Game 1- Loudon vs. Fairfax (68-51 Fairfax)

#13 Malik Stout (Loudon): After arriving to the game during the second quarter, the point guard had an immediate impact as he led the way for Loudon’s comeback attempt. Stout entered the game and connected on two And One direct line drives to the rim and would knock down a couple of jumpers throughout the game, including going 3-for-4 from distance. His signature play of the game came when he stole the ball at halfcourt then went behind the back to avoid the defender and finish the transition layup while drawing the foul.

What Stout may lack in athleticism at this stage, he was still able to thrive due to an advanced feel for the game, comfortable direct line attacking ability, shooting ability and confidence. Stout finished the game with 21 points on 8-16 FGA, 3-4 3PA, 2-6 FTA in just 16 minutes while adding 6 rebounds, 2 assists and only 1 turnover in an impressive outing. He was the best player in this game and the second best out of the two games.

#0 Dominic Jones (Loudon): With a solid combination of size, length, athleticism and comfortable straight line drive ability from the perimeter, Jones was able to repeatedly get to the rim in both the half court and in transition, where he was able to score at the rim or draw the shooting foul. Jones was an efficient 6-10 from the field to go along with 8 rebounds, but had some trouble at the free throw line (2-7 FTA) and with ball security (6 turnovers mainly due to dribbling in crowds). Jones used his athleticism on the defensive end as well to play passing lanes and record on ball steals on his way to 5 steals (tied for game high). He has the makings of an effective two-way wing.

#24 Justin Boggs (Loudon): Boggs was the classic example of a player who looked much better and more skilled than his stat line indicated: 4 points on 2-9 FGA, 0-6 3PA with 3 rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench. He impressed with a couple of fluid pull up floaters, shooter’s confidence, clean shooting form and consistent rotation on his shots. The 3-point shots that Boggs missed were all either in and out or on target, but short. As the PYBL continues, I expect for Boggs’ production to match the flashes of talent he displayed in this game.

#2 Bo Kuhblank (Fairfax): Kuhblank impressed as a gritty, skilled and poised PG as he finished the game with 9 points on 4-5 FGA with 5 assists 6 rebounds and 5 steals in 29 minutes. He was able to comfortably attack off the bounce with both hands in the half court and out in transition along with finishing with both hands at the rim. I loved that Kuhblank wasn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint for rebounds, plays hard, and has a semi-advanced understanding of the responsibilities of a PG. The only real blemish for him were his 6 turnovers due to inconsistency making the right decision in the numerous traps Loudon threw at him and not being strong enough with the ball. Although Kuhblank is limited athletically, there is potential with his combination of skill, toughness and basketball IQ.

#23 Benjamin Woodward (Fairfax): Woodward finished the game with 14 points on 6-13 FGA, 1-2 3PA to go along with 5 assists and 3 rebounds in 17 minutes. He displayed clean shooting form with a soft touch from multiple levels including connecting on a deep catch and shoot 3-pointer along with midrange baseline floater. Woodward was effective playing without the ball in his hands and finding open space to catch and make a play.

#35 Tahkara Siaca Bey (Fairfax): Siaca Bey led the team in scoring and rebounding with a 20 point (7-13 FGA, 6-13 FTA) and 14 rebound double- double. He displayed a comfortable handle, clean shooting form, and the ability to get to the rim to combine with his length and athleticism. Siaca Bey added 2 assists in the game, both coming off of unselfish transition passes to teammates. His signature play came on a fluid spin move in transition to draw the shooting foul. Siaca Bey played hard throughout the game and should be a strong contributor on both ends of the floor for the Fairfax team throughout the PYBL season.

Game 2- Arlington vs. Alexandria (78-72 Alexandria)

#33 Quinn Clark (Arlington): The 6’4 Clark was the best player of the day as his combination of height, length, skill and fluidity was tough for any of the Alexandria players to handle. Clark finished the game a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds on 9-14 FGA, 3-7 FTA. Clark was able to score on the block with fluid drop steps and spins while showing the ability to get into the lane from the perimeter on straight line drives for finishes. He flashed transition ball handling including a catch on the break where went behind the back then finished the layup along with playmaking potential (3 assists). Clark must become more aggressive because he can dominate more than he did. There were too many possessions where he was passive on both ends of the floor. Clark has interest from significant local high schools such as O’Connell, Bishop Ireton and Paul VI.

#22 David Solomon (Arlington): Soloman served as the other twin tower alongside of Clark and was able to impact the game with his height, length and athleticism. He finished with 8 points (4-4 FGA) and a game high 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Soloman struggled to make skillful plays, which led to committing a game high 8 turnovers. However, he has raw physical tools that can be molded as he becomes more skillful.

#10 Mason So (Arlington): So did his best to be a reliable outside complement to the inside presence of Clark and Soloman as he knocked down 3 three pointers with his lefty stroke

en route to 15 points on 4-10 FGA, 3-7 3PA, 4-7 FTA. He flashed a comfortable handle with quickness and shooting confidence, but struggled at times to be strong with ball (5 turnovers). So is a skilled shooter that I expect to be amongst the leaders in made three pointers during the PYBL season and a true floor stretcher.

#3 John Laughlin (Alexandria):

Laughlin displayed grit, skill and comfortable shooting ability out to three on his way to a team leading 16 points on an efficient 6-9 FGA, 0-2 3PA, 4-4 FTA while adding 4 rebounds and 3 steals in 19 minutes. He converted on two smooth pull up push shots, one over a taller defender, and operated on straight line dribbles in the half court and in transition to get to the rim. Laughlin played hard on both ends of the court, a staple of the Alexandria team.

#6 Rob Lawson: Lawson showed two-way player ability as he played pressure defense and moved well laterally on his man throughout while being a heavy offensive contributor with 16 points on 6-9 FGA, 0-2 3PA, 4-4 FTA in 20 minutes. He attacked the rim on straight line drives for scores and wasn’t afraid to attack in a crowd. Lawson really looked to compete, something that I love and cannot be taught.