Keno Lilly: Bigtime Player, Makes Bigtime Plays, In Bigtime Game

In a very competitive field; Team Takeover 2021 cruised to the championship defeating a pesky Bmore United squad 56-48 behind the play on both ends of Keno Lilly.  The natural shooting guard led his team and spaced the floor for his interior players with is knockdown shooting from all over the floor and beyond the three point arch.  

Lilly whose shot has always been mechanically strong is now utilizing the entire court to find scoring zones that he is effective in.  With a laser quick release he only needs a split second and small window to get his shot off.  In the championship Lilly not only scored, he shot a high percentage at one point knocking down back to back trey balls from opposite corners.

Lilly played the championship game as if he was shot out of a cannon. Playing with great energy at both ends Keno showed the ability and savvy to affect the game in multiple ways. In addition to the 3-point shooting he showed solid burst off the dribble and looks to be able to slash into the paint an aspect we look forward to seeing more of in the future. Defensively, his lateral quickness, active hands, and desire should make him a lock-down defender creating a player any coach would want on their roster - a scorer and floor spacer on one end and an active, engaged, defensive presence on the other.  

Too good to be considered a sleeper; Lilly must be watched simply based on the transitional skill set the he possess and performs with at the highest level – every team and every level needs a shooter of his caliber and with his ability to play both ends; someone will be very happy being able to turn to Lilly.

He’s Gone But He’s Not Forgotten – Isiah Todd Still Impacting Local HS Recruiting

After speaking with several High School Coaches in the DMV area who are in the midst of competitive seasons; recruiting still remains a very important topic.  Program centerpieces are very few and far in between and the “art” of over recruiting; well that dirty little secret is out, known, and being heavily avoided according to sources.  Speaking on the condition an anonymity a well respected Coach shared with DMV Preps that “…any parent  thinking of sending their child to a well-established program with several other highly talented freshman in their same class will be the first one’s in line seeking to transfer”.  A big statement and one that should be heeded.

One of the centerpieces that are on the minds and lips of several area coaches is Isiah Todd the 6’8 Baltimore Native.  Not only is one of the surest prospects in the area; if you still consider him such; he continues to have one of the highest national ceilings to speak of in the class of 2020.  He is program changing player and one that will undoubtedly attract the interest of other DMV Hoopers should he decided to return to the market for High School.  The fact remains that he is still being actively recruited.  

Currently attending Thomas Henderson Middle School in Virginia Todd continues to make waves due to excellent positioning and marketing; a lost aspect and technique of many top players/parents/coaches in the market who still believe that wins and losses will impact High School Tuition.   

Todd still has the wiry frame that he most certainly will grow into over the course of the next few years; but the development of his perimeter skills and athleticism has already garnered him a scholarship offer to Hampton University as a 8^th grader.   This is clearly the first of many, which will included undoubtedly many high majors which will make it tough for HU; but there is something always to be said about being first to the party.

Just turning 14, Todd has already measured out a wing-span beyond 7-feet, and his feet and base clearly indicate that he will be a face up, put it on the floor wing, whose mechanics are solid and producing even more consistent results than this summer.  High School recruitment will be national not just local for the true stud, whose body, size, and skill-set translate to institutions that aren’t accepting 6’5 power-forwards or 6’2 small-forwards – Todd is headed if not immediately but shortly thereafter for a bigtime major powerhouse where he will without question due the the DMV proud.

Todd is young man has all the markers to be an elite player at his wing position. He is quietly becoming natural shot maker and scorer though his nature is to be unselfish and make the right basketball play, we'll watch him closely as his game unfolds. Isiah has the build of a young Justin Jackson and his height already and can get on a roll and knock down jumpers, attack and finish at the rim, and hurt you with reads and cuts quickly if the defense loses his whereabouts. Todd is shooting over smaller defenders like they are invisible – but he certainly isn’t as eyes in this area and the nation remain on one of the players who truly has a shot to play on the highest level of the game.

