GLENN DALE - A look back at some of the key players and storylines from Week 4 of the 2017 DMVelite Fall League at Holy Trinity Episcopal:

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HORVATH SHOWS OFFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT

2019 Southern (Md.) guard Al Horvath had a strong outing for South River Shooters in a loss to Bowie, going for a team-high 15 points.

"I consider shooting my strength, but I’m getting to the rim a little better than I used to," he said. "I used to not be able to do that all, and I’m getting a little better and improving all parts of my game. My ball handling used to be, like, horrendous, but it’s better now.”

Horvath was indeed strong in all phases offensively, displaying a nice jumper and effectively attacking the rim and getting to the foul line.

The 6-foot-2, 165-pounder said he's been hearing from Division III colleges, including Albright (Pa.), Goucher (Md.) and McDaniel (Md.).

“I think it's important just to get more reps in," he said. "This is good competition; Bowie High School’s a really good team so I’m glad I’m playing good teams and we’re going to see good teams in the county, so I want to see good teams now.”

DUNN’S VERSATILITY KEY FOR WILSON

After serving as a key spark plug during Wilson's DCIAA title run last year, 2019 guard Carlos Dunn is ready to do whatever it takes to help the Tigers repeat.

“I’m going to play a kind of bigger role this year, but I’m just playing my role - not doing too much," he said. "Just as long as we’re winning, I’m good.”

Dunn's versatility was on display in a rout of Team Rampage, as he posted 13 points and made smart plays on both ends of the floor.

“I think I’m all-around," he said. "I can score the ball and play good defense, and I bring a lot of energy to the team. I have a high motor.”

The 5-foot-9, 165-pounder - who ran with Bump N Run this summer - said he hasn't attracted much college interest yet, but that should change with another successful year at Wilson. The Tigers haven't been a traditional DCIAA basketball power and now find themselves in the role of the hunted, but Dunn says they are ready for the challenge.

“Every team just wants to beat us, and they see us as a threat," he said. "But we’re not going to take it easy on them; we’re still going to apply that pressure to them. ... Coach H [Angelo Hernandez] is just on us to remain humble, and never feel like we’re too good against any team. Come out and play the same against everybody and just remain humble the whole year.”

BURKE LEADING BOWIE TRANSITION

The Bowie Bulldogs will have a new look this year with former Parkdale coach Tremaine Price taking the reins, and one of his key players will be 2018 point guard Isaiah Burke.

“It’s been good - I can see everybody likes the new coaches," Burke said. "They really want to win and they want to see everybody play together. We’re running more plays and trying to be more consistent in terms of scoring the ball. We want to score every possession with no turnovers and just run plays and get everybody to play together.”
 

The 6-foot, 170-pound Burke looked good in a pair of wins over South River Shooters and Reservoir on Saturday, showcasing good speed, vision and decision-making.

“I’m pretty fast and quick, so i like to use that against my defender. I can get past him with like one step or one dribble and have a good pull-up jump shot. And I find my teammates when they’re open.”
 

Burke said he's heard from several Division I and Division II schools, but is currently awaiting an offer. He said he's hoping to do a prep school year to help boost his stock.
 

“I think it's going to help me prepare and become a better point guard and develop more,” he said.

CHEEKS LEADS WESTLAKE RALLY

Things were looking bad for Westlake early in Saturday’s game against Capital Christian, as the Wolverines quickly fell into a 10-point hole.

Then – almost as if they’d flipped a switch – Westlake grabbed control and never looked back, rallying for a 56-39 win over a much-larger Capital Christian squad.

“We came together and we said we were going to start talking and box out,” 2018 guard Jaimon Cheeks said, “and that’s what we did. Then [Coach] said move the ball a little bit more and get the extra pass. That’s how we made our way, and slowly but surely, we came back. Then when we got up, he said, ‘We’re winning, so act like you’re winning - pace yourself.’ That’s what we did.”

Cheeks led the way, posting 14 points to key the Westlake run. At 6-feet and 210 pounds, Cheeks is a big guard who uses his size well on the perimeter.

“That helps me a lot," he said, "because personally, I think I can finish at the basket more than someone that’s [smaller]. If they get bumped, they might lose the ball or something.”

Cheeks will play a bigger role at Westlake following the graduation of several key seniors. After a strong summer and a solid start to the Fall League, he looks up for the challenge.

“Personally, I feel like it’s going to help me out a lot because it’s getting me right for the season," he said. "I’m playing competition that I wouldn’t normally play on a daily basis. In the SMAC, we wouldn’t play somebody like Capital Christian in the regular season; we would play them probably in a scrimmage or something. I like to compete.”

THIS WEEK’S VARSITY SCHEDULE
 

Wednesday, October 11

6:30 pm Calvert vs. Surrattsville
7:30 pm Wilson vs. Capital Christian

Thursday, October 12
6:30 pm Pro-City vs. McKinley Tech
7:30 pm Paint Branch vs. Wilson
7:30 pm Indian Creek vs. Marlton Eagles

Saturday October 14
10 am Team Rampage vs. Fairmont Heights
10 am Calvert vs. Pro-City
11 am Bulldogs Elite 2 vs. South River Shooters
12 pm Virginia Academy vs. La Plata
12 pm Wilson vs. Westlake
1 pm Marlton Eagles vs. Reservoir
2 pm Team Rampage vs. Bulldogs Elite 2
3 pm Indian Creek vs. Bulldogs Elite
3 pm Virginia Academy vs. Fairmont Heights