5 Takeaways From MDPSSBT

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maryland's Private Schools came together for their annual State Basketball Tournament (MDPSSBT) last week. There were a number of stories we saw unfold over the week of high-level play. The tournament concluded with the Bullis School Bulldogs winning the championship in convincing fashion. Here are my 5 biggest takeaways from the Maryland Private School state playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Underclassmen Shined Under Bright Lights</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Freshmen and Sophomores had some big-time performances in each class during the MDPSSBT. They hit some big shots, made key defensive plays, and had a steady consistent impact for their team through their respective journeys. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2139297' first='J'Lon' last='Lyons'] | Clinton Grace Christian</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>J'Lon looked the part of a lead guard for Clinton Grace. Led the team in scoring through most of the games and showed no fear in making big plays. He was patient in his scoring distribution and took the opportunities that opened up for him. Lonnie made clutch shots from beyond and inside the lane. Best game was 19p/13a vs Mt. Zion to clinch a championship game bid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2736621' first='Carmelo' last='Beloni'] | Springdale Prep</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beloni came out firing for Springdale in their closely-contested battle against McNamara in the 2nd round. Scored 12 points with 6 rebounds in the loss played well on the defensive end under the rim. Carmelo was impressive with his smooth form and nice touch. Grabbed some offensive rebounds and used his size well to get positioning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353549' first='Jordan' last='Taylor'] | Bishop McNamara </strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jordan rules the glass while he's on the floor for McNamara. His second and third jump ability is key in creating those multiple shot opportunities for the team. Taylor was all over the floor and alomst clinched a double-double in both his outings. Finished with 8p/8r in his first game and had 13p/7r in the quarterfinal loss the Clinton Grace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2353535' first='Izzy' last='Tchoubfong'] | Our Lady of Good Counsel</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Izzy showed flashes again of what is to come in the future from him. The big guard got busy in an attempt to steal a first round win over Lanham Christian. Had 13 points along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Izzy is learning how to combine his size and speed with the necessary control to finish inside consistently. He continues to get to the basket well off the handle, and distributes to his teammates well when open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bullis Bulldogs: Statement Championship</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bullis was outstanding in their championship run at the MDPSSBT. Fresh off an IAC title run, they came to PG County and walked straight through the best of Maryland's private schools. They finished all three of their wins by 15 points or more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1955967' first='Eric' last='Reibe'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1367431' first='Adrien' last='Stevens'] led the way for the Bulldogs. Their chemistry and efficiency set the tone each game for the team. Stevens had 2 points and assists each in the title game but was still very effective, dishing off a lot of passes that led to baskets. Reibe had his tournament-high of 23 points in the game while coming off the bench for Bullis. His size and efficiency was dominant in their 15 point win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bullis had major support from seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1418518' first='Jeremiah' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1956025' first='Darren' last='Moore'], and as always the freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='2194788' first='Xavier' last='Skipworth']. Xavier had a very impressive final 2 games for Bullis as he finished over double-figures in points in each. This trios confidence and defensive impact helped transcend the Bulldogs into a more versatile team. They are best when they can play their pace and defend at a high level. Hats off to the Bullis School Bulldogs on a truly dominant 2024-25 postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">C/O 2026 Is Ready To Take Over</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class is packed with major D1 talent and they showcased their star brightly this postseason. Take a look at a few notable performances from guys who will be the main faces of Maryland private schools next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1782660' first='Qayden' last='Samuels'] (McNamara) - 25p/9r vs Springdale , 19p/9r vs Clinton Grace</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588121' first='Sean' last='Harvey'] (Severn) - 22p/10r/5a vs MD School for the Deaf</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1371857' first='Quron' last='Elliott'] (Mt. Zion) - 15p/3a/3r vs Clinton Grace</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1782654' first='Ashton' last='Meeks'] (DeMatha) - 26p vs Glenelg Country , 19p vs Bullis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2629848' first='Kyle' last='Logan'] (Good Counsel) - 19p/2a vs Lanham Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2347662' first='Ohiozoje' last='Owinje'] (Clinton Grace) - 18p/3a/3r vs Mt. Zion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1956028' first='Khalib' last='Norcome'] (Clinton Grace) - 19p/9r vs Mt. Zion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1588140' first='Ean' last='McLaughlin'] (Riverdale Baptist) - 18p/game-winning 3pt vs St. Andrews</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Solid Group Of Unsigned Seniors</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>List of Unsigned Standout '25 Performers From MDPSSBT</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1284157' first='Jerome' last='Williams Jr'] | PG | Mt. Zion HS National</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1286682' first='Kameron' last='Wylie'] | F | Mt. Zion HS National</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2722692' first='Naz' last='Joy'] | PG | Lanham Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2722695' first='Trey' last='Ray'] | G/F | Lanham Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1370508' first='Jacob' last='Randall'] | G/F | Severn</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2242081' first='Kisean' last='Robinson'] | PG | Springdale Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1579106' first='Christian' last='Sagba'] | PF | Springdale Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gio Sandford | G/F | Riverdale Baptist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2148788' first='Bryce' last='Adams'] | F/C | Clinton Grace Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1768966' first='Charles' last='Thomas III'] | SF | DeMatha</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defense (Still) Wins Championships</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The name of the game is to defend above all else. Teams that scored under 55 points in a full MDPSSBT game were 3-6 outright. Only Bullis, Riverdale, and Georgetown were able to secure a win with 55 points or less. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bullis was a prime example of defending at the highest level. They stayed active on the ball and stayed in front of their man. When the defense collapsed, Reibe was usually standing in the backline waiting to defend the basket. Bullis held all three of their opponents under 55 points on route to their championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were other teams that reaped the benefits of stellar defensive play. Clinton Grace pulled off the big upset thanks to their engulfing 2nd half defense, causing steals and deflections to keep Mt. Zion out of rhythm and eventually build a convincing 20-point win. McNamara and DeMatha are two other squads who saw success from stopping their high-powered opponents from running up the scoreboard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was impressed to see the defensive intensity from the teams participating. We saw the championship game at a 5-5 standstill through the whole first quarter. Teams and players both took pride in stopping their matchups. And the fans were right behind them, cheering the guys on and upping the intensity in the atmosphere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bullis held their opponents to 45 points, 54 points, and 37 points respectively to secure the 2024-25 MDPSSBT title after falling just short last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense still wins championships folks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->