They were overshadowed at times last season in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. But that is not something that bothers McNamara’s boys basketball team.
If the Mustangs have to sneak up on the league’s more renowned programs again so be it. They are off to another strong start this season after a 63-43 victory over Ballou at the inaugural Caron Butler/Downtown Locker Room Classic on Tuesday evening at Coolidge High.
Junior guard Rashad Whack was one of four McNamara players to reach double figures, scoring a team-high 15 points, including 10 in the second half, as the Mustangs broke open a tie game midway through the third quarter. Ballou sophomore guard Donte Thomas led all scorers with 17 points.
“This was our vision of how we would play to start the season,” said Whack, whose team finished 18-12 last year and placed fourth in the WCAC. “We don’t get the attention like some other teams in our conference. But we think we have the shooters and the athletes to compete with anybody.”
The Mustangs (3-0) had already beaten Georgetown Prep and WCAC rival Paul VI last week. But Ballou (0-1) provided a difficult challenge, shaking off a 21-12 deficit in the first half.
A steal and layup by junior forward Charles Baucum (eight points, six rebounds, three steals) with 6 minutes, 56 seconds left in the third quarter gave the Knights theironly lead of the game, 28-27. The score was tied at 31 with 4:30 to play in the quarter when McNamara’s defense took over. Ballou was held scoreless over the next 6:05 until a rebound and follow by Baucum. During that span, the Mustangs went on a 17-0 run with six different players scoring.
Going camping
» The inaugural Caron Butler Classic, sponsored by urban retailer Downtown Locker Room, is a charity tournament with proceeds providing scholarships to Butler’s annual 3D Summer Basketball Camp for Washington, D.C. area kids ages 8 to 16. Butler’s camp is held over the summer at McNamara.
» The second game of last night’s doubleheader, which finished too late for this edition, featured reigning WCAC and City champion DeMatha and host Coolidge.
» Also reaching double figures for McNamara were senior G Marc Hill (13 points), junior F Trask Ivey (11 points) and junior F Lawrence Smith (11 points).
