May 14, 2012

Deborah N. Harris
NYCHoops.net Staff Writer

Emile Blackman, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound senior forward from Half Hollow Hills West (Dix Hills, N.Y.), recently updated NYCHoops.net regarding his recruitment.

Emile Blackman

A solid rebounder, Blackman is a valuable player capable of athletic powermoves inside, as well as toughness putbacks under the rim. Accustomed to playing a big man when he was younger -- although he now lacks the size to play a "5" -- Blackman is still rather aggressive down low and can be effective against contact.

Currently, Blackman says that he holds offers from SUNY Albany, LIU Brooklyn, Norfolk State and Manhattan College.

"Wherever I fit best," said Blackman of what he was looking for in a college. "The best place that will give me the best opportunity, academically, and where I can go in and play right away."

Though Blackman admitted that he has yet to visit any of the schools that have offered him, he mentioned that he will be making visits to LIU Brooklyn and SUNY Albany "soon."

Blackman said that he will be making his collegiate decision "definitely before the end of May."

Blackman was one of the top performers last Saturday when his squad, Team Underrated, wrapped up pool play in the iS8/Nike Spring High School Classic with a perfect 4-0 standing. Finishing at the top of its division, Team Underrated earned an automatic spot in next week's playoffs.

Travis Dickerson Waiting for Scholarship Offers

Team Underrated 17U magnificent 7 played very well over the weekend in Providence Rhode Island..

They battled all tourney and received a 1pt loss in OT to drop them to the Silver Bracket where they entered the Championship game on great run with only 7 players. All players showcased their games in many facets and help draw attention from college coaches..Vinny Abbondola picked up interest from Bryant University and Connecticut College..While Emile Blackman, Dashawn Benson, Terrance Brown, Darren Chew, Brian Gellineau, and Ken Vaughn...

16U 3-1 Lost in Semi-Finals

16U Silver 1-2

14U Black 2-2

14U Silver 0-3

12U 1-2

15U went 3-1 @ King James Tourney in Ohio

Team Underrated 17U marched into the HOF New England Championship Series and walked away Co-Champs of the Bronze Bracket. We were defeated by Rhode Island Hawks by 4 in the 1st Round and went on to defeat Drive 4 Stardum, ABC, Ct. NorthStars to finish 3-1..

Coaches Andre Edwards and Kevin Jackson, Emile Blackman- Hills West, Terrance Brown-Uniondale, CJ Davis-Molloy, Kyle Williams-St. John the Baptist, Bryan Gellineau-Kellenberg, Mykel Tzul-Baldwin, Mike Reid-Shabazz(NJ), Dashawn Benson-Uniondale, Vinny Abbondola-St. John the Baptist

NEHF - Sunday Recap I

April 16th, 2012
by Brian Bosworth

The Northeast Hoops Festival got back to it bright and early Sunday morning with pool play wrapping up and playoff action taking center stage.  Countless players chipped in important performances for their respective teams and here is a sampling of those who showed the brightest at both the Avon Old Farms and Trinity College sites.



Charlie Joyner (Team Underrated 2013) – While undersized as a 5’7” point guard, Joyner makes up for that by having very long arms which allow him to play bigger.  He made perimeter shots off catch and shoot situations but was best navigating high ball screens.  Joyner notched multiple assists by sneaking passes through tight windows to big men rolling to the rim.  Defensively, his length also forced many turnovers and allowed Underrated to get easy transition baskets.


Dashawn Benson (Team Underrated 2012) – A long and lanky 6’4” wing, Benson is a slasher in every sense.  Best in transition, he attacks the paint with herky jerky moves and unusual angles always trying to get all the way to the rim.  If Benson is able to add some strength to his slight frame and develop a perimeter shot, he has the makings of a devastating offensive weapon.

April 15th, 2012
by Brian Bosworth

Youngsters from New England and beyond shined at Hamden Hall on Saturday.

The Northeast Hoops Festival this year is spread out at various Connecticut venues with each age group occupying its own home base.  Hamden Hall was the site for the majority of the 16U action and NERR was on hand Saturday to catch all of the action.  Here is a sampling of the players who stood out from the rest of the competition.

Kyle Williams (Team Underrated 2014) – Williams is a physical specimen who is just too big and strong for opponents on the 16U level.  Standing at a thick 6’9” tall he bullied defenders in the lane while dominating the backboards on both ends of the floor.  Offensively Williams didn’t do much outside of 3 feet because his strength allowed him to get position that low consistently.  He still needs to develop his low post game and continue improving his conditioning to improve as a prospect.

Team  Underrated/SJB held its 2nd Annual Unsigned Senior Showcase with 65 participants, and 14 College Coaches. Players were from All 5 Boros, Westchester County, NJ and of course Long Island. In attendance was potential Suffolk and Nassau players of the year Emile Blackman (Hills West) and Shaq Mosely (Uniondale).  This event was designed to give student-athletes another chance of being seen by college coaches. Many players received great reviews from coaches that were in attendance. I would like to thank the SJB and TU family for their support, and many of my TU young players lending a helping hand. Both Directors Coach Kareem & Coach Arthur and the guest coaches did a great job making sure thing ran smooth and conversing the college coaches.  

2012 Unsigned Senior All-Star Team:

1. Mike Marcelin - Hills East HS 2010
2. Deshawn Benson- Uniondale  HS 2012
3. Kamel Nelson- Prospect Heights HS 2012
4. Travis Whitfield- St. Marys HS 2012
5. Terrance Brown- Uniondale HS 2012
6. Darren Chew- St. Dominic HS 2012
7. Richie Hobson- Amityville HS 2012
8. Kwanique Martin- South Shore HS 2012
9. George Davis- Molly HS 2012
10. Alexander Williams- Wyandanch HS 2012
11. Brian Gellineau- Kellenberg HS 2012
12. Zachary Heiss-  Telecommunications HS  2012
13. Anthony Jacobs- Pathways HS 2012
14. Vaughn Sessions- Copiague HS 2012
15. Jason Oder- Holy Trinity HS 2012
16. Shaq Mosley- Uniondale HS  2012
17. Emile Blackman- Hills West HS 2012
18. David Campbell- Lincoln HS 2012
19. Ryan St. John- Holy Trinity HS 2012
20. Shawn Scott- Deer Park HS 2012

The Island Garden in West Hempstead, New York hosted the Junior Elite 75 Showcase on Sunday, bringing in a boat load of talent from the State of New York and its surrounding area. Alumni of the prestigious Elite 75 event include current New Jersey Net and U of Maryland Alum Jordan Williams, 2011 National Champion Alex Oriakhi of UConn and Erik Murphy of the University of Florida to name a few. These youngsters looked to show spectators that maybe one day, they too will mentioned in the same breath. Here are some of the players who impressed at the event:

Chris Kelly (F)- Kelly brought out his full repertoire on Sunday at the Garden as he showed off a natural fluid movement to his game that allowed him to score easily. Kelly proved that he was one of the best in the field as he got to the rim with his plethora of offensive moves and rarely missed from the outside.

