Open Gym Notes: Clinton Grace+Good Counsel

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we travel to open gyms across the DMV to get a look at the local talent before the upcoming season begins, we wanted to share with our readers our perspective of the team and some of the top players. Today, we'll look at the Clinton Grace Eagles and Good Counsel. Let's get into it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Clinton Grace</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Paige leads Clinton Grace into a new season looking to build on the momentum from last year's team that had some big wins behind senior leadership. We attended the team's Blue-White scrimmage yesterday to get a look at a few returners in expanded roles as well as some new faces that will add new dimensions to the Eagles'. '26 PG [player_tooltip player_id='2620897' first='CJ' last='Lyons'] impressed as a quick guard that can really shoot it from the perimeter but has improved his finishing bag around the basket. His brother [player_tooltip player_id='2139297' first='J'Lon' last='Lyons'] ('27) recently picked up a Georgetown offer and will step into a big role as a PG that can shoot it, get to the basket at will, and provide some shot-blocking and rebounding with an impressive vert. '26 [player_tooltip player_id='1956028' first='Khalib' last='Norcome'] provides a steady defensive presence on the ball as a wing that can guard 1-4, has the leaping ability/length to block shots around the basket, and has improved the handle to get a rebound off the rim and ignite a fastbreak. '26 Zoje Owinje is moving the ball much better in the halfcourt to find open shooters and will serve as a great floor-spacing with consistent 3-point shooting. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2148788' first='Bryce' last='Adams'] and Conner Johnson will team up with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2528192' first='Ethan' last='Benning'] to man the low block, rebound the basketball, protect the rim, and create open shots for their teammates with screens/timely cuts. '27 guards Javar Minor and Jaden Dorey did a phenomenal job of providing disruptive activity on the defensive end of the floor while knocking down open perimeter looks at an improved clip. [player_tooltip player_id='2546084' first='Kai' last='McKnight'] will play an active role as one of the first players off the bench that can really push the pace with his speed on the ball in transition, create his own shot from the elbows, and attack closeouts in the halfcourt. '26 W [player_tooltip player_id='2528191' first='Jordan' last='Houchins'] could be in for a breakout junior season as an active 6'7 athlete with good length that can block shots on or off the ball, rebound at a high level, and knock down open shots with an improved southpaw stroke. [player_tooltip player_id='2880748' first='Cam' last='Shields'] is a great long term bet as a 6'6 freshman with a pure perimeter shooting stroke that plays within himself as a C+S guy that can utilize his length to collect deflections and rebounds. Although they will have to replace a lot of graduating production, I think this Clinton Grace team can be a disruptive group that can knock off some heavy hitters as the season progresses and roles are defined.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Good Counsel </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Kissel will lead a scrappy Falcons group with several names that should surprise with their productivity this season. The 3-guard rotation of [player_tooltip player_id='2316020' first='Jamaal' last='Mansaray'] ('26), [player_tooltip player_id='2629848' first='Kyle' last='Logan'] ('26) and incoming transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2353544' first='Corey' last='Dixon'] ('27) will provide a nice blend of paint touches, slashing, and shot-making from the perimeter that should make the Falcons more difficult to prepare to play against. [player_tooltip player_id='2353535' first='Izzy' last='Tchoubfong'] will provide more dynamic play-making from the wing, using his slashing ability to create well for others off the bounce while defending and rebounding the basketball at a high level. '25 F [player_tooltip player_id='1414531' first='Oliver' last='Spence'] should provide some secondary play-making and shooting from the high post while rebounding the basketball and likely serving as the team's top passing target around the basket. '26 Malcolm Kelly, '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2624360' first='John' last='Bancroft'], and '25 guard Roman Carter will bring energy, off-ball movement, defensive pressure and some shot-making off the bench. Gregor Ritchie ('25), Zac Johnson ('26), [player_tooltip player_id='2629851' first='Jayden' last='Spence'] ('27) and '26 KJ O'Quinn will space the floor as knockdown perimeter shooters. '26 6'7 [player_tooltip player_id='2148707' first='Joel' last='Beal'] Jr should surprise as a wing prospect that is starting to put things together, finishing around the basket and knocking down open midrange looks much better while using his length/athleticism to collect steals and blocks. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2548919' first='Kyle' last='Brown'] should likely serve as the point guard of the future for GC, controlling pace and creating shots for his teammates while showing a knack for knocking down stop n pop jumpers above the FT line. Expect the Falcons to show promising signs for the future while exceeding expectations in a few upset wins this season in a deep WCAC league.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->