Five Takeaways: Jump Ball Tip-Off (Phase I)

<p><em>WASHINGTON, DC</em> -- Phase I of the Jump Ball Tip-Off presented by More than Basketball is in the books, and now its time to take a look at what we learned. Here is a rundown of five takeaways from last night's action.</p> <h5>AIKEN SHINES BRIGHT ON THE BIG STAGE</h5> <p>Contrary to the expectations of many, Thurgood Marshall came out strong against Rock Creek and punched them in the mouth during a fast-paced first quarter. Class of 2021 guard <strong>Mike Aiken</strong> was the catalyst. Aiken showed no fear and made impact plays on both ends of the floor. He scored it from all three levels and was active defensively. Aiken has been a stud since his freshman year and it's only a matter of time before his recruitment takes off.</p> <h5>STEVENS PUTS ON SHOW IN FRONT OF FUTURE COACHES</h5> <p>With Seton Hall Head Coach Kevin Willard and Assistant Tony Skinn in the building, <strong>Dimingus Stevens</strong> came out white-hot in Bishop Walsh's win over Coolidge. The 6-foot-5 wing casually knocked down several difficult jumpers against tight coverage and looked to get out on the break whenever he could. Stevens briefly checked out of the game to get his ankle re-taped but that did not prevent him from getting up and finishing strong at the rim. </p> <h5>WEST DOMINANT IN WIN OVER RIVERDALE</h5> <p>South Alabama commit <strong>Jamal West</strong> more than held his own against Riverdale's twin towers. Despite being a few inches shorter than both of the Crusaders' bigs, he asserted himself on the boards and finished strong in traffic consistently. West outworked his opponents throughout the game, recording a double-double and earning MVP honors as a result. </p> <h5>RAMABU MAKES STRONG CASE FOR SCHOLARSHIP OFFER</h5> <p>Bishop Walsh took an early lead against Coolidge, and despite a furious comeback attempt by the Colts, the Spartans were able to hold onto a double-digit victory. <strong>Wilson Ramabu</strong>, a 6-foot-6 forward from Botswana, was the team's anchor and quarterback on defense. His communication was an integral factor in organizing their stout defense which forced 15 turnovers and recorded 7 blocked shots. Ramabu was also very active on the boards and efficient with the ball. He had a couple of highlight-worthy plays on both ends of the court and proved that he is worthy of attention from low-mid D1 schools. </p> <h5>QUICK TAKES</h5> <p><strong>James Gross Jr.</strong> continues to play at a high-level for Rock Creek. He's a graceful athlete who works hard on the boards and defends, but can also get to the basket at will and finish in traffic. </p> <p><strong>Dwayne Koroma </strong>stood out on the defensive side of the ball for Bishop Walsh. He has good lateral quickness and reacts quickly. Koroma still has a ways to go offensively, but his defensive impact could not be ignored.</p> <p><strong>Stanley Marsh </strong>held his own against a physical Rock Creek team. The long-armed 6-foot-3 forward showed that he can protect the rim, rebound, and finish in traffic. </p> <p><strong>Julian Reese </strong>did not have his best offensive outing, but was solid on the defensive end for St. Frances. The steadily improving 6-foot-9 post prospect was productive on the boards and pridefully protected the rim. </p> <p><strong>Josh Walker </strong>is another unsigned senior who is worthy of attention from scholarship level programs. He's got good size at 6-foot-7 with long arms and is a good athlete. Walker impressed with his overall activity level and impact on the defensive end. </p> <p><strong>Stephaun Walker</strong> traditionally operated inside the paint last year for Coolidge, but last night he demonstrated expanding face-up skills and confidence on the ball. It's going to be a lot of fun to watch him continue to grow and develop over the next three years.</p>