WCAC Season Preview
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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…
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Continue ReadingWelcome 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)
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.
1. Gonzaga Purple Eagles
Last season: 25-8, 8-6 6th WCAC
Projected starters:
Nyk Lewis (JR)
Derek Dixon Derek Dixon 6'4" | SG Gonzaga | 2025 State #153 Nation MD (JR)
Will Harper (JR)
Alex Touomou Alex Touomou 6'6" | PF Gonzaga | 2025 State #350 Nation MD (JR)
Christian Gurdak Christian Gurdak 6'9" | C Gonzaga | 2025 State #156 Nation MD (JR)
Key losses: Ryan Sabol (graduated), Jack Cadin (graduated), Daniel Holmes Daniel Holmes 6'6" | C Gonzaga | 2024 MD (football)
Key additions: Christian Gurdak Christian Gurdak 6'9" | C Gonzaga | 2025 State #156 Nation MD (transfer), Jymin Veney Jymin Veney 6'3" | CG Gonzaga | 2027 State MD (FR), Saxton Simley Saxton Simley 6'7" | SF Gonzaga | 2026 State MD (JV), Carter Meadows Carter Meadows 6'6" | PF Gonzaga | 2026 State MD (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 Blake Harper Blake Harper 6'5" | SG Gonzaga | 2024 State MD (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
2. Paul VI Panthers
Last season: 29-3, 15-0 1st WCAC
Projected starters:
Ben Hammond Ben Hammond 5'10" | PG Paul VI | 2024 State #143 Nation VA (SR)
Jordan Smith Jordan Smith 6'1" | PG Evergreen Christian | 2025 VA Jr. (SO)
Darren Harris Darren Harris 6'6" | SF Paul VI | 2024 State #59 Nation VA (SR)
Isaiah Abraham Isaiah Abraham 6'7" | SG Paul VI | 2024 State #62 Nation VA (SR)
Patrick Ngongba (SR)
Key losses: DeShawn Harris-Smith (graduated), Christian Gurdak Christian Gurdak 6'9" | C Gonzaga | 2025 State #156 Nation MD (transfer)
Key additions: Adlan Elamin Adlan Elamin 6'8" | SF Paul VI | 2025 State #266 Nation VA , Jacob Moore Jacob Moore 6'8" | PF St. Paul VI Catholic (PVI) | 2025 State VA (JV), Jordan Hunter Jordan Hunter 6'1" | PG Paul VI | 2026 State VA (JV), Jake Bahr Jake Bahr 6'4" | SG Bishop Ireton | 2026 State VA (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 Team 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: Isaiah Abraham Isaiah Abraham 6'7" | SG Paul VI | 2024 State #62 Nation VA steps into an enhanced role as a lockdown defender and assertive offensive weapon
3. DeMatha Catholic Stags
Last season: 18-12, 9-6 3rd in WCAC
Projected starters:
Jacob Wallace Jacob Wallace 5'10" | PG DeMatha | 2025 State MD (JR)
Ace Meeks (SO)
Kade Sebastian Kade Sebastian 6'4" | SG DeMatha | 2025 State MD (JR)
Cole Bowser Cole Bowser 6'5" | SG DeMatha | 2025 State MD (JR)
Malcolm Thomas Malcolm Thomas 6'8" | PF DeMatha | 2024 State #122 Nation MD (SR)
Key losses: JJ Massaquoi (transfer), Jaden Winston (graduated), Isaiah Arnold (graduated), Mason So (graduated)
Key additions: Jamal McKnight (freshman), Derek “Bo” Daniels (freshman), Solomon Davis (transfer), Daniel Abass Daniel Abass 6'7" | PF DeMatha | 2027 State MD (freshman), Christian Proctor Christian Proctor 6'7" | SF DeMatha | 2027 State MD (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. AJ McClary AJ McClary 6'1" | SG DeMatha | 2024 State MD 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. Caden Walton Caden Walton 6'5" | SF DeMatha | 2025 State MD and Solomon 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: Malcolm Thomas Malcolm Thomas 6'8" | PF DeMatha | 2024 State #122 Nation MD stays healthy
4. Bishop O’Connell Knights
Last season: 17-13, 9-6 4th in WCAC
Projected starters:
Shane Lincoln Shane Lincoln 6'4" | PG Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA (JR)
Quincy Wadley Quincy Wadley 6'5" | SF Bishop O'Connell | 2026 State VA (SO)
Bryson Tucker Bryson Tucker 6'6" | PG Unknown | 2024 State #22 Nation VA (SR)
Jadyn Harris Jadyn Harris 6'6" | PF Bishop O'Connell | 2024 State #239 Nation VA (SR)
Key losses: Adam Oumiddoch Adam Oumiddoch 6'4" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2026 VA (OTE), Adlan Elamin Adlan Elamin 6'8" | SF Paul VI | 2025 State #266 Nation VA
