BCL Preview and Prediction
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I feel very comfortable admitting this was the hardest year in predicting how the BCL standing will end up. We’re set to have the most exciting year in this league in recent memory and getting this list together was like…
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Continue ReadingI feel very comfortable admitting this was the hardest year in predicting how the BCL standing will end up. We’re set to have the most exciting year in this league in recent memory and getting this list together was like splitting hairs. Ultimately, I believe it’ll come down to experience and role players to claim the regular season title. The playoffs however, could be a completely different story.
Without further ado..
1. Archbishop Spalding
Last year’s record: 12-3 (5-2 in BCL); finished in 2nd
My reasoning:
The Cavs have the best player in the league in Cameron Whitmore Cameron Whitmore 6'7" | PF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State #30 Nation MD . The Villanova signee proved himself as a top 20 (and I would argue a top 15) player in the country this summer. Whitmore could’ve took his talents to a number of powerhouse prep programs, but is determined to bring a championship home to Spalding. CJ Scott CJ Scott 6'4" | SF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD will be an x-factor for this team. If he provides consistent production, it further bolsters my argument for them being the top team. Jordan Pennick Jordan Pennick 6'1" | CG Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD is arguably the league’s best perimeter defender and provides floor spacing while others such as Tyheil Peterson Tyheil Peterson 5'10" | PG Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD , Josh Rivers Josh Rivers 6'4" | SF Archbishop Spalding | 2022 State MD , RJ Newton RJ Newton 6'4" | SF Archbishop Spalding | 2024 MD and Malik Washington will be critical as rotation players.
2. Mount St. Joseph
Last year’s record: 10-3 (5-2 in BCL); finished in 3rd
My reasoning:
Sophomore guard Bryson Tucker Bryson Tucker 6'7" | CG IMG Academy | 2024 #15 Nation FL emerged as a national prospect this summer and has real argument for being the top 2024 prospect in the country. His overall progression, experience gained with Team USA and the fact that he grew to 6’6-6’7 all contribute to why so many high major programs see him as a future NBA player. Junior forward Amani Hanberry transferring to the Gaels is a game-changer in itself. At 6-foot-8 he’s a dominant force in the paint with pristine footwork and feel as both a scorer and passer. Look for him to showcase more versatility than we’ve seen in the past two seasons as well. Senior forward Aidan Mess Aidan Mess 6'7" | C Mount St. Joseph | 2022 State MD is a workhorse on the glass and like Hansberry, can provide versatility in the frontcourt. Production from others such as Ace Valentine Ace Valentine 6'2" | PG Mount St. Joseph | 2023 State MD , Austin Abrams Austin Abrams 6'3" | SG Mount St. Joseph | 2023 State MD and others off the bench will ultimately determine how high the Gaels end up in the standings. Add the the equation that they have a Hall of Fame head coach in Pat Clatchey, and I like my chances on Mount St. Joe flexing their muscles in the league this season.
3. St. Frances
Last year’s record: 15-1 (7-0 in BCL); finished in 1st
My reasoning:
It’s feels crazy to put the Panthers in third and I’ll more than likely regret it considering their past success, but losing the size inside from last season could make for a challenging 2021-22. They countered with absolutely loading up in the backcourt with elite guard play that will come from Bryce Lindsay Bryce Lindsay 6'2" | CG St. Frances | 2022 State MD , Jahnathan Lamothe Jahnathan Lamothe 6'3" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #204 Nation MD , Carlton Carrington Carlton Carrington 6'4" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #84 Nation MD , Daquan Davis Daquan Davis 6'1" | PG Overtime Elite (GA) | 2024 #119 Nation GA and Tyler Jackson. 6-foot-7 forward Cortez Johnson Cortez Johnson 6'7" | PF St. Frances | 2022 State MD will be expected to hold down the inside and is capable to win individual matchups against players of his size. They’ll overwhelm teams in the league with defensive pressure and shot-making ability.
