The Real Basketball Report MD/DC/VA/WV Region 2008-2009 High School Preseason Top 25

[intelligenthoodlum]

Sports fans, on September 1, the RBR will list its preseason top 25 high school rankings for the MD/DC/VA/WV region--just in time for the start of the various fall leagues throughout our sector.

The Real Basketball Report 2008-2009 Preseason #1-Ranked Team for the MD/DC/VA/WV Region will be H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.

Other high schools the RBR is looking at for Preseason Top-25 in the MD/DC/VA/WV region are (from north to south):

- Western/Baltimore, Maryland;
- St. Frances Academy/Baltimore, Maryland;
- Arundel/Gambrills, Maryland;
- Paint Branch/Burtonsville, Maryland;
- Academy of the Holy Cross/Kensington, Maryland;
- St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
- Elizabeth Seton/Bladensburg, Maryland;
- Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, Maryland;
- Bishop McNamara/Forestville, Maryland;
- Huntington/Huntington, West Virginia;
- Hampton/Hampton, Virginia;
- Lake Taylor/Norfolk, Virginia;
- Princess Anne/Virginia Beach, Virginia;
- King's Fork/Suffolk, Virginia.

Here are 15 high school teams that the RBR is looking at right now, sports fans. Who are the other 10-15 schools we should be looking at on September 1?

[arbitraryj]

IH, as much as it hurts for this fan to admit it, the absence of NOVA noise has been eerily lurking on this side of the river. I don't know that there is 1 NOVA matchup or contender I'm drooling to see this year. But you didn't have to reach into WV, man. That's cold & it messes up our awesome regional nickname. Now we'll be the WDMV or the DMVW or the MDVW....or...

HEY NOVA, rep ya hood. What u know good about our teams? Nam'sayin? Whut it do, Yo?

It lookin more like an SUV gas tank over here in this post Doreena-Jasmine era.


runnin on empty

I'm going out on a limb to plead ignorance or insanity instead of admiting defeat right now. Help me out.

[smokeyhip4]

Sports fans, on September 1, the RBR will list its preseason top 25 high school rankings for the MD/DC/VA/WV region--just in time for the start of the various fall leagues throughout our sector.

The Real Basketball Report 2008-2009 Preseason #1-Ranked Team for the MD/DC/VA/WV Region will be H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.

Other high schools the RBR is looking at for Preseason Top-25 in the MD/DC/VA/WV region are (from north to south):

- Western/Baltimore, Maryland;
- St. Frances Academy/Baltimore, Maryland;
- Arundel/Gambrills, Maryland;
- Paint Branch/Burtonsville, Maryland;
- Academy of the Holy Cross/Kensington, Maryland;
- St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
- Elizabeth Seton/Bladensburg, Maryland;
- Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, Maryland;
- Bishop McNamara/Forestville, Maryland;
- Huntington/Huntington, West Virginia;
- Hampton/Hampton, Virginia;
- Lake Taylor/Norfolk, Virginia;
- Princess Anne/Virginia Beach, Virginia;
- King's Fork/Suffolk, Virginia.

Here are 15 high school teams that the RBR is looking at right now, sports fans. Who are the other 10-15 schools we should be looking at on September 1?

1. Riverdale Baptist/ Upper Marlboro,Md. possibly the best team in PG County and diffinitely one of the top three in the area.
2. Wise / Upper Marlboro, Md. went from 4-16 in 07' to 17-4 in 08'. Returning most of their starting lineup.
3. Great Mills/St. Mary's County Md. almost got it done last season. Not sure if or who is returning but not a bad team that deserves recognition.
4. Bowie/ Bowie, Md. has one or two D-1 recruits on their roster.
5. Lackey/ Waldorf, Md. Got a monkey off their counties back in the playoff last season. The transfer in mid-season makes them much better.
6. Flowers/ Springdale, Md. they still have SOME players. :cool:

[lboogie]

IH, as much as it hurts for this fan to admit it, the absence of NOVA noise has been eerily lurking on this side of the river. I don't know that there is 1 NOVA matchup or contender I'm drooling to see this year. But you didn't have to reach into WV, man. That's cold & it messes up our awesome regional nickname. Now we'll be the WDMV or the DMVW or the MDVW....or...

HEY NOVA, rep ya hood. What u know good about our teams? Nam'sayin? Whut it do, Yo?

It lookin more like an SUV gas tank over here in this post Doreena-Jasmine era.


runnin on empty

I'm going out on a limb to plead ignorance or insanity instead of admiting defeat right now. Help me out.

I am waiting to see South County w/the new coach they may do something.
Edison, TCW and Lee still have a star player left. Freedom-SR even though they are AA they do have potentially the best post player in the NOVA region, Kelsey Buchanan.

[bballmom]

Public HS in NoVa should come down to TCW and Oakton. The devine Ms. R-P will try to cap a stellar HS career with a Regional title. The question will be if she can get more help than she got last year. Oakton will be loaded with skills & speed, and a great mix of experience and young potential with winning pedigrees, but lacking a true bigtime post to make them a serious State contender.

As for others, Lee can still make some noise with what they have left, and I think Myesha at Edison will not have enough around her for the Eagles to compete in primetime. Westfield has lost their next generation go-to with Potts leaving town for the west coast. Madison is totally retooling after losing a gaggle of seniors and braeking in a new coach. South County will be fun to watch, but I don't see them having enough horses that know how to consistently win. West Springfield will get some fresh help and they are always scrappy with Gibson holding court. They're closer, but still no cigar for the Spartans. WT Woodson is back to the drawing board. Langley will be better than last year, but I don't see them having the depth needed to make a legit run. Did I miss anyone legit?

All said, I don't see NoVa competing favorably with the 757 powers this year at the state level. The NoVa Champ will likely only break in the top 5 or so, IMHO.

