CYO Middle Atlantic 14U St. James Team Report

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>CYO Middle Atlantic 14U Boys Championship Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Matchup: St. Jerome School vs. St. Thomas More</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The much-anticipated CYO Middle Atlantic 14U Boys Championship game featured a thrilling matchup between St. Jerome School (MD) and St. Thomas More (DC). The game commenced with St. Jerome School showcasing an impressive start, seizing control with a rapid pace and taking a commanding 29-2 lead into the second half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Half Dominance by St. Jerome</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Jerome School's performance in the first half was nothing short of spectacular. Their offense was relentless, and their defense stifled St. Thomas More, allowing them to build a nearly insurmountable lead of 29-2 at the end of the 1st half. The early dominance set the tone for what seemed to be an easy victory for St. Jerome.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Second Half Resurgence by St. Thomas More</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite being without their top player, St. Thomas More came out in the second half with renewed energy and determination. They played at a ferocious pace, demonstrating resilience and fighting spirit. Their efforts paid off as they managed to outscore St. Jerome 27-18 in the second half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although St. Thomas More's valiant comeback was commendable, the substantial lead amassed by St. Jerome in the first half secured their victory. The final score of 47-29 reflected the intense competition and the remarkable performances by both teams. The game was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that embodies youth sports championships games throughout the DMV area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dylan Higginbotham","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Jerome School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bea271ecbdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Name the Most Valuable Player in the Mid Atlantic CYO Conference. #1 Dylan Higginbotham shifty/sleek lefty guard. That possesses an excellent feel for the game. Plays with the poise of an experience ball handler on a varsity level. Vision and decision making is at an elite level. Ability to score from all 3 levels was also noticeable. Scored 7pts and dish out several impressive passes in the traffic as in the open floor in the Championship game victory. Looks like Dylan is probably one of the most sought-after guards in the DVM area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2790502,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Yusaf Zaid","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Jerome School (Maryland)","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bea271ecc84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Easily among the most impressive performers on display, he possesses an excellent combination of size, skill, polish, and overall feel. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Zaid has an advanced feel and skillset; far beyond his years in maturity and understanding of the game. Able to go get a basket whenever or wherever he wants. Total game-changer with his size and decision-making. Very coachable. In the championship game, he showcased his scoring ability by putting up 11pts, dishing out several assists and the size to rebound and start the break.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":2790505,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2886612' first='Landon' last='Driver']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Jerome School (Maryland)","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bea271ecd0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long rangy guard use his length to defend the ball and made it difficult for the smaller St. Thomas More guards. Landon was also impressed with his ability to rebound the ball on the offensive end and push it out in transition and finish at the rim. Looks like the go to prospect for St. Jerome next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Luke Roberts","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Jerome School (Maryland)","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bea271ecdb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Roberts competed/played hard every single possession. Quick first step. Good playmaker. Creates paint touches. He was able to make plays off the bounce for himself &amp; others. Made shots from the perimeter. Very assertive throughout the championship game. Played with confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Elijah Byrd","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Jerome School (Maryland)","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bea271ece3c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Solid looking shooter. Scored comfortable hitting the mid-range jumper. Moved extremely well without the ball and showed the ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays off the dribble. He did an excellent job of finding ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Versatile young wing capable shooter from the perimeter. Excels in transition and attacking downhill. Can guard multiple positions. Rebounded well for his position. He will need to continue to improve his overall skillset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Alex Dye","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77243","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Jerome School (Maryland)","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67bea271ecebd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Given the structure of this group, #35 Alex Dye can affect various facets of the game without needing a ton of touches or scoring opportunities. He's a useful creator with the ability to generate shots inside the paint and showed the ability to score within the flow of the action. Finish the game with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in the championship game. However, Alex regularly stands out through his defensive presence and willingness to do the little things. He plays hard. Look for this young man to be a name to remember for the next couple of years. A late blooming prospect whose best days are ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->