MAC IAC Challenge Preview

Each year two of the best conferences in the area clash in a single-day event that always puts on a spectacle. Today we will preview some of our favorite individual and team matchups as well as some potential standouts from the event. Tune into my Twitter accounts for game updates, standouts, and highlights.     Best individual matchup:   St. Andrews' [player_tooltip player_id='1782590' first='Lawrence' last='Brown'] vs Landon's [player_tooltip player_id='1782670' first='Ube' last='Zaid']   -Both undersized guards initiate a ton of offense for their team in the paint, one of the biggest keys to the game for both will be distributing at a high level without turning the ball over against some high-level ball pressure. Both sophomore guards are asked to score in addition to running the offense for their squads, knowing when to shoot and when to find somebody will be important for each team to establish rhythm in this one.     Best team matchup: Sidwell vs Bullis   The champions from each conference will meet in the nightcap looking to gain some momentum from a win over the other, Bullis coming off an OT loss to Jackson-Reed while Sidwell went 1-1 in the Jordan Holiday Classic in NYC. [player_tooltip player_id='1225257' first='Acaden' last='Lewis'] shined in the JHC and will look to continue his well-rounded hot streak in a big matchup with one of the area's best 2025's in Bullis star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1367431' first='Adrien' last='Stevens']. Both guards excel in hitting shots off the dribble or using a tight handle to get past their matchup to the rim- their steady scoring will be important for their individual teams, which places both at the top of the scouting report. Caleb Williams will have his hands full being guarded by ODU-commit [player_tooltip player_id='1164818' first='Caden' last='Diggs'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1494165' first='Jayson' last='Peterson'], a lot of length and comparable size from the duo that will likely take turns guarding the Georgetown commit. I think the role players will be the unlikely heroes in this game, [player_tooltip player_id='1237830' first='Jake' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1370497' first='Caleb' last='Gillus'] will need to combine for 15-20 while [player_tooltip player_id='1956025' first='Darren' last='Moore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1782596' first='Angelo' last='Dickerson'] will look to extend Sidwell's defense with their perimeter shooting. Toss in the top flight coaching from each staff, we should be in for a great game.     Underrated game: Georgetown Prep vs Maret   Chuck Driesell has piloted his Maret squad to an early 10-2 start and will look to bring that mojo into a matchup with one of the area's most balanced teams in Georgetown Prep. [player_tooltip player_id='1782600' first='DJ' last='Hill'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2327613' first='Averi' last='Knight'] create a ton of offense with paint touches that lead to easy opportunities for their team, they will need to match the perimeter scoring of Pat McDonough and [player_tooltip player_id='1366897' first='Rulian' last='(RJ) Stewart']. Intriguing matchup on the interior between Maret's Malachi Marable and a frontcourt trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1768901' first='Tyler' last='Garrett'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1127317' first='Goap' last='Kodi'], controlling the glass and creating extra possessions for their team while scoring at the rim will be paramount to coming away with this win.     Unsigned senior who could make a name for himself: SSSA W [player_tooltip player_id='1241901' first='Blake' last='Neal'], Potomac School W [player_tooltip player_id='1489077' first='Elijah' last='Flowers']   -Neal's activity on both ends of the floor is a floor raiser for this Saints' team, always finds himself in the middle of the action and his stats reflect his well-rounded impact on both ends. The way that he puts pressure on the rim while guarding at a high level at the other end has been impressive. Flowers provides the scoring punch for Potomac, scoring most of his points in the paint or off of midrange pull-ups with some threes mixed in when he's left open- Potomac will need a big game out of him today.     2025 I'm most excited to see: SSSA F [player_tooltip player_id='1591318' first='Riley' last='Jacobs']   Jacobs does so much defensively and on the glass for a young SSSA team in need of consistent production. Blocking shots at the rim, sliding defensively with guards on switches, finishing at the rim, as well as ferocious rebounding in the paint-- he is so vital to their success.     Underclassmen that will put himself on radars: SSAS G [player_tooltip player_id='2353625' first='Andrew' last='Ross'], Maret PG [player_tooltip player_id='2327613' first='Averi' last='Knight'], Landon PG [player_tooltip player_id='1782670' first='Ube' last='Zaid']   -Ross has earned himself early opportunities for a Saints team that needs his perimeter shooting and overall scoring ability to compete in a tough league, fully expect that continue for the smooth 6'3 combo. As mentioned before, Knight's paint touches and scoring ability have been key in a strong 10-2 start for Maret- interested to see how he produces in a matchup with junior and senior guards. Zaid's activity at both ends of the floor really sets the tone for a Landon Bears squad that needs that leadership. I'm interested in seeing how he has developed over the past season, would love to see more scoring from the perimeter.