[bigmac]

If TRP is still hurt then TC will not be in the mix. They showed how much they depend on TRP last season with the loss to Robinson. Oakton will be young and they were not really that good last year. They are VERY SLOW, have no post and the one they use ALWAYS gets in foul trouble because she can not defend. Erin will be solid but the Frosh from last year will be still throwing up "Air Balls" all night. They won games but NOT the big game and LOST to 4th seed Annandale (But Jenna McRae was not going to lose that game to Fred P.) NEVER count out Billy at WS. He can make most house Bball team competative. No one has any size to speak of. I would really be worried about South County and what will happen there.

Many new coaches in NOVA. There could be many surprises and many upsets. Could be a fun year as there really is no "Big Dog" team this season. Westfield will have all the talent and be out early as they normally are. Chantilly could do something with a new coach but we will have to see. Different then coaching private school and will have to adjust to all the "RULES" that everyone has to follow. Langley has Dotson and that is about it. Lee has Mial and that is all. Centreville will still be playing "street ball" till this 09 class graduates. Woodson could be good but lost their BIG. With the right coach at Mt. Vernon they could be in the mix, you never know and do not count out Edison just yet. DL can coach.

Can not wait till the season begins,

This is JMO, Mac

[quimica2]

Northern Region thoughts...

TC Williams--the team to beat if TRP is healthy. They do have experience returning, and with TRP in place all they really need around her are fast kids who play aggressive defense and can hit layups and maybe a jump shot or two.

Lee--Return Mial and an experienced backcourt with Williams and Moseh, but really thin after that unless they have some new recruits. Need Mial to be more consistently assertive and Moseh to score consistently.

West Springfield--Always tough, if they find a scorer they could be in the mix.

South County--Young talent and Kelly certainly has the coaching resume, but probably a year away.

Edison--Do they have anything besides Goodwin? That will be enough to win games in the National District but they need other talent to emerge to make an impact at the regional level.

Mount Vernon--The IH seems to be on the Tracey King bandwagon...can she make The Leap for her school team? Will challenge Edison but dunno if they can make in impact on the wider scene.

Dunno as much about the Western Fairfax teams but many of them lost their top players...Oakton should still be up there.

Forest Park also has to be mentioned after their run last year, they and TC are the two NOVA teams in Top 25 contention IMO.

[intelligenthoodlum]

Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Maryland

and

Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Virginia

And yes, sports fan, it IS time for Tracey King to manifest all of that wonderful talent and unlimited potential...

[lboogie]

If TRP is still hurt then TC will not be in the mix. They showed how much they depend on TRP last season with the loss to Robinson. Oakton will be young and they were not really that good last year. They are VERY SLOW, have no post and the one they use ALWAYS gets in foul trouble because she can not defend. Erin will be solid but the Frosh from last year will be still throwing up "Air Balls" all night. They won games but NOT the big game and LOST to 4th seed Annandale (But Jenna McRae was not going to lose that game to Fred P.) NEVER count out Billy at WS. He can make most house Bball team competative. No one has any size to speak of. I would really be worried about South County and what will happen there.

Many new coaches in NOVA. There could be many surprises and many upsets. Could be a fun year as there really is no "Big Dog" team this season. Westfield will have all the talent and be out early as they normally are. Chantilly could do something with a new coach but we will have to see. Different then coaching private school and will have to adjust to all the "RULES" that everyone has to follow. Langley has Dotson and that is about it. Lee has Mial and that is all. Centreville will still be playing "street ball" till this 09 class graduates. Woodson could be good but lost their BIG. With the right coach at Mt. Vernon they could be in the mix, you never know and do not count out Edison just yet. DL can coach.

Can not wait till the season begins,

This is JMO, Mac

Westfield lost Simone Potts, so they will have no real post presence and in the "Westfield" system a talented guard like Ashlei Sutton will never really be able to get off. With 3 very good guards Romaine, Richardson and Sutton one might think the coach will make adjustments to the "system"

[intelligenthoodlum]

In a straight D-M-V rumble, sports fans, that made the IH so happy, he almost cried TEARS OF JOY, H.D. Woodson defeated Eleanor Roosevelt in the semi-finals of the Best of Maryland Tournament yesterday, on their way to winning the championship.
All of them Tower Of Power fan club members on that other thread talking that "team effort" stuff and that Carleeda/Bernisha/JJ stuff is cool; but the bottom line, FOR REAL, is that NO ONE in the tournament had ANY answer for Ronika Ransford, on ANY level...

[Youngco]

Westfield lost Simone Potts, so they will have no real post presence and in the "Westfield" system a talented guard like Ashlei Sutton will never really be able to get off. With 3 very good guards Romaine, Richardson and Sutton one might think the coach will make adjustments to the "system"

Where did SImone transfer to?

[teammom4]

In a straight D-M-V rumble, sports fans, that made the IH so happy, he almost cried TEARS OF JOY, H.D. Woodson defeated Eleanor Roosevelt in the semi-finals of the Best of Maryland Tournament yesterday, on their way to winning the championship.
All of them Tower Of Power fan club members on that other thread talking that "team effort" stuff and that Carleeda/Bernisha/JJ stuff is cool; but the bottom line, FOR REAL, is that NO ONE in the tournament had ANY answer for Ronika Ransford, on ANY level...

LOL! Ok IH I agree. Ronika showed that she is unstoppable and that she can just about do WHATEVER she wants. Much credit still goes to the others on the team as facets of each ones game rubs off on the other. However, Ronika Ransford approaches the game as a guy would. I can't tell you how many OLD TIMERS of the game, both white & black, coaches, fans and the like, commented this weekend on her game and the comparison of it to a guy's game. She IS something special!

[intelligenthoodlum]

So, sport fans, any thoughts on who should be Number Two? Arundel? Eleanor Roosevelt? Oak Hill Academy? Paint Branch? Riverdale Baptist? Is Lake Taylor ready? Does Huntington have a shot? Is St. John's College seem to be serious?
Is there anyone else, sports fans?

