Five Intriguing Prospects: HD Woodson vs. Thurgood Marshall

<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">WASHINGTON, DC — </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">HD Woodson advanced to the DCSAA Quarterfinals with an 80-54 win at home vs. Thurgood Marshall. Below is a look at five intriguing prospects from this postseason matchup. </span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">MARK AIKEN | THURGOOD MARSHALL ’21</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Mark Aiken</strong> was part of a dynamic two-headed back court for TMA. He’s a bit taller than his brother, but just as skilled. Aiken shoots it with deep range from the catch, but is also a crafty paint getter who seeks contact in the lane where he can finish from a variety of different angles or dish it to an open teammates.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">MIKE AIKEN | THURGOOD MARSHALL ’21</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Mike Aiken</strong> made some jaw-dropping plays in this game, but also the simple ones. He’s often the smallest player on the court, but is absolutely fearless. Aiken constantly applied pressure on the defense with his ball skills, quickness, and ability to create space for his shot or set up others. </span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">DEONTAY COZART | HD WOODSON ’20</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Deontay Cozart</strong> stood out initially with his effort on the boards, but his impact grew throughout the game. The lefty was a versatile playmaker with his ability to read passing lanes, but also score and facilitate the ball. </span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">TYLER LEE | HD WOODSON ’19</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Tyler Lee </strong>initially jumped off the page in the first quarter with his athleticism and court vision. He’s still raw offensively, but Lee used his length to protect the paint and rebound in traffic. Lee was the beset athlete on the court at about 6-foot-6, and despite his thin frame showed the strength to finish through contact and nice touch from the foul line as well.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">GENE ANDERSON | HD WOODSON ’22</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Gene Anderson</strong> came off the bench to spell Lee, and despite being a freshman was a defensive stalwart. He used his long arms to wall up and protect the rim effectively, but also made aggressive rim runs and demonstrated impressive touch around the basket to go along with a nice base of post moves to build from.</span></p>