MAC Preview and Predictions for 2019-20

<p>It's almost November, and with each day that passes we inch closer to the official start of another high school season. Over the past few days and weeks, we've been previewing conferences and regions around the DMV respectively. In this edition, we preview and try to predict the MAC by tackling eight burning questions.</p> <h2>(1) WHO MIGHT THE "CONTENDERS" BE?</h2> <p></p> <p>Flint Hill, the defending champs, lose several key pieces from last year's squad but return a reasonably experienced core of seniors who should help them remain competitive.</p> <p>Maret is a perennial contender in the league. The Frogs boast a solid blend of veteran players to go along with a nice core of young prospects.</p> <p>Sidwell Friends is always a tough team to compete against regardless of who is on the court. The Quakers are a safe bet to once again compete for the league crown.</p> <p>St. Andrew's is a sneaky-good team with a high ceiling. The Lions will surely be considered one of the teams to beat in the quest for the league title.</p> <h2>(2) WHO COULD BE THE "DARK HORSES"?</h2> <p></p> <p>It will be interesting to see what Georgetown Day can do this year. The Hoppers have a new coach and a new-look roster, so we don't know what to expect from them quite yet. </p> <p>Potomac School is always a very good, disciplined defensive team under Coach Franklin, and one can expect more of the same this season. The Panthers are usually a tough out for whoever they match up against. </p> <p>St. James will also be an intriguing watch this year. The Saints have reportedly brought in some international talent who could help give them a boost. </p> <h2>(3) WHICH TEAM MIGHT HAVE THE BEST BACKCOURT?</h2> [caption id="attachment_630148" align="alignnone" width="300"] Achufusi is one of the better defenders you will find in the MAC[/caption] <p>Sidwell's guards are relatively young, but their backcourt is as strong as any you will find in the league. <strong>Ryan Cornish</strong> and <strong>Afamdi Achufusi</strong> are bot capable of playing on and off the ball while <strong>Chris Gamble</strong> is a reliable option off the bench. <strong>Cam Gillus</strong>, a freshman who plays with good pace, could earn a place in this talented rotation.</p> <h2>(4) WHICH TEAM MIGHT HAVE THE BEST FRONT-COURT?</h2> <p></p> <p>Flint Hill features a formidable duo in twin towers <strong>Dowar Jioklow</strong> and <strong>Noel Brown</strong>. The Huskies will once again have multiple forceful paint presences that could prove difficult to contend with.  </p> <h2>(5) WHICH TEAM HAS THE MOST DEPTH?</h2> <p></p> <p>Maret can go two-deep at almost every position. <strong>Teo Rice</strong>, <strong>Ridge Parks, </strong>and <strong>James Lerner</strong> will each get time in the backcourt along with three-and-D specialist <strong>Alex Williams</strong>. <strong>Quincy Allen</strong> and <strong>Bryson Wilson</strong> are two athletic wings that will a variety of positions while <strong>Kiran Kling</strong> and <strong>Curtis Nixon</strong> will be asked to hold it down inside.</p> <h2>(6) WHO COULD WIN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR?</h2> <p></p> <p><strong>Quincy Allen </strong>(Maret '21) will be a go-to option for the Frogs. Expect him to have a high usage rate and be asked to produce consistently.</p> <p><strong>Noel Brown </strong>(Flint Hill '20) could be a key piece in what figures to be a post-centric offense. Look for the 6'10" GW commit to assert himself throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>Ryan Cornish </strong>(Sidwell Friends '21) is a newcomer who will likely adopt a significant role for the Quakers. The MAC will be a good test for the budding guard prospect. </p> <p><strong>Jamel Melvin </strong>(Potomac School '20) is one of the most dominant inside presences in the league. He could end up leading the league in blocks while averaging a double-double. </p> <p><strong>Colin Smalls </strong>(St. Andrew's '20) could emerge as the best overall player in the league after his breakout junior season. Look for the American commit to command plenty of attention while on the court. </p> <h2>(7) WHO MIGHT THE LEAGUE'S TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATES BE?</h2> <p></p> <p><strong>Chace Davis </strong>(St. Andrew's '21) will have a bigger role than ever for the Lions this year. Expectations will be high and he should be ready to deliver the goods. </p> <p><strong>George Perkins </strong>(Sidwell Friends '22) is slowly coming into his own after a productive summer. Is he ready to take the next step?</p> <p><strong>Saxby Sunderland </strong>(Flint Hill '22) gained valuable experience last year alongside <em>Jordan Hairston</em> and <em>Ethan Jones</em>. He will likely take the reins for the Huskies and be asked to do a lot more this season.</p> <p><strong>Khalil Williams </strong>(Potomac School '23) will probably make an immediate impact with his ability to stretch the floor. He is certainly one to watch and keep track of down the road. </p> <p><strong>Bryson Wilson </strong>(Maret '23) could become an important player for Maret this year. He is still very young, but it's hard to ignore his unique blend of size, athleticism, and improving skill.  </p> <h2>(8) WHO MADE OUR PRESEASON ALL-MAC TEAM?</h2> <p></p> <p><em>AFAMDI ACHUFUSI | SIDWELL FRIENDS '21</em></p> <p><em>QUINCY ALLEN | MARET '21</em></p> <p><em>NOEL BROWN | FLINT HILL '20</em></p> <p><em>RYAN CORNISH | SIDWELL FRIENDS '21</em></p> <p><em>BROCK DAVIS | GEORGETOWN DAY '22</em></p> <p><em>DOWAR JIOKLOW | FLINT HILL '20</em></p> <p><em>JAMEL MELVIN | POTOMAC SCHOOL '20</em></p> <p><em>MARTYNAS SABALIAUSKAS | ST. JAMES '20</em></p> <p><em>COLIN SMALLS | ST. ANDREW'S '20</em></p> <p><em>BENNY WILLIAMS | ST. ANDREW'S '21</em></p>