IAC/MAC Challenge Superlatives
WASHINGTON, DC — With the conclusion of the IAC/MAC Challenge, its time to take a look at some of the standouts. Here we run down our list of superlatives.
BEST PLAYMAKER | XAVIER LIPSCOMB | SSSAS ’20
Several good point guards were featured in this event, but arguably none made a more significant impact for their team than Xavier Lipscomb did for St. Stephens & St. Agnes. The crafty sophomore did a bit of everything for his team, recording 16 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. Lipscomb consistently applied pressure on the SAES defense, demonstrating his adeptness at getting into the paint, and overall efficiency. The promising sophomore shot 6 of 10 from the field, 4 of 4 from the line, and committed just two turnovers.
BEST WING | SADDIQ BEY | SIDWELL ’18
Sidwell picked up a massive win over Bullis, snapping a four game losing streak, and Saddiq Bey played a key role in his team’s effort. The NC State commit, who recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal, got whatever look he wanted. Bey operated in a variety of different positions offensively, essentially making him unplayable. He was also very efficient in this game, shooting 9 of 13 from the field, 2 of 3 from downtown, and 4/5 from the foul line.
BEST BIG MAN | QUDUS WAHAB | FLINT HILL ’19
Qudus Wahab is an imperious paint presence for Flint Hill, and not just because of his defense, rebounding, and hustle. The 6’11 junior commands at least a double team each time he assumes position on the low block, and this frees up plenty of space for his teammates. Wahab can simply not be defended 1v1, and continues to expand his low post arsenal while extending the range on his jump shot. He recorded 23 points (9/15 FG, 5/7 FT) 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 1 steal, and 1 assist.
BEST SHOOTER | JASON GIBSON | SIDWELL ’19
Often regarded among the top shooters in the region, Jason Gibson did what he does best on Saturday. The 2019 sharpshooter drained four of his six attempts from downtown. He did so in various ways: off the dribble, from the catch, and while curling off of screens. Gibson finished the game with 17 points.
Honorable Mention:
+ Raphe Ayres – Maret ’19
+ Kamdyn Curfman – Prep ’19
+ Christian Depollar – SSSAS ’19
+ Allan Ebert – Georgetown Day ’19
+ Kevin Fee – St. Albans ’18
+ Michael Katsock – St. Albans ’20
+ Jason Lewis – St. Andrew’s ’19
+ Will Mulquin – Georgetown Prep ’18
BEST DEFENDER | EJ JARVIS | MARET ’19
Rebounding was a major key to Maret’s upset over Georgetown Prep, and EJ Jarvis was a central figure in his team’s effort. The 6’8 junior pulled down a game-high 22 boards, 15 coming on the defensive end. Jarvis was excellent in pick and roll situations, hedging the screens very hard and actively contesting shots. He swatted three shots in this one, and made opponents think twice before attempting shots in his vicinity.
BEST MOTOR | CHARLES THOMPSON | SSSAS ’19
Plenty of kids showcased a high motor on Saturday, but we absolutely love the effort that Charles Thompson played with throughout his team’s win over SAES. At 6’6+, Thompson is a very long and active big who intelligently challenges shots at the basket, and isn’t afraid to lay his body on the line and take a charge. He runs the floor hard, crashes the offensive boards, and competes hard for every 50/50 ball in his area.
BEST INTANGIBLES | ISAIAH MOORE | FLINT HILL ’18
While he may not pass the initial eye test, there is plenty of substance to Isiah Moore‘s game. The unheralded lead guard is certainly one of the one of the most important players on his team. Moore is fearless, super competitive, and demonstrates a fantastic feel for the game. The unsigned senior recorded 18 points (6/10 FG, 2/3 3FG, 4/5 FT).
BEST FRESHMAN | KINO LILLY JR. | LANDON ’21
This was our first opportunity to watch Kino Lilly in action with Landon, and he was thoroughly impressive offensively. He has good size, and can score in a variety of ways. Lilly recorded a team-high 20 points against Flint Hill, and nearly helped his team author an incredible comeback victory.
Honorable Mention:
+ Jordan Rayford – Georgetown Day ’21
+ Quincy Allen – Maret ’21
BEST PLAY | NENDAH TARKE | BULLIS ’19
This play didn’t count, but it was by far the most memorable highlight of the day. 2019 Nendah Tarke drove baseline, beat the initial man, and posterized the help side defender. He was called for a travel in the end, but this play was a reminder of the type of explosiveness Tarke possesses.
BEST SNEAKERS | KEVIN FEE | ST. ALBANS ’18
When we saw 2018 Kevin Fee break out the Nike Kobe A.D. NXT ‘Snow White’, we knew instantly that these would be the sneakers of the night. We had to do a bit of research to find out what these were as we’ve never seen them worn on the court, or anywhere else to be honest.
Honorable Mention:
+ Xavier Johnson – Air Jordan Retro 11 low
+ Jason Gibson – Nike PG1 “White/Chrome”
+ Vado Morse – UA Curry 4