The season is so close, you can taste it….no, really though. Go outside and feel the cold air. I don’t know about the rest of you, but it gives me the feeling of basketball season. I’m not a cold weather…
The season is so close, you can taste it….no, really though. Go outside and feel the cold air. I don’t know about the rest of you, but it gives me the feeling of basketball season. I’m not a cold weather type of person, but since it indicates basketball season here in the DMV, bring it on.
We’re back with another DMV Roundtable as the season quickly approaches. As usual, Adam Ayalew, Houston Wilson and I discuss multiple topics.
1. What is your favorite event to attend during the high school season?
Giacubeno: Unfortunately, I haven’t experience any of the big events held down in D.C. yet, but one that comes to my mind right away is the Charm City/Windy City Challenge. The past two years have been must-see. Typically, it features the top two teams in Baltimore facing off against Simeon and Morgan Park. The past two years, this event has been held in Baltimore and what that means for the visiting Chicago teams is getting the experience of a Baltimore crowd first hand.
Ayalew: It’s tough to choose from so many great events, but the Gonzaga Classic has become a favorite of mine. The event usually features a good combo of strong local talent and must-see out of area teams. It also helps that they have an awesome media hospitality section.
Wilson: The DC Hoopfest has annually been my favorite event to cover. Each year you get some of the top high school programs from across the country to go up against some of the top local programs from the DMV. The past few years there has been a cool twist to it as Sean McAloon who is now the head coach at IMG comes back to the DMV where he used to be at the helm at St. John’s.
2. Who do you think has the top frontcourt in the DMV?
Giacubeno: It’s hard not to go with anyone but DeMatha here. Not only do they feature one of the best centers in the country in Hunter Dickinson, but they also have recent East Tennessee State commit Paul Smith. Between size and skill, those two alone hold the torch above any other team. When you add the wing position into the mix, you get recent Miami commit Earl Timberlake, further separating themselves from anyone else.
Ayalew: Probably DeMatha. Hunter Dickinson is one of the most skilled 7 footers to come out of this area in recent memory. Paul Smith is a sneaky-good forward who one could say has been overshadowed in the past but certainly has a bright future. When you consider the fact that the Stags can deploy 6’6 Earl Timberlake and 6’5 Tyrell Ward at the 3 or 4 it gives them a luxury that most simply don’t have.
Wilson: You have to go with DeMatha for this question. Up front they are led by 7’1 Hunter Dickinson who is one of the best big men in the country. Dickinson keeps on improving day by day and is one of the more elite passers for a big man that I have seen in a while. Another forward they have that could have a major role increase this year is East Tennessee commit, Paul Smith. Smith showed a major improvement on his jump shot this past summer. If needed, Mike Jones can afford to put Earl Timberlake down low too. Another guy that will see see a role increase is 2022 6’5 Tyrell Ward. And lastly, someone that impressed during Capitol Hoops Summer League this past summer was 2022 6’9 Jerrell Roberson. The verdict is still out there on how much playing time he will see this year but the future looks good for him.
3. What underclassmen do you think is in line to have the biggest breakout season?
Giacubeno: Noah Batchelor from Glenelg Country has done everything possible to set himself up for a big sophomore season. The 6-foot-5 wing had two impressive showings at USA Basketball mini camp and boosted his stock nationally in the process. He’ll be a big piece of Glenelg Country’s attack even though he is new to the group after transferring from St. Maria Goretti. His versatility on both ends make him a valuable prospect and he should create mismatches night in and night out for the Dragons.
Ayalew:
2022 Noah Batchelor from Glenelg Country School. Batchelor, a good athlete with size and the ability to fill it up from long range, appears set for a much bigger role at his new school. He will be playing with good guards who understand how to get others involved and should be in good position to produce consistently as a result.
2022 CJ Lee from Northwest is also one to watch. He put up decent numbers as a freshman and could have a huge year. Expect the skilled guard prospect to be one of the leading scorers in Montgomery County this season.
Wilson: Judah Mintz closed out Peach Jam for Team Takeover on a tear and when he gets on the court for Steve Turner at Gonzaga this year, I think he is going to take every minute for granted. Yes, Gonzaga returns a lot and are led by a lot of upperclassmen but I believe Judah is a guy that is ready to take it to the next level after a very good summer. Look for a lot of colleges to try and get involved early with the sophomore.