Basketball
Top 10 Washington DC Girls High School Basketball Teams for 2024-25 Season
2024-12-06
As the new high school basketball season begins in 2024-25, the District of Columbia is set to captivate basketball enthusiasts with its array of competitive and talented teams. From private powerhouses to public school juggernauts, this season holds the promise of thrilling on-court action.

Unleash the Basketball Talent of the District of Columbia

Sidwell Friends: A Young and Talented Roster

Sidwell Friends stands at the forefront of the rankings with a roster that combines youth and talent. Their young players, led by standout juniors like Jordyn Jackson and the transfer Autumn Fleary from McDonogh School (Md.), are determined to bring another Independent School League (ISL) AA title to the school. This team's potential is undeniable, and they are ready to make their mark on the national stage.

The coaching staff at Sidwell Friends has been working diligently to mold this young talent, and the results are already showing. With a focus on teamwork and individual development, the Quakers are poised for a successful season.

St. John’s: Challenging for Another WCAC Title

St. John’s is gearing up to compete for another Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) title. The Cadets will rely on a young nucleus led by Morgan Stewart. Stewart's leadership and skills will be crucial as they defend their WCAC and District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) AA titles. The team has a strong work ethic and is determined to continue their winning streak.

St. John’s has a history of producing talented players, and this season is no exception. With a roster full of potential, they are ready to take on the best teams in the conference and prove their mettle.

Georgetown Visitation: Poised for a Breakout Season

Georgetown Visitation is expected to have a breakout season. The team is filled with talented players who are eager to showcase their skills. With a focus on improving their game and working together, Georgetown Visitation is aiming to make a significant impact this season.

The coaching staff at Georgetown Visitation has implemented a strategic game plan to help the players reach their full potential. The team's chemistry is strong, and they are ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.

Other Notable Teams

Other teams in the District of Columbia are also vying for success. The Cubs, led by senior guards Grace Gaenzler and Kennedy Moore, are looking to hold their own against Sidwell Friends and Bullis School (Md.) in the ISL AA. The Lions, despite losing All-WCAC guard Nyair McCoy (who transferred to Bishop McNamara), have seniors Aliyah Duncan and Sheikira Pearson ready to lead a young roster.

The Frogs have five players back from last season, led by All-ISL AA performers Kennedy Austin and London Liley (both seniors). The Crimson Tide hopes to extend its reign as District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA) champs to six straight with Emorean Thomas and Demi Marshall. The Ramblers are primed to end Dunbar’s rule in the DCIAA with Jayme Poindexter highlighting seven returners.

With the sister duo of Josslyn and Jaylen Derricott leading the way, the Colts should be in the DCIAA title chase. The Tigers will look to the junior trio of Aminyah Muhammad, Ava Piotrowski and Lucia Nawar to get back to the District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) A finals. The Grasshoppers look to defend their DCSAA A title with junior Cai Roberson and sophomores Amira Comissiong and Nevaeh Roberson.

Kansas State's 2025 Basketball Recruit Hunt Comes to a Close
2024-12-05
On a remarkable day in the world of college sports, the Kansas State football program achieved a significant milestone by landing the highest-rated recruit in school history. Meanwhile, the basketball team was left disappointed as it was out of the running for its 2025 prize addition. According to 247 Sports, No. 1 prospect A.J. Dybantsa has made the decision to rule out playing for the Wildcats next season. He narrowed down his top four choices to Alabama, Brigham Young, Kansas, and North Carolina. K-State had been in the mix after Dybantsa took an official visit in late August. Dybantsa, who hails from Utah Prep, had nothing but praise for Jerome Tang and the campus, but has now set his sights on other opportunities. This news came on the same day that coach Chris Klieman and the Wildcats' football program celebrated the signing of five-star tight end Linkon Cure, who chose K-State over the No. 1 ranked Oregon. The `Cats basketball team now faces the challenge of moving forward without Dybantsa, who is already projected as the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by most scouting services. The team's start to this season has been a struggle, with a 6-2 record and two losses at home to LSU and against Liberty in the Virgin Islands. They are set to return to action on Saturday against St. John's in New York.

Defensive Lineman Brendan Mott: A Star on the Field

Defensive lineman Brendan Mott has emerged as a standout player for the Wildcats and has earned All-Big 12 honors. He was the only first-team selection and was also named Defensive Lineman of the Year. Mott's impact on the team cannot be overstated. His ability to disrupt the opposing offense and make crucial plays has been a key factor in the Wildcats' success. His tenacity and skill on the defensive line have made him a force to be reckoned with. Alongside him, tight end Garrett Oakley and offensive linemen Easton Kilty and Sam Hecht have been recognized on the offensive side of the ball. They were named to the Second-team, adding to the team's offensive prowess. On the defensive side, linebacker Austin Romaine also represented the Wildcats. These players have all played significant roles in the Wildcats' journey and have contributed to the team's overall performance.

