Roundtable: All-Sophomore Teams
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Earlier this week, we released our selections for preseason All-Sophomore Teams for the 2022-23 season. Considering the amount of talent in this given class, it wasn’t an easy list to cut down, so we wanted to shed light on some…
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Continue ReadingEarlier this week, we released our selections for preseason All-Sophomore Teams for the 2022-23 season. Considering the amount of talent in this given class, it wasn’t an easy list to cut down, so we wanted to shed light on some players who just missed the cut.
1. Who was the guard who just missed making the list?
Giacubeno: If you’ve kept up with my articles throughout the summer and fall, you’ll know that I think highly of Mason Ellison. While his all-around game is coming together (and he has plenty of time), his impact for a younger Loyola Blakefield squad will be imperative this season if they want to make a push in the MIAA and BCL. Ellison has good positional size as a combo guard at 6’3-6’4 to go with athleticism, fluidity and a dependable jumper. This class is headlined by some potential blue chip prospects, but it’s important for guys like Ellison to not go unnoticed.
Ayalew: David Bumpass David Bumpass 6'3" | SF Friendship Tech | 2025 State MD will probably feel that he was snubbed from this list. He has a valid argument. He was a key contributor for a championship team last year.
2. Who was a wing/forward that ended up being on the outside looking in?
Giacubeno: The one that comes to mind immediately for me is Gonzaga’s Alex Touonmo. He’s one of the more intriguing players for me in this entire class due to his great frame at 6’5 and indications that he will still grow a couple inches before taking his talents to college. I look for him to play a respectable role that continues to grow this season for head coach Steve Turner and as that occurs, his development will benefit immensely.
Ayalew: Severn’s Jacob Randall Jacob Randall 6'3" | SF Severn | 2025 State MD was tough to omit. He had a great freshman year. We’ll still keep a close eye on Randall’s progress moving forward.
3. Which player was the toughest one to place?
Giacubeno: I’m going with Derek Dixon Derek Dixon 6'4" | SG Gonzaga | 2025 State #153 Nation MD here. Another Gonzaga sophomore, Dixon could emerge as Gonzaga’s second best sophomore next to Nyk Lewis this season. A dual-sport standout, the 6’4-6’5 guard has a great physical frame and is able to make the defense pay with his jumper from three. He also is an underrated passer and can deliver dishes with accuracy off the dribble. Defensively, his size and athleticism play a role in his overall versatility.
Ayalew: Derek Dixon Derek Dixon 6'4" | SG Gonzaga | 2025 State #153 Nation MD was a tough one to place. One could argue he should be on second team and based on what we saw recently, that could be validated.