MoCo Film Room: Kennedy/Blake/Walter Johnson

Kennedy, Blake, and Walter Johnson each gave plenty to take away on film during these snow days without hoops, with multiple players stepping up in big moments and showing real skill and toughness. From shot-makers knocking down timely threes to physical finishers controlling the paint, these prospects popped out through the tape in their recent respective games this month!    Mike gave JFK a steady interior presence and consistently produced when he played with aggression. Early on he scored with two strong pivot moves into a finish, setting the tone with physicality. He rebounded hard on both ends and stayed involved on second-chance plays. Wright was effective slashing into the paint too and finished consistently through contact. He used a jab step into a drive to his right side, then converted another tough layup while absorbing contact. His best stretches came when he was focused and aggressive. He used his body well to force defenders into fouling situations. Wright also came up with a big and-one post move late to try to close the gap. He knocked down free throws and consistently got to the line. Overall he played with strength and toughness that helped keep JFK in the game to the end.     Bryce set the tone with his ability to create offense off the dribble. He got downhill with real burst and finished through traffic, including a tough off-hand finish at the rim. When the defense started to sit on his drives he answered by showing comfort in getting to his midrange spots with short pullups. Bryce consistently drew fouls and lived at the line this game. Looked confident handling the ball late in possessions and didn't shy away from big shots. Played a reliable game of basketball as a senior guard.     Armani controlled the game with his smooth scoring package and ability to handle the basketball. He attacked the rim hard for finishes and mixed in a multitude of clean moves to get into his midrange arsenal. In transition he used a subtle crossover to get downhill and score, then continued to deliver bucket after bucket during Blake's best stretches. Armani's handle and pace stood out because he consistently created angles to the lane without rushing drives. He also drew fouls by breaking defenders down in isolation and attacking the rim. Fowlkes flashed vision as well and showed he can make passes when help defenders commit. Defensively, he took on strong assignments and defended well on-ball against the opposing team's leading scorer. He stayed aggressive late and helped put the game away at the free throw line. Scored effectively at every level and looked like the engine of Blake's offense.     Christian played a smart and physical game while picking the right spots to attack. He started strong with an and-one finish under the rim, then opened the second half by knocking down a corner three. What stood out most was Christian's patience within the offense this game. He consistently made the right play after beating the first defender and didn't force bad shots. To close the third quarter he used a pump fake to create space and finish at the rim, giving Blake a cushion heading into the fourth. In the final stretches of the game Christian excelled at getting two feet in the paint and finishing with touch around the rim. Looked comfortable scoring inside and out, especially to help close the game in the second half. He was steady, efficient, and made winning plays in key moments.     Maxwell became a major difference-maker in the second half with his energy and toughness on both ends. He defended hard in the backcourt and created disruption for the opposition with deflections and steals. He also rebounded well for his position and stayed active around the ball each minute on the floor. Offensively, he took the right shots and made timely baskets that kept Kennedy alive. The biggest moment was his game-tying three after a pump fake that sent the game to overtime. In OT he delivered another strong sequence with a big block, then hit a three from the top to give Kennedy the lead. Max showed his versatility by handling guard duties and sliding up to forward when needed. His constant effort and impact earned him more and more trust to stay on the floor as things swung in intensity.     Williams looked like a high-upside freshman who already understands how to impact the game. He consistently knocked down catch-and-shoot threes around the entire perimeter. He also showed he can also create for himself with a smooth stepback from the wing and a deep pull-up from the top. His shooting confidence is real and he doesn't hesitate when the moment arises. Runs the floor hard and looks to finish after beating the defense down the court. In transition he uses deceptive size, speed, and handle to stay dangerous with the ball. Defensively, he held his own when switched onto quicker opponents and didn't look overwhelmed. The biggest takeaway was Jeremiah's late-game mentality. Williams wanted the ball in the 4th and took on the majority of the shot-making responsibility. For a 2029 guard, he looks advanced and fearless.

Kennedy, Blake, and Walter Johnson each gave plenty to take away on film during these snow days without hoops, with multiple players stepping up in big moments and showing real skill and toughness. From shot-makers knocking down timely threes to physical finishers controlling the paint, these prospects popped out through the tape in their recent respective games this month!