By the way, sports fans, the IH is thinking about (in this order):
1. H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.;
2. Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, Maryland;
3. Arundel/Gambrills, Maryland;
4. Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Virginia;
5. St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
6. Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Maryland;
7. Academy of the Holy Cross/Kensington, Maryland;
8. Elizabeth Seton/Bladensburg, Maryland;
9. Paint Branch/Burtonsville, Maryland;
10. Lake Taylor/Norfolk, Virginia;
11. Huntington/Huntington, West Virginia.

Any thoughts, sports fans?

[NOFEAR5658]

I will agree 100% that Ronika was unstoppable this past weekend at the Best of Md. So many times this summer that has been the case.

The beauty of the team is that a number of players can go off on any given night. When there are numerous threats on the floor it makes it hard for a team to key in on stopping one person. Pick your poison. Today alone on this board four different players have been named the key to HDW's team. This to me, is a reflection of great team basketball.

[teammom4]

I will agree 100% that Ronika was unstoppable this past weekend at the Best of Md. So many times this summer that has been the case.

The beauty of the team is that a number of players can go off on any given night. When there are numerous threats on the floor it makes it hard for a team to key in on stopping one person. Pick your poison. Today alone on this board four different players have been named the key to HDW's team. This to me, is a reflection of great team basketball.

NF...my setiments exactly!

A few years ago I got blasted for mentioning that ER was more like TE in BOM. I was informed that it was about the kids getting looks. I am in agreement with that, yet I still have my opinions of AAU/Exposure teams being in HS tourneys, because we all know the underlying objective is to win and bringing other schools best players in kind of waters that down. ER is probably not the only team to do this, so I'm not singling them out. BUT, now that just makes things confusing. HD beat that team, but it wasn't purely ER, was it? The difference this year is that they did have the HS season coach actually on the bench this year. These two teams need to see each other, straight up IMO. Along with the rest of the best in the Top 20 whatever ;)

[lboogie]

Where did SImone transfer to?

Her family moved to Washington

[intelligenthoodlum]

Only two high school teams in the MD/DC/VA/WV region have an answer for Ronika: Western/Baltimore, Maryland, with Akeema Richards; and Forest Park/Woodbridge, Virginia, with Danielle Jackson.
Unfortunately, discriminating sports fans, neither Western nor Forest Park can deal with The Tower Of Power on any other level...

[sjducky]

Herfamily moved to Washington

DC or state? I know y'all over there don't always specify. :D

TRP has been increasing her minutes throughout July and has contributed - although not in her apparently typically spectacular way - to Boo's team at Nike Nationals. Given time to finish rehab/join her teammates in the gym between next week and the beginning of the season, I'd imagine she should be back in full force.

[ / just stopping by the DMV board :) ]

[Youngco]

Her family moved to Washington

Washington state or washington dc?

And if dc, what school will she go 2? I remember seeing her like 2yrs ago I use to call her "sheed" cuz she can hit the jumper, drive and post and had size.

[lboogie]

Locals and east coasters don't refer to Washington, DC as Washington, DC only tourist do...just plain DC or the District or Chocolate City or Home of Chuck Brown:D

She is a milbrat and her Dad got stationed out in the hinterlands of Washington State. She should go out there and represent!

[teammom4]

She's in Washington State. Don't know much else. Mindi WELCOME, feel free to stop through anytime, especially with reports & updates!:)
Yep, I hear TRP is slowly working her way back in the flow. She had 15 vs Cal Swish(i think it was)

[NOFEAR5658]

Only two high school teams in the MD/DC/VA/WV region have an answer for Ronika: Western/Baltimore, Maryland, with Akeema Richards; and Forest Park/Woodbridge, Virginia, with Danielle Jackson.
Unfortunately, discriminating sports fans, neither Western nor Forest Park can deal with The Tower Of Power on any other level...

It won't be long before we get to see that match up again. Last year HDW went up to Baltimore and played Western. HDW won by 20 plus and Ronika was a major contributor to the victory. The year before that Western came to HDW and lost just as convincing as this year. I don't remember how much of an impact Ronika had her freshmen year, but I can dust off the video to check.

[teammom4]

IH, RR & AR have seen one another twice the past two years, one I saw and one I heard about. I'll have to say that RR has gotten the best shine thus far. Did Western finish on top this year? If so we'll all get the luxury to get another round this year when DC & BMore do their annual thingy. If not, maybe in the showcase.
RR hasn't seen DJ yet.

[teammom4]

I must've posted the same time NF did. So my question is answered, we will see what's up with these two in a few.
To be continued, to be sure...

[sjducky]

Locals and east coasters don't refer to Washington, DC as Washington, DC only tourist do...just plain DC or the District or Chocolate City or Home of Chuck Brown:D

She is a milbrat and her Dad got stationed out in the hinterlands of Washington State. She should go out there and represent!

All I know is every time I tell East Coast folks that I'm from Washington, they say "oh, DC?" :) Maybe it's a different breed in the DMV, though.

The only Hinterlands in Washington don't have military bases nearby! I'm actually guessing she might end up near me, so I'll try and track her down and fill you all in during the season.

[lboogie]

I think it is McChord AFB. I hope you can keep us updated on her hs season

[sjducky]

She's in Washington State. Don't know much else. Mindi WELCOME, feel free to stop through anytime, especially with reports & updates!:)
Yep, I hear TRP is slowly working her way back in the flow. She had 15 vs Cal Swish(i think it was)

Thanks for the welcome. :) I'll try to acquaint myself with the DMV kids a bit more so I can be an informed poster over here.

Also, I did discover (through a few calls to coaches in my area) what HS Potts will attend next year - it's a 4A school with a solid program. State contender last year and returns a good core, including two other solid 2011 kids. And, really, if I were to pick a coach, her new one is among the best I know in the area.

