With all the standout big men this season in Prince George’s County, in order to compete for a title, it’s a virtual prerequisite to have one.
Filling the requirement for Bladensburg is 6-foot-7 sophomore Wally Judge. With fluid moves around the basket and a knack for blocking shots and grabbing rebounds, Judge is a rarity for a big man — as valuable to his team as he is talented.
While others his size venture from the low post, anxious to flash their all-court skills, Judge stays true to his position.
“He takes care of business,” said Bladensburg coach Jim Butler. “He can be a perimeter guy. He can really shoot it from the outside. But he’s worked a lot on his footwork and has made great strides as an inside player. He has to be that for us to be successful.”
That’s exactly what Bladensburg (10-4) has been so far, a vast improvement from last season’s 7-16 showing. Leading the wayhas been Judge, the Mustangs’ top scorer (14 points per game), rebounder (9 rpg), and shot blocker (4 bpg). Tonight he goes against one of Prince George’s County’s top big men, 6-9 Milade Lola-Charles, as Bladensburg travels to Laurel (11-3).
Judge has thrived in the Mustangs’ biggest games. When Bladensburg handed No. 6 Flowers (13-1) it’s lone loss, Judge had 20 points, 15 rebounds and held Jaguar center Daniel Thompson to his second lowest total of the season (11 points). In a victory over Crossland last Friday, Judge led a comeback from 18 points down as he scored 17 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and blocked four shots.
Last season, Judge was promoted to the varsity at midseason, joining another freshman, point guard Jerald Williams, in the lineup. Their maturation was apparent in the summer when they helped Bladensburg to the Top Flight League’s championship game. Further strides came in the DuVal fall league as Bladensburg went undefeated.
“We stayed together as a group and we bonded,” said Judge. “Now we’re picking up that swagger.”
Some of that swagger comes courtesy of Raymar Watson (14 ppg). After the 6-5 senior returned from an early-season absence, Bladensburg won seven straight. The success comes despite a roster that includes only nine players and a rotation of just seven.
“Seven is all it takes,” said guard Israel Alao. “We know each other better. We’re more cohesive.”
Going Big Time
» Besides Judge, the top public school big men in the Prince George County 4A include 6-10 Roscoe Davis (Wise), 6-6 Daniel Thompson (Flowers), 6-9 Milade Lola-Charles (Laurel), 6-10 Maurice Sutton (Largo) and 6-7 Marquise Simmons (Central).
» Top private school big men from the county are 6-9 Gus Gilchrist (Progressive), 6-10 Jerai Grant (DeMatha), 6-9 Chris Braswell (DeMatha), 7-0 Anthony McClain (NCA), 6-7 Antonio Hayman (NCA), 6-8 Brandon Doughty (Riverdale), 6-9 Talib Zanna (McNamara).
