Sleepy Thompson Thursday: Adam’s Takeaways

<p>It felt great to be back in the gym at the Sleepy Thompson after two years. As expected, the action lived up to the hype. Here’s what we learned on the opening night. </p> <h5 class="p1">Defense remains Sidwell’s calling card</h5> [caption id="attachment_1339665" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Rougier-Roane-Jalen-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1339665 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Rougier-Roane-Jalen-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Freshman Jalen Rougier-Roane is already tracking among the top prospects in his class[/caption] <p class="p1">Sidwell managed to double their lead after every quarter in their convincing win vs. Carmel. The Quakers opened it up in the third period during which they allowed just 5 points. Everyone did their part defensively, <a href="https://twitter.com/AyalewAdam/status/1466505973896564741?s=20">including</a> 2023 <strong>Chali Taylor</strong>. This Sidwell team has a chance to be dynamic offensively as well. This is in part because of the introduction of 2025 <strong>Jalen Rougier-Roane</strong> and 2024 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1127314" first="Caleb" last="Williams"]</strong>. </p> <h5 class="p1">Episcopal has a strong supporting cast</h5> [caption id="attachment_1339674" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Jock-Buom-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1339674 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Jock-Buom-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Introducing 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="958702" first="Buom" last="Jock"][/caption] <p class="p1">The only thing we knew about this year’s Episcopal squad heading into the season was that <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="815609" first="John" last="Loughlin"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962815" first="Charlie" last="Jackson"]</strong> would be a big part of the team. Little did we know the Maroon had reinforcements on deck. Minnesota native <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="958702" first="Buom" last="Jock"]</strong> was the standout among the group. The 6-foot-5 wing is a confident perimeter shooter who brings versatility defensively. North Carolina native <strong>CJ Johnson</strong> was another newcomer who impressed. Johnson is a 2023 prospect who plays extremely hard and has the tools to be a difference-maker on both ends. 2023 <strong>Malik Stute</strong> contributed with excellent on-ball defense at the point of attack.  And 2022 <strong>Derrick Anderson</strong> brings size, athleticism, and more versatility off the bench for Coach Fitzpatrick. </p> <h5 class="p1">STAB’s young prospects show potential</h5> [caption id="attachment_1339669" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Williford-Austin-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1339669 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Williford-Austin-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Freshman [player_tooltip player_id="1340929" first="Austin" last="Williford"] can be a potentially elite defender.[/caption] <p class="p1">Despite the disappointing result for STAB, 2025 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1340929" first="Austin" last="Williford"]</strong> and 2024 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1259624" first="Chance" last="Mallory"]</strong> managed to stand out. Williford is a defensive ace with a ridiculous wingspan and commendable instincts. He blocked multiple shots and nearly hit his head on the bottom of the backboard a couple of times while doing so. Williford is also capable of knocking down an open three from the corner or the wing. Mallory’s performance was marred by foul trouble, but the way he responded shows how resilient he is. He did the most with his minutes and applied relentless pressure on his opponents throughout the contest. </p> <h5 class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="902006" first="Devin" last="Ceaser"] goes bonkers vs. Collegiate</h5> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="902006" first="Devin" last="Ceaser"] caught fire in front of the packed home stands on Thursday night. The degree of difficulty on some of his made shots was a 10 out of 10. Running full speed, then stopping on a dime and pulling up. Unbelievable. Collegiate had an unsigned senior guard who deserves mention. 2022 <strong>Jalen Pierce </strong>held it down offensively. The lefty is a confident shooter from three who gets also to his spots from mid-range. </p> <h5 class="p1">Nightcap does not disappoint</h5> <p class="p1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904652" first="Cam’ron" last="Brown"]</strong> can flat-out play. Archbishop Carroll’s reliable lead guard controlled the tempo on both ends throughout <a href="https://twitter.com/AyalewAdam/status/1466592626291851264?s=20">this competitive contest</a>. Despite the loss, sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1259631" first="Patrick" last="Ngongba"]</strong>’s performance was a memorable one. The long-armed 6-foot-10 center shined in front of a bevy of division one coaches including Georgetown’s Patrick Ewing and George Mason’s Kim English. Ngongba’s combination of physical traits along with his skill base and feel for the game make him unique. The Hawks have a promising young core around their big man. 2023’s <strong>Cam Cole </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="999645" first="Patrick" last="O’Brien"] </strong>along with 2024’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1259618" first="Isaiah" last="Abraham"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1339892" first="Julian" last="Rivera"]</strong> are some other names to know. </p>