The Steward School (Richmond, VA)
Classification: Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II
Conference: Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS)
2018-19 overall record: 24-7
Colleges in Attendance: Iowa State and University of Richmond
It’s been over six months since the 2018-19 high school season ended but I still feel I’ve seen The Steward School’s boys’ varsity team a good deal of times over the offseason. This mainly had to do with covering their annually-hosted summer league (June – July), which brings in local private and public schools for evening games played three times a week. Aside from that action, I also ran into a couple of Steward’s players at various travel tournaments and showcases. The strong summer performances and daily acts of hard work put in by their returning core has me quite confident that the Spartans are bound for another successful year in Virginia private school competition. Based off of my Sunday afternoon visit to their open gym, the players are clearly bent on perfecting their craft, with a knowledgeable coaching staff right by their side to assist as much as possible.
What We Know
- Being the only Richmond school competing within the TCIS conference, which mainly holds 757 area code programs, I scouted Steward a couple of times last year during the 2018-19 preseason and regular season. They impressed in pretty much each showing I attended, led by a four-man senior core that included current Randolph-Macon College basketball freshman Alex Fabiato. Still, there’s satisfaction with many starters and key veterans back, as five 2020 and four 2021 guys all return. I’m sure those upperclassmen will be eager to build off of this past high school postseason also. The Spartans lost in the conference semifinals to Norfolk Academy (Norfolk, VA) and state tournament quarterfinals to Middleburg Academy (Middleburg, VA).
- Drills of skill development started immediately once Steward’s Sunday session began. A ton of shooting, both on the move and off of the bounce, ball-handling, and 1v1 competition mainly took up the 90-minutes of court time. The way in which players paid attention to detail in their constant reps of shooting proves no coincidence why I deemed the team as a respectable bunch in that area last year. They didn’t waste any time in lackadaisically going through drills or goofing around; a good focus persisted from start to finish. The fact that Steward has many useful basketball items to work with in their gym also doesn’t hurt either. I saw cones, D-Mans, pads, and shooting machines all put to full use.
- During the team’s aforementioned summer league, they looked quite sharp each time I watched them play. Obviously comfort on their home floor may have been a slight advantage but there’s no doubt that Steward operated as one of the league’s best teams in half-court offense. They moved the ball well to get guys open for shots and connected on back-door cuts quite often. In transition, their pace looked at an even better speed compared to last year. I’d also say their defense stood out in how they created a handful of turnovers; a trend that’s continued. Overall, the group definitely showed true progress as a whole and their collective effort ultimately led to them repeating as the league champions. A nice offseason confidence-booster for any varsity group.
- Personally, I think the Spartans should fare well in the TCIS this year. There’s returning talent in conference competitors but facing Steward’s shooting and inside presence could become a great challenge. Not to mention the fact that there’s good chemistry in the team’s makeup. Whenever one comes across a roster who fuses their talent and knowledge of each other’s tendencies in a great manner, there’s no telling what the outcomes may result as. If I saw anything that might have been Steward’s Achilles heel last year, it might’ve centered on their ability to physically match up with other strong opponents. I’m not sure if that same argument can emerge this year, however, as it looks like guys have used their time wisely in the weight room too.
Who to Watch
Efton Reid ’21 – I, along with other scouts, could talk about the five-star seven-footer’s promise all day long. Still, to shorten things up a bit, Reid’s nightly stats of 17.5 ppg, 10.6 rpg, and 2.5 bpg last year as a sophomore should more than hint at what type of dominant production he’s capable of. I had the chance of witnessing one of his biggest games, a mid-week January contest against Amelia Academy (Richmond, VA), when he exploded for 32 points, 21 rebounds, and four blocks. The forward rebounds everything, can score off hook shots with either hand, recognize how to act against double-teams, shoot from distance, defend as a rim protector, and run the floor. I doubt most were surprised when I personally selected him as the biggest ‘Difference Maker’ in the area last season (804 Superlatives Edition), along with a second team nod on my 2019 804 All-Defense team. Coaches from high-major programs everywhere have peeked in to see the special traits of the junior. Outside from his own game, however, just know he’s a selfless teammate, vocal leader, and just a good all-around guy.
Isaiah Simmons ’21 – Coming off of a good summer with Team Loaded VA 16u, the 5’9” guard has worked to develop into another name in the Virginia 2021 class to know. Simmons can play at either position in the back-court but does best when called upon to put points on the board. I love watching the way he handles the ball; hitting defenders with nice hesitation moves, crossovers, and snatch-backs to give himself space. His physical build and on-ball defense appeared to take the biggest leap when I came across him this summer. Those two specific improvements now makes Simmons more of an adept finisher offensively end and likely to pick the pocket of loose ball-handlers when guarding on the opposite end. He can make shots from all three levels but I’m curious to observe how his three-point shooting keeps progressing. After picking up offers from Drake University and Canisius in July 2018, Simmons averaged 8.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, and three spg as a sophomore in 2018-19.
