November Recap: Observations and Trends

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>November was a busy time on the local hoops scene with the season ramping up. Here are some observations and trends I picked up on during my time in the gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2232329' first='Bryson' last='Tucker'] is taking the WCAC by Storm</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capitol Hoops dropped the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsYUJDmu-JU&amp;t=2449s">full game tape </a>of O'Connell vs. Carroll, a must-see for local hoops fans. Tucker, recently named to the <a href="https://x.com/OConnellBBall/status/1730432327321264292?s=20">Naismith Watch List</a>, poured in 33 points in that game while making the game look very easy at times. When I saw him vs. Glenelg Country earlier in the month, I noticed he looked more explosive than ever. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Goretti is Still Competitive</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the unfortunate news about the closure of St. Maria Goretti, Coach Sid McCray has the boys competing at high level. Led by the area's most dominant big man in [player_tooltip player_id='1400499' first='Caleb' last='Embeya'], a hidden gem in [player_tooltip player_id='1759602' first='Jarvis' last='Wright'], and exciting newcomer [player_tooltip player_id='2347702' first='Cole' last='Trn'] among others, the Gaels defeated Calvert Hall to improve to 2-2. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Severn is on the Rise</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Mike Glasby has the Admirals program in a good place right now. His senior [player_tooltip player_id='1366892' first='Kingston' last='Price'], playing the best ball of his high school career, just scored 30 in a competitive game vs. Mount St. Joe. Price has plenty of help as well. Severn's improving young core includes versatile junior [player_tooltip player_id='1370508' first='Jacob' last='Randall'], emerging sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1588121' first='Sean' last='Harvey'], and sensational freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2353544' first='Corey' last='Dixon']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Watch out for Pallotti</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chris Douglas is a safe bet to rejuvenate the program at Pallotti. Don't be surprised if they have success sooner rather than later. The team has great chemistry already. [player_tooltip player_id='1956054' first='Mikes' last='Connelly'] is a nice player to build around while the Panthers also feature a bevy of unheralded producers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Count out the Saints</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Stephen's and St. Agnes look quite good so far this season despite the loss of [player_tooltip player_id='1494108' first='Aiden' last='Argabright']. The Saints guards, Julian Burdgolf, [player_tooltip player_id='2353625' first='Andrew' last='Ross'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1249127' first='Cody' last='Gordon'], have all stepped up admirably and impressed respectively. [player_tooltip player_id='2340875' first='Colin' last='Pollock'] is a sneaky-good addition to the frontcourt that gives them depth, versatility, and control on the glass. And [player_tooltip player_id='1259635' first='Kyan' last='Bowman'] might be one of the more improved players the DMV has seen recently. This is all without mention of [player_tooltip player_id='1591318' first='Riley' last='Jacobs'], possibly the best long-term prospect in the IAC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">South Lakes is Handling Business </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's early, but the Seahawks have looked the part so far. They picked up a good win on the road against a dangerous Woodson team and followed it up by allowing just 37 points in a home blowout vs. Battlefield. [player_tooltip player_id='1410534' first='Jordan' last='Scott'] is the real deal. He makes guys around him better. And the others are all feeding off his lead. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Keep an Eye on Carroll </h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carroll is an interesting sleeper team to watch as the season unfolds. Coach Malcolm Battle has won everywhere, and now he's at his alma mater. [player_tooltip player_id='2333579' first='Landry' last='Barbour'] is a sleeper for the Lions who is a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='1948342' first='Nate' last='Pondexter'] brings experience and grit from the DCIAA Championship side at Bard a season ago. And [player_tooltip player_id='2353541' first='Bam' last='Bolding'] is an exciting guard prospect to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->