G’Town Prep’s Depth Overwhelms Episcopal

Ron Bailey, Publisher

February 10, 2007 – Georgetown Prep, of North Bethesda, MD (8-9) has been on a seven game winning streak, culminating in last night’s 65-45 victory over The Episcopal High School (9-10), at that school’s palatial Alexandria, VA campus. Playing nine players throughout the heart of the game (which led to his emptying of it in the waning minutes, Prep’s coach, Dwayne Bryant knew that rotating his players would be key.

Central to that rotation, was bringing junior Garvey Young (19 points) and freshman Markel Starks (6) – both guards – off the bench. “Garvey and Markell haven’t been starting the last seven games” said Bryant. “We got some wins, so we’ve kept it like that”.

Prep’s coach later elaborated on the strategy. “When you have two kids that talented, they give the second unit a lift” he opined, then added opposing team’s second units are overwhelmed by the substitution pattern.

“It’s a decision coach made. I’m just going along with it” said Young, of not starting, yet logging starting minutes. “I just look for my opportunities when they come, try and create a spark off the bench”.

Said Starks of Prep’s current rotation, “As long as we are winning, that’s all that matters”.

Against Episcopal, the strategy seemed to work, as Bryant’s Little Hoyas were leading 8-6 at the first quarter’s 3:22 mark, when Young and Starks were inserted. Their lead was immediately extended lead on a Starks three pointer, and the team held a 16-10 advantage after Young’s strong fast break drive to the cup.

Garvey Young (right) shoots a foul shot, while Markell Starks (4) looks on.

Their play was soon thereafter exemplified by a nice possession, when Young dribbled and delivered a deft pass to an open Starks, who subsequently hit the open shot.

Despite Prep’s first half play, the Maroon of Episcopal hung close, led by sophomore guard Jordan Martinez (16 points) and senior swingman Sebastian Sabella (8 points). Both shot well from the perimeter – the duo sank back to back jumpers immediately after Stark’s shot - while Martinez pushed the ball on fast breaks, as he did throughout the contest.

Leading 30-24 at the third quarter’s start, Prep still had a six point lead with only 53 seconds left in the period, at which time its depth seemed to take its toll, leading to their 26-12 game ending run.

Julian Williams (11 points) and Chris Harrington (8 points) also made key plays for Prep in the victory.

Episcopal's Sebastian Sabella (2) makes a pass, while blanketed by Young (left), Starks (right/obscured), and Chris Harrington (32).

Episcopal’s coach, Jim Fitzpatrick, was impressed with not only Bryant’s coaching, which he labeled “an excellent job”, but Prep’s team as well. “It gave them a tremendous lift” said Fitzpatrick of the Little Hoyas’ depth. “To compete against them for 32 minutes is very difficult”.

As such, Fitzgpatrick believes the way Prep is playing now, “They have a very good chance of winning the IAC (Interstate Athletic Conference) title”.