Senior Standouts in the Class 4A Playoffs
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Austin Mbuyi In an unfortunate twist of fate during the Class 4A North Region I championship, Kenwood guard Austin Mbuyi suffered an injury that sidelined him from a terrific game. Mbuyi’s absence was felt especially late in the game, as…
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Continue ReadingAustin Mbuyi
In an unfortunate twist of fate during the Class 4A North Region I championship, Kenwood guard Austin Mbuyi suffered an injury that sidelined him from a terrific game. Mbuyi’s absence was felt especially late in the game, as he has consistently proven to be a standout scorer throughout his high school career.
Averaging over 18 points per game for the 15-9 Kenwood Bluebirds, he ability to lead the charge offensively for a pretty good team sets him apart as an undersized point guard capable of running the show. He’s improved his shooting from year to year, extending his range to become a threat from beyond the arc. Yet, Mbuyi’s offensive arsenal extends beyond his shooting. He has a knack for operating off ball, creating scoring opportunities for himself and others through movement. He’s also money from the midrange, and a proficient playmaker in the pick and roll.
While his offensive bonafides are well established — he’s also defensively stout. The effort he exerts on offense is equally dispersed on the defensive end as he puts his quick hands and strong frame to use disrupting ball handlers and would be slashers. He approaches the game with a balanced mindset. With continued focus on refining his shooting, especially at the line, he can further elevate his game, solidifying himself as a college player.
Dante Mayo Jr.
Dante Mayo Jr.’s game is best described in one word: explosive. When Mayo steps onto the court, he operates in a world of his own, maneuvering past defenders with grace and speed that sets him apart from his peers. A true marksman, Mayo’s offensive arsenal starts with his jumpshot. A pull-up game that surpasses most players his age bolsters his ability to score from anywhere on the court, whether draining a balanced jump shot off a crossover or driving past defenders with an in and out dribble that would make some current college players jealous.
It’s obvious scoring comes naturally to Mayo, from his unwavering confidence — to his ability to read the game, and react accordingly. He has a keen sense of timing, allowing him to create scoring opportunities not just with skill, but by playing angles and moving defenders out of his intended space. He creates so much separation with his ball handling you can trust him to get a shot off each time.
Entrust him with the ball, and you can rest assured that it’s bound for the bottom of the net. He’s got a bounce to his game that keeps defenders guessing, allowing him to get to the rim off shifty moves or a well-timed burst of speed. He’s a good passer, moving the ball when necessary and keeping his head up as he comes down court, even under ball pressure. Mayo could step onto a court at the low-mid D1 level and be a difference maker.
KhiRay Kasey
KhiRay Kasey caught fire at the right time of the year, with the 6 ‘2 athletic guard hitting his stride as the playoffs began and culminating in solid showings in the Class 4A North Region I championship and state quarterfinal respectively. Kasey’s game revolves around continuous attacks on the rim, where he’s adept navigating through traffic and finishing with finesse.
Off sharp cuts, explosive drives, or streaks in transition, Kasey leaves defenders bouncing off him as he seeks out scoring opportunities in the paint. His willingness to embrace contact when paired with his impressive body control and footwork, his willingness to embrace contact gives him the edge when finishing against backpedaling defenders. He utilizes his physicality to his advantage as a slashing threat off kick-outs, or as a lethal finisher on cuts to the basket.
His strong hands and defensive instincts make him a formidable force on the other end of the court as well, whether swiping down for steals or disrupting opposing offenses as the point of attack defender. As Kasey continues to develop his game, establishing himself as a lockdown defender capable of shutting down opposing threats would go a long way for his prospects at the next level.
Marcus Rustin Marcus Rustin 5'11" | CG Wise | 2024 State MD
It’s defense first for Wise’s 5 ’10 stalwart Marcus Rustin Marcus Rustin 5'11" | CG Wise | 2024 State MD . Rustin’s game is built on relentlessness, watch him closely, and you’ll see how much pride he takes in disrupting passing lanes and causing chaos as a help defender. With Rustin on the court, turnovers are a common occurrence for the Puma’s opponents.
His impact extends beyond his defense, as he has a talent for turning those turnovers into instant offense, whether by igniting fast breaks or finishing strong at the rim in transition. If you’re watching him play, expect to see a few dazzling finishes, putting his remarkable ability to navigate through traffic and score while absorbing contact to good use.
Despite favoring his strong hand when driving to the basket, Rustin boasts solid ball-handling skills and court vision. He’s calm under pressure, making smart decisions when faced with traps or presses.
To elevate his game to the next level, he’ll have to refine his shooting stroke. Right now, Rustin profiles as a valuable sixth man off the bench, filling in at either guard position. A good coach could use him in pick-and-roll situations — or unleash him in the open court.
Thomas Farrell Thomas Farrell 6'0" | SG Whitman | 2024 State MD
A silky smooth jump shot separates Thomas Farrell Thomas Farrell 6'0" | SG Whitman | 2024 State MD from the crowd of high scoring DMV guards he’s faced nightly during his career at Walt Whitman. With impeccable shooting form and deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, Farrell is always prepared to catch and shoot, curling off screens with his hands ready and his legs squared before effortlessly releasing the ball for a satisfying “swish.” A key contributor to Whitman’s high-scoring offense, Farrell thrives in their uptempo pace and space system, capitalizing on every opportunity to unleash his lethal shot.
Standing 6’2, Farrell is a constant blur of motion on the court, darting around like a supercharged bee as he positions himself for open looks. With a lightning-quick release, the slightest daylight is all he needs with a shooting stroke that’s a thing of beauty —consistently replicated to the tune of an impressive 40% mark from three.
Despite his emphasis on lighting up the scoreboard, he is far from a one-dimensional player. On the defensive end, Farrell holds his own against opponents on the perimeter, showing real tenacity on ball and making heady plays off it. He’s an advanced ball-handler, comfortable creating scoring opportunities off the dribble. With just one or two made buckets, he can single-handedly shift the momentum of a game and would be perfect fit for any college team in need of shooting.
Elwyne Wordlaw Elwyne Wordlaw 6'0" | PG Frederick | 2024 State MD
Elwyne Wordlaw Elwyne Wordlaw 6'0" | PG Frederick | 2024 State MD plays basketball like he’s offended the other players decided to challenge him. Wordlaw is a force on the basketball court whose every move seems calculated to leave defenders second guessing the next time. He has the ability to impose his will on the game with each play, launching audacious shots that inevitably find twine. He gets so much elevation on his shot that even with a good contest he’s likely still getting off a clean look.
Wordlaw’s mature approach to the game is evident in how he transitions from dribble moves to shot, displaying a level of skill and poise beyond his years. Once he finds his rhythm, he becomes practically unstoppable, dismantling defenses with explosive drives and lethal shooting. Committed to Shepherd University, Wordlaw is poised to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
His work ethic and commitment to making winning plays are evident on both ends of the court, as he uses his scoring to energize his defensive efforts. With a deadly floater in his arsenal and the ability to create space out of the pick and roll, he’ll remain a nightmare for opposing defenses, capable of shifting the momentum of a game after a few possessions.