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Boys' Basketball Preview
Outlook: Senior point guard Walter Smith's job will be to coordinate a deep, talented offense that will incorporate Coach Ivan Thomas's offense, which is based on sound fundamentals. The Titans face a tough non-region schedule but will buoyed 6-foot-8 shot-blocker Mike Davis, a transfer from Hayfield who averaged 16.1 points last season.
Private Schools
  O'Connell junior guard Jason Clark already has committed to Georgetown. (By Jonathan Ernst For The Washington Post) |
Bishop Ireton
Last season:11-14, 4-8 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Three
Watch this guy: Mike Williams, a 7-foot Kentucky-bound senior, brings good hands and fearless rebounding to the low post and looks to improve on the 12 points and eight rebounds he averaged last season.
Outlook: Although the WCAC is as strong as ever, the presence of Williams makes the Cardinals a contender. The question is whether they will get scoring punch from the outside to prevent defenses from sagging in on him.
Episcopal
Last season:9-14, 4-8 Interstate Athletic Conference
Returning starters: Four
Watch this guy: Senior Sebastian Sabella, a 6-foot-4 guard who is a good perimeter shooter. He was voted most outstanding offensive player in the Episcopal tip-off tournament after averaging 16 ppg.
Outlook: Last year was tough, but Episcopal could make more of an impact this season with an experienced nucleus and strong defense.
O'Connell
Last season:21-12, 11-7 WCAC
Returning starters: One
Watch this guy: Jason Clark, a 6-foot-2 junior guard who has already committed to Georgetown, led his team in points per game (19), assists per game (4.5) and was second in rebounds per game (6.2) as a sophomore.
Outlook: After winning three playoff games in the Virginia Independent Schools Division I playoffs last year, O'Connell could struggle to repeat that success unless others step up to play strongly alongside Clark.
St. Stephens/St. Agnes
Last season:18-9, 7-3 IAC
Returning starters: Four
Watch this guy: Jeremy Bull, a 6-foot-2 senior guard, is a quick defensive force who puts good pressure on the ball. Bull, who is also quick on the fast break and finishes well in transition, averaged about 11 ppg last year.
Outlook: Bull and senior guard Shaun Engram should give the Saints a solid tandem on offense and defense to make them contenders for the MAC title.
-- PAUL BERGERON and RYAN MINK
