MPSC Playoff Wrap-Up

The Metro Private School Conference tournament consisted of 11 teams ranging from Northern Virginia to parts of PG County. These teams went head-to-head over 4 days to crown the eventual champions Highland School. Let's unpack some of the action that unfolded!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Participating Teams</h2>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Team - Tournament Rank Rosedale Christian - #11 New Hope Academy - #10 Virginia Academy - #9 Mt. Zion - #8 Evergreen Christian Academy (VA) - #7 Prince George's Christian Academy (Regional) - #6 Fairfax Christian (VA) - #5 Riverdale Baptist - #4 Springdale Prep - #3 Highland School (VA) - #2 Clinton Grace Christian - #1</li> </ul>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Champions: Highland Hawks</h2>   The Highland School showed true dominance through the entirety of the tournament. They started with a bye as the No. 2 seed and proceeded to take down PGCA Blue 72-46 in a complete rout. [player_tooltip player_id='1339892' first='Julian' last='Rivera'] led with 28 points with a huge 2nd half. [player_tooltip player_id='1591317' first='Nate' last='Ament'] had a big game against Clinton Grace in the championship to clinch the 2024-25 Metro Private title.   [player_tooltip player_id='1591317' first='Nate' last='Ament'] unpacked his full arsenal in his two games this tournament. Finished with 32 points and 11 rebounds in the title game and scored in an abundance of ways. Had 19 along with 5 assists and 6 rebounds in a semi-final route against Prince George's Christian Academy's Regional team. Full display of dominance from one of the nation's top recruits.   [player_tooltip player_id='1339892' first='Julian' last='Rivera'] had a breakout second half in the team's 72-46 victory in the semi-finals. He put Highland on his shoulders and scored relentlessly inside and out. Followed with another 8 points in the championship win. Chance Perkins helped out with 18 in the semis, having a big scoring burst in the first half. He scored for himself off the bounce with an elusive share of baskets.   Although it may not have showed in the box score, [player_tooltip player_id='1225266' first='Jeremiah' last='Gorham'], [player_tooltip player_id='2242371' first='Josh' last='Hamilton'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2470569' first='Jemal' last='Smith'] all played a big role in winning the 'ship. Jemal and Josh contributed with some timely defensive plays, each totaling at least 1 steal and block in both games. Gorham led the way at the guard spot, keeping nice control and flow over the offense. Made for a very nice starting backcourt duo with [player_tooltip player_id='1339892' first='Julian' last='Rivera'] as the two complimented each other's strengths well in Highland's two victories.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Standout Players:</h2>   Sam Caldwell - PGCA   Caldwell had a certain confidence about him in the semis against Highland. He had a smooth 10 points that kept PGCA in the game before things blew open. Liked his shot selection and aggressiveness through the first half, showed up for a team struggled to find consistent baskets.   [player_tooltip player_id='2139297' first='J'Lon' last='Lyons'] - Clinton Grace Christian   J'Lon was a consistent bright spot for Clinton Grace in a big win and a disappointing loss in the championship. He has a second gear when it comes to his first-step and his strength compliments it well. His ability to get to the basket and finish mixed with his shooting was on display in his two games.   [player_tooltip player_id='1956028' first='Khalib' last='Norcome'] - Clinton Grace Christian   Khalib showed up big in his semi-final matchup with Riverdale Baptist. He was a consistent and efficient producer in a sizeable CG win, scoring 15 points and adding 3 assists, although that does not define the role he played in finding and creating for his teammates. Norcome played pestering defense, stopping the ball well on the attack and picking up a block and a steal in the process. Sound overall game from the big wing/forward.   Jeremiah Sanford - Fairfax Christian   Jeremiah came off the bench and provided an instant spark for the team, scoring in bunches and creating looks that otherwise were not being generated. He was extremely confident in his ability to beat his matchup which helped and hurt him at times. Sanford scored with comfort at each level on the floor and had impressive patience and strength under the basket. Young guard that played hard and came close to leading his team to an upset victory in round 1.   [player_tooltip player_id='2458579' first='Jacoby' last='Briscoe'] - Riverdale Baptist   Jacoby was a constant force for Riverdale in both the quarterfinals and in the semis. Finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds in his first postseason game to help earn the win. Played solid on both ends. Really took off in a close loss to Clinton Grace with 19 points, playing with a ton of heart and grit. The sophomore wing showed some nice promise in his closeout games.   [player_tooltip player_id='2148788' first='Bryce' last='Adams'] - Clinton Grace Christian   Bryce was dominant all-around for CG in their win over Riverdale. Huge factor inside the paint both offensively and defensively. Bryce made it hard for everyone he matched up against, imposing his will in the paint. He even took the ball coast-to-coast a couple times. Impressive first showing from the strong big man.   [player_tooltip player_id='1414527' first='Gio' last='Sanford'] - Riverdale Baptist   The older Sanford brother Gio had an incredible first showing against his brother's Fairfax Christian. Gio was instrumental in his attack to the rim, continuously forcing the defense to foul as he was at the line all night long. Kept the defense honest with his outside shot but made his strongest impact in the paint challenging the Fairfax defenders.

The Metro Private School Conference tournament consisted of 11 teams ranging from Northern Virginia to parts of PG County. These teams went head-to-head over 4 days to crown the eventual champions Highland School. Let's unpack some of the action that unfolded!