WCAC Season Preview

Welcome to our season preview for the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference for the upcoming 2023-2024 season, the premier high school basketball league in the nation. This season saw the league transform quite a bit with the influx of talent coming into the league both via transfers and true freshman. Last season's tournament produced an iconic game play out in the championship round between defending champion Paul VI and the St. John's Cadets. The backcourt combo of [player_tooltip player_id='1089572' first='Daquan' last='Davis'] and Malik Mack combined with Donnie Freeman to lift the Cadets to a huge win down the stretch, securing the first WCAC championship victory for longtime Coach Pat Behan (please consider donating to support Coach Behan in his fight with ALS <a href="https://www.behanstrong.com/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>)   This season's WCAC race seems to be more open past the top 4 teams in the league, dive in with me as we break down each team ahead of the upcoming season.     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/lqDrahjGwNyNVoDutUKSLwWj5LS-1n0-X7YlrTLVSEX2M0acTKtP9pVB3wsbOythYhqY9Hp5d_2fwn8uTbkzSoyIH0r3RP_AImhGqWaWF5QdzqTOaB7i7KSS8iTJ-qTgkTKagprTEMrooq_qZK9QmpiBO-z2LPod-n8TxEB1_m-7vmyRKPsdvfBgTYPZrtFrpc7BVOeL0b8-1fA5IlJLF_fXgFwpXHYCrbJdykvQOVyOG_S-55NQgMUDJpLt3Hay31OFnFPS5q86OiMU0fBP-NZ3ZI18Uqd9hytuPdzXe6bh2JU=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/e160e4f14d8a4733b18e406e1193d3b8/eyJ3ZWJwIjowfQ%3D%3D/1.jpeg?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=Uo5n31ap6p_JBkMzn0Ljd7MQ2FJXQhYmyAL42H2eDO8%3D" alt="" style="width:263px;height:auto" /></figure>   1. Gonzaga Purple Eagles   Last season: 25-8, 8-6 6th WCAC   Projected starters:   Nyk Lewis (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1370496' first='Derek' last='Dixon'] (JR)   Will Harper (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1434219' first='Alex' last='Touomou'] (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1409272' first='Christian' last='Gurdak'] (JR)   Key losses: Ryan Sabol (graduated), Jack Cadin (graduated), [player_tooltip player_id='1370003' first='Daniel' last='Holmes'] (football)   Key additions:  [player_tooltip player_id='1409272' first='Christian' last='Gurdak'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='2353547' first='Jymin' last='Veney'] (FR), [player_tooltip player_id='1782769' first='Saxton' last='Simley'] (JV), [player_tooltip player_id='1784445' first='Carter' last='Meadows'] (JV)   The Purple Eagles will be a surprise pick for some, but with the bulk of Coach Turner's squad returning plus the seamless fit of the conference's biggest internal transfer in Gurdak-- Gonzaga looks primed to turn some heads around the country with the best backcourt in the area (as well as the second best frontcourt). Gurdak's arrival will bump Touomou into his more natural role on the wing as a stretch four, but his ability to distribute from the high post as well as score/rebound from the low post should improve Gonzaga's ability to execute in the halfcourt. The guard tandem of Dixon and Lewis is a year older and with the emergence of Dixon as a facilitator, will provide more matchup issues in addition to kicking the offensive pace into high gear. Will Harper serves as both a lob target and a C+S threat from beyond the arc, teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2231719' first='Blake' last='Harper'] (who has grown to 6'5 over the past year) will provide secondary ball-handling as well as red-hot shooting from distance. The cohesiveness, continuity, and versatility of lineups will make it difficult to gameplan against this team.     