Logan Jones – Potomac School Photo: Bradley Steiner (IG)
By Mamadou Bah
Week 1 of Capitol Hoops Summer League is in the books!
Here’s a look at the Players of the Week and a few Honorable Mentions who made some big-time impacts.
Andrew Maria (Bethel Academy) – 30.0 ppg (63.2 fg%), 8.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg
Bethel’s newest addition, Andrew Maria, wasted no time picking up where he left off in last summer’s league. In Bethel’s debut season in the CHSL, Maria has already emerged as the leading scorer, putting up sensational numbers across two games this week, including a monstrous 34 points (a league high) and 12 rebounds in a hard-fought overtime loss to Patriot. His combination of rim-attacking aggression and explosive athleticism makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. The former Yorktown standout averaged 26.6 points per game just a year ago–and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Danny Abass (DeMatha) – 22.0 ppg (54.8 fg%, 40.0 3p% ), 15.5 rpg
One of the bigger surprises in this CHSL, Danny Abass has taken his game to another level. With the absence of the ranked backcourt duo Ashton Meeks and Jamaal McKnight Jr., Abass has become the focal point of the team, increasing his points from 8.6 to 22.0 and his rebounds per game from 5.5 to a league-leading 15.5 rebounds per game. His outside shooting has also leaped, hitting 40% from beyond the arc on five attempts per game in two contests. His dominance, particularly on the offensive end, has powered DeMatha to a 2-1 start. While questions still arise about whether DeMatha can repeat as summer league champions, the improvement of Danny Abass has been a bright spot–and a key reason they remain in the conversation.
Logan Jones (Potomac School) – 21.5 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 2.0 spg
Potomac School’s Logan Jones is continuing to carry his breakout 2024 summer league performance into the opening week of the 2025 campaign. The 6’7” forward has led his team to a 2-0 start, including an impressive 25-point, 12-rebound effort in a thrilling triple-overtime with over St. Albans. A true 3-level scorer who can get buckets from about anywhere on the floor, Jones is definitely a name to watch as the summer league progresses.
Isrial Braxton (New Hope Academy) – 23.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.7 spg
Dynamic guard Isrial Braxton made his presence known in his first week of CHSL play. The 6’3” guard has scored 20+ in each of his first three games, including a standout 26-point performance in a blowout win against Spartans (St.Charles). In that game, Braxton shot an efficient 10-of-19 from the field, knocked down 5-of-10 from beyond the arc, and added 3 steals to round out a dominant all-around showing. Braxton’s ability to slash to the rim and knock down high-pressure shots makes him a problem to guard. New Hope is off to a strong 2-1 start, thanks in large part to Braxton’s early-season surge.
Donte Whitaker (Greenbelt (Eleanor Roosevelt) ) – 18.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.3 spg
In his third CHSL season, Greenbelt’s (Eleanor Roosevelt) Donte Whitaker is putting up his most complete campaign yet. Regarded as one of the most explosive guards in the league, Whitaker has been the driving force behind his team’s surprising 2-1 start. His all-around contributions were on full display in a close win against Takoma Academy, where he dropped 26 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists. Whitaker shot an efficient 9-of-15 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and nailed 6-of-8 from the free throw line. A relentless attacker, Whitaker’s ability to penetrate defenses and draw contact not only benefits his scoring but consistently puts pressure on opposing teams, creating opportunities for his teammates.
Honorable Mentions
Eli Konkler (Bengals (Blake) ) – 22.0 ppg (62.9 fg%, 71.5 3p%, 100 ft%), 7.5 rpg, 4.5 ast, 1.5 spg (2 games)
vs Concordia Prep: 33 pts (12-14 fg, 8-8 3-fg, 1-1 ft), 8 rebs, 7 ast, 3 stls
Kyle Brown (Good Counsel) – 26.0 ppg, 4.0 spg, 3.0 rpg (1 game)
Nate McComb (Lake Braddock) – 29ppg (68.8 fg%, 100 ft%), 11 rpg, 1 spg (1 game)