Aaron Wheeler (F/C)- Aaron was the tallest in the event and will probably be the tallest at many events to come as the long forward/center looks to be still growing. A super athlete, Wheeler dominated the glass with his length and physicality. Not only was he efficient under the hoop, but he was also great in transition as he showed off a beautiful euro-step to get himself to the bucket. If he continues to work, he will develop into a nice prospect down the road.

Jordan Booker (G)- Booker stood out amongst the competition and it wasn’t primarily because of his bright pink sneakers. This quick guard possessed some of the best ball handling skills at the event and was one of the best in his age group. Not only was he tough off of the dribble, but Booker was not scared to go up against bigger competition and solidified himself as a knock down shooter.

Trevor Thorton (G)- Big, Strong guard that can get to the rack with both hands and pull up on a dime. Thorton was one of the better kids in the camp as he showed off a nice skill set combined with outstanding potential.

Randy Bronner (F)- long, athletic wingman who had no problems getting to the rim and finishing. His long wingspan not only allowed him to be a matchup nightmare for defenders but it allowed him to alter shot attempts on defense as well.

Patrick Kiernan (F)- Solid bodied forward who was physically above his competition. Kiernan showed off a quick stride going to the basket that allowed him to finish hard at the rim. The tough forward used his strength and length to finish over the defense throughout the event.

Tyler Damas (F/C)- Long, bouncy forward who has a great feel for the game. His athleticism and size allowed him to dominate the opposition on Sunday. If he continues to grow, he looks like he could develop into a nice big man prospect down the road as he already naturally rebounds, runs hard, and anchors the paint on defense.

Chris Blalock (F)- Chris is a lengthy wing player who can get to the basket at ease. Not only was he efficient going to the rack but Blalock showed us that he could knock it down from long range with his silky smooth jumper. He has all of the right tools to continue developing into a nice prospect down the road as he is versatile on both ends of the floor.

Dimitri Fuey (F)- Tall wing with textbook shooting form. This lengthy swingman is strong and quick going to the basket.

Dorrell Williams (G)- South paw guard that has a very high basketball IQ for his age. Williams is aggressive going to the basket as he looks to always initiate the contact and get to the line for the “And-1”. Not only is he efficient going to the cup, but Williams is a good passer and a solid rebounder for his size.

John Kornobis (F/C)- The big fella ran the court hard at the Garden on Sunday creating easy opportunities for himself and others. Kornobis altered and blocked shots all day long and showed off his versatility with his rip through dribble moves going to the basket.

Jordan Dingle (G)- One of the better point guards in the event. Heady point guard with great court vision who showed a high basketball IQ and understanding for the game. Dingle exploded by defenders with the use of his tight handle. We also saw him convert off of a nice spin move that broke him free from the defense for two.

Brendan Sobotker (G)- Talented guard who showed off a nice handle and a controlled aggression on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he got after it, while on offense he pushed the ball up the floor in control whenever the opportunity presented itself. Brendan also showed us that he could get to the rim on both sides of floor.

Andre Edwards II (G)- Guard with a good physique that can do it all. Edwards showed spectators that he can pass and shoot effectively as well as possessing ambidextrous ball handling skills. His explosiveness off of the dribble allowed him to create open shots for others as well as finish the ball himself at the rim. Andre has a good skill set for his age and will only continue to improve as long as he keeps up his work ethic.

Tracy Cleckley (F/C)- Cleckly showed a lot of energy on both ends of the floor and a great work ethic. The big fella found his comfort spots from 15 feet in as he has a nice shot; especially for a kid of his size. He will be a good prospect in the future as he has a promising amount of potential.

G. Gehring (G)- Tough guard who shot and handled the rock efficiently. Gehring passed the ball well and was not scared to mix it up inside with the big men whether it be for a rebound or on an offensive drive.

Jaried Danvers (F/C)- Danvers rebounded well, intimidating the offense with his shot blocking ability, frequently on weak side help defense.

Joel Morris (G)- Good sized guard with a nice outside stroke. Morris moved well without the ball on Sunday, creating more opportunities for himself. A good athlete, Joel got out in transition both without and with the ball in his hands.

James Mayer (F)- Big bodied forward who can knock down the outside jumper while having very good size and potential at his position.

Eddie Calderon (G)- This floor general sees court well and creates for others off of his smooth dribble drive moves.

Jamie Morella (F/C)- Solid big man with a nice touch out to 15 feet

Taylor Hughey (G)- Well built guard who is excellent at seeing the floor. Huygue showed off a nice stroke from the outside as well as a tight handle that allowed him to maneuver through traffic.

Josiah Morris (G)- Point Guard who did just about everything well on Sunday including handling the rock, playing defense, and knocking down the mid range shot off of the dribble.

Corey O’Neil (G)- Quick guard with a tight handle. Showed off his series of dribble moves including in-and-out’s and behind-the-back’s to get in front of the defense.

Darius Soriano (G)- Soriano is a quick, heady guard, who makes those around him better as he is a true floor general.

Jabari Dalvz (C)- Big man who runs the court well for his size and has a great touch. Dalvz boxes out well and rebounds naturally.

Amad Anderson (G)- Anderson was a vocal leader on the court for his squad but he didn’t only lead verbally. Anderson also led by example as he handled the ball well, knocked down the open shot and mixed it up inside with bigger guys.