The Purple Eagles hit their ceiling if: Touomou is assertive+ consistent   <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/0-7pukzNHUQggmR5-XKAF5uJ3xy1ySu1um3oOM0t-8W-FZa5XxqiujWi9BIBzmkFFOinLmYlUOEl6W_Iz7PNHsxKj1aT0EMGaJcYfS3rG9g1EjYZN97j0XAHFQDSzqB0IITXhdVg_U7Hm8hRvcCbhslszhnUIV_jHnp5Ee-ZtUuShUa2APysDMrcomsvXi8LWIFC2fkPjDqEGZdpLsX6xeuCtqeRpcLmbtvotmYvcJWs0MyPsIg9r9CLqxB0jeiQhAaI0Z8yVDUsI5VEVuL6nyNAA1FekDYZTCIGtOAAuq3pfHM=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/0ede08c8955b47eda3964f49511d75de/eyJ3ZWJwIjowfQ%3D%3D/1.jpeg?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=GtLkpjGIoxQIK-xTHBO0Iv0H7O8_YfLHWHMSUIAyJxE%3D" alt="" style="width:243px;height:auto" /></figure>   2. Paul VI Panthers   Last season: 29-3, 15-0 1st WCAC   Projected starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='1259542' first='Ben' last='Hammond'] (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='2148767' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] Jr. (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='1259620' first='Darren' last='Harris'] (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1259618' first='Isaiah' last='Abraham'] (SR)   Patrick Ngongba (SR)   Key losses: DeShawn Harris-Smith (graduated), [player_tooltip player_id='1409272' first='Christian' last='Gurdak'] (transfer)   Key additions: [player_tooltip player_id='1956071' first='Adlan' last='Elamin'], [player_tooltip player_id='2146762' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] (JV), [player_tooltip player_id='1782691' first='Jordan' last='Hunter'] (JV), [player_tooltip player_id='2347772' first='Jake' last='Bahr'] (JV)   While the Panthers only graduated one player it was a huge piece in 4-year starter DeShawn Harris-Smith, who leaves behind a sizable hole as a gritty defender that can guard 1-5 at the HS level as well as serving as the go-to scorer whenever PVI needed a bucket. The Panthers' season will be dictated by how well they replace his production but also his vocal leadership on the floor, as Coach Farello will likely funnel most of their offense through Duke commit Pat Ngongba in the low post. I expect Smith to step into the role as the team's best perimeter defender, as the 6'2 G (+6 wingspan) has shown the ability to be a lockdown defender in his freshman season as well as the AAU circuit running with [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover']. The go-to scorer role will likely be split between the senior tandem of Ngongba and Harris, although I'm interested in seeing how they create their own shot on an island against an opponent's top defender. Hammond and sophomore floor general Ant Brown excel at bursting through gaps in the defense and creating for others. The trio of Abraham/Sundra/Womack serves as an incredibly versatile forward rotation that defends, finishes plays around the basket, and crashes the glass at both ends. PVI at times played through Ngongba in the low post but more often seemed to want to score in transition and in a continuity ball movement offense-- I think their best course of action will be to play through their 5-star center this season. Additionally, PVI will have big shoes to fill with top assistant Lamar Butler taking a college job with his alma mater this off-season (George Mason). Butler was integral to the development of PVI's guards in addition to his play-calling, recruiting, and scouting duties. I expect that the PVI staff, with the addition of Demar Morine, will work out the kinks and pilot this team to a great season under veteran coach Glenn Farello.   The Panthers hit their ceiling if: [player_tooltip player_id='1259618' first='Isaiah' last='Abraham'] steps into an enhanced role as a lockdown defender and assertive offensive weapon     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/i4ZUR9sEFmIqREhR4xWEi1XVU5fxczWOHPb-nQVzW9ZZ3akAOMfsiVUrP8Q8881ISAxhiHJ9IL-mboC07x9tAntcs0VdeFzu8yrYBKV2xD4GAaPTYVXUjw4kz6VFcBaH7xu9bzMUHp-tQXdTqLcs0kNxj9KF0lYQMK6U3k_y5dWB0rnpFhmjMefU4IarKIVoYXwO7jX0Uvjf5flLJl5ob2eA-jfu2kCoLkqnarGIDURLGzb5zfmBku0D06nA4Lus8f-tqmzC3SSf4XFx3l9q5xvR7rWIgDI9v10rR0y8KLiKRww=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/7f7ba5388c164dc2b4fab32323858c65/eyJ3ZWJwIjowfQ%3D%3D/1.jpeg?