Stevenson U Team Camp Takeaways

Over the weekend Stevenson University hosted its team camp. I was in attendance for a solid slate of games on Saturday and walked away with a few takeaways as we gear up for the 2023-24 season.   St. Andrew's primed for a big season   Last season, St. Andrew's Episcopal surfaced as one of the better teams in the DMV and it looks like they'll be even better this season. They return several returners from last year's roster in 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1366891' first='Xander' last='Alarie'], 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1114028' first='Jayden' last='Brown'], 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='2333477' first='Holden' last='Pierre-Louis'], 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1782590' first='Lawrence' last='Brown'] and 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='2252266' first='Karon' last='Bailey'] while key addition such as 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1956023' first='RJ' last='Roche'] and 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1489079' first='Miles' last='Franklin'] will insert themselves immediately at high-level producers. Roche stood out throughout Saturday's two wins with his lethal three-point shooting. Franklin was active in passing lanes and used his versatility and athleticism to help his team to convincing victories.   Gwynn Park ready to make a push in PG County   On paper, Gwynn Park was a more talented team last year than what they'll put on the floor this season, but the cohesion this group of guys plays with has a chance to make them an overall better team. George Washington commit Ty Bevin was superb in leading the Yellow Jackets to two wins on Saturday as the 6-foot-5 combo guard controlled the game as a primary playmaker. He made countless dishes off the live dribble to cutting or streaking teammates in stride for easy looks. When operating in the mid-post, Bevins sprayed skip passes to opposite corner shooters and when he earned a free look at the basket himself, he made sure to take advantage with efficient shooting. Others such as 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1286685' first='Tony' last='Pope Jr.'] and 2024 guard Demarcus Daniel were impressive in their contributions.   Other prospects that stood out   Along the time spent in the gym, there were a few others who stood out and deserve to be highlighted from other teams that participated. 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1411084' first='Jake' last='Tringone'] is a guy who has really improved over the calendar year. Now standing somewhere between 6'6-6'7, he's a double-double any time he takes the floor with Sandy Springs. He plays within the system and understands what makes others around him better. He'll score it efficiently in post-ups or in the mid-range, make good finds as a passer from the top of the key and is willing to crash the offensive glass hard for second-chance opportunities. Tringone has become a prospects that a few elite Division II and Division III programs are locked in on.   2025 Loyola Blakefield guard [player_tooltip player_id='1598809' first='Mason' last='Ellison'] led the way from a scoring perspective in the Dons' two wins. The 6-foot-4 guard can score it from multiple levels and with his fluidity, makes the process look quite effortless at times. No matter the score, Ellison keeps his foot on the gas and is always looking to showcase his scoring prowess. Ellison's backcourt mate in 2025 point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1371868' first='Marlon' last='Williams'] caught my eye as well. A 5-foot-10 point guard who brings some dog and fight to both ends of the floor, Williams is extremely quick end-to-end with the ball. He'll get to the rim in a flash and doesn't shy away from contact in the air. Whenever the ball goes through the net, he's looking to provide full court pressure to the opposing ball handler up until the final buzzer sounds.   2025 Sherwood guard [player_tooltip player_id='2148786' first='Evin' last='Thompson'] is always a joy to watch because of the energy that he brings to the floor. He's a 6-foot-1 guard with a strong, college-ready frame. He has a tight handle that he uses to attack his defender and counters to relieve pressure in any given scenario. Thompson can score with volume, but elects to make the right play and get great shots for others rather than settling for a good shot even if that means making the extra pass. Thompson communicates consistently, helps out on the glass and leads by example. All of which are reasons to support Sherwood being potential threats in the Class 4A this winter.   John Carroll duo shows promise   The Patriots were without one of their top prospects, 2026 [player_tooltip player_id='1782586' first='Aidan' last='Able'], on Saturday which allowed the 2025 duo of Caden Chinnia-Faline and [player_tooltip player_id='1495115' first='Theartis' last='Battle'] to man the scoring production. Chinnia-Faline has steadily improve since his summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2078457' first='Team' last='Durant'] 16U and it'll show in his uptick in per game numbers this season. He's 6-foot-3 with good burst off the bounce, but also possesses the balance to stop on a dime and cash in on pull-ups even when contested. Battle's arc on his jumper has a chance to skim the ceiling in John Carroll's gym this year, but splashes the net emphatically when it drops. The consistency that Battle's form shows whether he's open or being contested is a testament to the off-season work he's put in. When the trio if Chinna-Faline, Battle and Able are rolling on all cylinders, the Patriots will be a team that will have a chance to sneak out big wins.

Over the weekend Stevenson University hosted its team camp. I was in attendance for a solid slate of games on Saturday and walked away with a few takeaways as we gear up for the 2023-24 season.