Gonzaga’s victory over Paul VI this week not only gave them their second WCAC championship in three years, but it ended the chapter of this year’s WCAC season. Paul VI and Gonzaga, in my opinion, were the two top teams in the league, so it’s only fitting that they met in the championship. But, Paul VI didn’t play their best basketball and Gonzaga took advantage, as the Eagles were in control the entire game. Since the season is in the books, I figured I would give out my post season WCAC awards, along with some things to look forward to next year.
Note that I did not highlight specifics coaches in these awards, because I believe that each coach in the league has their own unique and distinct style, personality and approach. They are some of the most talented, passionate and devoted coaches in the country and mutliple coaches deserve high praise.
BEST SCORER:
Chris Lykes (Gonzaga 17)
Mr. DMV himself, its safe to say that during Lykes’ career, he pretty much did everything. He recently was awarded his second straight MVP award, became Gonzaga’s all time leading scorer (over 2,500 points), while leading his team to their second WCAC championship in three years. But, that doesn’t happen without his scoring ability, becoming Gonzaga’s all time leading scorer. At just 5’8″, it gives you an idea of how good he is. His ability to create his own shot inside and out is epic, and his signature step back is absolutely dirty. Lykes was a very special player and I will definitely miss watching him in this league.
BEST LEADERS:
Reese Mona (St. John’s 17)
Michael Myers (Gonzaga 17)
Of course you like to watch the big stars and the human highlight reels, but personally, nothing makes me happier than watching these two on the court for their respective teams. Are these guys putting a seven footer on a poster? No. Are they putting up 20 a game? No. But, I can guarantee you, neither of their teams would’ve made it as far as the did, without them. They are both the most supportive and positive players on the floor. The first to help someone up. The first to high-five someone. And you need that on your team. These guys don’t get the recognition they deserve, so I had to give it to them, and highlight their contributions.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS:
Tre Wood (St. Johns 18)
Around this time last year, Wood sent out a tweet that read, “My time will come.” I believe the tweet was sent the night St. John’s won the WCAC championship, when Wood was only averaging about 5 points a game, and he was right, his time has come. In just a years time Tre Wood has gone from the backup point guard, to the catalyst for this St. John’s team, while earning himself a spot on the WCAC first team. Wood didn’t fit under the “Most Improved” category because everyone knew the talent was there, it was just a matter of time before he could show it.
Brandon Slater (Paul VI 18)
Everyone was waiting for this from Slater, he was coming off a great summer, and he is an absolute freak of nature. Listed at 6’5″ with a very wide wingspan, and his handle, speed, and shooting ability make him a matchup nightmare. But Slater backed the hype, nearly doubling his points per game average from last year, while becoming a go to scorer and playmaker for this Paul VI team. His 34 point outburst against Gonzaga earlier in the year was the most dominant DMV performance I’ve witnessed in a while.
MOST IMPROVED:
John McCrae (DeMatha 17)
To be honest, when I attended DeMatha’s preseason workouts, I had no idea who John McCrae was. But within minutes of the session, he became one of my favorite prospects on the team. The lengthy player has a very consistent mid range jumper and he is also much more athletic than people expect. But, the thing that popped out to me the most is that he is extremely humble and doesn’t take any plays off. He channeled that this season and became a key part of this DeMatha team. Although he only averaged around seven points per game, that doesn’t show his impact for the Stags, McCrae does it all and that’s why he’s on of my favorite players in the league.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:
Jeremy Roach (PVI 20)
If you are judging Roach solely off his performance in the WCAC Championship game, you are playing yourself. Yes, it definitely wasn’t his best game, but that can’t wipe away what he did the rest of the year. I’ve always said Roach is so special because he plays beyond his years, this season he certainly didn’t play like a freshman. Roach got most of his buckets inside (standing at just about 6’1″) and he’s always in control. Roach averaged 11 points per game, as a freshman, in the best league in the county, that is very impressive.
Terrence Williams (Gonzaga 20)
Although Williams didn’t have the kind of stats Roach had, what he did this year is nearly as impressive. He proved he was able to bang down low with players that are much older, stronger and experienced than him. And, Williams was still able to play his game, he didn’t force anything and he remained an absolute force on the glass. Williams’ upside is through the roof with his size, IQ, and touch, I can’t wait to see what he does in this league for years to come.
UNDER THE RADAR PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Miles Latimer (Paul VI 20)
Latimer may not fit the whole “under the radar” title because he had a very good junior campaign with PVI. But, I don’t think people are going to be expecting the contribution that I know he will bring next year. Latimer has been steadily improving since his freshman year at PVI, and he’s made a bigger contribution each year. This year Latimer was just making strides towards becoming a night in, night out contributor at the Varsity level, but next year, is when I believe we will all meet the high-flying, sharpshooting and always smiling Miles Latimer, and he will leave his mark on the WCAC.
Ming Stevens (O’Connell 20)
This is definitely under the radar, but I’m confident in this one. Although Stevens sat on the bench for most of the season, he had a couple of moments where he was really able to showcase himself. In the contests where Stevens entered the game this year, he hit at least one three in all but two, including two double digit outbursts. Stevens has the ability to compete with the best, he’s done it on the AAU circuit since second grade, and I have no doubt he’ll show the WCAC next year.
Jahmal Banks (O’Connell 20)
Like Stevens, Banks is also very under the radar. He played a little bit less than Steven’s this year so he’s even more of an unknown. But when it clicks for Jahmal Banks, it really clicks. The three sport varsity star is blessed with a lengthy frame and a lot of athleticism. Most importantly, Banks takes pride in his game, doesn’t take plays off and is always playing for the team. He will become a force in this league, I promise.
As a wrap up to the article I’m going to give you my star players to watch for next year, keep these names in mind because they will be running the WCAC next year.
Justin Moore (DeMatha 19)
Moore was unfortunately plagued by the injury bug this year, but in the games he played, he averaged 14 points per game. Moore is a strong guard who does what he wants on the floor, with the departures of Harvey, Allen and McCrae, Moore will step up big time next year.
Tre Wood (St. John’s)
The silky smooth point guard will look to follow in his mentor Anthony Cowan’s footsteps and bring home a WCAC championship to St. John’s. But, Wood will also need to step up as a leader as the Cadets are losing Reese Mona.
Myles Dread (Gonzaga 18)
Dread really stepped up and played his best basketball towards the end of the year. His frame allows him to body with anyone down low, but he can also stretch the floor with the three pointer. He used his advantage as a matchup nightmare and played a big part in Gonzaga’s championship run.
Brandon Slater (Paul VI 18)
Slater is my very early pick for WCAC player of the year for next season. There’s no doubt Slater has the skills but in order for Paul VI to have the season they are capable of having, Slater needs to step up as a leader. Losing Aaron Thompson is a big blow to the Panthers, but I believe Slater can step right in.
Prentiss Hubb (Gonzaga 18)
Gonzaga losses a lot of pieces by sending Chris Lykes, Eddie Scott and Michael Myers off to college, but they have a lot of young talent that will make an impact. Freshmen Terrence Williams, Myles Stute and Chuck Harris will be relied on for contribution, but next years Gonzaga team is going to go as far as Hubb will take them. For the first time at Gonzaga he’ll be looked at as the go to scorer and I think he’ll flourish with that responsibility.
And this is why people say the WCAC is the best basketball conference in the country, no doubt the talent and coaching certainly is.