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=YzHR233kSrdHuznE_DpIZ7uizr2akeRtUS89bZom3tc%3D" alt="" style="width:290px;height:auto" /></figure>   3. DeMatha Catholic Stags   Last season: 18-12, 9-6 3rd in WCAC   Projected starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='1494077' first='Jacob' last='Wallace'] (JR)   Ace Meeks (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='1351693' first='Kade' last='Sebastian'] (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1579108' first='Cole' last='Bowser'] (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1370514' first='Malcolm' last='Thomas'] (SR)   Key losses: JJ Massaquoi (transfer), Jaden Winston (graduated), Isaiah Arnold (graduated), Mason So (graduated)   Key additions: Jamal McKnight (freshman), Derek "Bo" Daniels (freshman), [player_tooltip player_id='2450391' first='Solomon' last='Davis'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='2353578' first='Daniel' last='Abass'] (freshman), [player_tooltip player_id='2353574' first='Christian' last='Proctor'] (freshman)   The Stags graduate 13 (THIRTEEN!!) players from a team that I believe over-achieved last season, finishing a game out of 3rd place in year one of the Mike G. Jones era. Wallace will have the keys to the car this season as the team's best distributor and defender, the 2-sport athlete's feel on the floor will be incredibly important to the success of a DeMatha team full of players stepping into expanded roles. Meeks will provide shot-making ability from beyond the arc, with the wing tandem of Sebastian and Bowser getting to every loose ball, hitting shots, and defending at a high level. Thomas serves as the team's anchor at both ends of the floor, protecting the rim at the defensive end while finishing plays above it at the opposite end of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2231831' first='AJ' last='McClary'] looks poised to step into a big role this season as a vocal leader and scorer after providing a major boost as an energy role player off the bench last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1956027' first='Caden' last='Walton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2450391' first='Solomon' last='Davis'] will provide rebounding and shot-blocking ability off the bench. Interested in seeing what decisions the coaching staff will make with their quintet of impact freshman this season to throw them into the fire in limited roles their first season or allow more time/reps for development on the JV team. Of that group, I expect McKnight to play the biggest role as a dynamic floor general while Daniels will carve out a role as a shot-blocker, rebounder, and play-finisher around the rim as the season goes on   The Stags hit their ceiling if: [player_tooltip player_id='1370514' first='Malcolm' last='Thomas'] stays healthy     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Q2t8lv9ZKgPD4rY9fQ2VIgeNChmtVbyZ1baonH-ttUt0UMzrUeEpQ4Wee5YFOI3PffrrcKWThYy2_SlGCK4kApSqyWdFlJqd-gRek9KCP2ibaTNuD8rJY-nykAc3Q3QXRg3-SwurQS9Oqdg3jpn6SbnuBDKcZ7hQNgMZQIENUkC4i_Oj9l6zzwxEpjLJy05PfWnXU-cG-pLdYtccbgaZcGwueIT-TcQ4-_SWVuV2BMXeLaiDtQWZNbjbBXHhA6iGPhyy2FBDGcA9Be__muZL5zoJ0m7p1iMWgaA=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/3341568980b34e70b6fbb0fa3bd05579/eyJ3Ijo4MjB9/1.png?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=UX1ryzIstrDvj1c36Qi2kpYva-67sLTg7IRXAe9xSp0%3D" alt="" style="width:297px;height:auto" /></figure>   4. Bishop O'Connell Knights   Last season: 17-13, 9-6 4th in WCAC   Projected starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='1494106' first='Shane' last='Lincoln'] (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1782699' first='Quincy' last='Wadley'] (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='2232329' first='Bryson' last='Tucker'] (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1259625' first='Jadyn' last='Harris'] (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1127313' first='AJ' last='Swinton'] (SR)   