Demitri Ivey (G)- Ivey is a fast guard with a quick handle and a nice mid range shot. We saw him leading vocally as well, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

Marcus Hammond (G)- Guard who can handle well, see the court, and is aggressive off of the dribble.

TJ Whitehead (G)- Whitehead is a solid guard with good size who possesses a nice stroke from the perimeter

St. John the Baptist advances to state CHSAA final

Updated: March 4, 2012 9:54 PM
By LAURA ALBANESE  laura.albanese@newsday.com

Photo credit: James Escher | St. John the Baptist's #4 Tavon Ginyard shoots a jumper in the first quarter against Canisius. (March 4, 2012)

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Canisius' players were big enough to contend with St. John the Baptist's size, and it had a winning percentage high enough to make an upstart team such as the Cougars flinch. But just when it seemed like the Crusaders were finally crawling under the Cougars' skin, Tavon Ginyard was there to provide the antidote Sunday.

"He's the opposite of a team cancer," St. John the Baptist coach Andre Edwards said of his freshman guard. "He's the cure."

Ginyard scored six of his 15 points during a 10-2 run to end the second quarter and kick off the third, as St. John the Baptist continued its unlikely postseason run, defeating Canisius, 63-52, in the state CHSAA semifinals at LIU Post. The Cougars (8-20) move on to face Iona Prep at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Fordham University for a chance to play in the Federation in Albany later this month. Iona Prep beat St. John the Baptist on the same stage three years ago.

St. John the Baptist led for most of the game but broke away only after a scare late in the second quarter. Canisius (21-7), of Buffalo, seemed to hit its stride, going on a 6-2 run capped by Jamel Mosley's coast-to-coast layup to give the Crusaders an 18-17 lead with 2:12 left in the first half.

But Ginyard, a whip-quick 14-year-old who at around 5-6 was mostly dwarfed by Canisius' 6-7 and 6-4 forwards, had other plans. His pull-up jumper over a wall of defenders gave the Cougars a one-point advantage. Matthew Hart's two free throws reclaimed the lead, but by that time, it was St. John the Baptist's turn to use its height in the form of 6-9 center Kyle Williams.

Williams scored the next four points -- a putback with 42 seconds left to give the Cougars a 21-20 lead at the half and an easy layup on Charles Joyner Jr.'s pass under the basket to kick off the third. Ginyard's fast-break layup on Williams' steal and his acrobatic scoop shot 30 seconds later gave Baptist a 27-20 advantage with 5:50 left in the third.

Williams finished with 10 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks and Vinny Abbondola scored 12 of his team-high 18 points in a 26-19 fourth quarter. Ginyard chipped in a team-high four assists. Canisius' Adam Weir scored 19.

"This feels really good," Ginyard said. "My brother [Khaleev] came on as a junior and he helped them get here [in 2009]. Now I'm trying to do it as a freshman. I'm ready to do more."

But Ginyard's ascent to this moment was as unlikely as St. John the Baptist's. He started four games on the freshman team and, according to Edwards, played about 15 games on junior varsity. The plan was to bring him up in the playoffs because "when he played with the freshman team, he gave them confidence, and the same with the junior varsity. Every team he played for, he made better."

St. John the Baptist won one league matchup all regular season -- a senior night game against St. Dominic where fans were given rally towels proclaiming, "We Believe We Will Win." It seemed improbable then, before their four straight playoff wins. Sometimes, it feels improbable even now.

"This is crazy," Abbondola said after being mauled by the SJB cheering section. "I never thought we'd get this. I can't believe it."

Overview

A perennial NSCHSAA powerhouse for years, the St. John the Baptist Cougars are embarking on a new era. An overhaul of players, coaching staff and in turn, playing style, will present a plethora of challenges. Nonetheless, high a Division I prospect - in the front court to boot - and a handful of role players with skills will make them a promising force, albeit a young one that will be finding their identity as the season progresses.

St. John the Baptist participates in the NSCHSAA

St. John the Baptist Cougars

Kyle Williams will need to step up this season

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Kyle Williams Center

Kevin Jacobs Guard

Vinny Abbandola Guard

Charles Lloyd Forward

Tim Rowland Guard

Backcourt

Tim Rowland - With the pre-season departure of talented point guard, Kevin Little, Rowland steps up to handle floor general duties. With formidable shooting on the wing and a powerful big man in Kyle Williams in the post, the 6'0" Rowland will be relied on to set the table and control the tempo above all else.

Vinny Abbandola - A hot-handed marksman that can get going at any given time, the 6'2" junior's three point shooting will spread the floor and be crucial to SJB's success.

Kevin Jacobs - The 6'0" senior will be relied on for scoring and to fill the wing position.

Frontcourt

Kyle Williams - A bevy of Division I schools have inquired about the 6'9" big man, who although is still a work in progress, is making strides. Williams has improved both his post presence on both ends of the court and his touch around the basket. His size will give a huge lift to a vastly undersized Cougars unit.

Charles Lloyd - Coach Edwards describes Lloyd as a "point forward," but Lloyd will be relied on heavily for rebounding as well. The 6'3" junior is also a solid defender and every speck of dirty work he contributes will be of help.

Bench

Charlie Joyner (Jr.), Matt Sutton (Soph.), Vincent Yancigay (Sr.)

Coaching

Coach Andre' Edwards takes over the reins of former Head Coach Jim Plate, and the style will be a bit different. Coaching to your strengths and personnel are also part of coaching, and Coach Edwards realizes that.

"We're going to utilize our strengths; we're small and quick," he divulged. "We're going to press and run. There will be a lot of trapping, ball-hawking, and aggressive man-to-man defense."

Coach Edwards' Assistant Coaches are Edmond Anderson and Bertram Arthur.

Season Prediction

The transfer of PG Kevin Little (to OSNA) was an acute blow considering the limited varsity experience of SJB's personnel, but they have enough ammunition to compete in the NSCHSAA. It won't be easy, though. The Long Island Catholic League's games will likely be close ones, with all teams having the ability to beat each other on any given night. SJB, St. Anthony's, Kellenberg, Holy Trinity, and an also rebuilding St. Mary's program can all give each other trouble on any given night. Furthermore, Williams will face other big men in league play (Kellenberg's Brian Gellineau and St. Mary's' Jessie Govan) to make things interesting. How SJB gels after inevitable early speed bumps will determine their fate in

St. John the Baptist Delivers Title

SJB boys basketball team beats St. Anthony's, 82-70, to claim Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA title.

