IAC Conference Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the basketball season commences with official scrimmages underway, we turn our attention to the IAC Conference for the 2025-26 season. This six-team league features four prominent high school programs in the DMV: Bullis, St. Stephens &amp; St. Agnes, Georgetown Prep, and Episcopal. Additionally, the improving Landon School and St. Albans teams are expected to provide strong competition within this consistently challenging conference. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">1. <strong>Bullis School</strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Bruce Kelley returns to the court with a deep and talented roster, building on last season's impressive 23-8 record and Finish ranked 3rd in the Final Washington Post rankings. The Bulldogs will be led by sophomore standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194788' first='Xavier' last='Skipworth']</strong>, a 6-5 player recognized nationally to be one of the top wing guards in the class of 2028. The team also welcomes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588109' first='Finley' last='Billy']</strong>, a 6-8 Penn signee expected to contribute scoring from all areas of the court. In the frontcourt, <strong>Paul Einarsson</strong>, a versatile 6-7 forward, will bring a balanced presence on both offense and defense and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2982809' first='Brady' last='Potter']</strong> 6-9 (2029) who is a young big that will garner attention in the future. The backcourt is filled with promising young talent, including <strong>Kevin McLinton, Jr. </strong>(2028), a 6-3 two-way guard; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2454536' first='Zayvion' last='Williams']</strong> (2028), a 6-4 guard; the energetic 6-1 left-handed guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2893749' first='James' last='Boisi'] </strong>(2027); and <strong>Dylan Saurtich</strong>, a 6-2 freshman known for his three-point shooting ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">2. <strong>Georgetown Prep</strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Blue's teams are known for their size, and this year's squad will be no exception. Returning from the 16-14 season, Georgetown Prep is led by Purdue signee <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1891144' first='Sinan' last='Huan']</strong>, a talented 7-footer who will provide scoring and rebounding for the Little Hoyas. Supporting him are 6-0 guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2454539' first='Jarrard' last='Desire']</strong> (2027) and <strong>Evan “Bruiser” Edwards</strong> (2027). The team's depth in the paint is further enhanced by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2524416' first='Majok' last='Aguek'] </strong>(2028), a 7-1 left-handed forward/center prospect, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2880738' first='Cole' last='Pierre-Louis']</strong>, a 6-6 forward in the class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">3. <strong>St. Stephen's and St. Agnes</strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Andre Hunter continues to guide the Saints, who is coming off a 23-8 record last year will be led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2884415' first='Devin' last='Ainsworth']</strong>, a smooth 6-2-point guard capable of impacting the game both on and off the ball. The frontcourt features <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2898058' first='Nigel' last='Arthur']</strong>, a 6-6 forward from the class of 2027, who will provide an inside presence. The guard rotation includes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2246278' first='Julian' last='Burgdolf'] (2026)</strong>, a 5–11-point guard; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2609427' first='Landon' last='Scott'] </strong>(2028), a versatile 6-2 combo guard; and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3071140' first='Gibson' last='Sauri']</strong> (2026), whose hustle and leadership will be vital. The Saints are expected to remain a tough and feisty competitor throughout the IAC schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">4. <strong>Episcopal</strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Jim Fitzpatrick consistently prepares his team for competition, and the Marons are coming off a 13-11 season that was impacted by injuries. The roster features several forwards, including <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1542852' first='Ethan' last='Apergis']</strong> (2026), a 6-7 Division 1 prospect with strong academic credentials, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353646' first='Simas' last='Kacerauskas'] </strong>(2027), a 6-6 forward who played on the EYBL circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover']. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2900602' first='Chuma' last='Achufusi'] </strong>(2027), a 6-3 wing, adds versatility and contributes on both ends of the floor. With Coach Fitzpatrick's leadership and a group of dedicated players, Episcopal is expected to remain in contention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">5. <strong>Landon School</strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Chris Bohlen enters his second season following an 11-13 record, and the team will feel the absence of Frankie Mannino, who is now playing at Harvard. The Bears will rely on a group of talented and developing underclassmen. Leading the way is <strong>Eli McQueen </strong>(2028), a 6-3 sophomore considered one of the top prospects in the DMV area. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353586' first='Marc' last='Goldman'] </strong>(2027), a 6-foot guard, is known for his reliable three-point shooting, while <strong>Emmanuel Coleman</strong> (2028), a 6-2-point guard, brings experience from significant minutes played last season. Freshman <strong>Yusaf Zaid</strong>, a talented 6-3 player highly sought after by several WCAC schools, is another prospect to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">6. <strong>St. Albans</strong></h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Sean Whalen enters his second year at St. Albans, coming off a 10-17 record. The Bulldogs will be led by <strong>Mpumi Masimini </strong>(2026), a 6-8 frontcourt prospect. Additional key contributors include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2347776' first='Gabriel' last='Godette']</strong> (2026), a 6-1 guard, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2540471' first='William' last='Mali']</strong>, a 6-6 senior forward. Young prospects to watch include <strong>Alex Dye</strong> (2029), a 6-4 wing; <strong>Jishu He </strong>(2029), a 6-8 forward; and <strong>Eli Cavaleri </strong>(2027), a 6-3 shooting guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->