DMV Roundtable: Takeaways thus far, what to look for during scrimmages, headlines to watch

<p>Throughout the past week, some teams around the DMV officially tipped off their 2019-20 seasons. Others were partaking in scrimmages to help prepare for their respective opening nights. This week in the roundtable the Prep Hoops Maryland team looked at takeaways from the action thus far, what we each look for during scrimmage games and the biggest headline we are watching this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt">1. Out of the scrimmages/games you've seen thus far, what has stood out?</span></strong></p> <p><em>Giacubeno:</em> I've seen McDonogh twice this season in official game action and a couple things stood out. One is the fact that 2022 guard<strong> Everett Cooper</strong> is fully accepting of his increased role as a scorer. With adjustments to the roster, it put Cooper in a position where he can play more off the ball and be a scorer instead of setting the table as he did his freshman season. Cooper has responded well by scoring 16 points in each of the two games. In their game against Friends, Cooper stepped up multiple times late in the game for big time scores to help give the Eagles the edge. The other thing with McDonogh that is apparent is the progression of 2021 wing <strong>Jared Billups</strong>. Again, because of the roster make up, Billups will be leaned on more as a scorer and playmaker. The 6-foot-6 wing has made his presence well-known, averaging 16 points and 9.5 rebounds through the first two games. He has shown to become more of a versatile scorer. The one thing he needs is to install a mean streak in him. He has the strength, skill and athleticism to dominate on both ends of the floor. Once he unlocks that mindset for a full 32 minutes, it raises McDonogh's ceiling as a team significantly.</p> <p><em>Ayalew:</em> One thing that has stood out to me during this preseason is the depth that some of these teams have. St. Stephen's &amp; St. Agnes for example, was without <b>Xavier Lipscomb</b> in their recent scrimmage vs. National Christian. The Saints turned to <b>Chase Beasley</b> who defends at a high level and can make plays in transition. Guys like <b>Garrett Brennan</b> and<b> Eric Gordon</b> also stepped up and played well respectively. St. John's also has a little more depth in the backcourt that initially perceived. It appears that <b>Malik Mack</b> and <b>Shane Lancaster</b> can spell <b>Ish Leggett</b> and <b>Manzie Wilson</b> if need be. Good Counsel and Bishop Ireton have also showcased sneaky depth within their respective programs. <b>Montell Cooper</b> and <b>Dylan Williamson</b> are expected to play key roles for the former while <b>Tye Thompson</b> and <b>Justin Boggs</b> are valuable additions to the ladder. </p> <p><em>Wilson: </em><span style="font-weight: 400">For me, I have to say the way 2022<strong> Rodney Rice</strong> has been shooting the ball. I saw Bullis scrimmage twice last week and he shot the living you know what out of the ball both days. He definitely made more shots than missed both days I saw him. He is a lethal dead eye shooter from behind the arc with good form and is looking to be one of the top scorers throughout the DMV regardless of class.</span></p> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>2. Do you put any significant weight on how a team performs during scrimmages?</strong></span></div> <div><em>Giacubeno: </em>Not a ton, however I do view it as a great opportunity to see how players approach the scrimmages. For one, are the showing any growth in their game? Not that a scrimmage setting is to try and be a player you're not, but is that player trying new things that you can tell they worked on throughout the summer. Are the upperclassmen or captains being leaders to the young guys? You can always tell when a player is getting their first taste of varsity action. They seem to look like a deer in headlights. This is an opportunity for the leaders of the team to help those young players learn from mistakes by pulling them aside and explaining situations to them. Coaches have different mindsets when it comes to scrimmages. Some may not care about the final outcome, they just want to see if their sets are being executed correctly and if their are areas for vast improvements. So all in all, I'm not concerned with the final outcome of the scrimmage on the scoreboard, but rather evaluate how a team looks X's and O's wise.</div> <div> </div> <div><em>Ayalew:</em> Every time I'm in the gym, I am evaluating everything I see. With that said, I understand that its the preseason and things like team chemistry will improve over the course of time, but I'm always watching to see how players prepare. Usually, those who prepare diligently produce the best results. Another thing I look for during a scrimmage are intangibles. Things like effort and communication are non-negotiable.</div> <div> </div> <div><em>Wilson: </em><span style="font-weight: 400">I certainly am putting a little weight on scrimmages but it is such a small sample size and so early that you can not judge a whole lot in my opinion. During scrimmage play I might look at individual performances a little more than an overall team performance due to the fact the teams have not played a whole lot together yet at least against other opposition. All in all scrimmages are great but I do not think it is fair to judge a team right away through scrimmages but it can be helpful in a variety of ways to evaluate players. </span></div> <div> </div> <div><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>3. What do you think is the biggest headline entering this season?</strong></span></div> <div><em>Giacubeno:</em> For me, it'll be watching if anyone can take down the Goliath of the MIAA A Conference, St. Frances. They're by far one of the most talented teams in all of the DMV, but adversity is sure to hit them at some point this season. It happened plenty of times last year and they responded by winning both the MIAA and BCL crowns.There may not be a clear cut opponent that can pull the upset, but there are about 3-4 teams who are capable of doing so on a night where they catch fire from the field. The Panthers are well aware there is a target on their backs every night they step on the floor. They'll need to perform like it, as every team in the area is trying to take them down.</div> <div> </div> <div><em>Ayalew:</em> I believe that the biggest headline this season, especially in the DC Metro Area, is the parity that exists. I really don't think there is a clear cut favorite in any league. There are certainly contenders but the dark horses are stronger than ever. With all the talent in this area, you have to respect every opponent or things could go wrong.</div> <div> </div> <div><em>Wilson: </em><span style="font-weight: 400">One of the goals that I would say a lot of teams try to aim for at the end of the season is the number one ranking in the Washington Post simply because of bragging rights and tremendous publicity. There is no trophy you get for finishing one. The Post has a poll throughout the year ranking schools no matter which league you are in and it doesn't matter if you are private or public, it is simply ranking the best teams from Northern Virginia, DC and part of Maryland. Right now I do not believe there is a clear cut favorite on who might finish one or many clear cut favorites in the respective leagues because of all the talented programs in the area. It is going to be real interesting to see who wins each league as that will tell us who ends up near the top of the list in the Washington Post rankings. </span></div>