  Kyle Williams

Kyle Williams had 34 points and 32 rebounds as St. John the Baptist pulled away from St. Anthony’s, 82-70, to win the Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA title.

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Kyle Williams gave emotional hugs to coaches and teammates then slapped high fives with red-clad fans in the stands Wednesday night. It was an unbelievable high point for the St. John the Baptist sophomore in what had been a dismal basketball season.

“I didn’t expect this,” Williams said.

No kidding. In one of the most unlikely playoff runs in Long Island history, seventh-seeded St. John the Baptist shook off an 1-11 regular season and clawed its way to a Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA postseason championship.

The 6-foot-9 Williams was the centerpiece, scoring 34 points and grabbing 32 rebounds as the Cougars pulled away from No. 5 St. Anthony’s, 82-70, at Hofstra’s Mack Sports Complex.

“We came this far,” Williams said. “We’re in the championship. We might as well win it.”

It was Leap Day and no one had more ups than Williams. He dominated the low post, altering shots, pulling down defensive boards and finishing around the rim on the offensive end.

Williams kicked off a championship-clinching 18-3 run with a putback with 3:50 left to give the Cougars a 66-62 edge. Senior Vincent Yancigay followed up with his second three-pointer in as many minutes to stretch the lead to 69-62. SJB (7-20) tightened its grip from there.

This is the Cougars’ first playoff title since 2009 and third in the last eight seasons. But when you consider that SJB upended Holy Trinity, then St. Mary’s and St. Anthony’s – all teams the Cougars lost to twice during the regular season – only then does the sheer improbability of this run come into focus.

“I knew we were going to click sooner or later,” first-year Cougars Coach Andre Edwards said. “We went through so much. The administration supported me throughout. We had an eight-game losing streak. I didn’t get frustrated.”

Now St. John the Baptist moves on to the state CHSAA Class A playoffs, a suddenly hot team no one should be eager to play.

“We just caught fire,” Edwards said.

Just ask St. Anthony’s (13-14), itself a surprise finalist after upsetting No. 1 Kellenberg. The Friars took a 36-31 lead into the half against SJB. Sophomore guard Andre Walker led St. Anthony’s with 17 points, 7 assists and 6 boards. 

Yet no one could match up with Williams in the low post and he made the Friars pay.

Leap Day only comes around once every four years. Playoff runs like the one the Cougars are enjoying are rarer still. But when you look at the youth and talent Edwards put on the floor – no seniors start for SJB – you know the run is no mirage.

Williams and Co. will be a force in the seasons to come.

Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament

Championship @ Hofstra’s Mack Sports Complex

Teams..............................1.....2.....3.....4 – F

St. John the Baptist.......17...14...26...25 – 82

St. Anthony’s..................17...19...14...20 – 70

SJB:  Joyner 1-0-3, Ginyard 6-2-14, Abbondola 4-2-14, Lloyd 1-0-2, Williams 14-6-34, Sinclair 2-0-4, Yancigay 3-0-8, Jacob 0-3-3. Totals: 31-13-82. SA: Walker 4-8-17, Casimir 2-3-8, Gordon 3-0-8, Pierrot 5-3-15, Carter 6-1-15, Williams 3-1-7. Totals: 23-16-70. Three-pointers – SJB: 7 (Abbondola 4, Yancigay 2, Joyner); SA: 8 (Gordon 2, Pierrot 2, Carter 2, Walker, Casimir).

High school basketball playoffs

March 7, 2012 | Vol. 50, No. 43

Slideshow »

GREGORY A. SHEMITZ | TLIC

In one of the most remarkable accomplishments in diocesan CHSAA history, St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, West Islip, was crowned tournament champions after completing the regular season in last place with a 1-11 conference record. The seventh-seeded Cougars swept through the playoffs, capping their run with an 82-70 victory over No. 5 St. Anthony’s, South Huntington, in the Feb. 29 final at Hofstra University. SJB sophomore center Kyle Williams dominated the title game, scoring 34 points and grabbing 32 rebounds, to earn MVP honors. The win earned the Cougars a trip to the state CHSAA tournament, where they defeated Canisius, Buffalo, 63-52, in a March 4 semifinal at LIU Post. SJB (8-20) will battle Iona Prep, New Rochelle for the championship March 10 at 3:30 p.m. at Fordham University. SJB’s Kyle Williams takes a jump shot in the lane;  SJB’s cheerleaders celebrate after the game.

January 21, 2012

Maurice Wingate
NYCHoops.net Publisher

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Even though the high school season is in full swing, throughout the week, players have picked up interest and offers in the New York City area.

Ravi Rozier
Terrence Samuel

One New York school has also reached out to with an offer out-of-state talent. Here are some of the recruiting movements lately.

Florida State assistant coach Dennis Gates was in town and checked out South Shore's Terrence Samuel. On Friday Coach Gates will be at Long Island Lutheran HS in Brookville, NY to watch Kentan Facey. This according to New Rens AAU coach Kareem Meminger

Cincinnati, St. John's and Texas Tech have visited Abraham Lincoln in Brooklyn to check out athletic 6'8" senior forward Tafari Whittingham according to Railsplitters head coach Dwayne "Tiny" Morton.

According to Team Underrated AAU and St. John the Baptist HS head coach Andre' Edwards, Harvard assistant coach Brian Adams is showing "heavy interest" in PG C.J. Davis as well as big men Kyle Williams and 6'8" Brian Gellineau from Kellenberg.

	M. Wingate
	C.J. Davis

Since blasting into the NYCHoops.net Top Ten, Wings Academy sharpshooter Justin Jenkins has offers from Fairfield, St. Peter's and L.I.U. and was recently checked out by Siena, Manhattan and Hofstra according to Wings head coach Billy Turnage.

L.I.U., Hofstra and West Virginia are showing interest in high-octane Thomas Jefferson junior guard Jaquan Lynch according to Orange Wave head coach Lawrence "Bud" Pollard.