Key losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1782695' first='Adam' last='Oumiddoch'] (OTE), [player_tooltip player_id='1956071' first='Adlan' last='Elamin']   Key additions: [player_tooltip player_id='2232329' first='Bryson' last='Tucker'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1127313' first='AJ' last='Swinton'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1494118' first='Wyatt' last='Norton'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1371866' first='Tim' last='Walker'] (transfer)   Coach Joe Wootten won his 500th game last season in year 24 and he looks primed to add 20+ to that win total this season behind a revamped roster. The Knights added the biggest local transfer in IMG's [player_tooltip player_id='2232329' first='Bryson' last='Tucker'], a 5-star shooting guard with 3-level scoring ability in addition to another highly-touted wing in Florida State-commit [player_tooltip player_id='1127313' first='AJ' last='Swinton']. The Knights also added a bruising forward in [player_tooltip player_id='1494118' first='Wyatt' last='Norton'], a versatile combo guard in [player_tooltip player_id='1371866' first='Tim' last='Walker'], and dynamic freshman point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2353606' first='Amani' last='Asare']. Do-it-all combo guards [player_tooltip player_id='1580731' first='Aiden' last='Caulker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1494106' first='Shane' last='Lincoln'] will combine to provide steady play-making and positional versatility on the defensive end of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1259625' first='Jadyn' last='Harris'] will bring his slashing and scoring abilities. 5-star sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1782699' first='Quincy' last='Wadley'] continues to impress as a scorer, facilitator, and high-level athlete fresh off of a Team USA invite. [player_tooltip player_id='2242373' first='Steve' last='Huan'] intrigues as a low-post finisher and rebounder. Coach Wootten will have the most talent he's had in years in Arlington, how much success the Knights experience will be dictated by the incorporation and gelling of new talent into offensive and defensive schemes.   The Knights hit their ceiling if: the ball moves     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/449bgSOqxiucNiHlPqdEJpIzsxk0z6aA_5O5r2CM4bCiqULHLtDPWTI58YtqLq3LzYnguYwonOCjTcUZGtr24sNtDKjIfQqkQ_Z4ITZxfJU0diXmiVTYeOURokziFQedLluyDsj8nZJzqtOsXKyuNpIL18Ozs0rha21qHu_UvyJeHg5T_v-RNfke_FoQyGTE5h6FAN6-lvji_NC350krKZWKws13ILY54sIgUgk-nR377Fkydl8tLAo949-978E7DBaSOMw-GqKEStwVLAvkWztNjxqUcV7kRBHqTS3WYstx_XozeuME=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/12bea81183d8472baef1dc12aeba112c/eyJ3Ijo4MjAsIndlYnAiOjB9/1.jpeg?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=9DByLOjV-BNtOMMZ3Asq6I6hxlt2QNl-5agGvrgeZs8%3D" alt="" style="width:244px;height:auto" /></figure>   5. McNamara Mustangs   Last season: 24-7, 9-5 3rd in WCAC   Projected starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='1370501' first='Jaren' last='Curtis'] (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1782655' first='Prince' last='Moody'] (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='1782660' first='Qayden' last='Samuels'] (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='1782594' first='Jalyn' last='Collingwood'] (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='1489024' first='Lugard' last='Edokpayi'] (SR)   Key additions: [player_tooltip player_id='2353549' first='Jordan' last='Taylor'] (freshman), [player_tooltip player_id='2458557' first='Jayden' last='Mills'] (freshman), [player_tooltip player_id='2242030' first='Flynn' last='Rillstone'] (junior)   Key departures: Jaden Johnson (graduated), Martin Somerville (transfer)   The transfer of Somerville to SCA for his senior year is a loss that