Jabari Atkinson ’20 – One of the team’s top shooters comes back as a senior veteran and team captain in the form of Atkinson. I’ve always viewed the 6’0” two-guard as a smooth one who fits right into Steward’s perimeter offense. Both on the catch and off of one-dribble pull-ups, Atkinson has one of the nicest releases on the team and gets up with some solid elevation. He consistently makes himself open by moving around in the half-court and looked swift with his footwork during Sunday’s 1v1 competition. He’ll still need to keep putting on muscle and show he can consistently put the ball on the floor quickly at appropriate times by recognizing the defense. I saw good things from the guard with Team Loaded 804 17u this past summer and feel he’s capable of a very solid final high school season. He’s a good contributor and option to have on offense, for sure.
Jonathan Kebede ’20 – I didn’t really get a grasp for Kebede’s game in 2018-19 but boy, did he show out during summer league competition. Frankly, one could note similarities of his game compared to Simmons.’ The 5’10” guard, who’s another returning captain, can create for his own by using a reliable handle and shot-making skills against various defenders. Playing downhill is when he looks at his best; daring anyone to slow him down. Kebede’s straight-line pace and change of speed gives him a strong chance of drawing fouls typically, where he can confidently take his time at the charity stripe. Similar to Atkinson, he didn’t hold a major role last season but undoubtedly has enough tools in his bag to produce nicely for Steward. Don’t let his emotionless expression fool you; he can really get going in certain stretches.
Zach Rosenthal ’21 – Well, there’s unfortunately a setback right now for the team’s third leading scorer from last season. I learned in conversation that Rosenthal is temporarily out for about eight weeks with a dislocated left shoulder (I’m not sure when the injury occurred or what caused it). On the bright side, however, I’m sure he’ll be more than back to his full healthy self for early-season practices and games to give Steward another weapon on the scoring side. The 5’10” lefty shooting guard gets his points both as a corner spot-up shooter and finisher, as the latter mainly happens in transition. I always like watching him play due to his consistency and calmness. He looked at his best in the summer league and frankly has stood out each time I’ve watched him play dating back to November 2018. Rosenthal averaged 9.4 ppg, 2.7 apg, and 1.6 spg for his sophomore campaign.
Curtis Blair ’23 – Now having four years of high school left, I think Blair’s bound to soon alert fans and other Richmond spectators that he’s one of the next targets in the 2023 class. He’s three inches taller now (6’5”) and much better with the ball in his hands. I can see some Jayson Tatum in Blair’s game. Obviously, he’s not near the Boston Celtic standout’s level yet but his shooting form and patient iso moves does show some resemblance, in my eyes. The sophomore came up big for Steward in their summer league playoffs; torching others with his hot perimeter shooting and getting to the rim for fouls. One aspect of his game I noticed that could use some work pertains to his handle but there’s already a good skill set in the wing’s arsenal. His size could create some major matchup problems and allow him to work as one of Steward’s few inside and out players. Liberty University offered a few months ago on June 14th.
Where You Can Find Them
- Atlantic Shores Christian School Christmas Tournament (Chesapeake, VA); December 13 – 14, 2019
- Richmond Times-Dispatch Invitational Tournament; December 20 – 23, 2019
- Wright Automotive Tip-Off Tournament, held at North Allegheny High School (Pittsburgh, VA); December 27 – 28, 2019
- Steward School Invitational; January 10 – 11, 2020
- Art Washburn Foundation Classic, held at Deep Run High School (Henrico, VA); February 1, 2020
A Word from the Head Honcho
“We just want to continue to grow on and off the floor. The kids have worked extremely hard in preparation for this upcoming season.”
– Head coach Curt Kassab (3rd year)
Outlook
Dating back to late-spring, Steward’s continued as one of those teams who know how to quietly go about their business in ‘grinding all summer to shine in the winter.’ I can’t recall where exactly I heard that neat quote from but it indeed represents the Spartans’ program best. They don’t seem to be worried about looking too far ahead into the future but rather aim to spend their present days making the most of each workout session that takes place. I really liked the organization of their Sunday workout…it reminded me of ones that take place in college programs. If they keep it up and learn off of simple mistakes that happened occasionally last season, it could possibly become a big year for the team both in and out of conference. Definitely a varsity squad in the 804 that folks would enjoy watching.
Won’t be long before the Spartans are off for battle again…