DCSAA Championship Middle School Game Report

St. Francis Xavier School defeats Alice Deale 52-42 Claim State Title   In a thrilling showdown for the DCSAA Middle School Championship, St. Francis Xavier emerged victorious over Alice Deale with a 52-42 win to claim the state title. Leading the charge for St. Francis Xavier was standout performer [player_tooltip player_id='2886612' first='Landon' last='Driver'], who earned MVP honors for his dominant play on both ends of the court. The matchup showed impressive talent and determination from both teams, but Driver's leadership and big plays proved to be the difference in securing the first DCSAA championship for the SE school.   St. Francis Xavier Prospects of Note:   [player_tooltip player_id='2886612' first='Landon' last='Driver'], 6-2, F/G, 2030/8th Grader – [player_tooltip player_id='2886612' first='Landon' last='Driver'] is a 6-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2030. Clearly one of the most advanced prospects on display, he had no issue applying pressure on either side of the ball. Landon is a strong, skilled guard/forward with great size and a physically overwhelming frame. He excels at getting downhill and attacking the basket, where he's able to play through tons of contact, finish, and see the floor as a passer. Driver is a capable midrange and long-range shooter but is at his best when putting pressure on the rim. He's a strong rebounder and useful defender whose positioning, anticipation, and nose for the ball allow him to consistently make plays. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would complement his penetration game nicely…A prospect that's on numerous WCAC school radars.   Carter Robinson, 6-3, F, 2030/8th Grader- Robinson is an early prospect to keep firmly on the radar, already showing appealing size at 6'3 with the ability to run the floor and impact play around the basket. Despite his youth, he flashes the southpaw provides a natural presence inside and the tools to continue developing into a versatile contributor. With plenty of time for growth and refinement, Robinson is a young talent whose long-term upside makes him one to watch in the coming years. Has WCAC potential.   Isaiah Gilliam, 6-1, F/G, 2030/8th Grader- Gilliam is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2030. Gilliam is a smart, athletic guard with natural feel with and without the ball in his hands. Whether touching the paint at a high volume, knocking down jumpers, or being in the right position as a cutter, he found consistent involvement in the offense. Gilliam utilizes his quickness well to contain opponents defensively.   Khalifa Dennis, 5-7, G, 2031/7th Grader - Dennis is a smart, skilled guard with the ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. He's a polished creator, both for himself and others, with great vision, cutting instincts, and a very solid defensive presence. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him an even better finisher through contact. He showcased the ability to score the ball at a consistent rate from all three levels. He didn't back down from anyone in the championship game.   Amir Muhammad, 5-5, PG, 2030/8th Grader- Amir Mohammed is a 5-foot-5 prospect in the Class of 2030.  Clearly one of the more dynamic creators and scorers on display, he had no issue making his presence felt as a focal point. Muhammad is an intelligent, high-motor guard with an unselfish mentality and the ability to consistently make plays with the ball in his hands. He's a very crafty ball-handler who can reliably break down defenders, touch the paint, and finish or set up others. Muhammad displays sharp playmaking instincts and a desire to make the right play whenever possible. He's a strong defender, especially at the point of attack, and forces turnovers at a quality rate.   Carmelo Washington, 5-6, PG, 2030/8th Grader- Carmelo is a 5-foot-6 prospect in the Class of 2030. Given his constant motor and two-way energy, he did a nice job of operating within the flow of the action on both ends of the floor. Carmelo is a scrappy little guard who looks to outwork opponents and capitalizes on offensive opportunities whenever possible. He's a capable little guard who knows how to make hustle plays and secure extra possessions. Carmelo does a nice job of finding open space in transition and showing 3pt range on his jump shot.   Alice Deale Middle School Prospects of Note:   Demetruis Smith, 5-9, G, 2030/8th Grader- Demetruis Smith is a 5-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2030. Already possessing excellent polish and intangibles, it's easy to see his overall appeal. Hicks is a smart, unselfish, high-motor guard with great size, ball skills, and scoring ability. He's a strong penetrator and quality finisher who shoots the ball extremely well from beyond the arc Smith is a useful midrange threat and willing passer. Additionally, his ability to make defensive plays, do the dirty work, and fill in the gaps makes him a massive difference-maker. Next in his development process is working to improve his rebounding presence, as it would make him a more complete player. The game change when the young man went down with a leg injury.   Cameron Tillman, 5-9, G, 2030/8th Grader- Cameron is a 5-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2030. Between his consistent production and ability to impact all facets of the game, it was easy to recognize all the things he brought to the team. Tillman is a natural glue-guy who can do a healthy amount of everything on the court. He can initiate the offense, create for himself and others, and score the ball in a variety of ways. Tillman is also a solid all-around defender. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would lead to even easier scoring opportunities.   Hassan Phillips, 5-6, SG, 2030/8th Grader- Phillips stood out with his aggressive approach and scoring mentality. He consistently applied pressure on the defense, created opportunities for himself, and confidently knocked down shots. With his ability to generate offense and embrace the role of a go-to scorer, Phillips is a young prospect who continues to trend upward.   Santana Knight, 5-6, PG, 2030/8th Grader- Knight played a key role in helping Alice Deale get to compete for DCSAA Middle School championship. A playmaking guard with a strong feel for the game, he consistently created paint touches, put pressure on the defense and finishing ability at the rim was noticeable. His ability to break down defenders and generate opportunities for himself and teammates makes him an intriguing young prospect to monitor moving forward.   Jacob Taylor, 5-6, G, 2028/8th Grader- Jacob is a 5-foot-6 prospect in the Class of 2030. Between his IQ, motor, and well-rounded identity, he already impacts the game quite well for his age. Taylor does a great job of doing the dirty work and playing with constant energy on both ends of the floor. However, he's capable of handling the ball, creating for himself and others, and mixing it up as a scorer from all levels. Taylor is comfortable with or without the ball in his hands. He contains his assignment well defensively.

St. Francis Xavier School defeats Alice Deale 52-42 Claim State Title