Key additions: Bryson Tucker Bryson Tucker 6'6" | PG Unknown | 2024 State #22 Nation VA (transfer), AJ Swinton AJ Swinton 6'6" | SF Bishop O'Connell (VA) | 2024 State #134 Nation VA (transfer), Wyatt Norton Wyatt Norton 6'8" | C Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA (transfer), Tim Walker Tim Walker 6'3" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA (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 Bryson Tucker Bryson Tucker 6'6" | PG Unknown | 2024 State #22 Nation VA , a 5-star shooting guard with 3-level scoring ability in addition to another highly-touted wing in Florida State-commit AJ Swinton AJ Swinton 6'6" | SF Bishop O'Connell (VA) | 2024 State #134 Nation VA . The Knights also added a bruising forward in Wyatt Norton Wyatt Norton 6'8" | C Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA , a versatile combo guard in Tim Walker Tim Walker 6'3" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA , and dynamic freshman point guard Amani Asare Amani Asare 5'9" | PG Bishop O'Connell | 2027 State VA . Do-it-all combo guards Aiden Caulker Aiden Caulker 6'4" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA and Shane Lincoln Shane Lincoln 6'4" | PG Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA will combine to provide steady play-making and positional versatility on the defensive end of the floor. Jadyn Harris Jadyn Harris 6'6" | PF Bishop O'Connell | 2024 State #239 Nation VA will bring his slashing and scoring abilities. 5-star sophomore Quincy Wadley Quincy Wadley 6'5" | SF Bishop O'Connell | 2026 State VA continues to impress as a scorer, facilitator, and high-level athlete fresh off of a Team USA invite. Steve Huan Steve Huan 6'10" | C Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA 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
5. McNamara Mustangs
Last season: 24-7, 9-5 3rd in WCAC
Projected starters:
Jaren Curtis Jaren Curtis 6'1" | PG Bishop McNamara | 2025 State MD (JR)
Prince Moody Prince Moody 6'4" | SG Bishop McNamara | 2026 State MD (SO)
Qayden Samuels Qayden Samuels 6'5" | SF Bishop McNamara | 2026 State MD (SO)
Jalyn Collingwood Jalyn Collingwood 6'5" | SF Bishop McNamara | 2026 State MD (SO)
Lugard Edokpayi Lugard Edokpayi 6'5" | C Bishop McNamara | 2024 MD (SR)
Key additions: Jordan Taylor Jordan Taylor 6'5" | PF Bishop McNamara | 2027 State MD (freshman), Jayden Mills (freshman), Flynn Rillstone Flynn Rillstone 6'5" | C Bishop McNamara | 2025 State MD (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 Jordan Taylor Jordan Taylor 6'5" | PF Bishop McNamara | 2027 State MD should provide immediate scoring and rebounding impact, while also surprising some with defensive versatility as a 6’5 freshman. Junior PG Jaren Curtis Jaren Curtis 6'1" | PG Bishop McNamara | 2025 State MD 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 Jayden Mills should buoy the Mustangs on the low block. The addition of 6’8 junior Flynn Rillstone Flynn Rillstone 6'5" | C Bishop McNamara | 2025 State MD 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
6. Archbishop Carroll Lions
Last season: 8-20, 2-12 9th in WCAC
Projected starters:
Hassan Dorman Hassan Dorman 6'2" | SG Archbishop Carroll | 2024 State MD (SR)
Landry Barber (SR)
Nathaniel Pondexter Jr Nathaniel Pondexter Jr 6'4" | PF Archbishop Carroll | 2024 State MD – bard (SR)
Matar Wade (SR) 6’8
Liberty Fusire Liberty Fusire 6'9" | C Archbishop Carroll | 2025 State MD (JR) 6’9
Key additions: Daylen Bolding (freshman), Hassan Dorman Hassan Dorman 6'2" | SG Archbishop Carroll | 2024 State MD (transfer), Nathaniel Pondexter Jr Nathaniel Pondexter Jr 6'4" | PF Archbishop Carroll | 2024 State MD (transfer), Matar Wade (NBA Africa), Liberty Fusire Liberty Fusire 6'9" | C Archbishop Carroll | 2025 State MD (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 Matar Wade and 6’9 JR F Liberty Fusire Liberty Fusire 6'9" | C Archbishop Carroll | 2025 State MD . Transfer PG Hassan Dorman Hassan Dorman 6'2" | SG Archbishop Carroll | 2024 State MD 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