bumps McNamara out of a top-3 echelon, but the Mustangs still have reason for optimism. A trio of '26 standouts in Moody/Samuels/Collingwood has laid the groundwork for sustained success for Coach Keithline in Forestville. Moody and Samuels provide perimeter scoring punch while Collingwood consistently puts pressure on the rim and fills the stat sheet. Incoming physical wing [player_tooltip player_id='2353549' first='Jordan' last='Taylor'] should provide immediate scoring and rebounding impact, while also surprising some with defensive versatility as a 6'5 freshman. Junior PG [player_tooltip player_id='1370501' first='Jaren' last='Curtis'] will need to take a leap offensively to replace the outgoing production, but at minimum he is arguably the area's top perimeter defender at the point guard position- showcasing that ability to force his matchup into turnovers and bad looks at the basket throughout the spring and summer. The tandem of Edokpayi and freshman F [player_tooltip player_id='2458557' first='Jayden' last='Mills'] should buoy the Mustangs on the low block. The addition of 6'8 junior [player_tooltip player_id='2242030' first='Flynn' last='Rillstone'] could push the Mustangs further towards WCAC contention and solidify them as a formidable defensive unit.   The Mustangs hit their ceiling if: Moody and Samuels are consistent and efficient on the offensive end     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/fhR0z_uUKSOkF8Z-7Bfw2qwNnwBGl4PZNizNSFkSrJLEedwvDeCUiZSXkmxxzcGywCAWRHTWnW0RlDSdh9_ZUSCkydeqpo8E0K9ml_XsiMu5IOXSNGPsjjeVd8u11ZNGeO60uebu_bqrypezji3niPw6wMvAUgQwjmFD_7wRw8v4Xd9E4mdtG8VrRg_yDwfNWo95dWUDW9DGaBOZe_ANZ_HRnXRgj79ITmDZe-8mcwUrgxNLk0lnmZeGENCBVPghrYcbjRM78cx1Tw3BW6mwVv6g1WagQ_I46NY=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/a66cc4d9efbe48c697eed6582c44912b/eyJ3Ijo4MjB9/1.png?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=HBkIptTaTnQB3AN7HRYmILTvDEFRSMSNn3h-NZzIYJU%3D" alt="" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></figure>   6. Archbishop Carroll Lions   Last season: 8-20, 2-12 9th in WCAC   Projected starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='1225262' first='Hassan' last='Dorman'] (SR)   Landry Barber (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1948342' first='Nate' last='Pondexter']- bard (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='2333581' first='Matar' last='Wade'] (SR) 6'8   [player_tooltip player_id='2340825' first='Liberty' last='Fusire'] (JR) 6'9   Key additions: Daylen Bolding (freshman), [player_tooltip player_id='1225262' first='Hassan' last='Dorman'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1948342' first='Nate' last='Pondexter'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='2333581' first='Matar' last='Wade'] (NBA Africa), [player_tooltip player_id='2340825' first='Liberty' last='Fusire'] (NBA Africa), Markel Thompson (transfer), Sean Murphy (Riverdale)   Coach Malcolm Battle takes over a Lions program with a completely new roster loaded with transfers. A pair of wiry post players with length from the NBA Africa program will anchor the Lions in 6'8 senior F [player_tooltip player_id='2333581' first='Matar' last='Wade'] and 6'9 JR F [player_tooltip player_id='2340825' first='Liberty' last='Fusire']. Transfer PG [player_tooltip player_id='1225262' first='Hassan' last='Dorman'] will spearhead an offense that will look to get easy points in transition. Landry Barber returns as the lone starter from a Carroll team that struggled in WCAC play last season. Expect the Lions to stay within striking distance against some of the formidable conference opponents on the strength of their defense and how hard they play on both ends of the floor.   