Christ the King guards have garnered addition recent interest according to Royals head coach Joe Arbitello. Isaiah Lewis has picked up interest from Villanova while Pittsburgh and Rutgers have their eye on 6'1" Jon Severe.

Powerful forward Leroy Fludd has considerable interest from Iowa, Pittsburgh, and Oklahoma according to Boys & Girls assistant coach Elmer Anderson. Recent Bishop Loughlin transfer 6'7" senior Joel Angus has interest from Duquesne and Marist added Anderson.

St. John's has made an offer to Winston Shepard from Finlay Prep according to a source very close

February 29, 2012

Maurice Wingate
NYCHoops.net Publisher

HEMPSTEAD, NY - The probability of a team with a 1-11 regular season record and a first year head coach, winning the Long Island Catholic league's championship is slim to none. The St. John the Baptist Cougars beat the odds on Wednesday evening at Hofstra University when they topped St. Anthony with a big, 82-70 win.

"It wasn't big. It was huge," said an elated Cougars head coach Andre' Edwards. "Everybody counted us out when we loss a bit of our talent but we hung in there."

M. Wingate
MVP Kyle Williams

Dominant in the paint, the Cougars got a massive effort from 6'9" sophomore MVP Kyle Williams who filled the stat sheet with a staggering 34 points to go with 32 rebounds and four blocked shots.

"He came to life," said Coach Edwards. "Everybody wrote him off when he was thirteen. Nobody wanted to take a shot with. They said he was clumsy but look at him now," he said.

Knotted at 17 going into the second quarter, both teams exchanged baskets as 6'0" junior Vincent Abdondola reigned down treys for the Cougars and Andre' Walker countered for At. Anthony.

A foul followed by technical foul on Abdondola would shift the momentum with 2:50 left in the half and the Friars would capitalize from the free-throw line take a two point lead.

SJB would manage to tie the game but a strong finish by Anfernee Casimer and Jahwon Gordon would send St. Anthony to the locker room with a 36-31 lead.

	M. Wingate
	Williams had 34 points, 32 rebounds and 4 blocks

The Cougars presence in the championship was already a testament to the tenant that it's not how you start but how you finish. Sticking to his season long strategy, Coach Edwards stuck to his guns. "We stayed with our game plan. We're going to [make teams] make the adjustment to how we play."

Sharpshooters Abdondola (14 points including three 3-pointers) and Vincent Yancigay (8 points with two 3-pointers) began to nip away at the Friars advantage in the third quarter primarily due to freshman PG Tavon Ginyard's ability to drive, score and/or facilitate. Ginyard contributed 14 points along with three assists. "To have a special kid like that for the next three years, I thank God. He made everybody better," said Edwards.

Down seven points, going into the fourth quarter, St. Anthony made a push and cut the lead to 4 points with 5:14 left to play but Williams could not be contained and extend the lead to 11 points with 1:47 left to play. Coach Edwards said it was amazing to watch Williams close out the game for the Cougars.

"People don't understand the kind of work that Kyle puts into his game. He won it [for us]."


The Cougars advance to the regional semifinals at noon Sunday against Canisius at L.I.U. Post.

March 6, 2012

DeAnte' Mitchell
NYCHoops.net Staff Writer

Kyle Williams is touted as one of the best low-post NY big men in the class of 2014 but after leading his team from worst to first, expect his stock to rise into the national arena.

M. Wingate
Kyle Williams shows off his NSCHSAA championship hardware after scoring a double-double

St. John the Baptist had a dismal regular season of 1-11 but Williams put the team on his back in the playoffs, going 5-0 to qualify for a shot at the State championship.

He doesn't have any offers yet but he does have a ton of interest from many high major programs across the country. According to his coach Andre Edwards, "Harvard, Washington, Iowa State, Iona and Rutgers are showing heavy interest in the 6-9 big with a reported 7-3 wingspan. "Georgetown, Stanford, Tulane and West Virginia are also showing interest as well.

Williams will probably pick some up offers after the way he's played thus far during the Cougars run to the state finals. Against St. Anthony (NY), Williams put together a historic MVP night, lighting up the opposition for 34 points and 32 rebounds in the NSCHSAA Class A championship game. His offense was one of the main things coaches wanted to see him improve and putting down thirty-four points in the playoffs was a great way of showcasing the progress.

"I told him after the game was over that those games don't come often," Coach Edwards said. "I don't expect you to get that every game. I just want you to go out and do what you do best."

Williams followed up his performance with a 10 point, 16 rebounds and six block game against Canisius (Buffalo) to advance to the state final.

Williams has been the enforcer inside for St. John's the Baptist in the playoffs. He's had more than five blocks in every playoff game this year and has also been a consistent double-double big man for St. John's the Baptist.

"He's going to be a very smart and intelligent player," Coach Edwards said of Williams. "I see him growing and his IQ is going to be like a guard down there."

Right now, Williams has played the five spot in high school. He plans to play more of the four next season to help become more versatile in the post. "It doesn't matter to Kyle," coach said of his position on the floor. "I think he's most comfortable at the five spot. The four, we're going to put him at that position next year and let him touch the ball a little bit more so he can be comfortable playing the four at the next level if he was too."

Coach Edwards has Williams working on his offense daily with a trainer. Many have definitely seen the progress and with more reps this summer and next season will allow him to showcase more of his offensive moves.

For the majority of his young career, many have associated Williams with his ability to defend for obvious reasons. However, with the emergence of his offensive game, the 6-9 post should develop into a Rivals Top 150 player before he plays his final game at St. John's the Baptist.

In addition, according to Coach Edwards, Williams maintains a 96 average in school and academics play a huge part in his life. Ivy League and prestigious schools have gained interest in him and more could do so. "Ivy league is an option for Kyle," Coach Edwards said. "He's a natural and he tutors kids now as a sophomore." Harvard, one of the premier programs in the Ivy League, has consistently checked in on the dominant inside presence. "I speak to coach [Brian] Adams a lot about Kyle," coach Edwards said.

 Published: January 28, 2012 7:50 PM
By LAURA ALBANESE  

Bryan Gellineau is a gentle giant -- a kid so good-natured that one of the primary focuses this year was getting him to be a little more aggressive against opposing teams, a kid who, after winning MVP honors at Saturday's Tom Crotty Classic at Kellenberg, worried aloud if his interview with a nearby camera crew was good enough.