7. St. John’s College Cadets
Last season: 29-2, 12-2 2nd in the WCAC
Projected starters:
Devin Toatley Devin Toatley 5'11" | PG St. John's | 2026 State MD (SO)
Omari Witherspoon Omari Witherspoon 6'4" | CG St. John's | 2025 State MD (JR)
Pete Newman Pete Newman 6'3" | CG St. John's | 2025 State MD (JR)
Jonathan Barton (JR)
Zyion Chase Zyion Chase 6'6" | PF St. John's | 2026 State MD (SO)
Key additions: Finley Billy, Oladeji Olorungbohunmi Oladeji Olorungbohunmi 6'5" | PF St. John's | 2027 State MD
Key losses: Daquan Davis Daquan Davis 6'1" | PG Overtime Elite (GA) | 2024 #119 Nation GA (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 Omari Witherspoon Omari Witherspoon 6'4" | CG St. John's | 2025 State MD 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, Geremy Clark Geremy Clark 5'10" | PG St John’s CHS | 2026 State MD 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
8. Bishop Ireton Cardinals
Last season: 18-14, 4-10 8th in WCAC
Projected starters:
Jamari Hodnett Jamari Hodnett 6'2" | PG Bishop Ireton | 2024 State VA (SR)
Silas Devonish Silas Devonish 5'9" | PG Bishop Ireton | 2026 State VA (SO)
Mekhai Johnson Mekhai Johnson 5'10" | PG McDonough | 2025 State MD (SR)
Ripp Kodi Ripp Kodi 6'5" | PF Bishop Ireton | 2026 State VA (SO)
Matthew Mena Matthew Mena 6'7" | C Bishop Ireton | 2027 State VA (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. Mekhai Johnson Mekhai Johnson 5'10" | PG McDonough | 2025 State MD 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
9. Good Counsel Falcons
Previous season: 19-12, 8-7 7th in WCAC
Key losses: Parker Robinson Parker Robinson 6'4" | CG Good Counsel | 2026 MD (transfer), Neiko Mundey Neiko Mundey 6'2" | PG Shabach Christian | 2026 State MD (transfer), Jordan Brathwaite Jordan Brathwaite 6'3" | SG Mount St. Joseph | 2024 State MD (transfer), Rico Hellams (graduated), Corey Chesley (graduated)
Projected starters:
Elijah Wilson (SR)
Justin Bumbray Justin Bumbray 6'4" | SG Good Counsel | 2024 State MD (SR)
Jed Barlow Jed Barlow 6'7" | PF Good Counsel | 2025 State MD (JR)
Izzy Tchoubfong Izzy Tchoubfong 6'5" | PF Good Counsel | 2027 State MD (FR)
Oliver Spence Oliver Spence 6'10" | C Takoma Academy | 2025 State MD (JR)
Good Counsel will trot out a lineup that returns only one starter, one of the area’s top unsigned seniors in CG Justin Bumbray Justin Bumbray 6'4" | SG Good Counsel | 2024 State MD . 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), Jed Barlow Jed Barlow 6'7" | PF Good Counsel | 2025 State MD (6’6), Tchoubgong (6’6) and Oliver Spence Oliver Spence 6'10" | C Takoma Academy | 2025 State MD (6’8) running the floor this season. A trio of sophomores in Jamal Mansarray, Joel Beal Joel Beal 6'8" | C Our Lady of Good Counsel | 2026 MD , and Kyle 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
10. St Mary’s Ryken Knights
Last season: 7-19, 3-12 10th in the WCAC
Projected starters:
Noah Rogers Noah Rogers 5'9" | PG St. Mary's Ryken | 2024 State MD (SR)
Derrick Robinson (SO)
Sonny Howard Sonny Howard 6'2" | SG St. Mary's Ryken | 2024 State MD (SR)
Isaiah Carpenter Isaiah Carpenter 6'5" | SF St. Mary's Ryken | 2027 State MD (FR)
Zaid Khan (SR)
Key addition: Isaiah Carpenter Isaiah Carpenter 6'5" | SF St. Mary's Ryken | 2027 State MD (freshman), Mihailo Vojinovic (transfer)
Key losses: Khalib Norcome Khalib Norcome 6'5" | SF Mt. Zion | 2026 State MD (transfer), Tim Walker Tim Walker 6'3" | SG Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA (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 Team 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 Isaiah Carpenter Isaiah Carpenter 6'5" | SF St. Mary's Ryken | 2027 State MD 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: Noah Rogers Noah Rogers 5'9" | PG St. Mary's Ryken | 2024 State MD improves upon a strong junior campaign
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)
Anthony Fountain Anthony Fountain 6'4" | SG The Heights (WCAC) | 2024 State MD (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