DC/B’More High School Ramblings

Ron Bailey, Publisher

January 23, 2008 – It’s been awhile since I just talked about high school ball in the DC/B’More corridor, so here you go. The opinions expressed are solely mine, so if you have beef with them, get at me (hahahaha). As with anything, these views can change with time, as both teams and seasons always do. To the leagues/areas not represented, apologies go out; I’m not one to front as though I know about something, when my knowledge may not be as firm as it should/could be.

Best DCIAA team: The Coolidge Colts, who seem to be getting better as time goes on will solidify this consideration with the hopeful return of freshman Bruce Littles (Bruce, handle your business). Vaughan Jones, who coaches the team is proving himself one of the best young program leaders in the area.

Coolidge took a preseason Hoop Magic title, and could do the same with the DCIAA.

Best WCAC team: Gonzaga, who has lost only one game (to DeMatha) is the quintessential whole being better than the sum of all parts crew – everybody fills their role and excels at them. This, despite only having one player currently being recruited in earnest by high major programs (Tyler Thornton). The team’s coach, Steve Turner, is doing a whale of a job.

Best PG 4A team: Laurel is just getting it done. With legitimate, senior big man Will Alston’s arrival this year, the Spartans have a pivot piece to accompany perimeter scorer Reggie Young, all around play of senior Marcus Hebron, and the coaching of Keith Coutreyer.

Best PG 3A/2A team: Gwynn Park is running up and down the floor after creating turnovers, stands undefeated, and can win a state championship. They have already defeated arch-rival Largo, and seemingly perennial state champ Randallstown. Mike Glick – the school’s head coach - has a senior backcourt of Sean Thomas and Harold Washington that both play smart, inspired ball, and other players who readily accept their roles. All this despite the loss of floor general point guard, Keith Thomas.

Sean Thomas (left) and Harold Washington have their team poised for a state title.

Best Independent: As intriguing and formidable as National Christian is, Montrose Christian has to get the nod presently, though the injury to junior swingman Isaiah Armwood muddles the picture, as National’s frontcourt standout Dante Taylor is a load. Can we just see these two national caliber programs face off? National Christian, coached by Trevor Brown will take on anybody, anywhere. Hey Stu Vetter and Montrose, will you?

Best Virginia team: Though I’m conflating a number of leagues into one category, T.C. Williams is by far the best squad in the Commonwealth’s Northern area – again. The only high school in Alexandria City is a pipeline of talent. Anthony Winbush could be the next great one.

Baltimore Catholic League team: Mt. St. Joes, or St. Joes as B’More natives call it, gets the nod. With Georgetown-bound Henry Sims manning the pivot and highly recruited guard Eric Atkins on the perimeter, the Gaels are on target for another BCL crown.

Henry Sims is leading Mt. St. Joes this season.

Baltimore Public School League team: When the smoke clears, expect Walbrook to be champs. Why you ask? First there is Kevin Bridgers, the school’s longtime, demanding coach. Then there is the lineup, which has some decent size. And of course, one must not forget sophomore Roscoe Smith, who may be the best swingman not only in Baltimore, but in the entire Mid-Atlantic Region when it’s all said and done.

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