Adam’s Weekend in Review

<p>Between stops at the Flint Hill Tip-Off and the National High School Hoops Festival, there was no shortage of action to consume over the weekend. Here is a rundown of some of the top stock risers, finds, and underclassmen I saw. </p> <h5 class="p1">Stock Risers</h5> [caption id="attachment_1342613" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Boston-Tyler-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1342613 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Boston-Tyler-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1225255" first="Tyler" last="Boston"] is quickly establishing a reputation as one of the better point guards in the DMV[/caption] <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1225255" first="Tyler" last="Boston"] - guard - Bullis ’24</strong></p> <p>It was a quick turnaround for Bullis, who played on Friday night at home against Riverdale Baptist before their 12:15 tip-off against Rock Creek White at the National High School Hoops Festival. The Bulldogs were shorthanded, meaning more usage for their sophomore floor general [player_tooltip player_id="1225255" first="Tyler" last="Boston"]. He delivered the goods. Boston was in complete control throughout the contest. He was a threat from the perimeter, but was strong with the ball in traffic and had multiple strong takes to the rim. All in all, it was an impressive overall performance from Boston, who dodged foul trouble and helped lead Bullis to their second straight win.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1225253" first="Drew" last="McKenna"] - forward - Glenelg Country ’24</strong></p> <p>We’ve talked many times about how loaded the local talent pool is in 2024. [player_tooltip player_id="1225253" first="Drew" last="McKenna"] needs to be in the discussion as one of the area’s premier prospects. He was the show stopper in a hostile environment at Flint Hill. At 6-foot-7, there isn’t anything on the court McKenna can’t do. His versatility will be a crucial element to the success of his team this season. </p> <p class="p1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962811" first="Keishawn" last="Pulley"] Jr. - guard - St. Christopher’s ’22</strong></p> <p>Pulley has all the tools to be a productive college guard. It’s clear that he has put in the hours to refine his game since the summer. Pulley’s shooting, ball-handling, and the use of his off-hand have improved. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904639" first="Gideon" last="Sahlen"] - forward - Bullis ’22</strong></p> <p>Sahlen was another Bulldog who was a difference-maker during their win against Rock Creek. Not only did he protect the rim as we’ve seen him do before. Sahlen also made multiple threes. He can be very effective as a floor spacer with his feet set. Another thing Sahlen did was find open teammates. He sees the floor well and is very unselfish. </p> <p class="p1"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1164833" first="Nick" last="Viqueira"] - guard - Bullis ’23</strong></p> <p>The emergence of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1164833" first="Nick" last="Viqueira"]</strong> has been welcomed by Coach Bruce Kelley. "Nick Viq" started the game against Rock Creek and immediately looked like he belonged. There aren’t many who’ve improved more since the pandemic. Viqueira is growing into his body nicely. He is a fearless competitor on both ends with a budding skill base. </p> <h5 class="p1">Best Finds</h5> [caption id="attachment_1342612" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Youngkin-Thomas-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1342612 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Youngkin-Thomas-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> It looks like Thomas Youngkin will be an important player for Prep moving forward[/caption] <p class="p1"><strong>Zach Murphy - guard - St. Christopher’s ’23</strong></p> <p>Murphy was one of the better shooters we saw over the weekend. He has deep range and is always shot-ready. Murphy’s release is quick. He mixes in pump fakes nicely and is adept at attacking closeouts as a result. </p> <p class="p1"><strong>Jackson Pugh - guard -Glenelg Country ’23</strong></p> <p>Pugh is an absolute menace defensively. He leverages his low center of gravity and quickness to make things extremely difficult for opposing ball-handlers in the backcourt. </p> <p class="p1"><strong>Reginald Washington - guard -Rock Creek White ’22</strong></p> <p>Washington is another dead-eye shooter who stood out over the weekend. He went three for five from deep against Bullis. Washington was responsible for converting a 4-point play late in the game with his team fighting back. </p> <p><strong>Thomas Youngkin - wing - Georgetown Prep ’23</strong></p> <p>Youngkin was a solid all-around contributor for Prep at the Flint Hill Tip-Off. He plays with relentless energy and intelligence on both ends of the floor. Youngkin is a threat from three. The 6-foot-4 wing also helps out on the boards. </p> <h5 class="p1">Top Underclassmen</h5> [caption id="attachment_1342611" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Jennings-Brandon-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1342611 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/Jennings-Brandon-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Brandon Jennings is one to watch in the 804 this year[/caption] <p class="p1"><strong>Sonny Bridges - guard -St. Christopher’s ’25</strong></p> <p>Bridges is one of many young prospects who stood out for the Saints. He touched the paint frequently on offense and was active defensively. </p> <p><strong>Brandon Jennings - guard - St. Christopher’s ’24</strong></p> <p>Jennings is a smooth lefty with a good feel for the game. He has a broad frame that should fill out over time. Expect him to continue improving as he grows into his body. </p> <p class="p1"><strong>Xavier Pickett - guard - Glenelg Country ’24</strong></p> <p>Pickett made multiple shots from the perimeter for the Dragons. He gets great elevation and has a compact stroke that is easy to repeat. </p> <p class="p1"><strong>Rulian Stewart - guard -Georgetown Prep ’24</strong></p> <p>Stewart is a rangy lead guard with a combination of physical tools and ball skills that can give opponents fits. When he kicks into high gear, he can be very difficult to contain off the bounce. Stewart is constantly hunting paint touches. He is crafty and has the length to finish over the top of defenses. </p> <p class="p1"><strong>Timothy Walker - wing - Rock Creek White ’25</strong></p> <p>Walker is a long, lanky, and multi-faceted wing prospect who is already quite productive. He exhibits a good feel for the game. Walker is efficient with the ball. He rebounds his position and fills the lanes accordingly. </p>