WCAC Impact Transfers Through Mid-December

As the holiday break approaches, we now have enough sample size to get out a small report on how the new faces in new places are performing in the Washington Catholic League. At this point in the season, every team has played at least five games, which has been enough for a handful or so names to establish themselves within their new team's dynamic. Below, we'll highlights those prospects.    Mitchell's reputation has soared since suiting up for PVI as he's proven to be one of the more prolific shooters in the DMV on the biggest of stages. The signs were there immediately as the 6-foot-3 guard torched the nets in our viewing prior to the season in a scrimmage against Mt. Carmel (MD). Since then, Mitchell has only added to the argument of being the most impactful transfer in the area. Over the last week alone, he had a strong outing in a win over Archbishop Stepinac (NY) where he scored 18 points. He followed that with a 31-point outburst against the No. 1 ranked team in the land in Prolific Prep (FL) and despite the loss in double overtime, he had college coach's full attention. The next evening he went for 24 in a win over Archbishop Spalding (MD). George Washington, George Mason, and Merrimack have all extended offers over the last week.     Shoultz's progression since the summer with this DeMatha team has been noteworthy. The transfer from Ohio made his debut with the Stags in the summer for DMV Live and while there were flashes of tools, the 6-foot-4 two-way guard has strung together consistent performances so far this regular season. His combination of athleticism, shooting, and ability as a connector all serve as key components to DeMatha's 5-1 start with wins over a few notable programs. I'm a believer that Shoultz should be on the radars of DI programs.     Barrett wasted no time in carving out a role with Carroll and using the platform to showcase his full skill set as a long, 6-foot-8 hybrid forward with a high ceiling as a defender. The defensive tools have been present since his days at Mount St. Joseph (MD), but his offensive game has blossomed in large part because of his overall confidence. Barrett is knocking down shots off the catch with efficiency, getting to spots in minimal bounces for pull-ups, and in the open floor he's bringing a mindset of playing above the rim whether a defender is in his way or not.     Dixon has been a prospect that I've been higher on than most for some time now. The fluidity, shot making ability off the bounce, and overall IQ were all early indicators for me that he'd be a safe bet as his body continues to develop through high school. We're now seeing the fruits of his labor come to the forefront playing alongside one of the best table-setting point guards in the country in [player_tooltip player_id='2252287' first='Darius' last='Bivins']. Dixon's skillset is the perfect complement to Bivins similar to the [player_tooltip player_id='1782696' first='Jordan' last='Smith Jr.']/[player_tooltip player_id='2194710' first='Brian' last='Mitchell Jr.'] combination for PVI. Dixon's latest work consisted of two 20-point outings through two wins at the High School National Hoops Festival to help O'Connell remain unbeaten.     Brooks was one of the more seasoned, coveted rising sophomore guards on the market this summer after one of the more under-the-radar, but very productive freshman campaigns in the DMV. Following a coaching change at Loyola Blakefield (MD), Brooks took his talents to Bishop McNamara (MD) to a loaded roster where playing time wasn't guaranteed. Still, his poise on the ball combined with his high-level sniping from deep has earned him not only significant playing time, but starting a few games this season. Brooks is fearless as a shooter and is capable of swinging momentum of a game in the matter a few possessions.     Rucker's addition to O'Connell's lineup was important due to his size, versatility, and budding skillset. He's a lob threat in transition, understands timing as a cutter, and can hit an open three. Playing alongside one of the more talented backcourts in [player_tooltip player_id='2252287' first='Darius' last='Bivins'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2353544' first='Corey' last='Dixon'], Rucker's rose is comprised of doing all the little things that contribute to winning whether or not they directly reflect on the box score. Thus far, he's embracing and shining in that role as O'Connell currently sports a perfect 7-0 record.

As the holiday break approaches, we now have enough sample size to get out a small report on how the new faces in new places are performing in the Washington Catholic League. At this point in the season, every team has played at least five games, which has been enough for a handful or so names to establish themselves within their new team's dynamic. Below, we'll highlights those prospects.