The Lions hit their ceiling if: Dorman scores the ball at a high level     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci4.googleusercontent.com/proxy/yZIEKH2d-WgVP2-fkYRuEHjgKpC48u_VQkW6G2-P--3JyOLd6X7-jNfsKNcuYEGXXARGDX3Yk9v_KbUYlTuQt71pV7s8M-aJHYAOOUc4aY5Ti5ScrVMJq9Vx0CjHgWBc0efd_rxn0kJJ-ETJUYdlrfcO0EupIvfCKzOmo1-3fDI-YsX-4M90ftXq8c9LOJeLtHstsy7javT07zb_W6j-9Qlqk_8QBY8-z0B-rbYtKL-Z7KEjPd39vT7BLzdVpJcJGC-DmqOodQiWGWq73XOvDEBcOwITmjHw50Q=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/fe26e86063a34a518edf7c0aaa5422b4/eyJ3Ijo4MjB9/1.png?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=NzspJYYZD6Dbbhucq3LH5kE2ocIWknZnIn0Rabyr07E%3D" alt="" style="width:292px;height:auto" /></figure>   7. St. John's College Cadets   Last season: 29-2, 12-2 2nd in the WCAC   Projected starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='1782663' first='Devin' last='Toatley'] (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='1414529' first='Omari' last='Witherspoon'] (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1370499' first='Pete' last='Newman'] (JR)   Jonathan Barton (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1782593' first='Zyion' last='Chase'] (SO)   Key additions: [player_tooltip player_id='1782588' first='Finley' last='Billy'], [player_tooltip player_id='2353566' first='Oladeji' last='Olorungbohunmi']   Key losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1089572' first='Daquan' last='Davis'] (transfer), Donnie Freeman (transfer), Malik Mack (graduated), Tim Barton (graduated), Ray Watts (graduated)   Newly-minted interim coach Patrick O'Connor has his work cut out for him as he steps into a role leading a team that has lost all 5 starters from the '23 team that made a magical run through the WCAC tournament on the way to a championship. Carroll transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1414529' first='Omari' last='Witherspoon'] steps right into a leading role after a productive summer, picking up MM offers and interest with some HM schools beginning to pull up to offseason workouts to see him. Witherspoon's ability to distribute, score, and defend at a high level will be crucial to the success of the Cadets this season. Toatley will put pressure on the rim with physical drives to the basket, Chase will protect the paint as the rebounding lynchpin of the SJC defense. Newman and Billy will stretch the defense with their shooting ability from beyond the arc, [player_tooltip player_id='1969210' first='Geremy' last='Clark'] is poised to impress in an expanded role as a distributor and Olorungbohunmi will surprise some people with his physical tools and energy off the bench. This will be a plucky, competitive bunch that will give the top teams in the WCAC a run for their money night in and night out.   The Cadets hit their ceiling if: their shooters light it up consistently to open up driving lanes     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/if02nmBPl7dhL1XXRhN3KhQCQ3mhO_oXHujFLWCXlSN4wg2kIlN_r4OIzR5gBGPzHB-xkBcxht7PySWXoIxk6hOESxiWMlL8F_FeiHZWtIVQl8QwnpmSBaQ3Rv9SkNEwo08N0QCsBDlxAQYgodioEw3Xjc4i33DqKGMtOujcmy3VasC8mqGvjtD2Fl42S0HEz7KxR9D0H34GWEzTepTiHzb4mh56aZcY4ivus6pXQgN2_FZ5Lt0xRRUtNbWm6YC4NlC5EtjEC7Gu0oGQUx6mo1UEPRHZN_1emKz60iqgEhO2LnQ=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/44a449e0ecfe49ecbe6198b2d26a7e1b/eyJ3ZWJwIjowfQ%3D%3D/1.jpeg?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=fMduiY0w7hzlrK2Mkq-qqLVaeKpVYF34wONFnJAavpM%3D" alt="" style="width:254px;height:auto" /></figure>   8. Bishop Ireton Cardinals   Last season: 18-14, 4-10 8th in WCAC   Projected starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='1259546' first='Jamari' last='Hodnett'] (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1782690' first='Silas' last='Devonish'] (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='1768962' first='Mekhai' last='Johnson'] (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1782692' first='Ripp' last='Kodi'] (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='2353633' first='Matthew' last='Mena'] (FR)   The Cardinals enter the season a wildcard in the WCAC, heavily-reliant on their guard play and production from a pair of