When it gets to school season, I'll give you all more info. Until then, I'll stop by periodically. :)

[intelligenthoodlum]

Now that the womenz have finished talking about a LITTLE girl who LEFT the D-M-V-W-V for some other sector; and now that the T-O-P fan club members have calmed down after a harder-than-it-should-have-been Best Of Maryland Championship; we discriminating sports fans can now get back to work.

1. does Stonewall Jackson/Manassas have anything of relevance going on this time around, other than Kyani White/5-5/2010 (Virginia Tech commit)?
2. what's going on at Forest Park/Woodbridge besides Danielle Jackson/5-4/2009?
3. is Tierra Ruffin-Pratt/5-10/2009 going to make it through the entire school season for T.C. Williams/Alexandria, Virginia? If so, what else is over there to go along with her?
4. is Meredith Mesaris/6-0/2011 coming over from Bishop O'Connell/Arlington, Virginia enough to put Paul VI/Fairfax, Virginia in the top tier of WCAC teams and in the RBR Preseason Top-25?

Sports fans, is there anything else in the NOVA region that is a Preseason Top-25 Contender?

[4street]

should be interesting. They had a losing record last year, but made it to Regionals, and is returning the nucleus of their team.

[intelligenthoodlum]

But is Herndon/Herndon, Virginia a Top-25 contender in our region?

(By the way, 4street, check the BatPhone everyday next week. The IH is going to have some steady rap for you...)

[intelligenthoodlum]

TODAY, sports fans, the IH is thinking about (in this order):

1. H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.;
2. Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Virginia;
3. Arundel/Gambrills, Maryland;
4. Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Maryland;
5. St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
6. Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, Maryland;
7. Academy of the Holy Cross/Kensington, Maryland;
8. Elizabeth Seton/Bladensburg, Maryland;
9. Paint Branch/Burtonsville, Maryland;
10. Lake Taylor/Norfolk, Virginia;
11. Huntington/Huntington, West Virginia.

Any thoughts, sports fans?

[4street]

Thomas Dale should be pretty strong in Richmond this year with their 3 guard lineup. If the rumors about Powell joining forces with Williams at Princess Anne are true, they should be up there. Ms. Pitts and company are back for Cosby.

[intelligenthoodlum]

Actually, the IH feels that PRESEASON spots #10 to about #25 should be wide open. For the RBR, the fall leagues should tell a whole lot.

Schools the RBR wants to eyeball:
- Western/Baltimore, Maryland;
- St. Frances/Baltimore, Maryland;
- Seton Keough/Baltimore, Maryland;
- Catonsville/Catonsville, Maryland;
- Archbishop Spalding/Severn, Maryland;
- Henry Wise/Upper Marlboro, Maryland;
- Nitro/Charleston, West Virginia;
- St. Joseph's/Huntington, West Virginia;
- Mount de Chantal/St. Albans, West Virginia;
- Paul VI/Fairfax, Virginia;
- T.C. Williams/Alexandria, Virginia;
- South County/Lorton, Virginia;
- Atlee/Hanover, Virginia;
- Cosby/Chesterfield, Virginia;
- Thomas Dale/Chester, Virginia;
- Heritage/Newport News, Virginia;
- Indian River/Chesapeake, Virginia;
- Princess Anne/Virginia Beach, Virginia;
- King's Fork/Suffolk, Virginia.

Anyone else to be eyeballed, sports fans?

[pgcop]

IH what did rbs lose or arundel gain that would lead you to believe that their head to head outcome would be any different than it normally is?

[SkyRider23]

IH: Wilson should be added to your watch list, team went undefeated at VCU's team camp vs Cosby & other top ranked teams. Another team, Mountain View also had a very good showing at VCU's team camp minus their post player out with a 2nd ACL injury, returning ~Dec 08. Lead by their guard tandem, they handled Meadowbrook and others. Also, you may want to pencil James Monroe, Riverbend and Stonewall Jackson onto your list.

[intelligenthoodlum]

1. Is Wilson the Woodrow Wilson/Portsmouth, Virginia? If so, what fresh players do they have?

2. Has Stonewall Jackson/Manassas, Virginia reloaded? If so, who are their fresh players?

3. Mountain View, James Monroe, and Riverbend--the Fredericksburg, Virginia-area entries--showed some spark down the stretch runs of last season. Who are the key players at the three schools?

4. The IH thinks that Arundel's advantage, this next time around, may be their new-found depth--assuming the coaching staff deploys them properly. The IH likes the Saunders/Franklin/Bond/Hawkins/Hawkins mob at Riverdale; but doesn't see much behind that. Arundel is legitimately eight D-1-level players deep this time around, at FIRST glance...

[intelligenthoodlum]

Any sports fan know anything about:

1. what reloading St. Frances/Baltimore, Maryland is doing this time around? Word has it that last year's African girl has one more year, and is a little bigger and a lot taller.

2. the Good Counsel/Olney, Maryland youngins from last year, and the incomings, maturing enough to give Katie Sheahin/5-9/2009 some real help?

3. Samisha Powell/5-9/2010 transfering from Bayside/Virginia Beach, Virginia to Princess Anne/Virginia Beach, Virginia (Elizabeth Williams' joint)?

4. some possible beefing and subsequent transfering from Turner-Ashby/Bridgewater, Virginia (Nikki Newman's joint)?

5. the mob that Oakton/Vienna, Virginia is supposed to be building? Are there supposed to be a few not-too-bad transfers coming in, along with the fresh-woman twins, to go along with sharpshooting youngin' Zora Stephenson/5-9/2011?

[pgcop]

....4. The IH thinks that Arundel's advantage, this next time around, may be their new-found depth--assuming the coaching staff deploys them properly. The IH likes the Saunders/Franklin/Bond/Hawkins/Hawkins mob at Riverdale; but doesn't see much behind that. Arundel is legitimately eight D-1-level players deep this time around, at FIRST glance...

