Returnee helps WT Woodson sweep rival TC Williams

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Return of the Boock could be alternate title.

January 23, 2012 - Last night at AAA Patriot District rival T.C. Williams (VA), the W.T. Woodson Cavaliers (VA) walked away with a 64-54 victory, driving their record to 15-2 overall, 9-0 in league. The win, W.T.’s second over the Titans this season, heralded the return of a key player.

“I’ve missed like 11 games” afterward shared senior forward/guard Alex Boock, whose offensive performance was key in W.T.’s victory. Boock missed time due to hand surgery, necessitated by getting “hurt in practice”. Boock also shared after a ligament tendon had to be repaired, "coming back, I started out pretty slow”, yet “I just made sure I stayed ready”.

Alex Boock challenges Malik Carney, during second half action.

Boock finished with 12 key points, many coming from the left wing where he hit jumpers or drove. Sophomore point guard Eric Bowles dropped 13 points, senior forward Peter Murray provided 11 points, while senior swingman Tommy Stepka led the Cavs by scoring 15 points.

W.T. outscored the Titans 23-14 in the fourth quarter, extending their tenuous 41-40 quarter-beginning lead in the process. The first quarter was a different animal: T.C. started getting penetration early on, resulting in multiple at-the-rim shots. Junior forward Malik Carney was one of the prime beneficiaries, doing much of his 14 points of work early on.

The Cavs adjusted, eventually leading 17-16 at quarter’s end. What happened?

“They pinched the middle and collapsed” opined Carney, of how W.T. adjusted. Boock didn’t attribute it to a schematic change, noting of W.T. “We just weren’t focused” to start the game. His coach, Doug Craig, agreed, saying “We are a team with a high skill level…sometimes you have to be more grimey”, meaning his team has to focus on playing with toughness and not just concentrate on shooting the ball (which they do well) or offensive spacing/plays; at times you have to embrace the game’s unsung – yet greatly important - facets, such as protecting the rim, rebounding, not allowing straight line drives to the cup and help defense.

T.C. (9-7, 6-3) was led in scoring by senior guard Javon Wilson’s 17 points, while senior guard Landon Moss contributed eight points. Up next for the Titans, coached by Julian King, is a trip to Lee (VA), Friday. The game’s a 7:45p start.

The Cavs, who also took out T.C. 59-50 in mid-December, face Lake Braddock next; they travel there, while day and time are the same – Friday at 7:45p.

Recruiting Roundup:

Alex Boock – A 6’4”, 190 pound W.T. swingman, Boock can shoot, drives pretty well from the win, and understands the game; seems to know when to drive, shoot, or pass. Has some length, so defensively can challenge shooters.

Boock, who has really only received interest from Marymount, must work on his lateral quickness, thereby ensuring he can play a perimeter position in college (which he has skills for). Given his injury this year, Alex may benefit from a fifth year, post grad experience.

Eric Bowles has worked on making his shot more accurate and efficient.

Eric Bowles - Standing 5’10” and weighing around 165 pounds, Bowles of W.T., is a top level set-up point guard, one capable of driving and dishing, using his blazing quickness in the process. Has improved shooting, has touch, though that work will continue this summer.

So will his work, improving finishing with his left and get stronger; the latter probably being Bowles’ most glaring need for improvement; it’s not that he’s weak, as reportedly Eric is the strongest pound for pound guy on the team, but he has to get more able to fend off aggressive, physical defenders.

To date, Bowles has received interest from Radford and a few D2’s and D3’s, including Randolph-Macon. Expect that to broaden as he gets older and possibly plays with DC Assault (AAU) this summer.

Malik Carney – Receiving interest in football from NC State and Duke, with Toledo having already offered – the 6’3”, 210 pound Carney plays basketball with a gridironers heart – he attacks the rim fearlessly, and is not afraid to fail.

Carney, a running back/linebacker in football, has to get a better feel for the round ball game, meaning knowing when to shoot and when to pass. Must also use more guile in dribbling, instead of simply powering his way to the cup.