National Battle in the Nation's Capital

<p>An early season DMV match up between two nationally ranked programs hosted by Capital Hoops and St. John's were on full show and good Segway into the start of the 2025-2026 high school basketball season. Both programs featured premiere athletes. Bullis, who was lead by Junior <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ivanna-wilson-manyacka/">[player_tooltip player_id='785451' first='Ivanna' last='Wilson-Manyacka']</a>. The host St. John's was led by ESPN's # 31 [player_tooltip player_id='625375' first='Morgan' last='Stewart']. Both programs are loaded with talent at every position and graduating class.</p>   <p> St. John's struggled to hit an outside shot as Bullis controlled the tempo and the scoreboard for most of the game. The Cadets were down double digits entering the fourth quarter, as they started their charge. They clawed back with five minutes remaining by increasing their defensive pressure. This defensive strategy led to an 16 - 3 run. It also caused three consecutive Bullis turnovers which ultimately resulted in St. John's coming 66-65 victorious.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cadet lead attack:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Morgan's decision making and controlling the tempo was on full showcase during her Cadet lead comeback. In the fourth quarter she finished with a collective of 16 points as she scored from every level. Her college ready size allows her to stop and pop. Her mid-range shot is unstoppable as she hit two key shots. She also sank two game changing three pointers and four free throws, also in the fourth quarter. Morgan finished 31 points, 10 coming within the last four minutes of the game.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Giselle's on the ball defense eventually became unbearable. Towards the end of the game there wasn't a defensive play she was not involved in. Her size and quick feet allows her to play both guard and front positions. Giselle finished with 15 points. Most of her offensive work was done in the first half. Her defense in the fourth quarter was crucial. Her steals or tip balls led to transition points that sparked the Cadet surge.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bulldog Toughness:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ivanna's D1 size and skill set was clear. She set the tone early by knocking down a spot up three. She quickly became Bullis' premier scorer, showing the ability to be a multi level scorer. Her offensive game displayed high level college potential. She is a defensive nightmare starting at the top of the key. Her height allows her to see the court. She has the ability to make in-game adjustments. If you give her space, she will shoot over you. Crowd her, then her length, strength, and ball handling can get her to the basket in three dribbles. Ivanna's entire game finished with 26 points.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Taylor had a quiet shooting game to her standards but her presence was still felt. Her leadership commanded a double digit lead for the entire game. She finished with 6 points. Nonetheless, she can control the offense by generating buckets for teammates. Her head-up vision allows her to do all things with the ball. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sophomore Standout:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Dahlia plays with a quiet assurance that shows in every possession. At stretches, she found herself matched with the top-ranked player in Maryland, yet she never hesitated to embrace the assignment. Her composure on the defensive end set the tone, proving she's willing to compete with anyone.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">On offense, she's most comfortable spacing the floor and operating from the perimeter, but she can put the ball on the deck when defenders close out too aggressively. In Bullis' commanding lead, she finished as the team's second-leading scorer with 14 points, burying a timely three in each quarter to steady the momentum and keep St. John's from gaining ground.</p>

An early season DMV match up between two nationally ranked programs hosted by Capital Hoops and St. John's were on full show and good Segway into the start of the 2025-2026 high school basketball season. Both programs featured premiere athletes. Bullis, who was lead by Junior Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka 6'2" | SF Bullis | 2027 State MD . The host St. John's was led by ESPN's # 31 Morgan Stewart Morgan Stewart 5'10" | PG/SG St. John's College | 2026 State #39 Nation MD . Both programs are loaded with talent at every position and graduating class.