Sleepy Thompson Thursday: Adam’s Takeaways
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It felt great to be back in the gym at the Sleepy Thompson after two years. As expected, the action lived up to the hype. Here’s what we learned on the opening night. Defense remains Sidwell’s calling card Freshman Jalen…
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Continue ReadingIt felt great to be back in the gym at the Sleepy Thompson after two years. As expected, the action lived up to the hype. Here’s what we learned on the opening night.
Defense remains Sidwell’s calling card
Sidwell managed to double their lead after every quarter in their convincing win vs. Carmel. The Quakers opened it up in the third period during which they allowed just 5 points. Everyone did their part defensively, including 2023 Chali Taylor. This Sidwell team has a chance to be dynamic offensively as well. This is in part because of the introduction of 2025 Jalen Rougier-Roane and 2024 Caleb Williams Caleb Williams 6'7" | SF Sidwell Friends | 2024 State #93 Nation MD .
Episcopal has a strong supporting cast
The only thing we knew about this year’s Episcopal squad heading into the season was that John Loughlin John Loughlin 6'1" | CG Episcopal | 2022 State VA and Charlie Jackson Charlie Jackson 6'5" | PF Episcopal | 2022 State VA would be a big part of the team. Little did we know the Maroon had reinforcements on deck. Minnesota native Buom Jock Buom Jock 6'5" | SF Mankato West | 2022 VA was the standout among the group. The 6-foot-5 wing is a confident perimeter shooter who brings versatility defensively. North Carolina native CJ Johnson was another newcomer who impressed. Johnson is a 2023 prospect who plays extremely hard and has the tools to be a difference-maker on both ends. 2023 Malik Stute contributed with excellent on-ball defense at the point of attack. And 2022 Derrick Anderson brings size, athleticism, and more versatility off the bench for Coach Fitzpatrick.
STAB’s young prospects show potential
Despite the disappointing result for STAB, 2025 Austin Williford Austin Williford 6'4" | CG Saint Anne’s Belfield | 2025 State #137 Nation VA and 2024 Chance Mallory Chance Mallory 5'10" | PG St. Anne's Belfield | 2025 State #73 Nation VA managed to stand out. Williford is a defensive ace with a ridiculous wingspan and commendable instincts. He blocked multiple shots and nearly hit his head on the bottom of the backboard a couple of times while doing so. Williford is also capable of knocking down an open three from the corner or the wing. Mallory’s performance was marred by foul trouble, but the way he responded shows how resilient he is. He did the most with his minutes and applied relentless pressure on his opponents throughout the contest.
Devin Ceaser Devin Ceaser 6'1" | CG St. Stephen's & St. Agnes | 2022 State VA goes bonkers vs. Collegiate
Devin Ceaser Devin Ceaser 6'1" | CG St. Stephen's & St. Agnes | 2022 State VA caught fire in front of the packed home stands on Thursday night. The degree of difficulty on some of his made shots was a 10 out of 10. Running full speed, then stopping on a dime and pulling up. Unbelievable. Collegiate had an unsigned senior guard who deserves mention. 2022 Jalen Pierce held it down offensively. The lefty is a confident shooter from three who gets also to his spots from mid-range.
Nightcap does not disappoint
Cam’ron Brown Cam’ron Brown 5'10" | PG Archbishop Carroll | 2022 State MD can flat-out play. Archbishop Carroll’s reliable lead guard controlled the tempo on both ends throughout this competitive contest. Despite the loss, sophomore Patrick Ngongba Jr. Patrick Ngongba Jr. 6'10" | C Paul VI | 2024 State #25 Nation VA ’s performance was a memorable one. The long-armed 6-foot-10 center shined in front of a bevy of division one coaches including Georgetown’s Patrick Ewing and George Mason’s Kim English. Ngongba’s combination of physical traits along with his skill base and feel for the game make him unique. The Hawks have a promising young core around their big man. 2023’s Cam Cole and Patrick O’Brien Patrick O’Brien 6'8" | C Bishop O'Connell | 2023 State VA along with 2024’s Isaiah Abraham Isaiah Abraham 6'7" | SG Paul VI | 2024 State #62 Nation VA and Julian Rivera Julian Rivera 6'1" | PG Highland | 2025 State VA are some other names to know.