There is no doubt that they have the talent and no doubt that they are deep. This is a pre-existing truth that hasn't changed with them having the same legitimate D-1 level players as before. Arundels issue lies not with the talent but the coaching philosophy or lack of and perhaps the addition of a little hot sauce in the teams diet wouldn't hurt. It seems as though you may have some insight or a gut feeling that the coaching staff has a new found willingness to utilize said talent. Whatever the case it is hard to imagine a scenario that will erase those customary 20 to 30 point blowouts but what do I know? Anyway we should find out in late February and maybe December.

IH what is it that we should be looking at during fall leagues? Since most coaches aren't coaching, I assume it's the contributions of the incoming fresnmen class. Is that all or is it more? Also what about Great Mills and Lackey? Did they lose anyone because they were giving some of MD's finest the beez wax last year.?

[intelligenthoodlum]

General things the IH looks for in fall-league play:

1. is anyone playing any real man-to-man defense--individual, then team;

2. is anyone showing any true scoring aptitude;

3. who's rebounding in-traffic besides the designated post players;

4. how many of a team's players are showing the ability to play more than one position, on either side of the ball;

5. can the team's best defenders score;

6. do the team's best perimeter scorers rebound;

7. who can block and alter shots without fouling;

8. what ballhandlers can run their teams without stress;

9. are any of the team's players showing improvement in skills and mentals after putting in the previous club-season work;

10. is there genuine teamwork going on, or at least the attempt to be good teammates;

11. are the new players--especially the freshmen and last year's JV players--able to keep up with the pace and adjust to the tempo, and DO SOMETHING.

[intelligenthoodlum]

Discriminating sports fans, national-top-25 teams St. Michael's Academy/New York City, New York and Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Virginia will square off in the D.C.-metropolitan area the January 16-18, 2009 weekend, in a Real Basketball Report Shootout.

Does national-top-25 team H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C. want some of that work? We'll see...

[NOFEAR5658]

Discriminating sports fans, national-top-25 teams St. Michael's Academy/New York City, New York and Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Virginia will square off in the D.C.-metropolitan area the January 16-18, 2009 weekend, in a Real Basketball Report Shootout.

Does national-top-25 team H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C. want some of that work? We'll see...

IH, I am sorry to inform you that HD. Woodson will not be available to play in your shoot out. As much as we would love to play in a RBR sponsored event, we can’t because of a schedule conflict. HD Woodson will be playing at another local showcase that same weekend hosted by the DC Cobras.

C.O.B.R.A.S Invitational
College Opportunities thru Basketball Readiness and Academic Success
Who: Top local and national team from around the country
When: January 16, 2009 – January 18, 2009
Where: TBA

[knights_003]

How can you forget City College(High school)?:mad: City has alot of new transfers and western is definitly gonna have a run for their money this year...Thats a promise lol

[pgcop]

Yo knight, what are your city girls doing for fall league? Are you bringing them up for the showcase so we can see whats up with them.

[lboogie]

How can you forget City College(High school)?:mad: City has alot of new transfers and western is definitly gonna have a run for their money this year...Thats a promise lol
Wasn't that last year's Mantra....y'all need to keep a lid on that until the season starts:D.

[knights_003]

Well this year will be a turn around....we dont know wat we will be doing this fall yet but ill keep yall updated

[intelligenthoodlum]

Yo knights_003, maybe you need to ask your people over there if they want some of that RBR work on that January 16-18, 2009 weekend. Oak Hill Academy, St. Michael's Academy, and South Shore/New York City, New York are already committed; and it looks like last year's Virginia State AAA Champion, Heritage/Newport News, Virginia, is going to commit to some of that work, too.

What's up with City College? They tryin' to see anybody, FOR REAL?

[intelligenthoodlum]

After week #1 of fall league:

1. T.C. Williams/Alexandria, Virginia, desperately needs a 100% HEALTHY AND IN-SHAPE Tierra Ruffin-Pratt back, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

2. With the addition of that freshman post from the Beltway Lady Cougars, and with a more mature and experienced Ashley Miles playing her natural PF position, Bishop McNamara/Forestville, Maryland, ain't gonna be too bad.

3. Henry Wise/Upper Marlboro, Maryland, isn't going to ruffle too many top-of-the-line-MD/DC/VA/WV feathers, but with Tiera Smith finally there, and with the Jordan youngin' from Jericho Christian, Wise is gonna surprise-bang a few people out.

4. Paul VI/Fairfax, Virginia, always has a little something going on, always catching a few Catholic opponents by surprise each season; Jessica Escorza is a HUGE get for them--she should be worth 3-4 wins, alone.

[future-all-met-dad]

Diona Joyner of the MD Lady Lakers who were of course as you (IH) stated the Beltway Lady Cougars. She has come a long way, the sky is the limit for this young freshman.

[SkyRider23]

1. Is Wilson the Woodrow Wilson/Portsmouth, Virginia? If so, what fresh players do they have?

2. Has Stonewall Jackson/Manassas, Virginia reloaded? If so, who are their fresh players?

3. Mountain View, James Monroe, and Riverbend--the Fredericksburg, Virginia-area entries--showed some spark down the stretch runs of last season. Who are the key players at the three schools?

4. The IH thinks that Arundel's advantage, this next time around, may be their new-found depth--assuming the coaching staff deploys them properly. The IH likes the Saunders/Franklin/Bond/Hawkins/Hawkins mob at Riverdale; but doesn't see much behind that. Arundel is legitimately eight D-1-level players deep this time around, at FIRST glance...

