The SJ DMV Fall HS Jamboree
The DMV Fall HS Jamboree powered by the St. James
Saturday morning the DMV Fall HS Jamboree tipped off at Alexandria City HS. It was cold and rainy outside but it was hot, and a little spicy at times, on the inside. If today was a preview of what’s to come, people should get in early Sunday morning. If you can’t make it, the live stream is available via the good folks of the Commonwealth Basketball Group.
Here is the link you can use to watch the action live and all other games this weekend: SJFallJamboree
With 24 games Saturday it’s tough to see everything. Luckily you can watch the games online or catch a write up from some of the media that were in attendance like Adam Ayelew, The Huddle Brand and Aaron ‘Action’ Jackson. Here are some quick takes on Saturday’s action that I was able to catch with my own eyes. Follow @Hoopinatibrand and @theCBGlive on twitter for more updates.
Team Takeover 2027 repping up
Team Takeover’s 8th grade latest 8th grade class will be fun to watch. They kicked their fall campaign off at the jamboree vs The Hawks and wasted no time jelling. Coach Jamille Jones stated they had a handful of practices leading up to the weekend and were ready to test themselves in live competition. In two wins Saturday they played an unselfish brand of basketball with everyone contributing to the winning outcome. They start there winter campaign at MADE Hoops in November.
Strength in Numbers
The Mustangs made it to the WCAC Championship last winter and were knocked off in heartbreaking fashion. This year’s team is led by Jeremiah Quigley and Jaden Johnson but have what could be the best supporting cast in the WCAC. Jeran Curtis continued to impress and seniors Martin Somerville and Chase Lawton provide leadership, defense and outside shooting. Three freshmen of note for the Mustangs who played well today and could see major minutes in WCAC play were Prince Alexander-Moody, Qayden Samuels and Jalyn Collingwood.
Mt. Zion Prep reloads
In an annual tradition, Mt. Zion Prep rolls out a talented roster with size, skill, length and basketball IQ. The difference this year is the underclassmen that will suit up for the Warriors. Malachi Palmer already sports a lofty reputation nationally and did nothing to dispute that. Saturday he matched up against the two headed Mustang in Jaden Johnson and Jeremiah Quigley and then he took a crack at The Park’s Ty Bevins (2024) and Machi Chester (2024). Malachi makes the game look easy. He was one of the top overall players on Saturday, if not the top player. MJ Smith was also very impressive for the Warriors. The 757 native scores it with ease and makes his teammates better. He is a player new locally people should take note of.
Grace Bretheren is Legit
In two thrilling wins over RWU, who was led by top 2025 prospect Cam Ward and TPLS Christian (VA), they showed that they are a destination that coaches will want to see. Damian Jones is an athletic point guard that makes plays on both sides of the ball and Daouda Traore is an athletic forward that is disruptive on defense and finishes above the room on offense. There are other intriguing players on the roster as well. College coaches should check them out this winter.
St. Mary’s Annapolis Continues to Build
I first watched Trey Mines coach his team about 5 or 6 years ago in a prior fall league. That team didn’t have much talent but they competed every play. Every year the program stepped in the right direction and last year they had one of there best season’s in school history. This year’s group is led by St. Francis commit Aidan Harris and have size, talent and length at every position. The group is young outside of Harris and will take time to reach its potential but the talent is there.
Underclassmen Making Waves
It’s always fun to see guys when they are in their high school setting. On most teams the upperclassmen take the lead but in the DMV we are blessed to always have talented players in most every class. I was impressed with Cam Ward’s ability to score one on one. Cam plays at his own pace and is able to get to where he wants to get on the court when he wants to get there. I’m not sure if my eyes were tricking me but he looks to be close to 6’7 now… don’t quote me on that, I will verify tomorrow. Silas Devonish looks to have used the success he had playing in DMV Live and used that as a springboard. He’s a very mature scorer as a freshmen and has the ability to carry the team in stretches. His development will be fun to watch. Shane Pendergrass, Machi Chester and Ty Bevins should be one of the best trio’s in the DMV. Jaden Fort (2025);Tenley Tigers may have had the play of the day in a poster dunk vs The Park. He helped lead the Tigers to a 1-1 mark in the Saturday Session.
3 Stripes Life
Fresh off a 3SSB, title coach Taj rolled out his first year program Saturday. Led by the ever improving Farrell Crowell, Team 3 Stripes will have one of the more talented rosters in the DMV this winter. Sunday Session will showcase his Gold team which hosts another set of talented players who play with skill and IQ.
Saturday Standouts:
Malachi Palmer- Mt. Zion Prep
Jeremiah Quigley- Mustang gang
Jaden Johnson- Mustang gang
Dylan Mason- DCI
Navarro Bowman Jr. – Team Takeover
Greg Jones- The Hawks
MJ Smith- Mt. Zion Prep
Jeran Curtin- Mustang gang
Aidan Harris- St. Mary’s Annapolis
Machi Chester- The Park
Quint Booker- Bishop Ireton
Farrell Crowell- Team 3 Stripes
Cam Ward- RWE
Ty Bevins- The Park
Jaden Fort- Tenley Tigers
Kris Johnson- Grace Bretheren
Silas Devonish- Bishop Ireton