Team Workout Series: Thomas Stone

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Thomas Stone looks to remain the standard bearer for Southern Maryland hoops

September 26, 2009 – Hailing from Charles County, Maryland, Thomas Stone has been more or less the standard bearer for that region’s high school hoops programs, as the school has in the last two consecutive years made Maryland’s 4A Class Final Four. Such success breeds expectations, which can lead to pressure.

Dale Lamberth doesn’t acknowledge such, saying after a recent weightlifting session “I think it’s more pride than anything”, while discussing perceived pressure. “Our last nine years (his tenure as head coach), these kids have won 20 games, seven years”.

Thomas Stone players Kendall Smith (left) and Stephen Battle, flank the team's coach, Dale Lamberth, after his players lifted weights with members of Stone's football team.

Does adding the fact Stone will now play in the state’s 3A classification - a move that could bring the school, which went 21-5 last year in postseason competition, in contact with several Prince Georges County powerhouses for a return trip to the state semifinals - alter Lamberth’s outlook?

“We like the fact we were playing out of our conference in the playoffs. With Glen Burnie and Old Mill (Anne Arundel County schools that were frequent postseason foes)” said Lamberth, “we had a lot of history with those teams. However we know Largo, Potomac and Friendly. We have a history with them. We are not awestruck”.

The Cougars regularly competed against teams from Prince Georges County in summer action this year, and have also over time lined up opposite Baltimore City squads. In 2008-2009 the school will play Fairmount Heights at home, and are entered in the Springbrook Tournament, a yearly confab in Maryland’s Montgomery County.

Said Lamberth of his team: “Our guys bought into what we want to be…I hear coaches talk about their kids, and thank goodness I have what I’ve got”.

That would be a senior driven, experienced, battle tested crew, one in which players know their roles. Check out below some of the players that have Lamberth and many others confident in Thomas Stone’s chances of once again going deep into the Maryland playoffs.

Stephen Battle – 6’6”, 195 pound senior swingman – Battle is one of the better players in Maryland, one that is getting major looks from Quinnipiac, Delaware State, St. Francis (PA), Central Connecticut and Cleveland State; many feel that even with that list he’s under-recruited. That sentiment must be respected, as Stephen can shoot, rebound, defend, pass and attack the rim – he’s a do everything type guy. Battle, a three year starter, is taking the ACT in October, an event that may start a deluge of offers. Expect Stephen to commit around the late signing period.

Kendall Smith – 6’5”, 195 pound senior swingman – Starting for three years, Smith can also do many things on the court, including pat, shoot, and defend. He’s taken an unofficial visit to James Madison, and is enjoying recruiting interest from the Southern Conference’s Elon, as well as Central Connecticut State of the Northeast Conference. Smith is a sleeper, who will make a Division I program happy in the future.

Kendall Smith pushes iron, while Stephen Battle spots.

Dytanya Johnson – 6’6”, 180 pound senior forward – The team’s spiritual leader, Johnson plays hard all the time, manning the paint and directing teammates. Being willing to battle inside should not be a surprise for this two sport performer, who on the gridiron plays both defensive end and receiver. Though basketball is his true love - he has been tendered an offer to hoop at NJ Tech - Johnson is reviewing all options for college.

Deandre Echols – 6’0”, 170 pound senior guard – Labeled the Cougars’ x-factor by Lamberth, Echols is a combo guard that plays with a energy and effort, driving his coach to say “He’s the one that really has to get us going”; that includes defending and driving. Echols is the son of former Washington Bullet Ledell Echols.