BCL Preview and Prediction

I feel very comfortable admitting this was the hardest year in predicting how the BCL standing will end up. We’re set to have the most exciting year in this league in recent memory and getting this list together was like splitting hairs. Ultimately, I believe it’ll come down to experience and role players to claim the regular season title. The playoffs however, could be a completely different story. Without further ado.. 1. Archbishop Spalding Last year’s record: 12-3 (5-2 in BCL); finished in 2nd My reasoning: The Cavs have the best player in the league in [player_tooltip player_id="837927" first="Cameron" last="Whitmore"]. The Villanova signee proved himself as a top 20 (and I would argue a top 15) player in the country this summer. Whitmore could’ve took his talents to a number of powerhouse prep programs, but is determined to bring a championship home to Spalding. [player_tooltip player_id="1198795" first="CJ" last="Scott"] will be an x-factor for this team. If he provides consistent production, it further bolsters my argument for them being the top team. [player_tooltip player_id="954640" first="Jordan" last="Pennick"] is arguably the league’s best perimeter defender and provides floor spacing while others such as [player_tooltip player_id="904646" first="Tyheil" last="Peterson"], [player_tooltip player_id="904660" first="Josh" last="Rivers"], [player_tooltip player_id="1127303" first="RJ" last="Newton"] and Malik Washington will be critical as rotation players. 2. Mount St. Joseph Last year’s record: 10-3 (5-2 in BCL); finished in 3rd My reasoning: Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="1127305" first="Bryson" last="Tucker"] emerged as a national prospect this summer and has real argument for being the top 2024 prospect in the country. His overall progression, experience gained with Team USA and the fact that he grew to 6’6-6’7 all contribute to why so many high major programs see him as a future NBA player. Junior forward Amani Hanberry transferring to the Gaels is a game-changer in itself. At 6-foot-8 he’s a dominant force in the paint with pristine footwork and feel as both a scorer and passer. Look for him to showcase more versatility than we’ve seen in the past two seasons as well. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id="1110551" first="Aidan" last="Mess"] is a workhorse on the glass and like Hansberry, can provide versatility in the frontcourt. Production from others such as [player_tooltip player_id="1049863" first="Ace" last="Valentine"], [player_tooltip player_id="957059" first="Austin" last="Abrams"] and others off the bench will ultimately determine how high the Gaels end up in the standings. Add the the equation that they have a Hall of Fame head coach in Pat Clatchey, and I like my chances on Mount St. Joe flexing their muscles in the league this season. 3. St. Frances Last year’s record: 15-1 (7-0 in BCL); finished in 1st My reasoning: It’s feels crazy to put the Panthers in third and I’ll more than likely regret it considering their past success, but losing the size inside from last season could make for a challenging 2021-22. They countered with absolutely loading up in the backcourt with elite guard play that will come from [player_tooltip player_id="777095" first="Bryce" last="Lindsay"], [player_tooltip player_id="957025" first="Jahnathan" last="Lamothe"], [player_tooltip player_id="1114066" first="Carlton" last="Carrington"], [player_tooltip player_id="1089572" first="Daquan" last="Davis"] and Tyler Jackson. 6-foot-7 forward [player_tooltip player_id="1110545" first="Cortez" last="Johnson"] will be expected to hold down the inside and is capable to win individual matchups against players of his size. They’ll overwhelm teams in the league with defensive pressure and shot-making ability. 4. John Carroll Last year’s record 11-5 (3-4 in BCL) finished in 6th My reasoning: The easy thing do to with rankings is to put whatever team won the league the previous year in first. If you have read my content in the past, you know I don’t exactly follow the politically correct path. With that being said, we saw the Patriots make one of the most impressive runs to the BCL title last season led by the tandem of senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="837919" first="Tyson" last="Commander"] and junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="957030" first="Jeannot" last="Basima"], both who will return to the lineup this year. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id="1215151" first="Cesar" last="Tchilombo"] has established himself as a dominant defensive presence and an elite rebounder. Where my questions come in is replacing the production and intangibles left behind by Jalen Bryant (Kutztown). Can [player_tooltip player_id="904680" first="TJ" last="Vaughn"] step up and maintain steady command as a floor general? Will [player_tooltip player_id="1159451" first="Terry" last="Long"] emerge as a valuable weapon? These questions are why I have the Patriots lower than most but as they did last season, I’m ready to be proven wrong. 5. Mount Carmel Last year’s record: 11-4 (4-3 in BCL); finished in 4th My reasoning: The Cougars are the most polarizing team for me. I could make arguments to have them in the top three considering they have the state’s top point guard in [player_tooltip player_id="904628" first="Deon" last="Perry"]. They also welcome a slew of new faces in sharpshooting transfer hailing from Argentina in Drazen Sinigoj, a do-it-all type of wing/forward in Allen Mordi and one of the more promising young bigs in the country in Luke Bamgboye. They return junior forward [player_tooltip player_id="1164829" first="Mitchell" last="Kalu"], junior forward Omarion Reid and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="1127307" first="Andrew" last="Dixon"]. Other additions such as junior guard Danny Parsons, sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="957034" first="Tjay" last="Beckles"], sophomore guard Dwayne Williams and freshman guard Rodney Scott all have a chance to play a role in what will be the deepest rotation in the BCL. 6. Loyola Last year’s record: 8-6 (3-4 in BCL); finished in 5th My reasoning: The return of [player_tooltip player_id="904648" first="Gavin" last="Walsh"] was huge for the Dons, who lacked a true playmaker in their lineup. Getting him into the mix also solves some size issues in the frontcourt, but Walsh and senior forward Charlie Hepting should form a formidable duo in that regard. The key with Loyola will be what kind of guard play they manufacture from a number of guys who aren’t the most experienced in BCL play. 7. Goretti Last year’s record: 6-8 (1-6 in BCL); finished in 7th My reasoning: Goretti has an intriguing frontcourt duo in [player_tooltip player_id="904636" first="Jordan" last="Nkoa-Abessolo"] and [player_tooltip player_id="904627" first="Jordan" last="Green"]. They’ll both be vital in Goretti having success against the lower end teams in the league. Guard play is the biggest question with this team. 8. Calvert Hall Last year’s record: 5-9 (0-7 in BCL); finished in 8th My reasoning: First year head coach Gary Neal steps in and will have a challenge on his hands. On paper, Calvert Hall has a chance to pull off a couple of wins over some of the lower end teams in the league thanks to junior [player_tooltip player_id="957020" first="Mike" last="Williams"], junior [player_tooltip player_id="957105" first="Karim" last="Harris"], junior [player_tooltip player_id="957039" first="Samartine" last="Bogues"] and sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id="1127301" first="Isaiah" last="Williams"].