Festival 09 Preview: O'Connell is More than Simply Marshall
Ron Bailey, Publisher
The Knights are not Kendall Marshall alone.
December 9, 2009 - Heading into this season, Bishop O'Connell's (VA) Kendall Marshall was widely expected to be the straw stirring the Knight's drink, as he should, given his reputation for passing and increasingly scoring. Settling the discussion could be Kendall's acceptance of a scholarship offer to UNC next year. Post season all-star games will be a given for the cerebral point guard.
According to Joe Wootten, O'Connell's coach, Marshall hasn't disappointed: "I think Kendall's had a great spring/summer, and started this year off well. He's playing incredibly unselfish, and is displaying leadership by playing unselfishly. He's been tremendous".
Kendall Marshall during drills during this summer's NBAPA Top 100 Camp.
But to think the 3-0 Knights are Marshall and a group of non-descript guys would be erroneous.
"The thing I like like about this team is our overall size" said Wootten when asked about his crew. "We are starting six-five, six-five, six-seven across the board". Expect the team to run it's motion offense, while mixing defenses depending on situation.
He went on to specially discuss some of his guys.
"Marcus Carom, another senior, who didn't start last year due to injury is one of our leaders" shared Wootten of the 6'7" player. He can go inside and hit the outside shot".
Also up front, a pair of 6'5" juniors, Jordan Burgess and Larry Savage "have really improved their perimeter games" according to Wootten, which will mesh well with their existing proclivity to bang. Fourth year guy Brad Hunt, who missed 2008-2009 can rebound according to his coach.
Joining Marshall in the backcourt is senior, 6'1" guard Maurice Williams, a guy labeled "our defensive leader" by his coach who has also greatly improved his handle. Mid-major schools are all over him.
Junior 6'0" guard Joe Cabrera can tickle the twine from outside, per Wootten. The future is bright with 5'10" freshman Will Ferguson on the squad.
Of the National High School Hoops Festival, where the Knights face West Charlotte (NC), Wootten recalled feeling "fortunate to be a part of it" when invited by event coordinatior Keith Stevens (of Team Takeover AAU).
There was something he refused to join - trash talk: Marshall and West Charlotte shooting guard J.T. Terrell have engaged in some pre-game, long distance chriping. When told this, Wootten responded "I try not to get caught up in that...Obviously he's a very good player...It should be a good battle on both sides".
Indeed it should.