Wk. 2 Open Gym Notes: Gonzaga+Largo

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>New readers: Use code Proia30 for discounted subscription</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we travel to open gyms across the DMV to get a look at the local talent before the upcoming season begins, we wanted to share with our readers our perspective of the team and some of the top players. Today, we'll look at the Gonzaga Purple Eagles (DC) and Largo Lions (MD). Let's get into it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gonzaga College High School (DC)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-The Purple Eagles head into the season as one of the favorites to win the WCAC behind a competitive 2025 group that looked great in a competitive open gym setting. Recent Xavier commit [player_tooltip player_id='1370498' first='Nykolas' last='Lewis'] was getting to the paint at will, found shooters with hook passes off the bounce, and hit the glass hard. [player_tooltip player_id='1370496' first='Derek' last='Dixon'] spaced the floor well and made good reads in the PnR. Virginia Tech commit [player_tooltip player_id='1409272' first='Christian' last='Gurdak'] dominated the paint, showing off improved bounce and aggressiveness with several 2-handed dunks. [player_tooltip player_id='1434219' first='Alex' last='Touomou'] has gotten fully healthy and showed off his the athleticism/versatility as a 3+D wing that can hit shots, defend multiple positions, and finish through contact around the rim. Richmond commit [player_tooltip player_id='1434218' first='William' last='Harper'] looks more comfortable hitting shots off the bounce while guarding on the perimeter at a high level. '27 guard tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='2353555' first='Malachi' last='Terrell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2454543' first='Chase' last='Hogg'] provides a nice blend of scoring and facilitating off the bench. [player_tooltip player_id='1782769' first='Saxton' last='Simley'] ('26) looks primed for a bigger role in the rotation as a versatile wing that can attack closeouts, hit shots off the bounce, and provide some lineup versatility on the defensive end of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1784446' first='Allen' last='Mbuyamba'] ('26), David Mbuyamba ('28), [player_tooltip player_id='1784445' first='Carter' last='Meadows'] ('26), [player_tooltip player_id='1784444' first='Tyson' last='Harley'] ('26) add some formidable depth to the front court after they return to basketball from the gridiron. '25 [player_tooltip player_id='1598807' first='Langston' last='Davis'] and incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2194789' first='Xavier' last='Gurdak'] will challenge for varsity spots this season. Plenty of talent for Coach Turner to work with on I Street this season as the Purple Eagles prepare for a national schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Largo High School (MD)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-The Lions enter the season looking to get a PG County Championship after falling short to Gwynn Park last season. Senior standout Cam Ward has chiseled his frame quite a bit and has improved both as a passer and finisher in the paint, taking more high-percentage looks and using his scoring gravity to find teammates with pocket passes off the bounce. A talented guard stable of [player_tooltip player_id='2453724' first='Jalen' last='Johnson'] ('27), [player_tooltip player_id='2452771' first='Zion' last='Dixon'] ('25), [player_tooltip player_id='2571838' first='Jared' last='Mobley'] ('25) and [player_tooltip player_id='2571840' first='Bryce' last='McQuarter'] ('27) all can hit perimeter shots and get to the rim. [player_tooltip player_id='2571854' first='Ayden' last='Ashe'] ('27) can run point off the bench, both [player_tooltip player_id='2571846' first='Delonte' last='Jenkins'] ('28) and Isaiah Rhames ('28) routinely got in the paint to create for his teammates. The Lions also have an intriguing pair of young W/F prospects in 6'5 [player_tooltip player_id='2571851' first='Ross' last='Hundley'] ('28) and 6'4 [player_tooltip player_id='2571842' first='Khalil' last='Robinson'] ('27) that Coach Ward will throw into the fire this season. We're interested in seeing what the rotation breaks out to be as the Lions head into the season as a more balanced unit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->