IH,
I have been disconnected from the community for a while, just returning to the States. I’m catching up on my share of WNBA playoffs, NFL, & upcoming National Election (all great stuff).
Reference your prior questions:
(1) Yes, this is the same Woodrow Wilson of Portsmouth; not sure who the fresh faces are—I previously reported only what I saw at VCU and how they easily handled most of the competition.
(2) Not sure Stonewall reloaded, but Nsonji will probably move more of his offensive focus from Gwen Washington’s departure to the inside scoring of Samatha Jordan, along w/Kyani White raining 3s on the unsuspecting.
(3) Mountain View returns 2010s Taylar Wells, Christina Ciminelli, & Gwen Newsome (2nd ACL surgery). Newsome missed her 2nd Summer on the AAU circuit, however, before she went down at the end of the season, she consistently gave the works to the McDonalds All American at BPHS and the woman-child at Cosby. James Monroe returns Binita Armstead/2009 & Kirastin Cole/2010, and an excellent senior post player. Riverbend returns Meredith Frye/2009, Joia Coleman/2010 and a host of other skilled players. MV, JM, & RB all hook-up in the regular season. Also IH, the following 2010s should be added to your list: Wells, Coleman, Newsome, & probably Cole, along with Ciminelli.

[lboogie]

I was wondering where you were hiding:D.

[intelligenthoodlum]

After the fall evaluation weekend--and, after the sixth weekend of fall league ball--this is how the IH sees the pre-season funk mobs of the MD/DC/VA/WV region:

1. Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Virginia;
2. H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.;
3. Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Maryland;
4. Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, Maryland;
5. Arundel/Gambrills, Maryland;
6. St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
7. Academy of the Holy Cross/Kensington, Maryland;
8. Elizabeth Seton/Bladensburg, Maryland;
9. Woodrow Wilson/Portsmouth, Virginia;
10. Heritage/Newport News, Virginia;
11. Lake Taylor/Norfolk, Virginia;
12. Paint Branch/Burtonsville, Maryland;
13. St Frances Academy/Baltimore, Maryland;
14. Huntington/Huntington, West Virginia
15. ???

Any thoughts, sports fans?

[themamba]

This one looks solid. Off the top, first take, rough draft, whatever, those top three MARYLAND schools should be able to compete with most of the nations heavy hitters.

longhand, themambas top MARYLAND TOP 25 teams, again rough draft, made official mid-NOV.

RIVERDALE BAPTIST
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
ARUNDEL
PAINT BRANCH
WESTERN
HOLY CROSS
ST. FRANCES
BISHOP MCNAMARA
SETON KEOUGH
SPALDING
ELIZABETH SETON
WISE
CITY
GREAT MILLS
RIVER HILL
CATONSVILLE
MT HEBRON
BLAKE
NORTH POINT
FALLSTON
POLY
DIGITAL HARBOR
WINTERS MILL
BOWIE
NORTH HAGERSTOWN


note; themamba has both HD WOODSON and RIVERDALE BAPTIST among the best dozen in the country. E ROOS' and ARUNDEL somewhere in that 30-50 range with OAK HILL as well. I have ST. JOHN'S somewhere between 40-60 and. PAINT BRANCH and WESTERN in that 60-80 range. Admittingly I have took a break the last few weeks and missed some competiti... well games. I'm getting the zamboni tuned up now and gearing for another sweet year in the D-M-V. And for the first time in three years, no dog in the fight. Maybe a CAT or two tho'.

[lboogie]

After the fall evaluation weekend--and, after the sixth weekend of fall league ball--this is how the IH sees the pre-season funk mobs of the MD/DC/VA/WV region:

1. Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Virginia;
2. H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.;
3. Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Maryland;
4. Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, Maryland;
5. Arundel/Gambrills, Maryland;
6. St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
7. Academy of the Holy Cross/Kensington, Maryland;
8. Elizabeth Seton/Bladensburg, Maryland;
9. Woodrow Wilson/Portsmouth, Virginia;
10. Heritage/Newport News, Virginia;
11. Lake Taylor/Norfolk, Virginia;
12. Paint Branch/Burtonsville, Maryland;
13. St Frances Academy/Baltimore, Maryland;
14. Huntington/Huntington, West Virginia
15. ???

Any thoughts, sports fans?

Western or TC Williams

[quimica2]

Forest Park and LC Bird deserve some consideration.

[lboogie]

This one looks solid. Off the top, first take, rough draft, whatever, those top three MARYLAND schools should be able to compete with most of the nations heavy hitters.

longhand, themambas top MARYLAND TOP 25 teams, again rough draft, made official mid-NOV.

RIVERDALE BAPTIST
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
ARUNDEL
PAINT BRANCH
WESTERN
HOLY CROSS
ST. FRANCES
BISHOP MCNAMARA
SETON KEOUGH
SPALDING
ELIZABETH SETON
WISE
CITY
GREAT MILLS
RIVER HILL
CATONSVILLE
MT HEBRON
BLAKE
NORTH POINT
FALLSTON
POLY
DIGITAL HARBOR
WINTERS MILL
BOWIE
NORTH HAGERSTOWN


note; themamba has both HD WOODSON and RIVERDALE BAPTIST among the best dozen in the country. E ROOS' and ARUNDEL somewhere in that 30-50 range with OAK HILL as well. I have ST. JOHN'S somewhere between 40-60 and. PAINT BRANCH and WESTERN in that 60-80 range. Admittingly I have took a break the last few weeks and missed some competiti... well games. I'm getting the zamboni tuned up now and gearing for another sweet year in the D-M-V. And for the first time in three years, no dog in the fight. Maybe a CAT or two tho'.

There is life East of the Chesapeake... Pocomoke perennial 1A state finalists, returning 9 players from the 2007-08 state championship team.

[intelligenthoodlum]

Alright, sports fans, with almost a month and a half to go before the school season starts, the RBR needs 11 more joints to complete its MD/DC/VA/WV Pre-Season Top-25--whatever the order--by December 1st.

How we gonna do this?

[Rodder08]

Flowers
Wise

[themamba]

There is life East of the Chesapeake... Pocomoke perennial 1A state finalists, returning 9 players from the 2007-08 state championship team.

