Team Workout Series: Paul VI

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Youth must provide dividends for Paul VI this season.

October 11, 2009 – Last year, Paul VI High School (VA) had a remarkable resurgence, making the Washington Catholic Athletic Association semifinals and winning a state crown via the Virginia Independent Athletic Association championship, the school’s first title ever. This occurred along the path of a 19-15 season – a strong turnaround was illustrated – and the initiation of a heated, ongoing clash, as assistant coach Ken Johnson noted “We defeated our rival Bishop O’Connell twice in four days – the WCAC quarters, and at their house in the WCAC quarters.”

Having won their last game and re-established the program in two years, Paul VI’s coaching staff, lead by head coach Glenn Farello should have great expectations this season, right? They do, but the route to success will likely be somewhat circuitous.

“We’re concentrating on development” said Johnson Saturday, at the school’s basketball office. “I expect some growing pains”.

Those can be attributed to extreme youth, as Johnson anticipates “six to eight freshman and sophomores in the rotation”, with only one senior and three juniors expected to contribute. Statistically the Panthers return precious few points from last year’s lineup.

Stan Robinson is an up-and-coming player in the WCAC.

“I expect us to compete” said Johnson, before noting when having a young, inexperienced team the goal “is to peak on the month of February…By February, the freshman will no longer be freshman, and the sophomores will no longer be sophomores”.

Farello, whose coached for 16 years and been a head man for 11, also readily acknowledged is unit’s youth Saturday night, yet nevertheless noted of the team “It’s a real fun group…This is going to be a real fun group” due to their work ethic and attentiveness.

Aiding and/or challenging their development curve are the Panther’s WCAC schedule and a challenging out of conference slate. Said Farello, the VISAA Coach of the Year in 2008-2009, of PVI’s foes this season, “In general, obviously our league play is as tough as it gets in the county” and “I think our non- conference scholarship is tough as well. We open up in the Red Jenkins Classic; Mt. Vernon (VA) December 2nd and December 4th versus (host) W.T. Woodson. “I think that’s a great way to start off the season…great for our community (Fairfax, VA)”.

He continued, sharing “We play in a couple of events. The National High School Hoops Festival, for the third year. We won our first two years, and play host Wise.

“December 8th, it’s Flint Hill. That’s a nice little rivalry that we have. It’s another fun local game. We will be in the Mt. Vernon Christmas Tournament December 26th, 28th and 29th”.

The Panthers also take on Cesar Chavez at home, as well as December 5th’s “all day DC-Baltimore event at Trinity (University)” where “We’ve been invited to play Owings Mills (Baltimore County)”, according to Farello. Of his schedule, daunting as it is for a young team, the coach noted “We’re tough enough to handle it”.

Devon Hill must set the table for his young teammates.

So how, besides relying on talent and internal fortitude, can Paul VI manage their tough slate of games and extremely youthful roster to round into form later in the season?

Defensively, Farello shared of this year’s focus, “It’s so early…over the years we’ve done a little bit of everything. This particular squad we will be able to press a little more. With any young team the challenge is getting them to understand the defensive scheme and be disciplined…I do like they are willing to work hard”.

What about putting the ball in the bucket? “We’re extremely quick and skilled” offered Johnson, the assistant, who then noted “We will be spread out offensively”.

In his estimation, due to the challenges of youth (inexperience, strength) and a roster that presently doesn’t have a classic ‘big’, “The key to our season is defensive rebounding. If we can defensive rebound, we can be successful”.

Let’s look at some of Paul VI’s 2009-2010 roster:

Devon Hill – 5’10”, 165 pound junior point guard – The Panther’s starting floor leader, Hill will be called upon to not only stabilize a talented, young team on the floor, but lead off it as well; Johnson said of Hill and the other upperclassmen “It’s a lot easier to coach when you guys in the program who have been here”.

Devin Hill – 5’10”, 175 pound junior guard – As with his brother, Hill, who can play both guard positions, will be expected to provide serious leadership. Farello on him: “One of the things Devin does, the kid is just a winner…He does a little bit of everything” including being “a lockdown defender” who routinely “creates baskets for others”.

Asa Smith – 6’3”, 180 pound junior small forward - Johnson dubbed Smith “self-made”, paying homage to Asa’s work ethic. Farello echoed and amplified that, saying “he’s a hard working, never stop player” who “has done a fantastic job working on his skills on the perimeter. His playmaking and shot making ability have improved. He’s always working. Always in the mix of things. On court, in the weight room and in classroom”.

Asa Smith has proven hard work pays off.

Patrick Holloway – 5’11”, 150 pound sophomore combo guard – In his first year at PVI, Holloway is a great shooter who can handle the rock solidly, one that has already been offered a scholarship by Mount St. Mary’s, and is receiving interest from Fordham, VCU, UVA, Georgetown, Mason and Davidson.

Coleman Johnson – 6’5”, 185 pound sophomore power forward – Assistant coach Johnson believes Coleman “might lead us in scoring”, as he’s “very quick leaper” who also excels hitting the mid-range shot, and is working on extending his shooting range while also improving ball handling skills. Expect Coleman to defend and rebound also.

Tillman Dunbar – 5’8”, 140 pound sophomore point guard – Lightening quick, Dunbar is a scoring point guard, one that should provide a lift and change of pace early off the bench this season.

Stanford Robinson – 6’3”, 170 pound freshman shooting guard – Robinson is a smooth, left handed slasher who has good vision, is a good passer, and possesses prodigious talent. Farello went on to say of Stan “What really makes him have the ability to be special is the impact he has on his teammates. He’s attentive, soaks stuff up” and “wants to be great”. Also his coach noted Robinson “has great balance and footwork at a young age”.

Jamal Robinson – 6’5”, 190 pound freshman wingman – Not related to Stan but dubbed a member of the ‘Robinson Brothers” nonetheless, Jamal can attack the basket and handle the rock. Dubbed “the consummate small forward” by Johnson, he reminds some of Danny Sumner, a former PVI swingman currently doing damage at William and Mary.

Brian Speaks – 6’4”, 180 pound freshman wingman – Speaks brings athleticism and activity, which should bode well as a ‘hustle man’ this year. He reminds Johnson of current Kansas State freshman “Rodney McGruder at a similar stage”.

Emonte Rodgers – 6’4”, 210 pound freshman forward – Expect Rodgers to bang around the rim, where his athletic ability and strength can pay early dividends.