DCSAA Class AA Semi Final Preview: Matchups and Players to Follow

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class AA DCSAA Playoffs have reached their highly anticipated Semi-Final stage, bringing together the top contenders in a battle for a coveted spot in the championship game. With matchups featuring programs boasting impressive records and standout talent, this round is set to deliver thrilling basketball action and intense competition. Fans can expect energetic atmospheres, strategic play, and memorable performances as each team fights to keep their season alive and move one step closer to the DCSAA Class AA title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4:45PM: (1) St. John's College (25-8) vs (5) Archbishop Carroll (23-12)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>2025-26 History: St. John's won the meeting on 1/15/26, 72-50; St. John's also won the WCAC Semi-Final matchup on 2/10/26, 66-64.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This will be the rubber match between the two teams. Expect this matchup to be highly intense, with both teams aiming to secure a berth in the DCSAA title game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>St. John's College: Players to Watch</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353547' first='Jymin' last='Veney']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2028 <strong>Karim Smith-Bey</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2026 <strong>KJ Little</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2026 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1782593' first='Zyion' last='Chase']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Archbishop Carroll: Players to Watch</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2026 <strong>Anthony “Ant” Brown</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 <strong>Dylan “Bam” Bolding</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2026 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1963388' first='Bryton' last='Barrett']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2028 <strong>Truth Kelley</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Game Outlook</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Success for both teams will hinge on the performance of their perimeter players. St. John's will rely on their powerful perimeter trio—<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353547' first='Jymin' last='Veney']</strong> (6-3), <strong>Karim Smith-Bey </strong>(6-5), and <strong>KJ Little</strong>, a quick left-handed guard who nearly carried the team to victory in the WCAC championship game with 20 points. The interior presence of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1782593' first='Zyion' last='Chase']</strong> may be the deciding factor for the Cadets in their quest for victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Archbishop Carroll, the outcome will depend on the play of their guards, especially Vanderbilt signee <strong>Anthony “Ant” Brown</strong>. The 6-2 scoring guard has been instrumental in leading the Lions to one of their most successful seasons in nearly a decade. <strong>Dylan “Bam” Bolding's </strong>(6-0 junior) contributions will also be crucial, particularly if he can overcome a nagging foot injury and find his shooting touch. Solid wing play from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1963388' first='Bryton' last='Barrett']</strong> (6-6 Senior) and <strong>Truth Kelley</strong> (6-5 sophomore), known for his defensive prowess, could be the X-factor in what promises to be another tightly contested game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8:30PM: (3) Sidwell Friends (21-6) vs (7) Jackson Reed (22-9)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Both teams have a history of meeting in the DCSAA Playoffs. Expect a tight game where every possession matters.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sidwell Friends: Players to Watch</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353562' first='Ian' last='Condon']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2029 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2974116' first='Elijah' last='Schneeberg']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194783' first='Judah' last='Washington']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2479607' first='Caden' last='Williams']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2026 <strong>Jalyn Collingwood</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jackson Reed: Players to Watch</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2327613' first='Averi' last='Knight']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2623334' first='Lane' last='Mahan']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>2028 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2876205' first='James' last='Walker']</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Game Outlook</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sidwell Friends will be led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353562' first='Ian' last='Condon']</strong>, the strong 6-7 junior forward who has been the team's go-to player all year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2479607' first='Caden' last='Williams']</strong>, a 6-2 junior guard, has recently stepped up, providing perimeter shooting and scoring 11 points against Dunbar in the quarterfinals. <strong>Andrew Ross</strong>, a 6-4 junior guard, contributed 8 points in that game, helping pick up the scoring slack. But look for this game to come down to the play of <strong>Judah Washingto</strong>n the 5-10 sophomore guard always has a tendency come up big in big games. And rounding out the Quakers balance attack will be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2974116' first='Elijah' last='Schneeberg']</strong> the 6-5 freshman guard has played like a seasonal veteran all year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson Reed comes into the semifinals after avenging their DCIAA Championship loss to Theodore Roosevelt, winning 71-63. The Tigers utilize a four-guard offense, led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2327613' first='Averi' last='Knight']</strong>, a quick 5-11 junior point guard who has made big plays all year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2623334' first='Lane' last='Mahan']</strong>, a 6-4 junior guard, brings versatility, impacting the game whether playing on or off the ball. <strong>James Walke</strong>r, a 6-2 sophomore shooting guard, will be key with his shooting. Off the bench, guards <strong>Joaquin Frye</strong> (5-11 junior), <strong>Dawit Abraham</strong> (6-4 senior), and <strong>DaSean Belton</strong> (6-1 junior lefty) have played vital roles in Jackson Reed's postseason run, consistently providing scoring and energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As you can see both teams bring the same skill set and size to this game. I am looking forward to seeing one of the better games as usual from these two teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->