The Kellenberg center is listed at 6-10 ("well, he's 6-91/2," coach Jack McCutcheon said. "I measured him myself."), but admitted to sometimes worrying about not living up to his statuesque presence on the court.

"It gets me a little nervous," he said. "When I'm playing against a small team, the people in the stands expect me to dominate and, when I don't . . . it's a little unnerving."

That feeling is getting rarer, though. Gellineau, a junior who, much like the Firebirds, has come into his own this year, scored 13 points with 12 rebounds and three blocks as Kellenberg defeated Manhattan's Xavier, 63-44, in non-league. After going 7-17 last year, the Firebirds are now 14-2 and tops in the CHSAA.

"We're just a better team," said Kevin Bowles, who finished with 15 points and a busted bottom lip. "We're better players individually and I feel like we just work harder."

Kellenberg established dominance early, kicking it off with a 20-6 first quarter-turned-all out heist. The Firebirds had six of their nine steals in the quarter, led by Jeremy Arthur, who finished with four (he finished with nine points). Kellenberg, who also dominated the boards, never trailed and led by 12 at halftime.

"We tried to establish the low post and we were able to do that in this game," McCutcheon said. "Bryan came up to the task and that . . . helped us to establish our outside game.

"He's made great strides since sophomore year," McCutcheon said. "And it's not over. He's improving . . . and he's got his senior year." As it turns out, this giant hasn't reached his ceiling.

Chaminade falls. Chaminade overcame a four-point fourth quarter deficit for a tie but St. Francis Prep pulled away to win, 61-57, Saturday at the Tom Crotty Classic at Kellenberg. St. Francis' Darren Cordero scored 10 of the team's 12 points in the fourth, including a three from the left wing with 3:16 left to break a tie at 51.

Chaminade (9-6) had tied it on Jon Patterson's putback-and-one 30 seconds earlier. Patterson finished with a game-high 21. Though the Flyers had the height advantage, they were unable to navigate St. Francis' Prep's full-court press and athleticism. "We had problems finishing the play," senior guard John Gallego said. "We have a system in place but we just didn't stick to it."

MID ATLANTIC HOOPS UPDATED RANKINGS TOP 75 SOPHOMORES PROSPECTS FROM CLASS OF 2014                                                        (Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia & West Virginia)  Published November 21’2012

2011-12 SJB ROSTERS

VARSITY

• 2013 CHARLES LLOYD- DIX HILLS
• 2013 VINCENT ABBONDOLA- BAYPORT
• 2012 TIM ROWLAND- CENTER MORICHES
• 2012 KEVIN JACOB- SAYVILLE
• 2014 KYLE WILLIAMS- FREEPORT
• 2013 CHARLIE JOYNER- LINDENHURST
• 2012 LUKE GOODMAN- LONG BEACH
• 2013 TIM NOWAK- OAKDALE
• 2013 SCOTT MLODYNIA- BAYSHORE
• 2013 MATT SUTTON- BABYLON
• 2012 VINCENT YANCIGAY- EAST ISLIP
• 2012 JAMES CONNELL- MOUNT SINAI
• 2013 ADAM ESQUIVEL- BRENTWOOD

JUNIOR VARSITY

• 2014 CONNON CRONIN- MASSAPEQUA PARK
• 2014 RICH HABERSTROH- OAKDALE
• 2014 JACK CAMPO- PORT JEFFERSON
• 2014 BRYAN SINCLAIR- AMITYVILLE
• 2014 JONATHAN ARRIETA- HICKSVILLE
• 2014 LARRY SHAW- BRENTWOOD
• 2014 TOM CONWELL- SAYVILLE
• 2014 JUSTIN STITH- FARMINGVILLE
• 2014 PAUL LOESH- EAST PATCHOGUE
• 2014 JONATHAN HESCHL- MEDFORD
• 2014 MIKE JENKINS- MASSAPEQUA
• 2014 JUSTICE BARNHILL- CENTRAL ISLIP
• 2014 KENNY SIMPSON- WYANDANCH
• 2014 CJ MORGANI- EAST ISLIP
• 2014 JIMMY TAPIA- BAYSHORE

FRESHMAN

• 2015 TAVON GINYARD- BRENTWOOD
• 2015 ADAM ABREU- RONKONKOMA
• 2015 DOUGLAS ALLEN- AMITYVILLE
• 2015 TEDDY HOLLANDER- EAST PATCHOGUE
• 2015 JUDE RICH- BAYSHORE
• 2015 PETER DIJANA- PATCHOGUE
• 2015 ATHONY ROJAS- BRENTWOOD
• 2015 DEREK CHAPEY- BABYLON
• 2015 ANTHONY SABATELLI- SEAFORD
• 2015 CONNOR DROMERHAUSER-BAYSHORE
• 2015 ANDREW MUNDY- LAKE GROVE
• 2015 MIKE O'CONNELL- SMITHTOWN
• 2015 PATRICK BESCH- BRIGHTWATERS
• 2015 ERIC TORRENS- MEDFORD
• 2015 MARCUS THELEMAQUE- MASSAPEQUA

TEAM UNDERRATED 15U TEAM CAME OFF OF A LONG AAU SEASON AND LOST PLAYES ALONG THE WAY. THE TEAM MAINTAINED THEIR FOCUS AND STARTING TO GET BETTER AND BETTER. THROUGH ALL THE HARD WORK 6 KIDS ON THE SAME ROSTER MADE THEIR COPIAGUE HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY TEAM.

• 2015 ELIJAH ROGERS- COPIAGUE
• 2015 MALCOLM MATHIS- COPIAGUE
• 2015 MIKE SMITH-COPIAGUE
• 2015 KEVIN ROBERTS- COPIAGUE
• 2015 PRINCE CHARLES HICKSON- COPIAGUE
• 2015 SHUAIB HAKIM- WYANDANCH

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 Over the next few years, you'll hear a lot about 6'8" Kyle Williams of St. John the Baptist in Long Island, NY. The long sophomore forward, who has a 7'3" wingspan, has seen a boost in his recruitment as of late.

