Roman's Wayns is out 2-5 weeks with knee injury

Roman Catholic basketball standout Maalik Wayns will miss tonight's game against Chester in the Primetime Shootout at Villanova with a knee injury. The McDonald's all-American candidate could be sidelined for up to five weeks.

The 6-foot-1 senior point guard twisted his knee during Tuesday's game against Cardinal O'Hara. Wayns, who has signed with Villanova, had an MRI exam on Wednesday. He expects to learn the results this morning.

"I was told that I can miss anywhere from two [to] five weeks," Wayns said. "It's real disappointing. I was looking forward to the big game with Chester. Hopefully, I will be able to play in the [Catholic League] playoffs, championship and state playoffs."

Wayns said he first felt some discomfort in his knee Sunday during practice. Not thinking anything of it, he continued practicing. Two days later, he was hurt while taking an uncontested layup against O'Hara.

Wayns missed yesterday's 58-42 victory over La Salle.

Roman's matchup with Chester has been one of the most anticipated scholastic games of the season, although Wayns' absence will take some of the luster off the contest.

The Clippers (16-2) are The Inquirer's top-ranked team in Southeastern Pennsylvania; the Cahillites (13-5) are ranked second.

Wayns is averaging 17.7 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game this season. He has scored 1,119 career points.

Wayns is the nation's 22d-ranked prospect in the Class of 2009, according to ESPN.com. He was a member of the U.S. men's under-18 national team that competed in the FIBA Americas under-18 championship in Argentina in July.

"You would be lying if you say it wouldn't be a big deal," Roman Catholic coach Chris McNesby said of Wayns' absence. That coach added that his star's health and college future are more important than having him compete in regular-season games.

"Hopefully, God willing, I will be back," Wayns said.