young bigs. Devonish is the straw that stirs the drink, a dynamic downhill PG that gets into gaps and stresses defenses from start to finish. Kodi and Mena provide a blend of perimeter shooting, paint scoring ability, and size on the backline. [player_tooltip player_id='1768962' first='Mekhai' last='Johnson'] was one of the biggest stock-risers of the summer, his shooting ability from beyond the arc on efficient splits will be key to the success of the Cardinals in league play this season. This young core will need to grow up in a hurry and provide consistent production in order to set up for a Cinderella run for this team in the postseason tournament.   The Cardinals hit their ceiling if: Devonish turns in an All-League season and his shooters knock down shots     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/KzZov0aH9xFaiergOnXMeiE9sQoJHY08iiZfjVw4VzDa7kqxjFQMufUGFrx3mCV0ocUpgvqzkLmM8NL1ziajw79kVnBK3Oi3zjH-rNkLc5QMSXTzY-YTomWLWw_wmzsLAdtSeYQWmSho96gJS4u2hxHVkDIXn6ReQfJU4VcY-osmVoZ3Ird2kJ0ZFWQxSKF1QnWHFZAM2J6y9vjSPMLIOxtPKBeZp_XmdZu4mP4qJnsMG6ivwjCg3M9chIEl5djtm3DYN8CrsgwuYsbUV0atuucA3_RT0EXxsN76uWjw8scjqmk=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/8f3293810c7842978cbb7fe90d0d11ab/eyJ3ZWJwIjowfQ%3D%3D/1.jpeg?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=xVjDl0AC3-XOpkO1PNArj-I1aOryBgG5gXnIbI2QibE%3D" alt="" style="width:260px;height:auto" /></figure>   9. Good Counsel Falcons   Previous season: 19-12, 8-7 7th in WCAC   Key losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1782659' first='Parker' last='Robinson'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1782657' first='Neiko' last='Mundey'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1225259' first='Jordan' last='Brathwaite'] (transfer), Rico Hellams (graduated), Corey Chesley (graduated)   Projected starters:   Elijah Wilson (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1413945' first='Justin' last='Bumbray'] (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='2241979' first='Jed' last='Barlow'] (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='2353535' first='Izzy' last='Tchoubfong'] (FR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1414531' first='Oliver' last='Spence'] (JR)   Good Counsel will trot out a lineup that returns only one starter, one of the area's top unsigned seniors in CG [player_tooltip player_id='1413945' first='Justin' last='Bumbray']. The athletic combo guard had a productive summer and will need to continue that upward trajectory in leading this Good Counsel team this season. Size will be a source of strength, as Good Counsel has Bumbray (6'4), [player_tooltip player_id='2241979' first='Jed' last='Barlow'] (6'6),  Tchoubgong (6'6) and [player_tooltip player_id='1414531' first='Oliver' last='Spence'] (6'8) running the floor this season. A trio of sophomores in Jamal Mansarray, [player_tooltip player_id='2148707' first='Joel' last='Beal'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2629848' first='Kyle' last='Logan'] will provide scoring punch off the bench while seniors Brent Wood and Les Johnson will provide balance and leadership for the second unit.   The Falcons hit their ceiling if: they dominate the glass and move the ball     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Lh4fsljvfHuHRGcsU8MtBfLhBgxbTe03FzfRlBEGubjvygcriT3NidZAtjrFY69NVrthY_a2taSPYfEqvXnVCQVXfCPF07gDDnyVOeO-VFX5KqNL7_iNI9eTZaRZRUpYSx44zjhxrbPAIa_cSn7EN6KqM_dPlsqFqlXKEMItUy9JGf0jXaMKWVTuqA_O2G5fNiC5FQZXbd1Z02P5js55dq-RDP5fLH2ILptrk3euPResxEFYomVzNFTrEKQonksPUfCV9Q75id62-DM3qkLaskHPkpY=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/1e29272c757e43f5bdd9e31816442717/e30%3D/1.png?