One of the benefits of starting a program from scratch is that you have few expectations to meet aside from your own. When we wrote one of the first pieces chronicling the genesis of the District Basketball Club back in March, we had no idea they would hit the ground running as fast as they have, consequently earning the respect of coaches, teams, and players throughout the tri-state area in just a few months of existence.
The 17u Team visited Pittsburgh for Hoop Group's annual Jam Fest and finished an impressive 5-1. From there, the team competed in the DMVElite Super Team event and left undefeated. The District is led by sharp shooters Kyle Copeland (Tuscarora) and Trystan Pratapas (Georgetown Prep) who make a living from behind the mark off the dribble penetration of solid point guard Jamal Wright (Bullis School) and slasher Daryl Bones (IDEA Public Charter). Their inside game consists of two 6'10 centers in Tyjhai Byers (B-CC) & Ryan Gomes (Friends School) as well as 6'7 Anthony "AJ" Barnes Jr. who give the District the size they need to compete against brawny frontlines.
This past weekend, the District participated in the Southern Jam Fest hosted by Hoop Group and continued their impressive play finishing 2-1 in spite of missing key players to injuries. Scouts specifically took note of shooting guard Trystan Pratapas and big man Ryan Gomes for their solid performances in the highly competitive showcase and it was clear that the team is right in the conversation for elite teams in the DVM area.
The team will return to practice this week and look to build upon it's success. After having the chance to watch them prepare at Bowie gymnasium, there is no doubt the Team has the coaching and passionate, skilled players necessary to build a strong brand in a very competitive summer basketball region.
