IAC Preview and Predictions for 2019-20
It’s late-October, and that means we’re virtually a month away from the official start of another high school season. Over the past few days and weeks, we’ve been previewing conferences and regions around the DMV respectively. In this edition, we…
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Continue ReadingIt’s late-October, and that means we’re virtually a month away from the official start of another high school season. Over the past few days and weeks, we’ve been previewing conferences and regions around the DMV respectively. In this edition, we preview and attempt to predict the IAC by answering eight key questions.
(1) WHO MIGHT THE “CONTENDERS” BE?
St. Stephens & St. Agnes is the defending champion, and will most likely once again emerge as the team to beat in this league. The Saints boast a strong combo of experience, versatility, and depth on their roster.
Episcopal loses a couple of key players from last year’s team, but return a fair amount of contributors from the past season. Some may consider the Maroon a dark horse, but they may have the tools to accumulate a respectable number of wins.
(2) WHO COULD BE THE “DARK HORSES”?
Bullis is a talented team that could surprise some. The Bulldogs bring back several main contributors and could be ready to take the next step.
Georgetown Prep is a relatively young team that could end up being competitive sooner rather than later. The Little Hoyas feature a good blend of experience and young talent.
Landon has a high-powered offense that some might find to compete with on a given night. The success of this team could depend on how consistently they defend from game to game.
(3) WHICH TEAM MIGHT HAVE THE BEST BACKCOURT?
Bullis has a strong corps of guards who get the job done. Rodney Rice, Erik Reynolds and Cole Hanin have the most experience and notoriety while Zane Adnam and Alan Kane have shown promise.
(4) WHICH TEAM MIGHT HAVE THE BEST FRONT-COURT?
St. Stephens & St. Agnes have a rugged front-court anchored by 6’10 Bucknell commit Andre Screen. Watch out for unsigned 6’6 senior Kurt Samuels, a blue-collar forward who will also look to move bodies and impose his will.
(5) WHICH TEAM HAS THE MOST DEPTH?
It’s difficult to ignore the stable of talent in the Saints program. Xavier Lipscomb, Jared Cross, and Jamal Barnes are three proven perimeter players who’ve consistently produced in the past. 6’6 wing Chase Beasley is a late-bloomer who is on the rise after a strong run of play during the summer. People in the program are raving about sophomore guard prospect Garrett Brennan and unsigned senior Chris Milton rounds out a talented and deep wing rotation.
(6) WHO COULD WIN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR?
Xavier Lipscomb (SSSAS ’20), a sturdily-built 6’3 Radford Commit, is a walking triple-double threat at the point guard position. If he can propel the Saints to another league title, he is a safe bet to win player of the year.
Darius Johnson (Episcopal ’21) is ready to emerge from the shadow of his older brother Xavier, who is now a freshman at George Mason. By all accounts, Johnson is ready to follow in his brother’s footsteps as one of the best two-way guards to come out of the DMV.
Canin Reynolds (Landon ’20) is a threat to score 30+ points but also swipe 5+ steals every time he steps on the court. The 5’6 Columbia commit could take the league by storm this year.
Rodney Rice (Bullis ’22) can wreck a game plan with his long-range shooting touch and improving playmaking skills. If he performs at a consistently high-level there will be a strong case for him to win this award.
Zion Russell (Georgetown Prep ’21) is a world-class athlete with an increasingly dangerous jump shot. His level of play will likely dictate his team’s results.
(7) WHO MIGHT THE LEAGUE’S TOP BREAKOUT CANDIDATES BE?
Garrett Johnson (Episcopal ’21), a 6’6 wing who is considered a dead-eye shooter, could thrive in his role this year. If he has a big season it will certainly boost his team’s chances of competing.
Kino Lilly (Landon ’21) could emerge as one of the top scorers in the DC area this year. Will his efforts help his team record the wins necessary to contend?
Stefan Marcelle (Georgetown Prep ’22), a long-armed 6-foot-6 forward, is the best young front-court prospect in the league. Is he ready to become a consistent producer?
Erik Reynolds (Bullis ’21) has popped up on the national radar after a breakout summer. Can he keep the momentum going and help the Bulldogs become the top dogs?
(8) WHO MADE OUR PRESEASON ALL-IAC TEAM?
TYMU CHENERY | EPISCOPAL ’20
DARIUS JOHNSON | EPISCOPAL ’21
MICHAEL KATSOCK | ST. ALBANS ’20
KINO LILLY JR. | LANDON ’21
XAVIER LIPSCOMB | ST. STEPHENS & ST. AGNES ’20
CANIN REYNOLDS | LANDON ’20
ERIK REYNOLDS | BULLIS ’21
RODNEY RICE | BULLIS ’22
ZION RUSSELL | GEORGETOWN PREP ’21
ANDRE SCREEN | ST. STEPHENS & ST. AGNES ’20