Team Workout Series: St. Frances

Ron Bailey, Publisher

The Panthers of St. Frances are built for big things

December 2, 2009 – A little school in East Baltimore, the oldest institution engaged in educating African-American children in the country (since 1828), has made a big imprint on high school hoops in Baltimore. Not counting a history of sending players to top school all over the country, just within the past two years St. Frances Academy has won the Baltimore Catholic League both seasons, and the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association last year. That’s no small feat.

“Our goal is to win the league(s) again” said assistant coach Nick Myles last Saturday morning. “It will be tough, but we’re putting in the work. We have the cats to do it”.

Greg Lewis, whose recruitment is taking off, goes over Jason Fourney in open gym.

Add a national level schedule, and the Panthers have their work cut out for them. Myles on the teams schedule: “We open up against DeMatha, and play in the DC vs Baltimore (showcase). There is always tough MIAA/BCL league play. December 18th – 22 we are in the City of Palms (FL), and then for Christmas the Beach Ball Classic in South Carolina. In January there is St. Benedict’s (NJ) at Wheeling Jesuit, then January 18 Kobe Bryant’s event, where we play Pinewood (SC). The league playoffs are in February and March. Alhambra is after that”. The school went 33-5 last season.

That’s definitely a prodigious slate for St. Frances, coached by school alum and ex-professional player, Mark Karcher. In anticipation of it, the Panthers gather informally twice weekly, where the team puts itself through drill and whole court play. A sense of focus seems to exude these sessions, which should be no wonder, as two starters - now juniors - have started since enrolling as freshmen, and a pair of seniors have been in the Panther’s top five for three years now.

Wayne Sparrow is a dead-eye shooter that is also becoming pretty athletic.

Such a lineup led Myles to state “I think the guys are comfortable” in their roles, and that the 2009-2010 edition of St. Frances Hoops will be harder to handle, as “This year, we are not going to looking for a 20 point scorer, we will have three or four guys getting 16-18 points per game. We’re stronger than last year”.

Colleges have definitely taken notice of the roster, with Myles noting visitors to these sessions as “Delaware, Xavier, Virginia Tech, Memphis, West Virginia, UMass, Towson, Florida State, Quinnipiac, Morgan State, Loyola, (George) Mason, Richmond, South Florida, Bowie (State), Mt. St. Mary’s, Essex”. Many more are sure to get by.

Now, on to players.

Wayne Sparrow – 6’3”, 170 pound senior guard – Orally committed to Richmond, Sparrow is likely the best pure shooter in the Parkway Region (DC-Baltimore). The 3.7 GPA student is also developing greater athleticism, allowing him to punish rims regularly on breaks.

Donte Holmes – 6’3”, 185 pound senior guard – A do-everything guard, Holmes, long known for his toughness now hits jumpers better. Many people didn’t see him this summer (he concentrated on his books and working out) and should be pleased in how he’s developed. Morgan State, Loyola, and Delaware have tendered scholarship offers, while Temple, Quinnipiac and South Florida are showing interest.

Donte Holmes, here trying to turn the corner versus Shaq Brown, is a tough, formidable player.

Ronald ‘Lil Ronald’ Williams – 5’7”, 150 pound junior point guard – Williams is a pass-first, floor leader point guard whose jumper is becoming more consistent and released more lift. Expect a breakout season from Williams, who loves to attack the rim. Several MEAC schools have expressed interest, along Kent State, Louisiana Tech, Loyola, Detriot, Delaware and Mt. St. Mary’s. Larger conference schools will surely jump in during this season.

Greg Lewis – 6’8”, 230 pound junior power forward – UMass, South Florida, Xavier and Virginia Tech have all offered Lewis, while Florida State are reportedly close to doing so; it’s not surprising since Greg has solid footwork, length, and seems to be maturing physically.

Jason Fourney – 6’8”, 230 pound sophomore center – Fourney will allow Lewis to play his natural position (PF), as he mans the hole. Jason is a finisher, one that’s physically imposing. Myles named Fourney the team’s “most improved” player, and expects him to supply “10 rebounds a game” in addition to blocking shots and wearing out rims. South Florida, Virginia Tech and Xavier have taken notice of Fourney, now in his first year of varsity ball.

Sam Cassell, Jr. – 6’2”, 165 pound junior guard – A transfer from Towson Catholic, Myles said of Cassell “He’s key. He can do a lot of different things” including shooting the ball well and having solid basketball instincts.

Daquan Cook – 6’0”, 150 pound sophomore guard – At Baltimore City College High School last year, Cook can pass well, and will likely provide some minutes off the bench at lead guard. Virginia Tech and South Florida have sent mail to Cook, who Myles labeled “an x-factor”.

Daquan Cook is a 'youngin' with great potential.

Shaquille Brown – 6’4”, 210 pound sophomore forward – If you are looking for a player capable of shooting, defending and finishing , Brown is your guy. Virginia is interested and has sent a letter. In fact, this summer he attended the Wahoo’s Elite Camp.

Jason Jones, Jr. – 5’10”, 160 pound senior guard – Injuries have befallen a now healthy Jones over his career. Resultantly, expect the recruitment of this athletic perimeter guy who plays above the rim to take off. Is a National Honor Society student that possesses a 3.2 GPA. UMBC, Loyola and American have reportedly expressed various levels of interest, to date.