No doubt boogie, the WARRIORS of POKOMOKE put it 'to' both DIGITAL HARBOR and ALLEGANY at the RAC last year. They needed some last second heroics from senior ASHLEY BISHOP, with an off balance 18 footer to take it away from DIGITAL HARBOR and some good backcourt play from underclassmen, 5'6 freshman WHITNEY KING and 5'4 junior DEYONNA PARKER to put away the CAMPERS. However BISHOP was clearly the main cog for the WARRIORS and with fellow classmen ANDREA DENNIS getting up and down and post KORI PITTS the only WARRIOR standing taller than 5'9 gone too, the POKOMOKE has several holes to fill. KING will be a force the next three years as far as the EASTERN SHORE and the RAC, but I feel it's DIGITAL's year with 6'1 '10 prospect ASIA LOGAN coming back with BECKWITH, GROOM , SUTTON and FLOYD coming back for both this year and next.

POKOMOKE has made seven of the nine MARYLAND FINAL FOURS this decade ('00-08), including three FINALS and their first TITLE last year. That swarming 2-3 zone along with the transition play of BISHOP, KING and PARKER propelled POKOMOKE through the dance last year. COACH GAIL GLADDING's WARRIORS played with passion and purpose and their fans from the SHORE brought the noise to the 1A matchups. Chants, cheers and everything. POKOMOKE was the first team east of the CHESAPEAKE to win a MARYLAND TITLE since '94.

[lboogie]

Parkside Salisbury, MD won the 2A title in 99

[golfmanoc]

All, don't forget Good Counsel, they won the Montgomery County Summer league, beating Paint Branch twice, McNamara, Visitation, Blake, and others. They have won all their games(beaten St. John's and Seton) so far in the fall league at Northwestern HS. GC has three senior's that are DI players (who have received scholarships or are waiting to commit) and they have a nice supporting cast.

[intelligenthoodlum]

- C.H. Flowers/Springdale, Maryland;
- Henry Wise/Upper Marlboro, Maryland;
- Good Counsel/Olney, Maryland;
- Bishop McNamara/Upper Marlboro.

The IH isn't too sure these four teams are top-fifteen in our region; the IH would like to see a couple more fall-league games to consider THAT.
Do you sports fans really think each of these four are MD/DC/VA/WV-region top-25, to start the school season?
How do you all see Flowers or Wise matching up with Catonsville or Blake, for example?
Do you all feel that this year's version of The Counsel can really match up with Holy Cross, Elizabeth Seton, St. John's College? After REALLY eyeballing The Bishop's fall-league entry, do you all think that they're still in the elite pack of Catholics?
And where does Paul VI fit in?

How close can Wise get to Arundel and ERoose?

[michaeliceman]

It will be interesting to see how it plays out. But I did see Good Counsel without 2 starters beat St. Johns without 2 starters pretty easily. I also saw them beat Seton without much problem this past weekend. I do not think it will be that way once the season starts. But what I have seen from GC so far is intensity (especially defense and hustle) all the way through the roster that other teams have not been able to match. Who knows how they will play this season, but if they play as hard as I saw them play, they may surprise the "on paper" favorites in the WCAC.

I have seen Wise play a couple of times and I think their guards are going to be the X factor. They are big and they are physical and I think that bodes well for them.

[pass1stpg]

Does Achire Ade's transfer to Keough move them into the top 25?It does give SK 3 6ft'ers and she will provide help for Aysa Bussie (WVU commit) inside and help with their pressure D.

[lboogie]

Does Achire Ade's transfer to Keough move them into the top 25?It does give SK 3 6ft'ers and she will provide help for Aysa Bussie (WVU commit) inside and help with their pressure D.
She is 5'11" legit :p and chemistry is important to see how she carves out her niche on the team.

[LetsKeepItReal]

Does Achire Ade's transfer to Keough move them into the top 25?It does give SK 3 6ft'ers and she will provide help for Aysa Bussie (WVU commit) inside and help with their pressure D.

Who pull off the GM move, of the year, in a time of money being tight, big paper up in B-More.........for a big player....she should help...:cool:

[intelligenthoodlum]

For all intents and purposes, sports fans, FALL LEAGUE IS OVER! Next week, the RBR will list the MD/DC/VA/WV Region Pre-Season Top Twenty. But for now, here's what the IH is thinking about:

1. Oak Hill Academy/Mouth of Wilson, Virginia;
2. H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.;
3. Riverdale Baptist/Upper Marlboro, Maryland;
4. Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, Maryland;
5. Arundel/Gambrills, Maryland;
6. Academy of the Holy Cross/Kensington, Maryland;
7. St. John's College/Washington, D.C.;
8. Elizabeth Seton/Bladensburg, Maryland;
9. Woodrow Wilson/Portsmouth, Virginia;
10. Heritage/Newport News, Virginia;
11. Lake Taylor/Norfolk, Virginia;
12. Paint Branch/Burtonsville, Maryland;
13. St Frances Academy/Baltimore, Maryland;
14. Huntington/Huntington, West Virginia
15. ???

Any suggestions, sports fans?

[IKnoAllOfNothing]

She is 5'11" legit :p and chemistry is important to see how she carves out her niche on the team.

Heard the coach may be sitting her until January. Not sure if that's true, but I heard it.

[NOVABall08]

2. what's going on at Forest Park/Woodbridge besides Danielle Jackson/5-4/2009?


FP starts 4 Seniors this year including Jackson. Breana Scott is a post player headed to Georgia Southern and Gerda Gatling is a wing player headed to Stonybrook. The one nobody has heard about is Shayla Drakeford...a stone cold defender.

They'll be in the mix deep deep into the season this year.

[michaeliceman]

Quote:
Originally Posted by pass1stpg
Does Achire Ade's transfer to Keough move them into the top 25?It does give SK 3 6ft'ers and she will provide help for Aysa Bussie (WVU commit) inside and help with their pressure D.

She is 5'11" legit and chemistry is important to see how she carves out her niche on the team.

Michaeliceman:

I saw Seton Keough scrimmage againt Good Counsel last night and she played and was in full effect. LOL!!!