4. John Carroll
Last year’s record 11-5 (3-4 in BCL) finished in 6th
My reasoning:
The easy thing do to with rankings is to put whatever team won the league the previous year in first. If you have read my content in the past, you know I don’t exactly follow the politically correct path. With that being said, we saw the Patriots make one of the most impressive runs to the BCL title last season led by the tandem of senior guard Tyson Commander Tyson Commander 6'4" | SG The John Carroll School | 2022 State #203 Nation MD and junior guard Jeannot Basima Jeannot Basima 6'3" | CG John Carroll | 2023 State #200 Nation MD , both who will return to the lineup this year. Senior forward Cesar Tchilombo Cesar Tchilombo 6'9" | C John Carroll | 2022 State MD has established himself as a dominant defensive presence and an elite rebounder. Where my questions come in is replacing the production and intangibles left behind by Jalen Bryant (Kutztown). Can TJ Vaughn TJ Vaughn 5'10" | PG John Carroll | 2022 State MD step up and maintain steady command as a floor general? Will Terry Long Terry Long 6'4" | SF John Carroll | 2022 State MD emerge as a valuable weapon? These questions are why I have the Patriots lower than most but as they did last season, I’m ready to be proven wrong.
5. Mount Carmel
Last year’s record: 11-4 (4-3 in BCL); finished in 4th
My reasoning:
The Cougars are the most polarizing team for me. I could make arguments to have them in the top three considering they have the state’s top point guard in Deon Perry Deon Perry 5'8" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2022 State MD . They also welcome a slew of new faces in sharpshooting transfer hailing from Argentina in Drazen Sinigoj, a do-it-all type of wing/forward in Allen Mordi and one of the more promising young bigs in the country in Luke Bamgboye. They return junior forward Mitchell Kalu Mitchell Kalu 6'5" | PF Mt. Carmel | 2023 State MD , junior forward Omarion Reid and sophomore guard Andrew Dixon Andrew Dixon 6'1" | PG Mt. Carmel | 2024 State MD . Other additions such as junior guard Danny Parsons, sophomore guard Tjay Beckles Tjay Beckles 5'10" | PG Overlea | 2023 State MD , sophomore guard Dwayne Williams and freshman guard Rodney Scott all have a chance to play a role in what will be the deepest rotation in the BCL.
6. Loyola
Last year’s record: 8-6 (3-4 in BCL); finished in 5th
My reasoning:
The return of Gavin Walsh Gavin Walsh 6'7" | PF Loyola Blakefield | 2022 State MD was huge for the Dons, who lacked a true playmaker in their lineup. Getting him into the mix also solves some size issues in the frontcourt, but Walsh and senior forward Charlie Hepting should form a formidable duo in that regard. The key with Loyola will be what kind of guard play they manufacture from a number of guys who aren’t the most experienced in BCL play.
7. Goretti
Last year’s record: 6-8 (1-6 in BCL); finished in 7th
My reasoning:
Goretti has an intriguing frontcourt duo in Jordan Nkoa-Abessolo Jordan Nkoa-Abessolo 6'5" | PF St. Maria Goretti | 2022 State MD and Jordan Green Jordan Green 6'5" | C St. Maria Goretti | 2022 State MD . They’ll both be vital in Goretti having success against the lower end teams in the league. Guard play is the biggest question with this team.
8. Calvert Hall
Last year’s record: 5-9 (0-7 in BCL); finished in 8th
My reasoning:
First year head coach Gary Neal steps in and will have a challenge on his hands. On paper, Calvert Hall has a chance to pull off a couple of wins over some of the lower end teams in the league thanks to junior Mike Williams Mike Williams 6'3" | CG Bishop Walsh | 2023 State #141 Nation MD , junior Karim Harris Karim Harris 6'2" | SF Rosedale Christian | 2023 State MD , junior Samartine Bogues Samartine Bogues 5'6" | PG Calvert Hall | 2023 MD and sophomore guard Isaiah Williams Isaiah Williams 6'3" | CG Rosedale Christian | 2024 MD .