Just last month, his high school coach told NYCHoops.net that Arizona, Hofstra, Notre Dame, Rutgers, Texas, Xavier and Washington all contacted about Williams. He also fielded an offer from Norfolk State and is hoping to add another. "Iowa State may offer me," he said. "I'm not totally sure yet." Iowa State is just one of the many schools that are hoping to have a chance with the long forward.

"Washington watched some of my games down in Florida and up in Massachusetts," he said. "North Carolina A&T watched one of my workouts. Norkfolk State offered me and other colleges sent me letters of interest."

Williams is taking the process slow and hasn't compiled a shortlist of colleges that he'll likely decide from but when asked what school's he's interested in, Williams mentioned Texas, Rutgers, Iowa State, Georgetown, Maryland, Washington and West Virginia. When asked what will be key factors in making his decision, Williams replied, "good academics, a good basketball program and the location."

Williams, who's from Long Island, New York, hasn't decided whether playing close to home will factor a lot into his final decision or not. "It's a factor," he said of staying close to home. "I'm still deciding how important it is.

So far, Williams has only taken one unofficial visit and that was Rutger's Midnight Madness this past weekend. He's is expecting to take another one in the future. "Just Rutgers for now. It was planned for me to visit West Virginia last summer but it got cancelled," he said. "I'm visiting Iowa State next year."

With increasing interest, Williams is working harder than ever to improve his skill set. "[My strengths] are defense, rebounding and I sometimes I have good post-up games," he said. He also added, "I want to improve my handle."

The athletic four has drawn many coaches in due to his defensive and rebounding ability. Due to his long arms and frame, he's able to block and defend a lot of shots. His offense is still a work in progress but that's all about aggression. "Right now, just defensive," he said of his style of play. "It will probably turn offensive and defensive as time goes on."

Williams has more than enough time to work on his offensive game and become more of a threat on the offensive end. He has tremendous upside for a 15-year old athlete and high major should continue to keep their eye on the athletic four. With so much time during the recruiting process, William doesn't foresee any final decisions anytime soon. When asked when he'll make his final decision, he replied, "I'm planning on making my decision before my senior basketball season."

The middle school portion of the day got underway early in the afternoon on Saturday, and some players wish it would never end.  Great guard play highlighted the play of this half of players.  New York Recruiting Report has reports on every single middle school player that walked through the door, and will now unveil half of the talented field.

Jake Feirtag:  A versatile perimeter player, Feirtag did a little bit of everything today.  He shot the ball well, handled it in the open floor, and played hard defense.  A hard competitor, Feirtag  nailed a few deep 3’s, too.

Ron Fell:  A smooth playmaker, Fell showed a nice shooting form, stepping back for a couple of 3’s in one game.  You could see his experience, as he was always in the right spot, always making the correct pass.

Malik Clark:  The little guard was quick with the ball in the full-court, and in control of his team in the half-court.  He showed great leadership skills with his team, always staying positive.

Trevor Thornton:  Thornton was solid defensively all day.  He was always in the correct defensive position, and always ready to help, as well.  This shows the awareness that he plays with.   He also provided a spark on the offensive boards, crashing the glass then kicking back out to teammates.

Mekhai Hall:  Able to run the break very effectively, Hall was able to get easy layups in transition.  He is a smooth player with a nice, tight handle.  His float game proved to be a strength in his game, as not many players at his age can say they possess that ability.

Andre Edwards:  Showing off his passing skills in the skill development sessions could definitely be seen in the games.  His ability to blow by defenders led to several 3’s for his teammates; Edwards displayed a great drive-and-dish game, as well as his exceptional pull-up jumper.

The deep talent pool in New York City will always produce stars of tomorrow. At Hoop Group’s New York Junior Elite Top 100, some of those rising prospects showed what they had and gave a glimpse into a promising future for the Big Apple.

In both stations and gameplay, the players below made a strong case to prove that New York is still the basketball capital of the world:

Jaquan McKennon
9th Grade | St. Alban’s, NY | St. Raymond’s (NY)

McKennon was one of the most impressive players at the New York Junior Elite. He is a tough rebounder and a bully inside, getting offensive rebounds and putting them back through contact. He also showed the ability to step out into the mid-range with a smooth lefty jumper.

Marques Watson
7th Grade | Brooklyn, NY

Watson is a good dribbler who uses that skill to create for himself and others. As he gets older, he will find his ability to hold onto the ball and not turn it over will do him good.

Devin Clyburn (TEAM UNDERRATED)
8th Grade | New York, NY

Clyburn is an athlete. His long arms and good length help him to attack the basket and make him a matchup problem for opposing defenses.

Cheyenne Nettleton
9th Grade | Flushing, NY

Nettleton is a creative finisher at the basket and that brings a good deal of versatility to his game. Because he is difficult to defend around the basket, defenses need to adjust and it opens up opportunities for him and his teammates.

Meliek Thomas
9th Grade | Bronx NY | St. Raymond’s (NY)

In addition to being athletic, Thomas can use both his left and right hand to finish around the rim. He uses his body to impose his will on the defense, and uses his size on the defensive end to block an occasional shot from the weak side.

Among all the high-level talent at the Hoop Group New York Elite Top 100 were some rising stars whose name you may not have heard before. Take a look at some under-the-radar players who won’t be “under-the-radar” for long.

Jaquan McKennon
Class of 2015 | 5’8” G | St. Raymond’s (NY)

McKennon is a compact point guard prospect with a lot of upside. He is quick and has a good handle, able to shoot the gaps on offense and fly to the ball on defense. He comes into St. Ray’s with hopes of being the next high-level prospect to come out of the storied Bronx program.

Tim McKenzie
Class of 2013 | 6’4” G/F | Longwood HS (NY)

McKenzie is a long athlete. But, athleticism goes to waste unless the player knows how to use it. The good thing is, McKenzie knows just how to maximize his potential. He gets after it on the defensive end. On one possession, McKenzie poked a pass away, chased after the ball, and recovered to knock away another pass. That defensive intensity will do him well in the future.

Jeffrey Lynch
Class of 2013 | 5’11” G | Byram Hills HS (NY)

Lynch is a very quick point guard prospect with a tight handle on the ball. On one play, he crossed his defender at the top of the key, spun into the lane, and finished through traffic.

