Takeaways: Metro South Fall League

Freshman Floor General to take Reigns at Christ Chapel

Chirst Chapel Freshman Dominic Bailey has the chance to develop into an impressive point guard prospect. With the departure of Justin Tuckson (Assumption College), Austin Wrighten (Lynchburg College), and Tayler Brletic (Woodbridge), Bailey will step in immediately and assume the starting point guard role for the Lions. He's still just a freshman who is developing physically and mentally, but the initial impressions have all been positive. He did a good job of getting into the paint and creating contact against Forest Park, and showed that he's an amibextrous finisher around the rim. He did a decent job in pick and roll situations, but he stills need more experience and development to truly master that aspect. He's got moxy, and is a tough, gritty defender. Bailey is a player we will definitely track as the season progresses.

Jerry Carter rounding back into form

After being out with a knee injury, Hylton's talented scoring wing Jerry Carter is rounding back into his old form. His stroke was on point from deep, as he cashed in a flurry of threes against West Springfield. He's a legit 6'5 and does a good job of establishing position in the low post, where he is able to face up and break down his opponent from the triple threat. He's an exceptional mid range jump shooter as well. Carter is still working his way back into the swing of things, but the early signs have been positive thus far.

Lewis Djonkam continues to produce

West Springfield's Lewis Djonkam is somehow always seems to fly under the radar, but happens to be one of the most productive big men in VA's 2016 class. The 6'8 post displayed solid footwork all night long in the low-post. Defensively, he was a stalwart for the Spartans. He is a vocal presence, and his voice echoed through the gym as he barked out calls to his teammates. Djonkam is a good shooter with his feet set, and can do a reasonably good job of stretching the floor. He should be a good bet to average a double-double this season, due to his improving skill and relentless motor. Tulsa and La Salle have offered, and it wouldn't be far-fetched to see more division 1 schools dish out scholarships.

Extra Notes

• Junior forward James Shellington's two-way versatility will be key for Colonial Forge this season. Shellington is a 6'5 combo forward who will play at the four this season. He is a lanky athlete with a good inside-out skillset. Shellington does a great job of getting up and down, contesting shots and finishing at the rim. He can stretch the defense with his feet set, all the way out to the arc. Defensively, he can guard a number of different positions and that will be essential with the loss of their eraser Winston Burgess (Shepherd)

• With the departure of Marco Haskins (Chowan), seniors Clarence Miles and Dominick Bogier will step in on the wings. Miles wasn't on hand Monday night, but Bogier showed good athleticism and will be a key cog in Colonial Forge's hopes to return to States this season. Carion Eaton will be the unquestioned leader as he has 2 state rings to draw experience from. Eaton, who is currently being recruited by many of the local division 3 schools, is a tenacious defender who is also shifty and does a good job attacking off the dribble.

• Hylton looks like a good bet to compete in the 6A south this season. They are led in the frontcourt by Dwayne “DJ” Hill. Hill is a long, 6'5 forward who owns broad shoulders. He's a good athlete and can get up and down. Brian Smith, who can shoot it from the perimeter, and Josh Peterson, who's a lanky and athletic point guard, will spearhead Hylton's back court. Although Tyland Crawford didn't play Monday night, his strength, aggressiveness, and versatility on the wing will surely make its mark as well. The Hylton/Woodbridge matchups should shape up to be must-see games.

• Senior PG Spencer Askew provided a spark defensively for West Springfield. Late in the game Monday night against Colonial forge, he checked in did a good job of harassing Carion Eaton into a turnover out of bounds. His ability to create chaos defensively could result in some big plays for the Spartans.

• 6'6 forward Hunter Bailey is a player to track for Pope John Paul the Great this season. He's a skilled wing who had a great summer with VA Elite 15's. Look for him to emerge during his sophomore campaign.