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=YXEPDXN6ER82Prf4eopfRfgWEJSGB8sr_jyFk6tt-5k%3D" alt="" style="width:273px;height:auto" /></figure>   10. St Mary's Ryken Knights   Last season: 7-19, 3-12 10th in the WCAC   Projected starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='1759607' first='Noah' last='Rogers'] (SR)   Derrick Robinson (SO)   [player_tooltip player_id='2333686' first='Sonny' last='Howard'] (SR)   [player_tooltip player_id='2353558' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] (FR)   Zaid Khan (SR)   Key addition: [player_tooltip player_id='2353558' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] (freshman), Mihailo Vojinovic (transfer)   Key losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1956028' first='Khalib' last='Norcome'] (transfer), [player_tooltip player_id='1371866' first='Tim' last='Walker'] (transfer)   Head Coach Jamal Hulum heads into his second year at the helm hoping for a big year out of sophomore guard Derrick Robinson. The dynamic two guard had a productive summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2076999' first='Team' last='Melo'], thriving as a ballhandler in transition while hitting perimeter shots to keep the defense honest. 6'3  with a strong frame, he will have to produce at a high level for this season for Ryken to compete in the WCAC. A 6'6 freshman wing also figures to be heavily-involved in the Knights' offense this season as [player_tooltip player_id='2353558' first='Isaiah' last='Carpenter'] steps right into a big role as a rebounder and scorer in the paint. This is a young group that figures to take some lumps this season, but that may benefit them in the long run as they grow and develop together.   The Knights hit their ceiling if: [player_tooltip player_id='1759607' first='Noah' last='Rogers'] improves upon a strong junior campaign     <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/Ey7WZRxvRTjriLT78xhKHphklrHMLPG2GdZG9QATA4ouKjbgFwAfCYwmPuiFhQsbulqnjVSwE3ZaiKjD8pmjgOHqwt51obCUJFUWueQZnwJVLRZ6p-EyY5cIC4o3k7rOPmiWa1ZKIi-0iaR2CEa1S02athl7QHeT6EHPMv-Ji0QqZHSr9rQvk7VPQZS0I_BE2Xl4U2t_wZAQNLm1PbGi62-jMatSbxy6feVlPfhFqBp3R-X-IP2Tm95PIpZbBJmUHn3T4AxgleBMhSUp08FxD7NGVg_DidO6l1lVhtRrkTU0Wcw=s0-d-e1-ft#https://c10.patreonusercontent.com/4/patreon-media/p/post/89994117/4f179baf4a9a44a295b5b13ce143ca53/eyJ3ZWJwIjowfQ%3D%3D/1.jpeg?token-time=1700784000&token-hash=eqK3k3bjdl_Tq2yFmK4QO7BqmcczKtScp9rIIk6U5gk%3D" alt="" style="width:232px;height:auto" /></figure>   11. The Heights Cavaliers   Last season: 3-22, 1-14 11th in the WCAC   Projected starters:   Keaton Klay (SR)   Michael Byrne (SR)   Sean Burke (JR)   [player_tooltip player_id='1489023' first='Anthony' last='Fountain'] (SR)   Jackson Greer (SO)   The Heights enter the preseason still searching for a coach, a program in transition following a rough 2022-2023 season. Klay and Fountain will need to consistently produce in the high teens each night to give their team the best chance to win games in the WCAC, both seemed up to the task during the Capitol Hoops Summer League. Jackson Greer showed flashes of perimeter scoring ability throughout the summer and is the lone 2026 representative for the team. Michael Byrne and Sean Burke round out the starting five, with Larry Kilmer and Will Kreisle adding in some perimeter scoring off the bench   The Cavaliers hit their ceiling if: Fountain and Klay score at a high level of efficiency

Welcome to our season preview for the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference for the upcoming 2023-2024 season, the premier high school basketball league in the nation. This season saw the league transform quite a bit with the influx of talent coming into the league both via transfers and true freshman. Last season's tournament produced an iconic game play out in the championship round between defending champion Paul VI and the St. John's Cadets. The backcourt combo of Daquan Davis Daquan Davis 6'1" | PG Overtime Elite (GA) | 2024 #119 Nation GA and Malik Mack combined with Donnie Freeman to lift the Cadets to a huge win down the stretch, securing the first WCAC championship victory for longtime Coach Pat Behan (please consider donating to support Coach Behan in his fight with ALS here)