St. James NIBC: MLK Weekend Top MD/VA Performers
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SPRINGFIELD, VA — 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. Camryn Carter Camryn Carter 6'2" | CG Oak Hill…
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Continue ReadingSPRINGFIELD, VA — 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.
Camryn Carter Camryn Carter 6'2" | CG Oak Hill Academy | 2021 State VA | Oak Hill Academy ’21
Camryn Carter Camryn Carter 6'2" | CG Oak Hill Academy | 2021 State VA 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.
Ismail Habib Ismail Habib 6'0" | PG Bishop Walsh | 2021 State MD | Bishop Walsh ’21
Ismail Habib Ismail Habib 6'0" | PG Bishop Walsh | 2021 State MD ’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.
DeShawn Harris-Smith DeShawn Harris-Smith 6'5" | SF Paul VI | 2023 State #53 Nation VA | Paul VI ’23
One thing you can expect from DeShawn Harris-Smith DeShawn Harris-Smith 6'5" | SF Paul VI | 2023 State #53 Nation VA is maximum effort. He’s a versatile defender who made all types of impact plays on both ends of the court for the Panthers.
Elijah Hawkins Elijah Hawkins 5'9" | PG DeMatha | 2021 State MD | DeMatha ’21
Elijah Hawkins Elijah Hawkins 5'9" | PG DeMatha | 2021 State MD 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.
Jordan Hawkins Jordan Hawkins 6'5" | SF DeMatha | 2021 State #41 Nation MD | DeMatha ’21
One word to describe Jordan Hawkins Jordan Hawkins 6'5" | SF DeMatha | 2021 State #41 Nation MD 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.
Byron Ireland Jr. Byron Ireland Jr. 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2021 State MD | Baltimore Panthers ’21
There’s a common misconception about Byron Ireland Jr. Byron Ireland Jr. 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2021 State MD 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.
Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #204 Nation MD | Baltimore Panthers ’23
Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #204 Nation MD 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.
Jalen Miller Jalen Miller 6'2" | PG Bishop Walsh | 2021 State #151 Nation MD | Bishop Walsh ’21
Jalen Miller Jalen Miller 6'2" | PG Bishop Walsh | 2021 State #151 Nation MD 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.
Manny Okitondo | Oak Hill Academy ’24
With foul trouble plaguing Oak Hill in a tight game against iSchool, Coach Smith went to highly-touted freshman Manny Okitondo 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.
Ryan Prather Jr. Ryan Prather Jr. 6'3" | CG Bishop Walsh | 2021 State MD | Bishop Walsh ’21
Ryan Prather Jr. Ryan Prather Jr. 6'3" | CG Bishop Walsh | 2021 State MD ’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.
Jordan Rayford Jordan Rayford 6'5" | SF Bishop Walsh | 2021 State MD | Bishop Walsh ’21
Jordan Rayford Jordan Rayford 6'5" | SF Bishop Walsh | 2021 State MD 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.
MJ Rice | Oak Hill Academy ’22
MJ Rice 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.
Rodney Rice Rodney Rice 6'4" | CG DeMatha | 2022 State #89 Nation MD | DeMatha ’22
Rodney Rice Rodney Rice 6'4" | CG DeMatha | 2022 State #89 Nation MD 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.
AJ Williams AJ Williams 6'1" | SG Oak Hill Academy | 2021 State VA | Oak Hill Academy ’21
AJ Williams AJ Williams 6'1" | SG Oak Hill Academy | 2021 State VA 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.
Dana Woodley Dana Woodley 6'4" | SG John Marshall | 2021 State VA | Blue Magic ’21
Dana Woodley Dana Woodley 6'4" | SG John Marshall | 2021 State VA 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.