5 Takeaways: Dallas Mavericks Fall Classic Championship Game (Blue Division)

<p>I was treated to an excellent matchup this weekend in the blue division championship game of the Dallas Mavericks Fall Classic. Dallas St. Marks took on Prestonwood Christian Academy in the finale of this early season tournament, and I was really impressed by both teams. While the first quarter was competitive, St. Marks started to take over in the second and maintained a comfortable lead for the remainder of the contest. They were able to cruise to a 65-50 victory over Prestonwood.</p> <p>Here are five takeaways from the blue division championship:</p> <h5><strong>Dallas St. Marks Might Have the Best Trio of Forwards in the State</strong></h5> <p>Obviously, I haven't had the chance to see every single team in Texas play this season, but I truly believe that you would be hard pressed to find a better trio of forwards playing for the same school. St. Marks big three consists of senior <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/andrew-laczkowski/">Andrew Laczkowski</a></strong>, junior <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/harrison-ingram/">Harrison Ingram</a></strong>, and sophomore <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/colin-smith/"><strong>Colin Smith</strong></a>, who are the 27th, first, and fourth ranked prospects in Texas from their respective classes. All three players contribute on both ends and make St. Marks a difficult team to match up with. </p> <h5><strong>Harrison Ingram is Elite</strong></h5> <p>The No. 1 ranked player in our <a href="https://prephoops.com/texas/rankings/2021-rankings/">Prep Hoops 2021 prospect rankings</a> proved he was worthy of being classified as one of the best forwards in the state of Texas during this tournament. He can do a little bit of everything. Ingram can operate at a high level from the one, two and three spots on the floor. He plays fast but never looks out of control. The junior guard/forward hybrid can hit step-back threes, is physical when he gets downhill, and has a nice touch in the post. Additionally, Ingram is a willing passer and a solid defender. He has such a diverse game. This guy is the real deal. </p> <h5><strong>Prestonwood is Loaded with Shooters</strong></h5> <p>I got to see Prestonwood in their opening game of the tournament as well as in the championship game. They may not overwhelm you with their size and athleticism, but they can shoot the three ball with the best of them. <strong>Vinny Sigona</strong>, <strong>Nathan Galloway</strong>, <strong>Gabe Collins</strong>, and <strong>Jacob Millhouse</strong> in particular are strapped from behind the arc. When they get hot from deep, they can hang with any opponent. Unfortunately for PCA, they went cold in the championship game and weren't able to overcome the excellent perimeter defense of St. Marks. But don't be fooled, just about every player on their roster can hit a three, and they are fearless when it comes to letting them fly. </p> <h5><strong>Prestonwood is a Dark Horse Contender in TAPPS 6A</strong></h5> <p>Despite losing in the tournament finale, I was super impressed with Prestonwood as a team. Like I said in the takeaway above, PCA is loaded with shooters at every position. They also have a 6'10" center in <strong>Connor Redrow</strong> who allows them to exploit schools who don't have a true big man. Furthermore, Redrow is even capable of stretching out and hitting a three. Opposing coaches will not want to face this team in the postseason because they are a terrifying matchup for anyone when they are playing to the best of their ability. </p> <h5><strong>Dallas St. Marks Should Be Among the Favorites to Win the Southwest Preparatory Conference State Title</strong></h5> <p>Dallas St. Marks has three elite level players in their frontcourt as well as some nice complementary pieces to surround them on the floor. Although he is only a sophomore, Smith can guard opposing bigs on defense and is also a consistent scorer. Ingram can contribute in a variety of ways, and Laczkowski can light it up from mid-range or deep. When all three of these players are on, they are virtually impossible to defeat. If they remain healthy, I wouldn't be shocked to see St. Marks cutting down the nets when the season concludes. </p>