Football's Big Signing: Linkon Cure Joins the Wildcats

The signing of five-star tight end Linkon Cure by the Kansas State football program was a cause for celebration. Cure chose K-State over the highly ranked Oregon team, demonstrating the team's appeal and potential. His arrival adds a new dimension to the Wildcats' offense. With his skills and athleticism, he is expected to make an immediate impact. The coaching staff and the entire team are excited about his addition and look forward to seeing him in action. This signing is a significant boost for the football program and sets the stage for a promising season ahead.

Basketball's Setback: Losing Out on Dybantsa

The loss of No. 1 prospect A.J. Dybantsa to the Kansas State basketball team is a significant blow. Dybantsa was already projected as the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and his potential was highly regarded. The team had shown interest in him and had him on their radar. However, his decision to rule out playing for the Wildcats has left a void. The team will now have to adjust and find ways to move forward without his presence. This setback serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college sports and the challenges that teams face in recruiting and retaining top talent. It also highlights the importance of continuing to develop and improve the team's roster and performance.
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Maryland Basketball Rises to No. 2 in New Rankings After Hot Streak
2024-12-05
It remains a mystery whether Maryland basketball's remarkable start will earn them a place in the AP Poll next week. This could hinge on how the Terps perform against No. 8 Purdue on Sunday. However, they have indeed secured a spot in one set of college basketball rankings.

CBSSports' New Power Rankings: Maryland at No. 2

Maryland has emerged as the No. 2 team in CBSSports' new power rankings released on Thursday. This might seem astonishing for a team that wasn't even in the national top 25. The reason behind this is simple - these rankings are based strictly on recent results. Kyle Boone from CBSSports explains: "Ranking teams with an emphasis on recent performance based on their level of competition. These are heavily unscientific in nature and can be distilled down to a 'vibes' ranking — with things like margin of victory, injuries, performance vs. top competition, momentum and other sometimes subjective factors weighing into the equation. The power rankings can be thought of in a weekly setting as a reaction — or sometimes even an overreaction — to the small sample of the week that was."Maryland has won five consecutive games after their lone loss to Marquette, with four of those wins by at least 24 points. They have steadily climbed to No. 19 on KenPom. The significant jump came after their thrashing of Ohio State on Wednesday. The final score was 83 - 59, but at halftime, the Terps led 50 - 17, marking the largest halftime lead in any Big Ten game since 1996 - 1997. This led coach Kevin Willard to make a surprising declaration about freshman star Derik Queen.Via Boone: "Maryland, the No. 2 team in scoring margin ahead of Tennessee, also gets a big bump up to No. 2 in this week's Power Rankings after being unranked a week ago. A loss in mid-November to Marquette at home cost it some early-season style points, but the Terrapins have rallied the last few weeks culminating with a stunning 83 - 59 smackdown of Ohio State on Wednesday night. At one point in the second half, they led by 40 points before Kevin Willard's club called off the dogs and cruised to a 24 - point win."If Maryland enters the AP Poll, it would end a drought for the program. They haven't been in the AP Poll since February 2023. Last year was a challenging start, and they never made it into the poll. The previous season, they climbed as high as No. 13 thanks to an 8 - 0 start in Willard's first year but fell out in December, and that February appearance was the only other time they were ranked.Boone wrote: "Vibes are very high in College Park right now for the Terps after thoroughly dismantling an Ohio State team on Wednesday that has the makings of an NCAA Tournament team. They've aced several tests this season already and are winning with an elite defense and a top - three freshman in Derik Queen."Before you go …— Not a VIP member? Save 50% on your annual subscription with this limited - time deal and stop missing out on the scoop!— Save $20 on your SeatGeek purchase of tickets to Maryland games or any major events with code “IMS” at checkout!— Get the latest Terps news delivered to your inbox FREE! Sign up for our email newsletter here and stay informed on Maryland basketball, football, recruiting and every other Terps storyline.— Support Maryland basketball’s recruiting and player - retention efforts by joining TurtleNIL!— Follow IMS on Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok and Instagram.— Don’t miss any of our new video Terps content: Subscribe to InsideMDSports on YouTube and hit the notification bell so you know when new videos drop.
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