Weekend In Olney: Star Prospects

Good Counsel and Capitol Hoops hosted their 7th annual Xaverian Classic this weekend over three days, bringing in IMG from Florida, Pennsylvania powerhouses, and even featured an appearance from California's Santa Margarita HS. There was no shortage of action as we watched some of the best of the area all under one location at Kane Center in Olney, MD. Here's a chance to get a look at some of the top prospects/performers I got a chance to check out live Saturday and Sunday!    Finley started the game hot against Malvern Prep to help Bullis keep pace early on. The offensive gameplan started to shift as the game called for different situations, but that did not shift his focus. Finley stayed ready and consistent throughout, making short looks and rebounding well. I liked the way Billy defended the rim as well, deterring a few shots and affecting the attempts at the rim. Ended the game stringing together a few baskets, brought his team back through some runs and helped Bullis get the edge over Malvern Prep in the closing minutes. Shot well from the field and knocked down his open looks at the three.     Trey was having his way on the floor at the Xaverian Classic early Sunday. Able to glide through the lane at will, especially when facing the zone defense. Trey came right into the game firing dead on target, drilling three 3pt field goals in the first quarter. Trey found his shooters and his dunkers the whole game, making highlight after highlight dishing off to his high-flyers. Had a double-double midway through the third quarter to help open up a 100+point game over a respectable St. John's unit. Huge performance from the senior guard out of Florida.     Chase was the beneficiary of a plethora of big dunks. He was caught flying through the lane, finishing with authority at the rim. The defenders had a hard time containing him from the paint due to the number of ways he could get there. Chase showed vast improvement making decisions off-the-dribble, making plays off the closeouts and finding ways to get two feet in the paint, often resulting in two points or a drawn foul.     Carlos was a bright spot for the short-handed McDonogh Eagles on Sunday. Did a great job attacking his matchup off-the-dribble, utilizing his speed advantage matching up with a 7-footer. Carlos showed true effort defensively, never letting the heigh mismatch affect his effort level defensively and on the glass. Sent back a lot of shots in the paint and used his athleticism on the other end, punishing smaller defenders and finishing around the height at the rim. Versatile showing in a game where Carlos was called upon much more than usual.     Damon's offensive output was solid all game long in a big St. Andrew's win. Finished with a team high 19 points as he shot the ball extremely well from deep range, while finding his teammates and racking up assists. Capitalized on a number of catch-and-shoot jumpers around the whole arc, further establishing himself as one of the more accurate-shooting guards in the state.     Keon may have been the Xaverian Classic MVP of the day, absolutely dominating in every way. The defense could not contain him, giving up a huge 35+ point game to the star Meade guard. When Keon's shot was off a couple times in a row, he made adjustments and got himself into scoring positions at the basket by patiently breaking down the zone. Keon played the game at a different kind of pace that helped him seek out weaknesses in the defense and consistently beat the zone/traps. Made some jumpers but really stood out to me in the way he kept the defense guessing, able to get his shot off when he wanted or use the change-of-pace to get by the defense and make a smooth layup at the rim. Statement type of game as the Meade star got the chance to perform in front of a new crowd at the Xaverian Classic in Olney.

Good Counsel and Capitol Hoops hosted their 7th annual Xaverian Classic this weekend over three days, bringing in IMG from Florida, Pennsylvania powerhouses, and even featured an appearance from California's Santa Margarita HS. There was no shortage of action as we watched some of the best of the area all under one location at Kane Center in Olney, MD. Here's a chance to get a look at some of the top prospects/performers I got a chance to check out live Saturday and Sunday!