Roundtable: All-Junior Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Earlier this week, we released our selections for preseason All-Senior Teams for the 2022-23 season. As usual this wasn't an easy list to cut down, so we wanted to shed light on some players who just missed the cut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1589487,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/Williams-Isaiah-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/09/Williams-Isaiah-300x225.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1589487"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. <strong>Who was the guard who just missed making the list?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giacubeno: [player_tooltip player_id='1127301' first='Isaiah' last='Williams'] of Rosedale Christian Academy should put together a sturdy season statistically for the revamped Panthers. He'll act as the lead guard and playmaker working in high ball screens with regularity. His aggressive scoring mentality could mean for some big outings as the program looks to put their stamp on the area. Another name that could catch some momentum here is [player_tooltip player_id='1127307' first='Andrew' last='Dixon'] of Mt. Carmel. As the Cougars look to replace the mass production left behind by Deon Perry (Loyola MD), Dixon will take over those responsibilities. He's a guy who can impact the game on both sides of the ball from the point guard position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ayalew: Dante Mayo Jr. of Richard Montgomery comes to mind. He had a big summer at DeMatha and is on our radar as a result.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1425994,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Marable-Malchiah-Head-Shot.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/04/Marable-Malchiah-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1425994"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. <strong>Who was a wing/forward that ended up being on the outside looking in?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giacubeno: [player_tooltip player_id='1489021' first='Lynn' last='King III'] is set up to have a strong junior campaign based off the his performances in showcases to end the summer combined with his play in different settings this fall. The 6-foot-7 forward is long, versatile option with a budding skillset on the offensive end. He's a guy who will make an impact in the scoring column while doing his due diligence on the glass and altering shots in the painted area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player who comes to mind is Maret's [player_tooltip player_id='1225263' first='Malchiah' last='Marable']. Still flying under the radar, Marable has an intriguing frame at 6-foot-9 that's paired with good footwork while operating on the block. He can step out and hit the occasional mid-range jumper as well. With his size and length, he's a viable option to anchor a defense down low. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ayalew: Manny Okitondo of Bishop Walsh. Ultimately, the success of his team will determine where he falls on this list come postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. <strong>Which player was the toughest one to place?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Giacubeno: It took some discussion when deciding where to place [player_tooltip player_id='1127309' first='Donavan' last='Freeman']. He certainly has the talent to ability to be a no-brainer first team selection, but we decided to go with his teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1089572' first='Daquan' last='Davis'] for the final spot. Freeman's size, length and athleticism could result in routine double-doubles. If he can play with the edge that we are hoping for and St. John's (DC) makes a run at the WCAC title, it'll make the postseason placement of Freeman much easier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ayalew: Donnie Freeman. One could argue he should be on first team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->