ARLINGTON, VA -- The Annual George Long Holiday Hoops Tournament returned to Wakefield on Tuesday, and we were in the gym for the opening round featuring Battlefield, West Springfield, Potomac, Chantilly, St. Albans, Centreville, and Langley along with the home team. Here are five takeaways from our time in the gym.
GAULT HELPS PROPEL BATTLEFIELD
2018
Brayden Gault shot the ball exceptionally well on Tuesday, and he finished up with a game-high 23 points in his team's win vs. West Springfield. 6-foot-6+ CNU commit
Grant Yates came in off the bench and produced, scoring 18 points. We also liked the way 2020
Carter Svenson ran the offense for Battlefield. The skilled southpaw pushed the ball quickly in transition, and often set up his teammates with accurate and timely passes.
PULLUM THE STANDOUT FOR POTOMAC
2018
Nick Pullum is a flat out sleeper among local bigs. The 6-foot-7 center was an imperious presence in the paint offensively with his vast array of post moves. He did a great job sealing his man off, was always available for dump offs, and exhibited soft hands. Pullum scored 22 points, and demonstrated some explosiveness when finishing around the basket.
KATSOCK EMERGES FOR STA
6-foot-5 sharpshooting sophomore
Michael Katstock already looks much more comfortable than he did at the
Flint Hill Tip Off. He was the X-Factor in his team's comeback win vs. Centreville. Katsock went scoreless in the first half, but made an impact with his fundamentals and ability to hit the defensive glass. He looked to get his teammates involved, and put the ball in the basket when his team needed it. Katsock shot 4 of 7 from deep, scoring 14 points in the second half. He hauled in 6 rebounds as well.
COOPER DOES IT ALL FOR WAKEFIELD
Credit Langley for doing a great job denying
Amari Cooper the ball, and doubling him while he was in possession. He didn't let that stop him, though. The versatile 6'5 senior hit the glass early, hauling in 7 rebounds in the first quarter. He remained aggressive offensively, finding teammates after drawing in the peripheral defenders. Cooper played an efficient game overall (4/5 FG, 2 TO's), recording 8 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and a block.
QUICK HITS
Millersville commit
Gabe Kier scored 20 efficient points despite his team's loss to Battlefield. He did a great job finding the holes in the defense, and demonstrated confidence in his pull up jump shot. 2019
Neb Girma played a solid overall game for the Spartans, scoring 15 points. He displayed commendable toughness and a high basketball IQ
Bryce Douglas scored 13 of Centreville's 14 points in the first quarter. The class of 2019 combo guard was very crafty around the basket, but struggled to shoot it from the perimeter. He finished up with 23 points in a loss to St. Albans.
2018
Collin Nnamene, who is headed to the Mount next year, recorded 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks against Centreville. He knocked down 4 of 5 free throw attempts, from where his soft touch was evident. We'd like to see Nnamene improve his hands.
Potomac Freshmen
Caleb Satchell and
Anthony Jackson were really solid in their 1-point win vs. Chantilly. Jackson came in and knocked down a few perimeter jumpers, and Satchell displayed a high motor along with a solid all around skill set.
