Sleepy Thompson quarterfinal action

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Venerable tournament is in full swing.

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February 22, 2013 - In its 57th edition, the Sleepy Thompson Tournament is a DMV institution, one that seen the likes of Roy Hibbert, Eric Micoud, Dean Berry and Nikita Mescheriakov – all future G’Town Hoyas - perform, in addition to Tom Sluby (Notre Dame), Tony Dobbins (VMI), Peter Prowitt (Stanford), Terrell Vinson (UMass), Josh Hiarston (Duke), and Arnaud Adala-Moto (Wake Forest), amongst other future collegiate standouts. In fact Sluby and Hibbert made it to the NBA, further cementing the tourney’s bonafides.

This year, more future college ballers are suiting up. Following are brief recaps on two the Sleepy’s quarterfinal matchups.

Cadets march on
Benedictine (VA) 78 The Heights 51

Benedictine marched up from Richmond, eventually rolled over The Heights (MD) in the tourney’s first game. The Heights actually was within four points, before a second quarter stretch that saw a bench technical and several Benedictine buckets ballon that deficit balloon to 10. The Cadets would never look back.

That's Doug Chappell, seemingly warping light while pushing the ball.

Junior guard Robert Johnson led Benedictine with 17 points and seven rebounds. Senior forward LG Gill followed him with 14 points, while senior point guard Nick Coppola (12 points, seven boards) and junior forward Raymon Minor (11 points, seven rebounds) also reached double figure scoring. Benedictine now stands at 27-4.

The Heights (14-19) got 13 points and four rebounds from junior forward Nick Segura. Junior swingman Isaiah Grigsby chipped in 12 points and three assists, while leading the Cavaliers in rebounds with eight.

Recruiting Roundup:
Nick Coppola – Headed to Louisiana-Monroe next year, Coppola is a tough point guard that loves to get up and down the floor. Don’t sleep on his athletic ability – Coppola may not be a high flyer, but is quick and strong. Nick also likes to find teammates for Benedictine.

For college ball, he understands the need to improve upon his shots range and consistency - both from long and mid range. Stands 6’0”, 190 pounds.

LG Gill – Radford, High Point, Central Connecticut State, Mount St. Mary’s and St. Bonnaventure are all showing strong interest in Gill, while Binghamton and New Hampshire have tendered the 6’6”, 185 pound swingman a scholarship offer. Gill is a multi-faceted player that that attacks the tin, runs the floor, defends and hits mid-range shots.

Gill needs to be more fully develop his perimeter game – including ball handling and lateral defense, as he will be more of a swingman than a power forward in college; he’s a four man at Benedictine.

The Maroon had answers
Episcopal 53 Glenelg Country 48

Seemingly every time Glenelg Country (MD) made a move, Episcopal (VA) answered. Whether it was a defensive stop or timely score, Glenelg never could get over the proverbial hump.

Prime example: After scoring, Glenelg (11-18) was down only three, 51-48, and possessed the ball. Unfortunately a turnover and two Episcopal free throws later, they were then down an insurmountable five points, with 12 seconds left. Close, but no cigar.

Senior guard and future Fairfield student-athlete Doug Chappell led the Maroon (12-11) with 19 points. Junior swingman Greg Malinowski contributed 14 points, while senior guard Brennan McCann scored 12.

Warren Powers a senior forward paced the Dragons with 19 points. Senior guard Kevin Boyd dropped 13 points. Junior swingman Chancellor Barnard had eight.

Nick Coppola with a behind the back dime.

Recruiting Roundup
KJ Boyd – Hampton, Wheeling Jesuit, New Hampshire and Barton are expressing interest in Boyd, a 6’3”, 210 pound forward/guard. Boyd does some of everything, including bringing the ball up, driving, passing passing and shooting.

Must become more latterly quick for college. Plays for Glenelg

Chancellor Barnard – Possessing a high upside, Barnard, a lefty, is athletic, loves to defend, attack the basket and shoot spot up long balls for Glenelg. He also understands the importance of improving his handle and mid-range game.

Towson, Bucknell, which will see him play in Sleepy action today, and UNC-Wilmington have all offered him scholarships. Northeastern, who saw him play yesterday, Radford is greatly interested, while UAB, VUC, Mason and Delaware are monitoring him.

Greg Malinowski - A 6'5", 200 pound future collegiate swingman, Malinowski shoots, defends and rebounds, while also driving. Has a cerebral game, but will also mix it up for Episcopal.

Going forward Malinowski must continue improving his driving ability, as well as lateral quickness. Doing so will increase his success in college ball. He's also reportedly an excellent student.

Though he has no offers, the following schools are showing varied levels of interest: Boston College, American, Towson, Richmond, UAB, Harvard, Stanford, Bucknell, Viginia, Cornell, Fairfield, William and Mary, Davidson, Elon, Columbia and College of Charleston.

Today’s Slate
Benedictine takes on Episcopal at 7p, while host St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes and Middleburg join them in championship bracket play, at 9p.

The Heights sees Glenelg for a 3p consolation bracket matchup. That group also features Pope John Paul the Great taking on St. Albans at 5p.