This past Sunday, all who were in attendance in NW DC were treated to a nice appetizer leading up to the Super Bowl. St. John’s was able to hold off Gonzaga and the brilliance of senior guard Devin Dinkins and a very good Gonzaga team. Gonzaga lead early and often but St. John’s was able to answer every run and pull away in the final seconds with a 56-55 victory in large part due to the timely play of 2023 Malik Mack. The WCAC playoffs are shaping up to be one for the ages with at LEAST 6 teams with a real shot to win it all. Below are some high level thoughts from the game, more content to follow:

Devin Dinkins 2022- I haven’t seen Dinkins play live since the summer when he suited up for DC Premier. He did not disappoint. The senior guard controlled the game for 30 minutes and 45 seconds, seemingly getting wherever he wanted and getting whatever shot he wanted. Even a last second prayer from half court seemed like it was going in. Dinkins was totally dominant and looked eerily similar to former I street great, Chris Lykes. He sports deep range, a great understanding of the point guard position and responsibilities while being a menace on defense. George Mason has a good one coming in. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start from day 1.

Jared Turner 2022- Jared looks like a coaches son. He plays within himself, hits shots, rebounds, defends, makes the right play, is a great teammate and is in the right place at the right time. He looks to have grown some and sports great positional length which should allow him to guard multiple positions at the next level….something he routinely did Sunday afternoon. His recruitment was slow to take off but his progression as a player is evident for all to see.

Malik Mack 2023- This is the 2nd time I have watched St. John’s recently where he was the best player on the court. Like most guards his age with high level talent, skill and confidence, Malik will need to continue to hone his floor general skills. But the skill he has right now that translates is he is a big game player and a clutch shot maker. The lefty seemed to be the player for Pat Behan’s bunch that scored when they needed them too which was evident by the huge 3 pointer late in the fourth quarter which should have been a 4 point play and the offensive rebound to put the Cadets up for good with 5 seconds left. Buy Stock Now!

Malik Mack, St Johns HS 2023
Flic by : @20three47

Shane Lancaster 2022- Shane doesn’t get much of the notoriety as his teammates but the Cadets don’t win without Shane hitting timely shots, making hockey assists, getting the occasional poster dunk (Surprised the hell out of me) and keeping his teammates locked in. Shane possesses two way player traits that should allow him to see the floor early at Niagara if he is able to continue his development.

Christian Watson 2022- Playing more combo guard in this viewing, Christian shows an understanding of the game and a controlled pace that makes him seem much older than what he is. Much has already been said about Christian and his game. For him to take that next step as a player, this collective would like to see him press the “Go” Button a little more.

Christian Watson 2022
Flic by @20three47

Donnie Freeman 2024- Nationally rated as one of the top sophomores in the country. Donnie shows what makes him such a great prospect. The 6’8ish forward shoots it from mid range and three, scores around the rim, rebounds, blocks shots and is a great team defender. Still very thin and struggles with contact but does not shy away from the physicality. Donnie will look to build on his play this season and suit up for Keith Steven’s TTO squad this summer. Look for him to continue to shoot up the rankings if he is able to match the physicality of his peers.

Sunday Afternoon Matinee on Military Road

The Valentine’s Day Showdown on Marlboro Pike

Hoopinati Back