ONE OF THE DMV TOP BASKETBALL RESOURES FOR PLAY & TRAINING

Gerard "Whoodie" Mungo Posturizes Defender with Baseline Dunk at the Middle School Hoops TV Camp

Gerard "Whoodie" Mungo is a strong and physical scorer. He can get to the rim in transition as well as in the half court. He simply power drives through defenders where he can finish at a high rate or draw the foul. "Whoodie" also proving that he can make mid range shots off the catch or dribble with range to about 17 feet consistently.  Gerard who was in attendance in Indiana this past weekend also proved and can score big numbers in a short period of time when he is in the flow - he put on display a fundamentally sound handle, showed great count vision; long an under rated passer mainly because he is such an excellent scorer Mungo is growing into a more complete player and combo guard each time we see him.



He can drive draw and kick from anywhere on the floor and plays with great confidence and urgency at all times as well.  If there were an award for the player with the most heart "Whoodie" win the award hands down - the St. Frances guard is the ultimate teammate.

With an energizer motor and a growing and diversifying skill set; Gerard showed us something we haven't seen before - he showed the country at the Middle School Hoops TV Camp that he has added the "facial" to his bag of tricks; check it out above as "Whoodie" goes up, over, and through his defender delivering one of the most impressive dunks of the weekend!

2022 Middle School All-American Game - Local Stars Healline National Middle School Mixtape

By MSHTV

 

The Class of 2022 Middle School All American Game was hosted by Coach Francis and featured some of the Top 6th graders in the country. Jarace Walker, Francisco Mattei, and Jaden Johnson were all dominant. Other noteworthy players from the Class of 2022 that competed in the game included Sean Jones, Sammy Scott, Jaden Bradley, TJ Hardy, Mykel Kelley, Antonio Hamlin, and Devin Dinkins.

The Class of 2022 is really shaping up nationally and this game gave fans a quick look at the top talent on this side of the country.  Jarace Walker is in the discussion for the top player in the country.  Francisco Mattei was  a beast in this game and continued his hard nosed play throughout the weekend at the BBall Spotlight Future Phenom Camp.  Jaden Johnson couldn't be stopped using a combination of three pointers and his ability to slice into the lane.  

DMV 2021 PLAYER RANKINGS

1	Ryan Conway (PG)	Team Melo
2	Jalen Hall (SG)	Team Takeover
3	Zach Blackwell (SG)	Team Thrill
4	Trevor Keels (WF)	Team Takeover
5	Malcolm Dread (WF)	Team Takeover
6	Julius Elerbr (CG)	New World
7	Jon Soundheim (F)	Team Takeover
8	Eric Reynolds (SG)	Havoc City
9	Rasheed Dupree (WF)	DC Blue Devils
10	Brayon Freeman (SG)	New World
11	Ariel Goddot (PF)	New World
12	Christian Moore (SG)	Team Thrill
13	Darius Johnson (PG)	Team Takeover
14	Saveon Jackson (WF)	DC Blue Devils
15	Ahmad Harrison (WG)	Team Thrill
16	Jalen Miller (PG)	MD. Playmakers
17	Elijah Hawkings (PG)	New World
18	Afombi Begonzi (F)	Havoc City
19	Jake Koverman (WF)	Team Melo
20	Laquin Staton (PF)	New World
21	Jalen Curtis (F)	Havoc City
22	Keno Lilly (SG)	Team Takeover
23	Trey English (PG)	Team Melo
24	EJ Speight ( C )	Team Takeover
25	Jamal McCalister (WF)	Team Melo
26	Andre Crawley (PG)	Team Thrill
27	Trey Thomas (SG)	Team Takeover
28	Reginal Johnson (WG)	Team Melo
29	Rodney Rice (SG)	Team Takeover
30	Mike Woods (PG)	Team Melo
31	Rayuan Lane (CG)	Team Thrill
32	Qudaire Pettaway (WG)	New World
33	Barry Evans (WF)	Team Melo
34	Eriel Goddit ( C )	New World
35	Usef Richie ( C )	Team Melo
36	Darius Tilghman (F)	Bmore Orange
37	Karell Booker (G)	Team Thrill
38	Ramerick Daniels (F)	Team Melo
39	Julian Reese ( C )	Team Thrill
40	Adam ( C )	Team Dedication
41	Shane Lancaster (SG)	Team Melo
42	Jimyil Kirkland ( C )	DC Blue Devils
43	Judah Mintz (WF)	DMV Elite
44	Sherman Weatherspoon (SG)	Team Melo
45	Demiko Ross (PG)	Team Melo
46	Cole Mitchell ( PF )	Md. Playmakers
47	Cole Hannan (SG)	Havoc City
48	Byson Baker (SG)	HC Elite
49	Nick Marshall (SG)	Md. Playmakers
50	Stalin Oaks (PG)	TBD

