Team Workout Series: Bowie

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Bowie Basketball is now a known commodity.

September 23, 2009 - When you are perceived as the team to beat, a leader of the pack, things change. Bowie High School, by broad consensus seems to be in that position for 2009-2010.

“We lost our three leading scorers, two of three leading rebounders and eight seniors in total, and we are still being looked at as one of the premier teams in our league” said Cedric Holbrook, the school’s second year head coach, yesterday. “It’s a testament to what we have and the program we are putting together…People know what Bowie Basketball is”.

Bowie went 20-3 last year, while also winning the Hoop Group Team Camp’s American Division this summer. Elements of the team also took home the Super Elite Showcase’s 17u title, wearing Bowie Express silks.

Justin Castleberry (dribbling), Malcolm Dickson, and Jared Carrithers (both shirtless) are going to big factors for the Bowie Bulldogs this season.

Of the perception Prince Georges County’s 4A league is down this year, and being so has added to Bowie’s preseason status, Holbrook responded “It’s a combination of us and the league, it’s both really” before tempering the PG 4A down-talk, prognosticating “There are a lot of good teams in the league, just some will be excessively deep. After that, only a few will have more than just five starters”.

The Bulldogs are definitely deep, with some of their chief players chronicled below; according to Holbrook “we usually rotate 11 players” and in doing so “kids play in every game…It’s the way we built our program. They are not green and understand what it takes to win”.

That depth and experience will be tested immediately, as the Bulldogs travel to Baltimore Poly Tech’s Invitational, where Baltimore City College is scheduled. In addition to its 4A league slate, Bowie also battles PG County foe Duval and returns to Salisbury for a Christmas tourney, where they will attempt to defend a title.

Holbrook expects all of his player’s “recruitment to pick up. The biggest thing is to play well”. Bowie Basketball is here.

Randall Castleberry – 6’0”, 195 pound senior guard – An offensive guard that can shoot and uses his strength in attacking the rim, expect a big year from Castleberry, who presently is getting Division II and III looks. Holbrook indicated Randall had a visit to NC A&T set up, but another PG county player’s recent commitment there has iced it.

Jeffrey James – 6’4”, 185 pound senior swingman – Possessing an 80-inch wingspan, James has committed to Mount St. Mary’s. He has a point forward mentality, loving to distribute the ball to open teammates. James’ best ball is ahead of him.

Kyle Jordan – 6’4”, 185 pound senior forward – Supplying rebounding, defense, and points around the tin, Jordan excels in the little things, leading Holbrook to label him “A coach’s dream. He does whatever you need to win”. Division II Clark University has expressed interest, as have D3’s Randolph-Macon, Neumann College, Frostburg and Hampden Sydney.

Josh Fitzgerald (left) and Kyle Jordan go at it during open gym.

Abeeb Ayobeji – 6’2”, 190 pound junior wing – Having transferred from Carroll, Ayodeji is an athletic slasher that can also defend. His integration into Bowie’s attack is a team x-factor.

Joshua Fitzgerald – 6’4”, 215 pound junior forward – Left handed banger can rebound and provide some outside shooting.

Jared Carrithers - 5’9”, 165 pound senior guard – Carrithers likes to score, generally by hitting the hit the outside shot. Stonybrook and Long Island University have expressed interest, as has Clark University.

Malcolm Dickson – 6’1”, 160 pound senior guard – A utility guard, Dickson brings some of everything, including athletic ability, defense, penetration and gutsy play. Part and parcel to Holbrook’s philosophy of utilizing “Five players on the court that can score and get to the rim”.

Temi Shonibare – 5’10”, 175 pound senior point guard – A lead guard who likes to strap defensively, Shonibare has interested Wichita State, as well as McDaniel, Frostburg, and Hampden-Sydney.