Marcus Derrickson, a recent Georgetown pledge, is one of several promising juniors on the Paul VI roster that should keep the Panthers competing at a high level for the next two years.
Photo by Jim Redman
Glenn Farello
2012-13 record: 23-8
Players to watch: Marcus Derrickson (6-8, Jr., F, Georgetown verbal commitment),
Kevin Dorsey (6-0, Jr., G),
Franklin Howard (6-4, Jr., G),
Curtis Jones (6-3, So., G),
Quadree Smith (6-7, Sr., F),
Evan Taylor (6-3, Sr., G)
Breaking down the PanthersIt's hard to believe that a team with wins over national champ Montverde Academy (Fla.) and Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) plus section or state titlists Callaway (Jackson, Miss.), Lake Highland Prep (Orlando, Fla.) and St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) didn't finish last season as a consensus national Top 25 pick.
Franklin Howard helped Paul VI notch wins over Oak Hill Academy and Montverde Academy last season.
Photo by Jim Redman
Such were the ups and downs of a young team at Paul VI in 2012-13. Consistency and getting a break or two in the daunting Washington Catholic Athletic Conference will be key to improving upon that 23-8 campaign.
Of the 15 players listed on Paul VI's roster, just two are seniors. If Derrickson, Dorsey and Howard can take a big step forward after promising sophomore campaigns, the Panthers should be in the thick of the national picture for the next two seasons.
Smith, who possesses the build of a SEC offensive lineman, goes overlooked with all the young talent despite posting some monster double-doubles as a junior. The 285-pounder had 13 points and 19 boards in the win over Oak Hill Academy.
Taylor will bring experience to the backcourt and is receiving attention from Division I programs. Jones was a huge transfer addition via Highland Springs (Va.). As a freshman, the skilled guard averaged 14.7 points per game.
There are three other promising sophomores new to the roster in 6-6
Tyler Scanlon, 6-9
Jalen Melvin and 6-7
Corey Manigault.
Key datesDec. 14 – vs.
Life Center Academy (Burlington, N.J.) at High School Hoops Festival
Dec. 18-23 – City of Palms Classic
Jan. 3 – vs.
Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)Jan. 9 – at
Bishop O'Connell (Arlington, Va.)Jan. 16-18 – Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions
Jan. 20 – vs.
St. Anthony (Jersey City, N.J.) at Spalding Hoophall Classic
Jan. 31 – at Gonzaga
Feb. 7 – vs. Bishop O'Connell
Feb. 9 – at
DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)Feb. 17 – vs. DeMatha
