Takeaways from the DMV Tip-Off Classic

<p><em>WALDORF, MD</em> -- The Annual DMV Tip-Off Classic is in the books, and now its time to reflect on what we learned. Here are 7 takeaways from Saturday's event. </p> <h5>11-0 ROOSEVELT LOOKS FORMIDABLE</h5> <p>Coach Rob Nickens and the Roosevelt Roughriders are currently unbeaten and have already beaten many of their DCIAA rivals. <strong>Marcel Gabriel</strong>, a 6-foot-4 senior forward, has been the heart and soul of this team so far this season and came up big with a double-double in their win over Gwynn Park. Coach Nickens has a deep rotation and it seems like a different guy steps up every game. <strong>Phillip Flegler</strong>, a class of 2022 guard, played lockdown defense and swiped 8 steals to go along with 11 points. 5-foot-9 senior guard <strong>Amadi Kane</strong> lit it up from behind the arc draining three treys on his way to scoring 14 points. There is still a lot of basketball to be played, but I'm sure Coach Nickens and his staff are pleased with the start. </p> <h5>LED BY JOHNSON, FAIRMONT HEIGHTS SHOULD CONTEND IN 1A</h5> <p>Class of 2020 guard <strong>Keyshawn Johnson</strong> erupted for 21 points in the first 6 minutes of his team's win over Freedom. He finished with a game-high 34 points, and this is coming off the heels of a 37-point outing in his team's previous win. Johnson is a tremendous shot-maker who can heat up quickly and light it up from long range. He wasn't the only standout for the Hornets though. 2020 lead guard <strong>Markel Norman</strong> did a nice job facilitating the offense and competed defensively. He dished out 7 assists and swiped 7 steals to go along with 7 points and 4 rebounds in the win. Budding 6-foot-3 sophomore guard prospect <strong>Delonte Raynor</strong> also chipped in with 5 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Raynor is still finding his way offensively but is already making an impact with his effort.</p> <h5>DON'T SLEEP ON THE POTOMAC WOLVERINES</h5> <p>This might be the best Potomac (MD) team since 2020 <strong>Corey Dyches</strong> has been at the school. The Maryland Football commit, who was named MVP of his team's win over Potomac (VA), recorded 22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. You always know what you are going to get from Dyches, but his supporting cast was also impressive. 2020 <strong>Elijah Crawford</strong>, an athletic 6-foot-3 forward, held it down defensively with 4 steals and 2 blocks. Crawford also chipped in with 4 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. The major difference-maker for this team, however, is 2020 guard <strong>Jordan Beckett</strong>. A newcomer to the school, Beckett is a reliable floor spacer who can pretty much score at will. He pumped in 21 points and added 4 rebounds.</p> <h5>TWEEDY BOSSES THE PAINT FOR WESTLAKE, EARNS MVP</h5> <p><strong>Cam Tweedy</strong>, one of the best available forwards in the DMV, went off for 22 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists in an impressive win over Pallotti. One thing that you have to love about Tweedy is his motor. He is relentless on the boards and continues to make strides offensively. Tweedy has been putting in work on his game and the results are showing. He's been in touch with a handful of division one programs since de-committing from Loyola, and while he's still considering the Greyhounds, it will be interesting to see how things unfold for him moving forward. </p> <h5>BALANCED ST. CHARLES ATTACK TOO MUCH FOR WISE</h5> <p>With UMass-Lowell commit <strong>Max Brooks</strong> plagued by foul trouble for most of his team's win over Wise, others stepped up. Senior guard <strong>Tremaine Chesley</strong>, one of the best defenders you will find in the DMV, stepped up offensively and did so efficiently. Chesley shot 7 of 10 from the field on his way to 19 points and was named MVP. 2020 <strong>Omar McGann</strong>, who added 13 points and 5 rebounds, showcased confidence in his improved jumper which was nice to see. 2021 <strong>Jaiden Butler</strong>, who double-doubled, was effective on both ends of the floor. The 6-foot-6 forward protected the paint without fouling and finished efficiently whenever he received the ball around the basket. 2022 floor general <strong>Amir Dade</strong> impressed with his versatility. Dade pulled down 10 boards to go along with 5 points and 2 assists. He did a nice job initiating the offense and let the game come to him. All in all, it was an impressive team performance by the Spartans who have a date with Middleburg at the Governor's Challenge. </p> <h5>LEGGETT LEADS SJC TO CONVINCING WIN OVER ROCK CREEK</h5> <p>Rhode Island-bound <strong>Ishmael Leggett</strong> won MVP after going for 22 points and 8 rebounds on Saturday, and there was a lot to like about this performance, not just by Leggett but by the entire team. Before we shout out his teammates, it's important to note that Leggett's jump shot looks much improved. He shot 5 of 10 from the field and Coach Behan ran a few sets to get him some good looks. Along with unsigned seniors, <strong>John "Mikey" Square</strong> and <strong>John "Manzie" Wilson</strong>, Leggett's leadership intangibles have rubbed off on the younger players. <strong>Malik Mack</strong>, a freshman point guard, is one who has taken a page from his teammate's notebooks respectively. Mack was often seen communicating with his teammates and making sure they knew what to do. He played with control, changed speeds effectively, and held his own on the defensive end. Oh, and <strong>Amani Hansberry</strong> was awesome. The freshman forward double-doubled and scored in a myriad of ways. It's still early, but this team is running like a well-oiled machine and will only become more dangerous as the season progresses. </p> <h5>DOUGLASS OUTLASTS NORTH POINT AND IMPROVE TO 2-0</h5> <p>It wasn't the prettiest game, with both teams committing a combined 61 turnovers, but Douglass held on to knock off North Point in the nightcap. 2021 forward <strong>Mike Woods</strong>, who was named MVP, paced the Eagles with 22 points. Woods excelled in transition where he got to the rim and had some nice finishes in traffic. 2020 guard <strong>Darnell</strong> <strong>Snowden</strong>, who is listed at 6-foot-2, ignited a third-quarter run by flushing home a lob pass to open the stanza. He also took a bevy of charges on the defensive end. 2021 post prospect <strong>Abdou Samb</strong> anchored the paint admirably. The 6-foot-7 forward pulled down 13 boards and blocked 5 shots. Samb is improving and while he still has a ways to go is looking like a bonafide division one prospect. 2022 <strong>Mikhai Arnold</strong> did a nice job holding it down for Douglass at the lead guard spot. He shot it well, competed defensively and didn't make many mistakes. </p>