DMV 2020 PLAYER RANKINGS

1		Che Evans (CG)	6'6	Team Melo
2		Terrance Williams (PF)	6'6	Team Takeover
3		Isaiah Todd (WF)	6'9	Team Loaded (VA)
4		Hunter Dickinson ( C )	6'10	Team Takeover
5		Cameron Byers (F)	6'6	Team Melo
6		Jeremy Roach (PG)	6'0	Team Melo
7		Jordan Toles (SG)	6'0	We All Can Go
8		Montez McNeil (C)	6'5	Team Melo
9		Dimingus Stevens (WF)	6'3	Havoc City
10		Earl Timberlake (WF)	6'4	Team Takeover
11		Justin Lewis (PF)	6'6	Team Thrill
12		Paul Smith (F)	6'7	Team Takeover
13		Jamal Banks (CG)	6'4	Havoc City
14		Tyler Brelsford (PG)	5'9	Team Takeover
15		Josiah Freeman (SG)	6'2	Team Takeover
16		Rahiem Ali, Jr. (PG)	5'9	Team Thrill
17		Kenny Womack (PG)	5'8	Team Melo
18		Demon Clowney (WF)	6'5	Team Melo
19		Keyshawn Johnson (PG)	5'10	Team Loaded (VA)
20		Chuck Harris (SG)	5'11	Team Takeover
21		Micheal Sumner (CG)	5'10	DC Premier
22		Ishmael Leggett (SG)	5'9	Team Takeover
23		Josiah Hardy (WF)	6'3	Team Melo
24		Aaryn  Parks ( C )	6'6	Havoc City
25		Austin Allison (SG)	6'3	Team Melo
26		Treyvon Todd ( C )	6'8	DC Blue Devils
27		Jamal Barnes (WF)	6'3	Team Takeover
28		Corey Barnes (WF)	6'1	Team Melo
29		Stephen Dorsey (WF)	6'5	Baltimore Supreme
30		Will Paige (PG)	5'7	Team Melo
31		"Woody" Newton  (WF)	6'5	DC Premier
32		Diante Dickerson (SG)	6'2	Severn United Elite
33		Caleb Bowers (SG)	5'10	Team Melo
34		Jordan Beckett (F)	6'1	New World
35		Rico Lang ( C )	6'6	Team Thrill
36		Bashere "Bash" Yedell (F)	6'3	Havoc City
37		Tejon Ford (PG)	5'8	DC Premier
38		Cannin Reynolds (PG)	5'6	TBD
39		Caleb Washington (F)	6'2	Virginia Hokies
40		Bobby Carson III (WG)	6'3	TBD
41		Marcus Dockery (PG)	5'11	Havoc City
42		Bobby Carson IV (WG)	6'3	TBD
43		Isaiah Folks (PG)	5'7	023 Feet
44		Malcolm Dread (WF)	6'2	Team Takeover
45		Carlos Hubb (PG)	5'6	DC Premier
46		Andre Screen (F)	6'2	DC Thunder
47		Devonta Ayers (PG)	5'6	Chick-Webb
48		Jared Cross (WF)	5'8	O23 Feet
49		Mike Forbes (PF)	6'0	DC Premier
50		Kyree Banks (PG)	5'5	DC Blue Devils
51		Darius Miles (PG)	6'0	Havoc City
52		Luke Hill (PG)	5'7	Team Takeover
53		Garrett Johnson (SG)	5'9	O23 Feet
54		Ahmaud Jones (PG)	5'8	Team Thrill
55		Mark Price (PG)	5'6	Team Takeover
56		Marquis Thompson (SG)	5'8	Team Melo
57		Wesley Petterson Jr. (WF)	5'9	DC Thunder
58		Darryl Preddy (F)	5'10	TBD
59		Damonee Carter (PG)	5'5	Baltimore Elite
60		Justin Graham (SG)	5'6	Southlake Shooters