MIAA A Conference Sleepers For 2019-20
As the season looms closer, it’s time to start our preseason previews. To start, we’ll be looking at prospects in the MIAA A Conference who may not come to mind immediately when their team is brought up in conversation, but…
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Continue ReadingAs the season looms closer, it’s time to start our preseason previews. To start, we’ll be looking at prospects in the MIAA A Conference who may not come to mind immediately when their team is brought up in conversation, but certainly hold an integral role in their team’s overall success.
Everett Cooper | 6’1 | McDonogh ’22
For some reason, many people tend to forget to mention Cooper when McDonogh gets brought up. The rising sophomore had an impressive freshman campaign where he had a number of big performances when the Eagles needed it most. Sure, there were growing pains, but that’s the case with every freshman. Looking ahead with David Brown III transferring to Bishop McNamara, McDonogh will need a primary scorer in the backcourt. Cooper will fill that role. He grew a couple of inches and put on some muscle over the summer, which will only help him be a more effective scorer attacking the basket. The Eagles are equipped with some talented players, but make no mistake, Cooper must be accounted for.
Cam Smith | 6’7 | Loyola ’21
Smith filled a vital role for the Dons as they made a run to the MIAA A Conference semifinals. Smith provided length, athleticism and versatility in the frontcourt to a team that was limited in said categories. This season, he’ll carry more responsibilities and be expected to be a consistent impact player. With more confidence, Smith should have some big games in the box score considering he can fill it up in multiple categories.
Jalen Bryant | 5’11 | John Carroll ’21
The Patriots were extremely young throughout the roster last season and while their win/loss record didn’t indicate success, the future remained bright. Bryant led that team on and off the floor vocally and by example. While he may have not been the leading scorer consistently, he did everything that was needed at the point guard position. For this season, he’ll be featured on and off the ball, but has drastically improved on his shooting from outside. Bryant is a heady defender, good finisher around the basket and makes good decisions with the ball.
Cole Paar | 6’9 | Glenelg Country ’21
Glenelg added a couple of big names to their roster this summer and should be a formidable team in the league this season, but Paar may be their most important player. His IQ and play making ability at the forward slot is key in their offensive system. When Paar catches at the high post, he can score, pass or put the ball on the floor. There are plenty of sets that solely depend on his vision and anticipation in order to execute. His ability to impact the glass and do the little things needed to win games are a few other reasons as to why he should be a high priority to stop on the scouting report.
Jason Edokpayi | 6’7 | Mount St. Joseph ’20
Edokpayi fits the sleeper mold perfectly in my opinion. Even last year when much of the high expectations for Mount St. Joe increased with the addition of Javonte Brown, a seven-foot center from Canada, Edokpayi proved to be a more consistent option for head coach Pat Clatchey. Now with Brown back in Canada, Edokpayi will see a bigger role thrown his way. The Gaels are loaded with skilled guard who can score, but they’ll rely heavily on Edokpayi to do all of the little things and be a constant impact on the offensive glass, which he has been in the past. The Fairfield commit can shoot out to 15 feet consistently, set effective ball screens and guard either froncourt position competently.