MICDS Holiday Tournament: Saturday Standouts (2018, 2019)
The MICDS Holiday Tournament completed its first round action on Saturday night with two games. Both higher seeds were victorious as No. 2 Francis Howell defeated host No. 14 MICDS 74-58 and No. 6 Trinity defeated No. 11 Miller Career Academy 76-51.
Here is a look at the top Class of 2018 and 2019 standouts from Saturday night’s action:
Daylen Dalton 5’6″ Francis Howell: The diminutive 2019 dynamo scored a team-high 23 points in the victory over MICDS. One of the quickest guards in the state, Dalton can jet up and down the court with great speed and pace. He started off the game with four 3-pointers in the first quarter to get his team going. He is a blur in the open court, but he also has excellent court vision and his heads is constantly on a swivel to locate open teammates.
Austin Thompson 6’2″ MICDS: The athletic point guard scored a team-high 23 points against Howell, including 18 in the second half. His mid-range jumper is one of the best around as he can stop on the dime and shoot with excellent elevation on the jumper, plus he attacks the basket with authority. He is also a disruptive defender who had five steals. He is a ball hawk who can really put relentless ball pressure on opposing ball handlers.
Jaron Thames 6’4″ Trinity: The transfer from Atlanta has been a difference-maker for the Titans with his size, length and versatility. He scored 13 points in the win over Miller Career Academy and displayed his ability to finish around the basket. He has good handles and a fine set of fundamentals, which fits in well with his talented and youthful teammates.
Marcus Washington 6’2″ Trinity: A high-level Division I football prospect, the talented 2019 wing scored a game-high 18 points in the win over Miller Career Academy. His athleticism translates to the basketball court in his ability to attack the basket on the dribble in a relentless manner. He is especially good in the open court when he can get out in transition and finish with authority.
Matthew Simmons 6’1″ Francis Howell: A powerful 2019 wing guard who scored 14 points in the win over MICDS. Simmons is a strong two-way performer who is a very difficult matchup at the high school level. He uses his physical strength to power his way inside for buckets on the drive or posting up smaller guards. He is a solid ball handler who can also get by bigger defenders.
Dajuan Young 6’3″ Trinity: The 2019 forward is a pogo stick who had 13 points and 10 rebounds off the bench in the win over Career Academy. His athleticism and high motor can make for some very productive results. He made a living off the offensive glass on the weak side and he also got loose for a couple of impressive dunks in transition.