[dcballer]

Who won the game...or better yet how did the game go down, summary please?
________
Vaporizer Volcano (http://vaporizer.org/)

[michaeliceman]

Who won the game...or better yet how did the game go down, summary please?

Well, it was a scrimmage so I do not put much stock in it. The coaches were experimenting and playing everybody. They played 5 quarters. The score was reset after each quarter. They tied the first quarter and GC "won" quarters 2 through 5.

Seton Keough has some good young players and excellent size. GC has a bunch of shooters and has man-to-man defense down pat. It was a closely contested throughout (except the 5th quarter) but GC (especially the veterans) made more plays and more shots down the stretch of each quarter. For what it is worth (shrugs).

[dcballer]

How did GC handle Asya Bussie or did Asya do her thang?
________
LEXUS MC HISTORY (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/Lexus_MC)

[michaeliceman]

Well, because it was a scrimmage, she did not play a WHOLE lot. They were trying to get their younger bigs some work. When she did play, it was obvious that she is trying to expand her game a bit. She handled the ball more then I remember her doing in the past. She also was trying establish herself on the wing. She took some 15 footers. When she did go low, GC played her man but ran double teams from different places. She played well.

[4street]

I see the Jacksonville Lady Rams defeated Oak Hill? Interesting.

[daReporta]

POTTERS HOUSE CHRISTIAN is going to have to rely on everything they got to compete with the opponents on their schedule. They go up top to the BIG APPLE CLASSIC (CHRIST the KING) December 5-7 and go back to the BRONX in the JFK Shootout the following month. They travel to SAN FRAN and compete in the NIKE HOOP JAMBOREE to finish the calendar year and go to the DISTRICT, inaugaration week, for the D.C. COBRAS Invatational with the host H.D. WOODSON. Not to be outdone they do the NACA Championship in early March, with both RIVERDALE BAPTIST and OAK HILL joining the congregation. POTTERS is trying to plant everywhere it seems, and not just oak.

The Potter House is extremely well-coached. The girls play within their game and are relentless on both ends of the floor. They will be around for a while!

[quimica2]

Did we ever get an actual preseason top 25? Season is underway, at least in Virginia...

Saw Fairfax and Oakton wipe out some Loudoun County opposition. Oakton coaches are already in midseason screaming form. Fairfax will not be a pushover with Burford and some decent freshmen. Concorde District should be solid from top to bottom.

Also of note are Forest Park over Battlefield by 30 earlier in the week and Paul VI over Westfield 54-46 today.

Forest Park gets TC Williams on Tuesday and Stonewall Jackson on Thursday.

[lboogie]

The Potter House is extremely well-coached. The girls play within their game and are relentless on both ends of the floor. They will be around for a while!
Coach Tony is a character and very good coach.

[smokeyhip4]

Coach Tony is a character and very good coach.
Now this is just conjecture but my people have been saying that a MoCo team might be the best in the area. That's right folks Paint Branch!
I digress, as the appointed keeper of the PG Cty shield I would like to see them against E. Roosevelt, B-Mac, Wise, Riverdale, or Seton. Then I will be a true believer..

[pgcop]

Yo smoke I hear Paint Branch had their way with two of your four during fall league and the other two in summer league, while also dusting off a few other counties in scrimmages. Of course as usual you and dcb have probably heard something totally different from I.

[lboogie]

Word on the street is that the Mythical "Best Public School in the DMV"
showdown is supposed to take place sometime in the very near future at an undisclosed location.

They can call it a scrimmage but..........

[dcballer]

Why is it gonna be at an undisclosed location?? Each others gym not sufficient? A glorified scrimmage????
________
Gm family ii engine history (http://www.chevy-wiki.com/wiki/GM_Family_II_engine)

[newtothegame]

Word on the street is that the Mythical "Best Public School in the DMV"
showdown is supposed to take place sometime in the very near future at an undisclosed location.

They can call it a scrimmage but..........

Interesting that they'd have a scrimmage now with the season starting on Friday.....

[smokeyhip4]

Yo smoke I hear Paint Branch had their way with two of your four during fall league and the other two in summer league, while also dusting off a few other counties in scrimmages. Of course as usual you and dcb have probably heard something totally different from I.

Word on the street is that the Mythical "Best Public School in the DMV"
showdown is supposed to take place sometime in the very near future at an undisclosed location.

They can call it a scrimmage but..........

Pgcop I heard the same thing. As a matter of fact heard they beat a team near and dear to you by 40 :eek:

Now lboogie our queen of the board please I am not very good with riddles. Who and When? :cool:

[Rodder08]

Yo smoke I hear Paint Branch had their way with two of your four during fall league and the other two in summer league, while also dusting off a few other counties in scrimmages. Of course as usual you and dcb have probably heard something totally different from I.


PGCOP seems like you get a lot of miss information. Or could it be that you are just a little upset about the performance of your favorite team in P.G. County?:p I guess you want everyone to be in the same boat?:rolleyes:

I am not sure about summer league and scrimmages but who did they beat in fall league? Please understand that Paint Branch is a really good team with some talented players for sure but "had their way"...... with who? They won the RPH Sports Fall League with a record of 7-1. Check into that, why don't you. I always seem to get caught up, anyway... Good luck to all.

"Never Ducking the Bump"

OUR FAMILY VS. YOUR TEAM!

[lboogie]

Pgcop I heard the same thing. As a matter of fact heard they beat a team near and dear to you by 40 :eek:

Now lboogie our queen of the board please I am not very good with riddles. Who and When? :cool:

Smoke...I am just dangling a carrot. They WERE supposed to scrimmage but a scheduling snafu prevented that. A real game would have been nice of course, not sure if either has room in their schedule..MD public schools can only play a certain amount of games. One can only hope...:p

[knights_003]

Big week next week for City College with 2 exciting games....City Vs Spalding On friday & City Vs Seton Keough Saturday....Cant wait....:D