Gov. Challenge Session II – December 29 & 30
Gov. Challenge Session II – December 29th & 30th
Boy’s Bracket #1
CESAR CHAVEZ (DC) – Known for their talented guards over the past few seasons, Cesar Chavez will bring grit and a high-energy attack to Salisbury. Scoring guard Keleaf Tate has the talent to take over in big games.
EDMONDSON WESTSIDE – After a dominant showing last season, Edmondson returns looking to defend their bracket championship. A yearly powerhouse at Governor’s Challenge, the Red Storm will look to impose their will on opponents with their stifling full-court pressure.
LINGANORE – One of the primary contenders in Frederick County this year, Linganore is led by senior do-it-all point guard Thomas Lang. Typically known as a football school, the Lancers are coming into this season with a sense of excitement surrounding their basketball program, as well.
SOUTH LAKES (VA) – Representing the Northern Virginia area, South Lakes lost two talented senior guards from last year’s team, but sophomore forward Emmanuel Aghayre will be one of the most intriguing prospects of this year’s event.
Boy’s Bracket #2
BALTIMORE POLY – Poly boasts one of the most talented rosters in the tournament, and senior forward Jordan Jones could be the x-factor for the Engineers in the post. Keep an eye out for sophomore Demetrius Mims on the wing, as well.
ST. JOHNS CATHOLIC PREP – SJCP comes in as a potential dark horse, especially after the addition of 6-foot-4 wing Albert Odero. Transferring in from New York for his senior season, Odero has a collection of mid-major offers.
NEW TOWN – The defending 1A state champions, New Town is led by senior point guard Devin Smith in their first Governor’s Challenge appearance. While they graduated a few key pieces, the Titans program is known for its consistency and should be in the mix to defend their title.
WALT WHITMAN – One of the more consistent programs in Montgomery County over the past three seasons, Whitman lost two key backcourt contributors, but returns a few promising post players. Keep an eye on junior center Max Oppenheim as one of the tournament’s more intriguing post prospects.
Boy’s Bracket #3
PARKDALE – Looking to build off an up-and-down season last year that included a big upset of Wise, Parkdale returns to Governor’s Challenge with a new-look roster in one of the more wide-open brackets.
DUNBAR – A perennial Baltimore City power, Dunbar is a yearly fixture at Governor’s Challenge. Look out for senior Todd Closson to be a difference-maker for the Poets.
PATTERSON MILL – Patterson Mill has been a mainstay in Harford County, and has been a memorable state playoff opponent for Bayside teams. The Huskies are led by senior forward Rahmon Felder and senior guard Tyler Jakubowski – both of whom have played at the Varsity level since their freshman years.
WASHINGTON – The Jaguars graduated four of their starters from a year ago, including 1,000 point scorer Shakur Cottman and another explosive off guard in Marc Jones. However the team brings back several players that look ready to step into new roles this year. Kamyrn Somers looks to be a big time scorer this year, followed closely by a very physical Tyler Poulson. Look for the Jaguars to be competitive again this season.
Boy’s Bracket #4
SUSSEX TECH – The Ravens are coming a good season in which they made a run in the state tournament. The Ravens graduated several key players from last years team though, starting with Shi’wan Sykes, Aubre Allen, Billy Ball, Jamonte Mathews. The team will also have to move on after losing point guard Brandon Palmer. The team will also be under the direction of a new head coach Brian McDermott. Lots of questions surrounding the Ravens this season.
OAKDALE – Coming off three consecutive regional titles, Oakdale returns to Governor’s Challenge for another year. While a lot of question marks surround the Bears’ roster coming into the season, there’s no denying that the program has been one of the state’s most consistent in recent memory.
MILFORD MILL – Just like Oakdale, the Millers come back to Governor’s Challenge with a fairly new-look roster. With star point guard Justin Jenifer now playing at the college level at Cincinnati, the key for Milford Mill will be finding a way to replace his playmaking ability.
CH FLOWERS – Flowers has become a mainstay at Governor’s Challenge, and comes into this year’s event as one of the more promising teams in PG County. Look for senior guard C.J. Wourman to lead the charge.
