Week 2 Open Gym Notes: PVI+Westfield

<!-- 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 Paul VI Panthers and Westfield Bulldogs of Virginia. Let's get into it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paul VI (VA)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Visited the defending WCAC champions fresh off an undefeated run through their league, Coach Farello and staff have plenty of production to replace with all 5 starters and several reserves graduating this summer. [player_tooltip player_id='2148767' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] Jr ('26) and [player_tooltip player_id='1494103' first='Jaquan' last='Womack'] ('25) will lead the way for this team as 2-way athletic dynamos that set a physical tone for this team. [player_tooltip player_id='1782691' first='Jordan' last='Hunter'] ('26) and [player_tooltip player_id='1956071' first='Adlan' last='Elamin'] ('25) step into bigger roles as Hunter's paint touches and scoring prowess from the midrange should open up space for Elamin to hit shots from the perimeter. Returning G [player_tooltip player_id='2612817' first='Colin' last='Byrd'] ('26) can earn rotation minutes with consistent perimeter shooting and defensive versatility as an off-ball guy that pokes out a lot of steals. [player_tooltip player_id='2146762' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] should impact as a play-finisher around the rim that can knock down 18-footers and guard his yard. An influx of transfers will also fill roles that will be crucial to PVI's success. St. Andrew's transfer PG [player_tooltip player_id='1782590' first='Lawrence' last='Brown'] ('26) ran the offense and created easy looks for teammates in both the halfcourt as well as transition. DeMatha transfer Beau Daniels ('27) will provide the dynamic play-finishing, rebounding and shot-blocking that the Panthers needed with 3 graduating seniors vacating minutes in the frontcourt. Ireton transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2353633' first='Matthew' last='Mena'] ('27) showed his ability to hit shots from the perimeter, facilitate from the low post, and finish with either hand around the rim. St. Stephen's St. Agnes transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2353625' first='Andrew' last='Ross'] ('27) will provide secondary play-making and perimeter shooting. Dylan Harsyani will compete for minutes as a knockdown perimeter shooter that flourished on JV during his freshman year. Freshmen Aidan Acquah has a ton of long-term upside as a big-body wing that defends and wins 50/50 balls. Freshman PG Aaron Bryant should be the next in a long line of PVI PGs that can play on or off the ball, facilitate, and hit shots at a high level. [player_tooltip player_id='2353620' first='Troy' last='Tomlin'] will bring his high-flying versatility off the bench after a productive season with the football team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westfield HS (VA)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Coach Harris leads a tough Westfield group that figures to be in the mix for a Concorde District title if the pieces come together. The Bulldogs have a DEEP backcourt stable of guards that can contribute, starting with Champe transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1963548' first='Colin' last='Stemberger'] ('26) and returning slasher [player_tooltip player_id='1782684' first='Isaiah' last='Brown'] ('26). Colin does a great job of getting to the second level of the defense, can hide behind the screen to stick jumpers, and is really pesky as a POA (point of attack) defender. Brown is a physical, downhill driver that is hitting shots at a much more consistent rate off the bounce and is a dynamic scorer in transition. [player_tooltip player_id='2252294' first='Jemon' last='Price'] ('26) is consistently hitting shots from all 3 levels but has also improved dramatically as a leaper, blocking 6 shots in scrimmages. Incoming Fairfax Christian transfer Jeremy "Jay" Capel ('27) is a shifty slashing guard that gets to his spots and can really score at a high level in the paint while generating turnovers at the other end. Incoming freshman guards [player_tooltip player_id='2918960' first='Malachi' last='Lee'] and Carter Brooks will provide secondary play-making and scoring off the bench, while Virginia Academy transfer Matthias Lee will hold down the frontcourt with rising senior Will Robinson Jr. Will be interesting watching this young group develop together, plenty of potential in the gym. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->