Washington Warriors Dominate at Virginia Beach Clash
In theory, every basketball player wants to reach the greatest possible heights. Talent is obviously very important, but it eventually becomes secondary for high-level prospects. Intangibles are the separator. The talented individuals who work hard and understand the game typically outlast their peers. However, too many kids (and parents) aren’t being held accountable in this current age. That’s a massive part of what makes the Washington Warriors so different from other programs.
If anyone knows about the process, it’s Coach Dennis Marshall. The father of former UNC and NBA point guard Kendall Marshall is one of the most honest, unapologetic individuals within grassroots basketball. It’s refreshing. Too many kids want to be coddled and told they are amazing. Marshall goes against the grain. He always manages to get the most out of his players, but this group is simply different. Marshall speaks very highly of his current squad, stating, “One of the most unselfish and skilled group of players I’ve ever coached. I don’t feel like I’m coaching guys who are trying to get scholarships, I feel like I’m coaching guys that want to win a championship.” Coaching is such a vital part of youth development, and so much starts with discipline and accountability. His praise didn’t stop there, as he says, “They can pass it, they can shoot it, and they defend as a unit. They respectfully tell me what they see and what we should try, and I trust them and listen to them.” Now, let’s take a closer look at the makeup of this unique, highly recruitable group….
Arguably the most intriguing long-term prospect on the roster, Kaloyan Kolev is certainly deserving of more attention from college coaches. At 6-foot-7, he’s a highly skilled, versatile piece who naturally causes matchup problems for all types of opponents. Kolev handles the ball very well for his size and displays terrific playmaking instincts with the ball in his hands. He’s a smooth creator with a knack for breaking down defenders and making the proper read when things collapse. Kolev understands how to exploit mismatches, utilizing his size against smaller players and perimeter skill against bigger players. He’s a capable shooting threat from beyond the arc, but is at his best when attacking the basket or midrange area. Kolev sees the floor really well as a passer and knows when to set up others versus assert himself as a scorer. Whether in transition or the half-court, he shines as a very effective offensive weapon. Defensively, Kolev is comfortable guarding multiple positions and anticipates well in passing lanes to force turnovers. He’s also a quality rebounder who looks to push the break whenever possible. Definitely a Division I player, his recruitment should see a massive uptick over the coming months.
Given the time he’s played for Coach Marshall, it’s unsurprising to see Trey Fitch stand out as a leader for this group. He’s a very well-rounded, fundamentally sound wing with a strong body and polished skillset. Fitch can operate in several different roles due to his size, skill, and athleticism. At 6-foot-4, he’s a useful creator for himself and others. Fitch mixes it up really well as a scorer from all levels. He hits shots from beyond the arc and attacks the basket effectively, but is arguably at his best in the midrange. Fitch possesses a lethal midrange pull-up that he’s able to access with relative ease. He utilizes his body well to absorb contact when driving and finishing at the basket. That said, Fitch is a malleable piece who does a little bit of everything and produces within the flow of the action. He defends with toughness, rebounds at a quality rate, and plays with energy on both ends of the floor. Fitch consistently shines as a leader by example for this group. He should appeal to a variety of different levels.
Although there are plenty of impactful players on the roster, Marquez Barrera stands out as a unique difference-maker. Smaller guards generally have a more difficult avenue compared to their peers, but it doesn’t deter him from being an absolute nightmare for opponents. Barrera’s smart, rugged, pesky, high-motor approach to the game makes him a valuable piece on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he knows how to initiate the action, create off the bounce, and produce within the team structure. Barrera is comfortable with or without the ball in his hands. He hits perimeter jumpers while applying consistent penetrating pressure and looking to make the best possible decision. He’s a sharp processor (especially for how fast he plays) who sees the floor well as a playmaker. In addition to being a quality offensive cog, Barrera’s defensive prowess makes him a legitimate two-way player. His quickness, toughness, and nonstop motor allow him to make life miserable for opposing ball-handlers. Not only does he keep opponents in front, he anticipates to force turnovers and makes hustle plays whenever possible. Barrera’s value might not always show up in the box score, but he’s an undeniable asset.
It’s so important to have guys who produce within their respective roles, which is exactly what Finn Perschau and Noah Limbago provide. At 6-foot-4, Perschau is a lethal shooting threat with a quality combination of size and skill. He’s strong and more athletic than he appears at first glance. Perschau consistently knocks down shots from beyond the arc, but can also reliably attack closeouts or pull up within a few dribbles. He sees the floor well and makes the extra pass when available but knows how and when to properly assert himself. Perschau contains his assignment well defensively and displays a solid rebounding presence for his position. His straightforward, low-maintenance game would make him a meaningful addition to several programs. Meanwhile, Limbago is a rugged, physically imposing prospect who plays bigger than his listed height. His motor and gritty, blue-collar nature allow him to routinely outwork opponents on both ends of the floor. Limbago defends multiple positions and utilizes his strength very well to contain bigger opponents around the basket. He’s an active rebounder who fights hard for extra possessions. Limbago is a solid finisher and floor-spacing option offensively.
Rounding out their guard grouping, guys like Evan Fleming and Titian DeRosa produce very well within their respective roles. Fleming is a solid two-way piece with a sturdy frame and understanding of how to fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. He’s able to get downhill and make plays as a penetrator or make his presence felt as an energetic defender at the point of attack. Meanwhile, DeRosa knows how to simply be a tough, high-motor pest. Similar to Barrera, he wreaks havoc with his energy and toughness defensively. He makes smart passes and applies scoring pressure as needed.
In terms of size, Mikey Robinson and Ada Cubukcu do a quality job of occupying the paint. At 6-foot-7, Robinson showed the ability to faceup, score with his back to the basket, and finish with either hand. He displays a very calm demeanor at all times, yet still plays hard and positions himself for success on both ends of the floor. He utilizes his length well to rebound and alter shots. His cohort, Cubukcu is a sturdy post player who primarily impacts the game through his energy, rebounding, and ability to make an impact without needing a ton of touches. Both guys bring value to this group.
Rounding out the roster, sophomore prospects Bryson King and Nigel Arthur each possess an array of intriguing qualities. The 6-foot-6 King mainly operates around the basket. He finds success in the dunker spot and positions himself well for lobs and drop-off passes. King can finish through contact or above the rim. He displays solid instincts defensively and fills the lane effectively in transition. That said, Arthur is a highly intriguing prospect who showcased size and flashes of versatility. He appeared comfortable facing up, hitting perimeter jumpers, and operating within a few dribbles off the bounce. Arthur is a capable rebounder and defender across multiple positions. Each will be worth monitoring over the next calendar year.