is one of the best. He has played basketball at DeMatha since 9th grade & he played very well for the Stags freshmen team who lost just one game. In his sophomore year, Xavier grew to 6’0″ & played JV where he emerged as a scorer playing on the wing. His jump shot improved & he excelled as a catch & shoot scorer. Additionally, Xavier developed his ability to finish at the rim off the dribble on a consistent basis. Last season Xavier played varsity & grew to 6’1/2″. In his junior year Xavier became very athletic & more effective off the dribble. He added a very effective mid range game & the ability to shoot off the dribble. This summer he played for Team Takeover Orange who along with Xavier had a great season. TTO orange defeated Team Melo to win the Good Counsel Grassroots Tournament which featured several Nike EYBL teams such as TTO & Team Melo. Before the July live period Xavier grew to over 6’3″ & he now stands at 6’4″. Xavier is gifted with a very long wingspan & big hands which are signs he could grow more. However, at his current 6’4″ height Xavier is an excellent college recruit prospect with some D1 skills & upside.
After the Grassroots season ended Xavier went back to the lab immediately & made more improvements to his game thru his hard work, passion for basketball & dedication. Xavier adds, “I work on basketball 6 days a week & sometimes 7. My ball handling got much better & I am very comfortable handling on ball pressure. My 3 point shot is more consistent especially off the dribble” We have been to DeMatha numerous times this fall where Xavier proved he can bring the ball up court with his very long strides & quickness to facilitate against D1 players. Xavier displayed an ability to finish at the rim on both sides thru contact & a very good looking jump shot. We are very, very intrigued with Xavier & he showed he can beat defenders in the full court with a straight blow by or hesitation & go. He gets up court very fast with his long strides & make plays once he gets over half court. We asked Xavier about his PG skills & handle,”I can run the fast break or our half court sets where I can see over the defense & make passes over the top with my long arms, height & very good court vision. One of my favorite dribble moves is the in & out crossover where I can pull up, attack the rim or dish. Additionally, I use a hesitation crossover & I can go into a spin move at the rim after another dribble move. If the defense is lunging for a steal I can spin, then go to the rim. This fall I am working on my step back & some new moves.” In addition, Xavier protects the ball very well in traffic. When he attacks the rim off his dribble, Xavier can score can score on up & under moves or reverse layins. After a practice Xavier showed us some of skills & from a near standstill he exploded upwards & slammed in a two handed tomahawk dunk.
Adding to his skill set, Xavier plays very tough on ball defense where he utilizes his great wingspan. Xavier adds, “My defense has really improved going against our very talented guards in practice. I can guard 1 thru 3 & this fall I am keeping my opponents in front & beating them to their spot. I have worked on my lateral movement & staying low. In summary, I have become a very confident defender.” Xavier can get steals, deflections & collect rebounds with his excellent reactions to the ball. He can crash the boards at a high level & power up for a basket. He performs the intangibles where Xavier gets the 50/50 balls, makes the hockey assist, sets picks & most definitely impact he game without scoring.
Xavier is very dedicated & plays with a very high IQ. He works out daily before school at DeMatha and uses the shooting gun when he can. He adds, “This summer I tweaked my shot & I am focusing on keeping my elbow squared, a good release & follow thru. Also, my release is quicker.” Xavier works out with Coach Craig where he performs basketball drills & strength & conditioning. He works with Coach Toby (DeMatha S&C) on Mondays & Wednesdays & Coach Craig on Thursdays & Saturdays. He performs plyos such as resistance band training, box jumps, jumping rope, & other exercises for explosion. At DeMatha he runs miles, 100 & 220 meter sprints & uphill runs. This preseason DeMatha has added hot yoga to their workouts which is a growing trend at other WCAC schools.
This coming Monday ( November 6)DeMatha officially begins their preseason practices. We asked Xavier about his role this season, “I will bring leadership in my senior season. It will be a wait & see the next few weeks to determine my exact role. However, I do know I will let the game come to me, play my game & attack when needed.” DeMatha’s regular season begins very early & the Stags open with 3 November home contests against 3 excellent teams: 11-15-17 vs Mt. Carmel who play in the very tough BCL in Baltimore, 11-17-17 vs Mt. St Joseph from the Baltimore BCL who feature 6’10” 5 star recruit Jalen Smith who has committed to Maryland & on 11-22-17 vs a very talented Flint Hill who play in the MAC in the DC DMV. FH features 6’11” 2019 center & top 60 Qudus Wahab.
In the classroom is Xavier is moving towards a 3.0 GPA & is interested in Accounting or Engineering as potential majors. He names his mother & grandparents as his role models. Xavier looks up to his 2 God Bothers: Kellon Taylor who plays football as a 6’5″ WR & basketball at Duquense & Kameron Taylor who played basketball at Seton Hill in 2012 where he became their leading career scorer & is now playing professionally overseas. Xavier also looks up to friend and former DeMatha Stag Markelle Fultz.
We will be following DeMatha Xavier & his teammates very closely this season. We will be attending all 3 of DeMatha’s November games with live game reports & player articles. This week we will be posting articles on other DeMatha players in addition to the DeMatha X-Factors.
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