STARTERS
G-F. Gibraltar Coleman, Flint Hill–The Huskies had a tough year with a key injury to Quin Gorman, but Coleman certainly did his part and more. The inside/outside scoring threat poured in points, such as when he scored 37 in a win over St. James. With Gorman out he had to hit the boards even more and he did–like when he had 16 (and 30 points) in a win over Anacostia. Gifted finisher and shooter who will do well at the next level.
G. CJ Johnson, Episcopal–A highly underrated guard this year in Northern Virginia was CJ Johnson of Episcopal. When he was on, like when he hit for 27 in a win over rival St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes in February, the Maroon were a tough team to beat. The all-IAC selection really did it all for his team. He provided a lot of ball-handling, drained threes from well beyond the arc, and was solid on defense forcing turnovers and initiating fast-breaks.
F. Joseph Baldwin, Fairfax Christian–Baldwin had a fantastic year for the Cardinals, with him being named first team MPSC and VISAA Division III Player of the Year. Yet another impressive rebounder and finisher on the roster at Fairfax Christian, Baldwin also provided leadership and key plays for his squad throughout the season. What a great get for Shenandoah, which will benefit from having the talented wing on campus next Fall.
G. Khalil Williams, Potomac School–Williams had another strong season on his way to earning all-MAC honors. It’s fun to watch the tall guard carve up opponents with the hesitation dribble and other weapons in his arsenal. He can flat-out score, and Williams is very solid shooting from beyond the arc as well. The Panthers should be solid next year, but it is difficult to imagine them without the smooth left-hander getting it done in McLean.
G-F. DeShawn Harris-Smith, Paul VI–Even with Paul VI’s unbelievable talent, on not-so-rare occasions Glenn Farello would just clear the middle and let Harris-Smith operate on offense. Few can match the University of Maryland commit’s height, ball-handling ability, relentlessness, and physical nature. He can shoot, defend, and play every position if need be. Somehow, the VISAA Division I, Washington Post, and WCAC Player of the Year is still underrated nationally.
RESERVES
F-C. Callum Crossman, Virginia Academy–In an area full of strong finishers, still nobody could hammer home a dunk quite like Crossman. The 6’9″ forward is very mobile, and has a great vertical. He provided double-double type production and then some this season for the Patriots, often rejecting opponents’ shots into the crowd on defense.
F. David Solomon, Virginia Academy–Smaller than Crossman, Solomon still was as dangerous a weapon this year for VAA. Strong and crafty around the rim, Solomon has very good footwork which also allows him to defend wings as well as posts. His work on defense often translated to offense for his team, and his effort and energy sparked many Patriot runs.
G. Corey Caulkner, O’Connell–Caulkner had a very solid campaign for the Knights, with his steady play at guard a major factor in O’Connell’s success. He was extremely efficient, getting into the lane to draw the defense and finding the Knights’ shooters, taking nothing but good shots himself from beyond the arc.
F. Bryson Wilson, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes–If you’re having a dunk contest you would certainly invite Wilson, named to the VISAA Division I First Team. There’s a lot more to that to Wilson’s game, however. He contributes perimeter shooting, blocks, steals, etc. and will do the same for the University at Buffalo next year.
G. Jayson White, Christ Chapel–White’s final high school season was a very good one, as the guard scored and drained three-pointers at an impressive clip. Even though White has good height/size, we’ve always thought he was taller than he is because he gets his shot off so easy. He’ll play at Virginia Union next season.
G. Quint Booker, Bishop Ireton–When the Cardinals’ combo guard got going it was a very fun thing to watch–like, when he hit seven three-pointers against Bethel Academy and finished with 40 points. It wasn’t just his ability to score. Booker’s hustle and energy on defense as well often served as a major catalyst for Ireton.
F. Warren Gorman, Bishop Ireton–Ireton was awash in talented guards, but the Cardinals would have had a much harder time this year without Gorman. The tall forward provided timely and efficient scoring, but more importantly solid defense and double-digit rebounding. This was an underrated player, with still considerable upside as he goes to the next level.
HONORABLE MENTION
Jovani Galarza (Fairfax Christian), Jordan Reed (Bethel Academy), Buom Jock (Episcopal), Malik Stute (Episcopal), Will Hurst (Episcopal), Tristan Alvarez (Virginia Academy), Blake Berry (Virginia Academy), Robert Glynn (Virginia Academy), Garrett Sullivan (St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes), Cole Cosby (St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes), Niles Alburg (St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes), Nate Pabis (Flint Hill), Stephen Kennedy (Flint Hill), Khaleel Abdullah (Flint Hill), Godswill Ohajunwa (Christ Chapel), Tobe Chuke (Potomac School), Cam Franklin (Potomac School), Patrick O’Brien (O’Connell)