Curley Fall League Notebook

High school basketball is literally right around the corner. The majority of teams officially start practice November 15 with the exception of some private schools who will get a bit more of a head start. The fall leagues around the area continue to proceed and this weekend I was able to make my way to Curley to check out a good mixture of Baltimore City and MIAA A teams. While I was planning to watch four games, the Perry Hall/Dulaney match up never took place because of a scheduling mishap. It would've been a great preview to what is to come from two heavyweight teams in Baltimore County, but we'll have to put it on the back burner until then or if they meet in the fall league playoffs. Patterson vs Curley The Clippers ran away with this one 72-40 behind a chaotic fullcourt press and trapping zone halfcourt defense. They were led by their trio of talented junior guards Gerard Mungo, T.J. Thomas and Daesean Jones. The three were combined for 39 of the 72 points. Sophomore guard Zach Blackwell also chipped in with 13 points of his own and sophomore forward Isaac James put together a strong performance in the paint. The Clippers scored the majority of their baskets in transition. The unselfish play of Thomas (six assists) was key in converting opportunities for easy lay ups. When the Clippers were in the halfcourt, they moved the ball well and attacked seams in the defense, which led to kick-out three's. Sophomore guard Caleb Johnson had a nice showing for the Friars. The smooth shooter knocked down a few three's to keep Curley close in the beginning. 6'11 senior Brendan Medley-Bacon was a shot-blocking presence defensively and did a great job of dominating the glass. Mt. Carmel vs Western Tech The Cougars got off to a rugged start to this game, but once the second quarter came around, they ran away. Far, far away. All the way to a 68-18 win. Senior forwards Jordan Jones and Brandon Watson each scored 16 points. The two will be a must-see tandem in the frontcourt this season in MIAA A Conference play. They may be the most underrated and under-the-radar prospects in the area for the class of 2018. The Cougars also received solid guard play from seniors Dwight Felton and Will Miller. Western Tech was overwhelmed by the size and athleticism of every player from Mt. Carmel. Even though the Cougars lost Terry Nolan Jr. (George Washington) and Will Thomas (transferred to Mervo), they'll have plenty of weapons to give themselves the best chance of returning to the MIAA and BCL championship games. Poly vs Gilman This match up was hands down the most exciting game of the day. Whenever Poly is involved in a game, you know that the energy and intensity will be at an all-time high. Poly was without their super sophomore forward Justin Lewis, but that didn't matter. They still have the most electric player in the area in Demetrius Mims (Long Beach State commit) to lead the way. It didn't come easy, but the Engineers escaped with a 53-48 win after a tough fought comeback from Gilman. Mims had countless finishes at the rim after splitting two Gilman defenders whether it be in the fullcourt press when the Hounds were in their halfcourt man-t0-man. Jalen Rucker was outstanding for Gilman. The 5'10 junior point guard was relentlessly attacking the rim and drawing fouls. From there, Rucker took advantage, converting on all eight of his free-throws. Chase Drew had a solid outing that included a baseline one-handed slam after blowing by his man closing out. For Poly, Rahim Ali is going to be crucial this season. He already helped conduct a state title run last season as a freshman, but will be expected to carry more of an offensive load this season. His three-point shot has improved and his ability to operate out of pick-and-rolls is way ahead of his age.