Catholic League Update: ‘22 MVP Race

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The regular season is over in the PCL and this is the most competitive the league has been in years due to how talented everyone is. Roman’s 6’6 seniors wing [player_tooltip player_id="901951" first="Daniel" last="Skillings"] is the statistical favorite after his second season leading the league in scoring (19.3 pts/g). But I think there are six other players who can make a strong case.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Samuel Brown IV | La Salle 6’2 G</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Explorers were able to grind their way into the top 6 with upset wins over Archbishop Wood and Archbishop Ryan, and Sam has been leading the way. Versus Wood, he put up 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. When the Viking found success containing him on drives, Brown IV posted up his defenders and scored that way, in addition to facilitating down on the low block. They may be the 5 seed going into the playoffs, but Sam’s 15.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game give them a fighting chance to win it all.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="991334" first="Xzayvier" last="Brown"] | Roman Catholic 6’2 G</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On paper, X may not even be the front-runner on his own team to claim the league MVP award. But the eye test shows how integral he is to their team’s success. Brown has been the consummate floor general, controlling the pace and score at all times. Even though he only averages 14.4 points, his league-leading 6.1 assists evidences how he consistently gets guys like Skillings and Farmer (Hofstra-commit) the ball in position to score. He’s almost equally impactful on the other end with 3.2 steals and 5.1 deflections per game.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="1121735" first="Adam" last=""Budd" Clark"] | West Catholic 5’9 G</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">West Catholic has been on a rampage since their loss to Roman, picking up tough wins on the road. Budd scored 20 points to go along with 10 assists and 5 steals at Wood. Every time the Vikings tried to claw their way back, the Burrs PG threw jabs to keep them at bay by forcing turnovers and getting high percentage looks in the paint. As the engine of that team, Budd’s masterful performance helped them claim the number two seed going into the PCL playoffs. On the season, he averages 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists. 3.1 steals, and 76.5% on FTs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="991202" first="Justin" last="Moore"] | Archbishop Wood 6’2 G</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After losing five college scholarship players (4 D1), Wood claiming the third seed in the PCL is a testament to the coaching of John Mosco and the play of J-Moore. Justin was more so picking his spots earlier in the season but has begun running the show lately. Prior to losing to West Catholic on Friday, Wood held the #1 spot. The next day, Moore led them with a 26-point, 11-assist double-double, plus 6 rebounds and 4 blocks in a bounce back win over Neumann-Goretti. He’s now up to 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="1213553" first="Thomas" last="Sorber"] | Archbishop Ryan 6’9 C</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you’re watching the game or looking at the advanced numbers, Sorber has been one of the five best players in the PCL this season. He consistently gets it done on both ends of the floor with his touch and footwork in the post. The two-way big man averages 16.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks. He’s simply a force that other teams have struggled to find answers for. As a result, the Raiders have a legit shot at bringing home a chip this year and a MVP trophy for Thomas.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="1116063" first="Robert" last="Wright III"] | Neumann-Goretti 6’0 G</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With Rob being their primary bucket getter, the Saints have surged to fourth in the standings after a three-week layoff. One of Wilmington’s finest, Wright III is currently tied with Skillings for the scoring title at 19.3 points/game to go along with his 5.1 boards and 4.5 assists. The points in the paint and catch-and-shoot ability (41.7% 3FG). In must-win games versus Archbishop Ryan on the road and Devon Prep, he put up 18 points in each. Rob may be a sophomore, but making it to the final dance at the Palestra would solidify his candidacy for MVP.</span></p> <p>For more basketball coverage, follow me on IG &amp; Twitter @CGraham_Sports</p>