St. James NIBC: MLK Weekend Top MD/VA Performers

<p><em>SPRINGFIELD, VA</em> -- Multiple local teams were in action on Sunday and Monday at the NIBC Invitational. Here is a rundown of the top performers from schools in Maryland or Virginia. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1091480" first="Camryn" last="Carter"] | Oak Hill Academy ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1091480" first="Camryn" last="Carter"]</strong> applied relentless pressure on his opponents on both ends of the floor throughout the NIBC Invitational. The long lanky guard routinely defended the top perimeter player on the opposing team and was very disruptive because of his length and toughness. Carter is an above the rim finisher who is quick like a cat and devastating in transition but he can also torch you with his perimeter jumper.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1049551" first="Ismail" last="Habib"] | Bishop Walsh ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1049551" first="Ismail" last="Habib"]</strong>’s performances steadily improved over the course of the Spartans’ time at The St. James. He’s a big-time shot-maker who can create instant offense because he can stop on a dime and pull up or got to his signature step back. The Austin Peay commit hit crucial shots to help Bishop Walsh preserve its first win of the season. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="999616" first="DeShawn" last="Harris-Smith"] | Paul VI ’23</strong></p> <p>One thing you can expect from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="999616" first="DeShawn" last="Harris-Smith"]</strong> is maximum effort. He’s a versatile defender who made all types of impact plays on both ends of the court for the Panthers. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="775338" first="Elijah" last="Hawkins"] | DeMatha ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="775338" first="Elijah" last="Hawkins"]</strong> was particularly exceptional in DeMatha’s win over the Baltimore Panthers this morning. The underrated floor general came ready to play. He controlled the tempo on both ends and was his usual pesky self on defense. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902004" first="Jordan" last="Hawkins"] | DeMatha ’21</strong></p> <p>One word to describe <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902004" first="Jordan" last="Hawkins"]</strong> would be smooth. His ball-handling in tight quarters stood out today against the Black Panthers. Hawkins made shots at an efficient clip and was very dangerous in transition as well.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902018" first="Byron" last="Ireland Jr."] | Baltimore Panthers ’21</strong></p> <p>There’s a common misconception about [player_tooltip player_id="902018" first="Byron" last="Ireland Jr."] not being able to shoot. The versatile combo guard has a set shot that he has confidence in. Ireland went 2/3 from deep against DeMatha but also impacted that game with his positional rebounding, paint-getting, crafty finishing, and playmaking.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957025" first="Jahnathan" last="Lamothe"] | Baltimore Panthers ’23</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957025" first="Jahnathan" last="Lamothe"]</strong> is a high-level passer in part because he’s always scanning the floor trying to find the open man. He gets so many hockey assists that you won’t see on a stat sheet. LaMothe’s passing arsenal is diverse. His creativity is unique. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="531258" first="Jalen" last="Miller"] | Bishop Walsh ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="531258" first="Jalen" last="Miller"]</strong> played a virtually perfect game to lead Bishop Walsh to a win over a top-25 team in the country, Legacy Early College. The physical Rutgers commit played his standard lockdown defense, consistently hunted paint touches, and found his shooters but scored at will when the opportunity presented itself. Miller hit 6 of 7 free throws which is an encouraging sign given his struggles from the charity stripe in previous games. </p> <p><strong>Manny Okitondo | Oak Hill Academy ’24</strong></p> <p>With foul trouble plaguing Oak Hill in a tight game against iSchool, Coach Smith went to highly-touted freshman <strong>Manny Okitondo</strong> late in regulation when he needed a rebound on a free throw. He proceeded to reward Coach Smith for trusting him. Okitondo recorded several key rebounds out of his area and a crucial block that kept his team alive.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902011" first="Ryan" last="Prather Jr."] | Bishop Walsh ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902011" first="Ryan" last="Prather Jr."]</strong>’s versatility was on full display during BW’s win over Legacy. His aggression on the boards was a welcome sight. Prather scored in a myriad of ways and was efficient with the ball. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902008" first="Jordan" last="Rayford"] | Bishop Walsh ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902008" first="Jordan" last="Rayford"]</strong> proved that he can be a potentially elite defender at a Division One program when he matched up with consensus top-25 recruit Bryce McGowens on Sunday. His physicality was superior to McGowens and he eventually wore him down after four quarters. This was the best Rayford has looked in a while and could be a catalyst to more outstanding performances in the future. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1107820" first="MJ" last="Rice"] | Oak Hill Academy ’22</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1107820" first="MJ" last="Rice"]</strong> asserted himself as the alpha dog on a balanced Oak Hill squad this weekend. The elite 2022 prospect is a threat to shoot from behind the arc but is unstoppable in the paint. Coach Smith likes to post Rice in close games because he’s usually able to score or draw a foul.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904621" first="Rodney" last="Rice"] | DeMatha ’22</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904621" first="Rodney" last="Rice"]</strong> has fit in seamlessly to DeMatha’s starting five. The threat of his shot opens the floor so much for his teammates. Rice is moving the ball quickly and decisively. He is also doing his due diligence on the boards. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798685" first="AJ" last="Williams"] | Oak Hill Academy ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798685" first="AJ" last="Williams"]</strong> reinforced his credentials as one of the top unsigned shooters in this region. Williams showcases picture-perfect form and he has ice water in his veins. He told Prep Hoops that GW and Virginia Tech are recruiting him hardest but his recruitment remains open.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798719" first="Dana" last="Woodley"] | Blue Magic ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798719" first="Dana" last="Woodley"]</strong> exhibited his high-level athleticism, motor, and ability to make shots for Blue Magic this weekend. Woodley is an elite competitor who is very productive now but who oozes upside. </p>