St. James Winter League: Saturday Takeaways

<p><em>SPRINGFIELD, VA</em> -- There was frankly too much going on for one person to watch everything that occurred at The St. James Winter League on Saturday. Nevertheless, here are four takeaways from a full slate of action. </p> <h5><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="697101" first="Darius" last="Johnson"] is unique</strong></h5> <p>It’s unfortunate that <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="697101" first="Darius" last="Johnson"]</strong> didn’t get one last go with Episcopal in the IAC, but he’s clearly ready for the next level. The UCF signee is an athletic marvel who routinely defends the opposing team’s best player. Johnson has extended his range to the point where he is a threat to pulling up and consistently make shots from anywhere inside half-court. But he is still most dangerous when bursting downhill and bouncing off foes like a bowling ball as he floats to the rim. </p> <h5><strong>Quality talent remains available in 2021</strong></h5> <p>The pandemic has undoubtedly had a negative overall impact on the recruitment of the 2021 class in particular. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902007" first="Jao" last="Ituka"]</strong> is one player who could’ve benefited from playing during an evaluation period. He was the catalyst for Team S.T.A.T. on Saturday. Ituka is tough as nails. He more confident with his shot than ever and is still able to get to the basket at will, and will dunk on someone if he needs to make it happen. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902032" first="Bobby" last="Hill"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1049646" first="Jamal" last="Ukaegbu"]</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902061" first="Jalen" last="Curtis"] </strong>are a trio of versatile, rangy forwards that comprise the S.T.A.T. frontcourt. All three of these young men have the potential to play college hoops at a high level. <strong>James Jones III</strong> is a newcomer from North Carolina who stood out for DC Evolution. He’s a relentless rebounder who plays bigger than he actually is. </p> <h5><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902025" first="Malcolm" last="Dread"] is trending up</strong></h5> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902025" first="Malcolm" last="Dread"]</strong> played one of his best games in recent memory on Saturday. One thing he is doing more frequently than in the past is making shots. Dread has apparently been working on that aspect of his game. His efforts on the defensive side should not be overlooked either. Dread initially broke onto the scene as a lockdown defender and continues to thrive in that role. </p> <h5><strong>2022 is deep</strong></h5> <p>The pool of 2022 prospects continues to showcase its depth. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962815" first="Charlie" last="Jackson"]</strong>, a lefty wing from Episcopal, is much improved. He’s growing into his body and playing above the rim on both ends. Jackson is a sniper from behind the arc but does not fear contact when attacking the paint. He’s aggressive on the glass and efficient with the ball. Another 2022 prospect who boosted his stock on Saturday was <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902006" first="Devin" last="Ceaser"]</strong>. Ceaser is a speed merchant who was a thorn in the DC Eagles’ side throughout the evening. He shot the ball well from the perimeter, competed defensively, and was dangerous in transition. His classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="815601" first="Garrett" last="Brennan"]</strong> made a difference with his shot-making and toughness. Brennan is a big guard who reads the game well and makes plays on both ends of the floor. </p>