5 Exciting Class 3A Matchups to check out this week

Maryland's high school basketball season kicks into high gear in the coming weeks and area fans certainly have a lot to be excited about with a lineup of thrilling games every week. Here's a preview of five exciting matchups in Class 3A ball.   Poly vs. Patterson- Tuesday, December 12   An early season clash between Patterson and Poly means an evening of great basketball for us.  Tough shots and gritty defense are the name of the game when these two butt heads, and I'll be looking out for players like Rashid Mcleod and Caleb Burgess. Mcleod's athleticism and slashing ability make him a constant threat on the court. With him and wing Nicholas WIlliams on the court, look out for acrobatic finishes and highlight-reel plays.   For those who watch for broken ankles and high level shotmaking, keep an eye on Caleb Burgess's game. His handles and ability to navigate through defenses make him a player to watch. He's another in a long line of stat stuffing Patterson guards, one that can play anywhere from DII to the mid major level.   Poly will have a size advantage in Reid Glaros, they'll need his defensive instincts and shot-blocking, and his size and ability to move his feet should make him a formidable presence on defense. Between the level of talent and coaching experience on the sideline, expect an exhilarating display of athleticism and skill.   Surrattsville vs. Douglass- Thursday, December 14   When Surrattsville faces off against Douglass expect an abundance of highlight-reel defensive plays. Between Surratsville's dynamic defensive guards [player_tooltip player_id='1588111' first='Princeton' last='Crump'] and August O'Neal, Douglass guards Makhye Mcknight and [player_tooltip player_id='1759603' first='Emmanuel' last='Carson'] will have to be alert bringing the ball up.   O'Neal's game is tailor-made for the 3-D role. His agility and defensive versatility could make the junior a standout player in the region, capable of making an impact both offensively and defensively. Watch for his shooting off curls and pin downs, especially out time outs. He'll have his hands full whether he's guarding Carson or Mcknight. Crump's quick hands and in-your-face defensive style will be paramount against a Douglass squad that excels at putting the ball in the basket.   Carson is a well-rounded and consistent offensive hub. A tenacious defender in his own right, his shooting and ability to create space will be fun to watch as he embarks on his senior season. Still in his junior year, Mcknight combines quick moves with excellent court vision. Between him and Carson, Douglass should have the ability to control the pace of the game.   Despite Douglass' firepower on the perimeter, expect the best player on the floor to be senior big [player_tooltip player_id='1413944' first='KeSean' last='Milton']. He can more than hold his own defensively and has shown glimpses early on that he's ready to be an offensive force to be reckoned with.   Oxon Hill vs. Potomac- Thursday, December 14   The game between Oxon Hill and Potomac is set to be a battle of raw talent area fans won't want to miss.Potomac, led by senior guard Roy Palmer, will have to bring their A-game against an Oxon Hill team that has an abundance of scoring options. Palmer's ability to control the pace of the game makes him the player to watch closely for the Wolverines.   On the other side, Oxon Hill boasts a thoroughly impressive lineup featuring standout players such as junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2242132' first='Nigel' last='Harris'], senior leader [player_tooltip player_id='2231905' first='Jeremiah' last='Smith'] and budding junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1567111' first='Cole' last='Scott']. Scott is particularly explosive, but the entire Clippers lineup has a bucket getting mentality that adds an extra layer of unpredictability to Oxon Hill's offensive strategy.   This game will be an incredible opportunity for players like Scott and Smith to showcase their skills, and leave a lasting impression on scouts and fans alike. While a bit undersized, Smith's ability to get after the boards makes him playable on the wing, and he has enough wiggle to score off the dribble consistently. Smith should be the best player on the floor, I don't expect anyone to have much success keeping him out of the paint. The contrasting playing styles, and sheer talent on display, make this matchup a must-watch.   Linganore vs. Oakdale - Friday, December 15   Friday night lights take on a whole new meaning as Linganore squares off against Oakdale in a matchup of western Maryland's up and coming players. Let's start with junior [player_tooltip player_id='1847029' first='Brandon' last='Donaldson'], a relentless on ball defender with a knack for knowing just when to jump a passing lane or stick his hand in for the steal. Donaldson's defensive flair can sometimes overshadow how consistent he is offensively. He's a talented downhill attacker with enough playmaking to keep defenses on their toes as to whether he's driving or dishing.    He'll be joined in the backcourt by senior guard Tommy Walsh, whose court awareness and shooting ability make him a key asset for this Linganore team. They'll be up against an Oakdale lineup that has two players that should be on coaches radars in sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2722721' first='Alex' last='Rodriguez'], and junior Harrison Tisdale. Rodriguez is a two way player and absolute force on the floor. He can play either guard position and is a strong defender capable of shutting down even the most formidable opponents.   Tisdale shows shooting ability off the catch and on the move, with the ability to turn the tide with his three-point shooting. Both sides' offensive talent adds another layer to an already dynamic game. Be sure to mark your calendar for this Friday night showdown.   Roosevelt vs. St. Charles- Saturday, December 16   Saturday's matchup between Roosevelt and St. Charles will be a thrilling contest between two teams with standout performers. St. Charles will be led by towering senior [player_tooltip player_id='2231763' first='Tajir' last='Webster'] who owns both ends of the court with an impressive 19 points and 12 rebounds per game. Webster's size and skill paired with heady senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2231839' first='Shamir' last='Taylor']'s will pose a significant challenge for every opposing team the Spartans face. Taylor's speed and quick first step make him a dynamic player capable of breaking down defenses.   For Roosevelt, senior wing Jawuan Carter is expected to lead the charge. Carter's scoring ability and defensive presence will be a crucial asset for Roosevelt against this physical St. Charles lineup.   Spartans senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2231730' first='Xavier' last='Buchanan'] adds another dimension to St. Charles' offensive strategy with playmaking skills and a game that leads to all-around contributions. The Spartans three-headed monster of seniors will be looking to assert their dominance and make a statement early in the season.

Maryland's high school basketball season kicks into high gear in the coming weeks and area fans certainly have a lot to be excited about with a lineup of thrilling games every week. Here's a preview of five exciting matchups in Class 3A ball.