DC Thunder Made Noise, Pt. 2

In Part 1, an overview of DC Thunder's 16 and under team squad's first season was provided. Information on the organization's founding and finances is also there. Click here for it.

Part 2 touches upon a few of the team's players, including Georgetown recruiting prospect Anthony Cowan, Jr., and is again republished with permission from i95Ballerz.com. An updated recruiting list for him is available on Premium Court, along with when he can be expected to commit and how Cowan improved his leadership ability.

September 24, 2014 - An impressive inaugural season at the 16u level of course demands good players. DC Thunder has them. A few of them are reviewed below:

Breakout player: Anthony Cowan,Jr., 5'10", 160 pound guard, Class of 2016, St. John's (DC) - Known as a dynamic scorer, Thunder head coach Zach Suber believes Cowan greatly helped himself by developing another facet of the game. "I just though he gained maturity, especially his leadership on the court" he said. "Before he was kind of silent, didn't want to talk a lot. Now it's like hey, he is the floor general".

Suber continued, saying "He really doesn't look to score as much anymore, he looks for opportunities to help the team".

Colleges have taken note, as "just the other day he got a call from Louisville" noted Suber. Georgetown, Maryland, GW, Miami and Penn State have tendered offers at the time of this writing, as had DePaul and Xavier.

Generated most new interest (1A): Ako Adams, 6'1", 165 pound guard, Class of 2016, Bishop O'Connell (VA) - Going into the summer with a scholarship offer from DePaul, Adams added UNC Charlotte to that list, while Notre Dame, Stanford and George Mason are showing interest.

"I think just hard work and people seeing him on the circuit" increased Adam's recruitment, opined Suber. In college coaches' eyes Adams "crossed over from he has talent to this kid can actually play".

Generated most new interest (1B): Craig Lecesne, 6'8", 190 pound swingman, Class of 2016, St. James (MD) - A skilled performer at home on the perimeter, Suber thought Lecesne "showed a little more toughness inside" on the circuit. Originally from France, Lecesne traveled to America in 2014 and "stood around on the wing. We are trying to get him to approach the game inside out".

Lecesne responded, and Suber expects more of the same for St. James this school year. Tulsa and George Washington have offered, while others are expressing interest.

Played into scholarship interest (1A): Jamar Watson, 6'3", 200 pound swingman, Class of 2016, McNamara (MD) - A rugged driver who competes, Suber said of Watson "A lot of people overlook him. He's not a great shooter, but does all the intangibles".

Towson has offered Watson or 'Boogie' as he's known. Drexel and others are showing interest.

Reaffirming Watson's tough pedigree is the fact he's currently playing linebacker for McNamara.

Played into scholarship interest (1B): Blake Francis, 6'0", 160 pound point guard, Class of 2016, Westfield (VA) - A smart player and student, Francis makes winning players. And did so this summer, despite some challenges.

"It was kind of hard playing behind Ako and Ant (Cowan)" said Suber in admiration. "When he gets out there, he takes advantage of his time".

No offers have been received, but Blake is generating interest, including from LaSalle which has recently inquired.

Persevered: Reggie Gardner, Jr., 6'3", 165 pound guard, Class of 2016, DeMatha Catholic (MD) - Gardner was saddled with various injuries throughout the summer, yet still demonstrated improved ball handling. Adding that to his already good perimeter shooting and at times good rebounding, makes Gardner intriguing to colleges.

Per his father Reggie, Sr., Junior has three offers - Towson, Mt. St. Mary's, Fairfield. He also believes the "Added strength, athleticism and experience" from this summer should be a plus for his son this high school