Recruiting Report: George Mawanda-Kalema (2017)
The Episcopal Maroon captured the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division I Boys’ Basketball Championship for the first time in 17 years this past Saturday in Petersburg. They defeated Paul VI of the WCAC by a final score of 67-63 at…
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Continue ReadingThe Episcopal Maroon captured the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association Division I Boys’ Basketball Championship for the first time in 17 years this past Saturday in Petersburg. They defeated Paul VI of the WCAC by a final score of 67-63 at Virginia State University.
In their state semifinal contest, a convincing 75-49 victory vs. IAC rival St. Stephens St. Agnes, George Mawanda-Kalema led the Maroon in scoring. The junior swingman scored 15 points in the first half. He scored 10 points in the third quarter alone, and finished with a game-high 29 points.
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“I’m an up and down player. Got a lot of energy,” Kalema explained. “Love to shoot the ball, love to attack, love to get my teammates involved. I’m just always in attack mode.”
George finished with 13 points, and a number of assists in their state championship victory on Saturday. He finished the season as the team’s leading scorer (18.2 points per game) along with University of Rochester commit Nick Reed. Mawanda-Kalema is a skilled scorer who can really shoot it – whether it’s off the catch, or off the dribble. Since last season, perhaps his biggest improvements have come on the defensive end.
“My defense has gone up another level,” he began. “I focused on keeping people in front of me, getting my hands in the passing lanes, keeping my hands up for a longer period of time on defense.”
Canisus extended Kalema a scholarship offer last summer. He’s a very hard working player, and an excellent student. Robert Morris, Yale, Brown, Lafayette, Loyola, and NJIT have each been in contact with him.
One of his current focuses is finding more ways to get into the lane more consistently. He enjoys scoring, but has an exceptional feel with the ball in his hands, and has demonstrated the ability to create for his teammates.
“Once you get into the middle of the paint, that opens it up for everyone else,” Kalema stated.
This spring and summer, George will be on the AAU Circuit with DC Premier 17U. Given his recent performances on the biggest stage, expect his recruitment to take shape over the next few months.