Five Takeaways: DeMatha Christmas Tournament
HYATTSVILLE, MD — DeMatha’s Inaugural Christmas Tournament got underway on Thursday, and Prep Hoops was present for all four opening round games. Here we provide five takeaways from our time in the gym. EPPS IS LEGIT In the absence of…
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Continue ReadingHYATTSVILLE, MD — DeMatha’s Inaugural Christmas Tournament got underway on Thursday, and Prep Hoops was present for all four opening round games. Here we provide five takeaways from our time in the gym.
EPPS IS LEGIT
In the absence of his older brother AJ, who sat out due to injury, Jayden Epps stepped up and showed what he was made of against a traditionally stingy Poly defense. The skilled guard plays with moxy, and not only showcased a smooth stroke from the perimeter, but craftiness with the ball in tight spaces. Epps is undoubtedly one of the best freshman we’ve seen so far this high school season, and we’re excited to track his progress moving forward.
LEWIS ASSERTS HIMSELF
In front of Maryland Head Coach Mark Turgeon, who was joined by his assistant Bino Ranson, Justin Lewis was the most physically dominant player on the court in Poly’s win over Granby. Lewis had troubles from the foul line, but that was the only thing that could stop him today. His role was primarily as an enforcer in the paint on both ends of the floor, but the elite junior also showed his ability to shoot from the perimeter and a soft touch from mid range.
MAKHEL CATCHING UP
Makhel Mitchell looks much better than we’ve seen in the past, and this might be due to the noticeable improvements he has made to his conditioning and athleticism. He has always been perhaps a better rim protector than his brother, but now has the ability to stay on the floor and anchor the defense for longer periods and impact the game offensively as a forceful paint presence.
KOGELNIK SAYS SOLID
Carsten Kogelnik caught fire early, knocking dow his first couple of jumpers and crashing the boards for a tip in during the first few minutes of DeMatha’s win over Riverdale Baptist. Kogelnik made one specific play in the second half that pretty much sums up his overall game and the chemistry that he has with his teammates. After receiving the ball for an open look in the corner, the Brown commit immediately dished it to his teammate, Jahmir Young, who proceeded to knock down a wide open three in rhythm from the wing.
KYREE AND SHOOTERS PROPEL BOWIE
In the absence of the Carson brothers, Kyree Freeman-Davis stepped up, especially on the defensive end. Davis was aggressive offensively, but did not have a great night shooting the ball. He more than made up for it on the other end with his unrelenting effort and aggressiveness that permeated throughout the team. Jordan Harris and Devyn Toler combined to hit nine threes which were also essential factors to this win.