NHSHF 09 Preview: Benedictine Just 'Aint Whistling Dixie
Ron Bailey, Publisher
This Richmond crew wants to represent.
December 9, 2009 - Richmond's Benedictine High School is set to play one of the nation's top programs, DeMatha Catholic (MD) in National High School Hoops Festival play. Benedictine's coach, Sean MCalloon and his crew are not strangers to the District-Maryland-Virginia area, having made two trips up I-95 already this year.
The second ended in victory over Good Counsel (MD), but the first was disastrous - a five period scrimmage drubbing by Gonzaga (DC). MCalloon noted of that experience, "It was obviously the first scrimmage of the year, and since then we have been 5-0".
During the sessions, Benedictine's drive and kick offense sputtered, not due to schematic failure but lack of execution, as MCalloon noted "the kids were taking selfish shots. We played very selfishly that day". Through re-focus and work, things have improved.
Mike Gbinije is one of the top Class of 2011 players in America.
They played primarily man-to-man defense that day, but that could change against DeMatha, as the coach noted "I think with a team like DeMatha you can't go out there and say we will not adjust".
He has the talent to play multiple styles.
First there is Mike Gbinije, a 6'7" junior swingman offered by every ACC school outside of Duke and North Carolina, in addition to Georgetown, Pitt, Oklahoma State and a host of others. Gbinije is capable of playing above the rim, shooting jumpers and attacking the cup.
He's joined by fellow juniors Trey Davis, a 6'4" slasher that is getting recruiting love from VCU and Richmond, along with 6'2" point guard Erick Moody, a set up lead man who Clemson and Rutgers covet, with the latter reportedly offering. Last but not least is R.J. Price, who according to MCalloon is "strong, athletic, and can get to the rim" in addition to being "a helluva defender".
Outside of wanting to compete with DeMatha - MCalloon said "Our challenge is to make it a game at this point. They've beaten everybody by what, 30 points?...I would put them as one of the best (in the nation), without a doubt" - standing tall for the 804 area code is important during this year's NHSHF: "It provides a good opportunity for us to get our name out there a little bit...We compare pretty well with the WCAC and the Baltimore Catholic League. So hopefully we can represent well for our city and league".
If you are starting to think he and his team have a chip on their shoulder regarding Richmond hoops, you are right. "I think people sleep on Richmond big time" he shared. "Not too many people mention us. We've had kids to come out of this city that fared well in colleges..Without a doubt we're slept on".
The NHSHF provides an opportunity to change that.