Maryland’s Finest - which operates out of Prince George’s County and
competes in the highly competitive Potomac Valley Region - has proudly
represented the DMV for many years. This year the program has had many
achievements, highlighted by their recent Class of 2022/4th Grade National
Championship in Lexington, KY.
Led by Gonzaga College High School's
Steve Turner, the
elite squad stepped onto the floor each time out with an elite coach, as well.
Having won the championship two years ago and finishing as one of the top
teams in the country last year, Finest stepped into each match up with a target
on their backs and were clearly considered a championship contender from the
onset. They opened their quest for the title with a 48-35 win over
the Central Florida Magic but slipped up in their next game, a low-scoring
defensive affair to the D1 Shooters (TX), 29-26. The usually potent
Maryland’s Finest offense was slowed in this game and that left them 1-1 and in
danger of not advancing out of pool play. With their back against the
wall the championship pedigree of the players became apparent. In the
next game against a solid Memphis War Eagle team, the Finest dominated from the
tip and secured an impressive 54-41 victory that assured them of advancement to
the Championship Bracket of the tournament.
It would only get tougher from there. Focused and ready, the team made a
statement in the first round, extinguishing Indiana’s Team Teague 51-26 and
then moving on to face Gametime. In a very well-played and competitive
game, Finest pulled away in the second half and claimed a 48-40 victory,
advancing the team into the Elite 8 against an All-Ohio Red who boasted a star
studded roster of their own. All-Ohio has consistently been one of the
top teams in the country, especially after the addition of a 5’9 big man.
Maryland Finest never blinked and went through them like a hot knife through
butter, winning in convincing fashion 53-43. In this game, they used
pressure defense to create turnovers that lead to easy baskets and rebounded
impressively as a team.
Next stop was the Final 4 against the George Hill Rising Stars; another one
of the favorites for the crown and the team that knocked the Finest out the
year prior. In what has turned into one of the top national rivalries in
any age group, which includes 3 years of National match-ups the game opened
with an extremely intense feel that was maintained throughout. It was
clear from the onset that Maryland’s Finest wanted this game bad – payback was
a top priority. The Finest let their defense dictate their offense
especially down the stretch. Competing against some of the best players
in the country brought the very best out of this group; relying on their
defense this talented offensive bunch used stops to close out the game to
secured the victory 60-56 in a hotly contested
contest that was everything it was cracked up to be. This win propelled
Maryland’s Finest into the championship against Matthew Dickey’s Finest.
In the battle of the “Finest” the Potomac Valley representatives coming off
a very emotional victory started out a little flat; falling behind by as much
as 17-points. They continued fighting early and cut the lead to 14 at the
half. Keeping their composer the team kept believing and never doubted
their ability to win the game. Playing one possession at a time and
showing an immense level of maturity in keeping their poise and composure down
the stretch Maryland’s Finest cut the lead to 10 point at the start of the
forth. Using momentum and timely jump shooting down the stretch combined
with solid defense Maryland’s Finest took the lead and posted the win to be
crowned national champs, 55-49.
The trust the team had in each other and the coaches was apparent in their
most crucial moments. It was their “band of brothers mentality” that
allowed them to adapt and overcome all obstacles in route to achieving their
ultimate championship goals.
Amongst the many standouts who contributed to the title run
Jaden
Johnson (pictured, below) was the ultimate leader, playing big in the
team’s most crucial moments and games. Very heady performances defined
his contributions proving each time out that he was not only a top player in
the DMV, but clearly one of the best in the country.
Dylan
Williamson was very consistent throughout making multiple big shots in
big moments. He handled the ball well under pressure and earned the
respect of his competitors while making a name for himself as a top national
player when it counted the most.
Jason Moore the younger brother of one DMV Preps top rated
2019 player
Justin Moore; dominated the paint and created
havoc in the post. Moore has really expanded his overall game and showed
a propensity to hit the jumper and fought hard on both boards. Often not
the biggest player on the court he controlled the paint like a seasoned vet and
played big when it counted in leading the team to its status as the best in the
country.
Antonio Hamlin did a little of everything from
the first game to the last, he attacked the defense off the dribble and pressed
the paint finishing with an impressive array of shots often under
presser. One of the key players when pressured he performed admirably
when the stakes were at its highest.
Jared Turner played
like a junk yard dog; he rebounded, defended, and contributed in multiple
categories – every team needs a player who is willing to do whatever it takes
to win and for the Finest Turner was that guy. He added big time shots to
lift the team and was the emotional leader on the floor as well.
Chase
Williams was a pure energy guy and acted as the squad’s primary
defender often guarding the opposition’s toughest cover. He brought a
tremendous amount of energy each time he stepped onto floor and it was clearly
contagious.
The addition of solid perimeter shooting also played a huge role in the
team’s success and championship run.
Rob Lawson impressed
with his high basketball IQ, he clearly understood how to the pace the game and
played a very mature point - controlling the tempo throughout the tournament.
Another coach on the floor Lawson distributed the rock and was a great
facilitator both in the half court and in transition.
Wisdom
Rogers grew up right before everyone’s eyes, showing improvement each
and every game; as he started to come into his own as a player on the national
stage. His play was defined by big time energy and his blocked shots,
rebounding, and finishing ability often were on display when the team needed
them most.
TJ Gaines who is one of the best 3-point
shooters on the team and nationally didn’t knock down as many as he typically does
– but what he showed and did in response was next level basketball. He
stepped up his defense making big plays on that end of the court, focused his
efforts on attacking the paint and found other ways to score and contribute
when the jumper wasn’t falling. He still knocked down some big shots
along the way, but his expanded game, skill set, and maturity is what really
impressed.
TJ Vaughn came in and maintained energy,
tempo, and pace as the lead guard, always staying engage no matter the
situation. Every minute on the floor he gave quality minutes, leaving
everything he had out there with his scrappy and tough play. Vaughn also
stepped up big by knocking down his opportunities from the outside when they
came.
Congratulations to club President Gary Pinkney, Coach Turner, Coach
Heinrod David, and the entire Maryland’s Finest team for a job well done,
representing the DMV and bringing home the coveted National Championship.
