X-Factors for Every BCL Team

As went approach that last stretch of regular season games for BCL teams, we've had enough of a sample size to evaluate roles and whose production can help sway a win or loss. Being labeled an "x-factor" doesn't mean it's the team's best or most productive player on the box score. While for some teams that sort of player can be viewed as the x-factor, for others it could be the intangibles that a role player brings that ultimately gives their group the edge and could be the difference between making a deep playoff run or an early exit.    Starting with the current No. 1 team in the standings, St. Frances boasts two of the more prolific scoring guards in the state in 2027 duo Terence Jones and [player_tooltip player_id='2878470' first='Carter' last='Fisk']. McCoy is the new face to the roster by way of Edmondson-Westside and has brought the valuable gritty, up-tempo style of play that only adds to the arsenal of weapons for head coach Nick Myles. His strong-built 6-foot-3 frame has surfaced with tough on-ball defense, his finishing through contact on straight-line drives or getting in the mix for rebounds. McCoy's outside shooting remains streaky, but posing as a slashing threat on the catch allows for some clean looks and with his feet set, he's shown confidence in converting from the corners to help swing momentum of games. The production between Fisk and Jones has become a given, but when McCoy is adding in his fingerprints to a game, upending the 23-4 overall Panthers is a tough task.     Okojie has quietly, but steadily begun to turn heads as this season has progressed with his spurts of two-way impact. The 6-foot-5 wing boasts a 7+ foot wingspan to go with pogo-stick athleticism around the rim to help collect rebounds, pose as as lob threat in the open floor or finish the job himself after gaining a driving lane off the dribble. His overall skillset remains raw, but there's clear improvement in just about every aspect when you compare him to what he was in the fall. His ability to touch each category of the box score and even lead the team in scoring, rebounding or blocks when its his night could be a crucial ingredient for the 19-5 Cougars to defend their BCL and MIAA crowns.     Simley hasn't had the breakout season that some may have assumed he would since transferring from Gonzaga for his senior year, but that doesn't mean there haven't been games where his length and versatility played a role in helping the Gaels prevail. The offensive production is largely shouldered by [player_tooltip player_id='2252277' first='BJ' last='Ranson'] (St. Joe's) while others such as [player_tooltip player_id='2194760' first='Chauncey' last='Word'], [player_tooltip player_id='2353590' first='Zikom' last='Etolue'] and Aaron Early have all been consistent support in the scoring column. With Simley, there simply aren't many prospect in the BCL or area for that matter who bring his size, frame and athleticism as a hybrid forward that can legitimately guard four positions. Mount St. Joe sits with one of the more quiet 21-5 records you'll come across, but that isn't to downplay how dangerous they can be with sustained momentum heading into the postseason. If Simley poses as the defender he's capable of being, he'll make for the definition of an x-factor for head coach Pat Clatchey.     The Patriots boast one of the more high-octane offenses in the league led by their school's all-time leading scorer in [player_tooltip player_id='1782586' first='Aidan' last='Able'] (UMBC). [player_tooltip player_id='2547300' first='Andrew' last='Clark'] (Randolph Macon) brings the size and paint presence needed at both ends while a host of younger guards are more than willing to do the dirty work and make the small plays that payoff in big moments. For Lee, he's the guy who can shift things. When the 6-foot-4 guard's shot is falling, it makes life for the opposing defense that much tougher. Their main concern is keeping Able at bay and with much of the attention on him whenever he has the ball, it's usually Clark who opens up along the baseline where he converts with efficiency. Some teams in the league are able to account for both and that's where Lee steps in as a long-range shooter who can hit demoralizing and timely three's after playing focused defense for 20+ seconds. This year's John Carroll team doesn't live and die as much by the three as in years past, but if Lee is hitting while Able and Clark get their routine averages, this team's ceiling raises significantly. They're currently fourth at 17-5 overall.     Spalding's roster gives Mount Carmel's a run from a pure talent perspective. The Cavaliers scheduled accordingly and had a tough road in non-conference play with injuries to key rotation players to add insult. Throughout, Lonergan has consistently been the backcourt producer as he spaces the floor taking on the role of a fearless shot-maker while muddying things up for others defensively. There have been a handful or more of games this season where Lonergan has led the scoring attack and as head coach Josh Pratt works to regain some cohesion within the rotation as guys missed valuable stretches, Lonergan's consistency could be a foundational piece that comes into play during playoff time. Spalding is 12-11 overall.     Johnson poses as one of the big-3 for the Cardinals alongside [player_tooltip player_id='2926352' first='Cameron' last='Wood'] and Billy Stanfield, so this isn't a candidate who plays a minimal role. Nonetheless, guard play is what wins games in this league and if Calvert Hall plans to make any sort of postseason run, Johnson's scoring and dynamism as a lead guard will hold much weight. He's shown to do damage both off the catch or getting to his spots as a shooter and is best slashing in straight-line fashion. While Wood is good for a scoring outburst once or twice out of every handful of games, Johnson's name can always be found as the leading or second-leading bucket-getter in the effort. Calvert Hall sits 11-16 overall.     It was assumed that first year head coach Roger Garfield would undergo a rebuilding job when he took the Loyola Blakefield gig. Haysbert is arguably the biggest piece for both now and the future as the 6-foot-6 forward has strung together a very productive sophomore campaign with his fair share of double-doubles to show for it. The Dons are battling through the growing pains, but the signs that Haysbert and others have shown as the season progresses have been optimistic. Loyola is 6-15 overall.     Rich is another bright spot of a team that is in the bottom of the standings, but a part of another younger roster building for the future. The dynamic combo guard has improved his three-level scoring as well as his feel to get others involved as more defenses have schemed to take away his strength of filling up in the scoring column. All of which should pay dividends as he steps into an important spring/summer for his development.

As went approach that last stretch of regular season games for BCL teams, we've had enough of a sample size to evaluate roles and whose production can help sway a win or loss. Being labeled an "x-factor" doesn't mean it's the team's best or most productive player on the box score. While for some teams that sort of player can be viewed as the x-factor, for others it could be the intangibles that a role player brings that ultimately gives their group the edge and could be the difference between making a deep playoff run or an early exit.