Aeren Edmead
Class of 2014 | 6’0” G | Deer Park HS (NY)

Edmead was the architect of a stretch of the most dominating minutes of any player at the New York Top 100. For about five minutes in the second quarter of one of his games, being a legitimate scoring threat every time down the floor. He scored on the inside and from the outside, slashing to the basket and drifting beyond the three-point line.

Kyle Williams (TEAM UNDERRATED)
Class of 2014 | 6’8” F | St. John the Baptist (NY)

Williams was one of the top under-the-radar big men at the New York Top 100. As only a sophomore, he has a big frame and has shown a willingness to rebound and throw his weight around inside. If he can develop a strong back-to-the-basket game, he will have a well-rounded game.

Evan Bartlik
Class of 2012 | 6’0” G | Ridgewood (NJ)

Bartlik lit up the gym with an electrifying dunk early in his first game of the day. Driving down the lane on a fastbreak, he rose up and dunked on two guys. He has a muscular frame and could bring athleticism to a lineup.

Jonathan Grimsley
Class of 2014 | 6’1” G | Valley Stream (NY)

Grimsley’s body is so physically mature, that it is scary to think he is only a sophomore. He has good body control of his muscular 6’1” frame, cutting to the basket and drawing contact. He must continue to work on consistency with his jumper, but has good form to work from.

Maurice Wingate
NYCHoops.net Publisher

Recently, NYCHoops.net was covering Under Amour's Ball by the Beach Invitational and got a chance to check out the St. John the Baptist Cougars from West Islip, NY.

While the team is clearly in rebuilding mode, the future looks bright with additions like 6'1" guard Vinny Abbondola.

During the game which we observed, the junior was deadly accurate from the perimeter, displaying solid three-point range.

"Vinny is a very interesting kid," said SJB head coach Andre' Edwards. "[He] has all the tools to be pretty good because he can shoot and dribble."

Coach Edwards believes that Abbondola's future is bright. "He had some very good JV games last year and this year [we're] looking to him to a lot more for the team."

As far as improving his game, Coach Edwards said that Abbondola needs more passion and pride. "His thing is strength and confidence and more ball handling," he said.

Apparently, Abbondola's full skill set is most prominent when the guard has more talent around him. "He played with C.J. [Davis] and Kyle [Williams] on the [Team Underrated] 16u team at the Nationals and did well," said Edwards. "He's a sleeper."

NEPTUNE—Over 100 of the Mid-Atlantic regions best high school basketball players participated at the Hoop Group Elite Top 100 Camp at the Hoop Group Headquarters in Neptune this Saturday.

The camp, which took place Sept. 17 featured players from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Connecticut. During the camp players moved station to station to work on different aspects of their game including ball-handling, shooting, passing, transition, defense and rebounding.

After over an hour of skills work with various coaches and trainers players were broken up into teams where they competed against one another in five-on-five organized games.
The clinic also featured a parental lecture with Steve Keller of National Recruiting Report about the recruiting process.

Players were able to gain exposure with over 30 Division II & Division III college coaches in attendance for the Academic Elite Top 100 clinic.

There were several outstanding players who participated in the event. Listed below are some players who separated themselves from the rest.

Greg Davis #47 Piscataway High School 12th Grade 6-foot-3

Davis proved himself as one of the better players at the camp with his all-around play during the competition. Davis shot the ball well from three, both when he was open and with a man in his face. Once his team secured the ball on defense he looked to run the break on the wing and did a nice job finding a spot in the defense to get his shot off. When he wasn’t hitting three’s he used his quickness to get in the lane for either a shot for himself or a pass to a teammate for an open look. On the defensive end Davis used his long arms to poke away dribbles and to get into the passing lanes. After coming up with steals Davis was able to run the break with the ball in his hands. If there is one area he needed to work on it is to become a tighter ball-handler as he fumbled his dribble on a few drives he made.

Jordan Vargas #25 Atlantic Christian High School 11th Grade 6-foot-1

Vargas was one of the better shooters while at the camp. The 11th grader appeared confident with every long-distance shot he took. He was able to use his dribble to free himself for multiple three-point looks and knocked down a high percentage of them. He was lethal when left alone at the perimeter, but also made a couple treys with a hand in his face. He also showed off his range by nailing a shot just inside the half-court line at the buzzer during one of his game. While he made his way as a shooter, Vargas was a sharp ball handler who used head fakes well while slicing through the defense. He dribbles with his head up and was able to find open teammates as well as finish near the rim.

Chevon Williams #157 Liberty High School (Bethlehem, PA) 11th Grade (TEAM UNDERRATED)

While in drills Williams proved himself has a defensive stalwart. He showed great instincts and basketball intelligence as he regularly played passing lanes. Williams also understood defensive concepts and was regularly in the right position playing help defense when the ball was rotated away from his primary assignment. What was perhaps most impressive about Williams was that he communicated so well. He spoke to his teammates and called out every cut, pick and offensive move. While he is relatively short he makes up for it with long-arms and looks to contest every pass and shot.

By ZACH BRAZILLER (NY POST)

 Isaiah Whitehead and C.J. Davis are throwbacks – egoless, academically responsible and team-first. They have the personas of role players – willing to cede the spotlight to others – which is ironic because they are anything but complementary pieces.

They are, in some ways, the future of New York City basketball, rising sophomore stars being counted on to carry their respective high school programs in the years to come, talent evaluator Tom Konchalski says.

“They may be the next hope of New York,” Konchalski said. “What they share in common is an unusually mature feel for the game for young kids. They both have tremendous futures.”

Denis Gostev

Lincoln's Isaiah Whitehead will start for Brooklyn in today's Battle of the Boroughs showcase.

zach braziller

Along with Whitehead, C.J. Davis is one of the top rising sophomores in the city.

That will be clear today as the two youngsters will start for their respective teams in the second annual Battle of the Boroughs, a showcase at Gauchos Gym in The Bronx featuring many of the city’s top upperclassmen prospects.

In an age when every talented prospect is seemingly switching schools like kids used to switch hats, looking for the biggest and the best programs, Davis and Whitehead plan to remain at their schools for the duration and have played for the same AAU program for years.

“I’d rather play the best and beat the best than be with the best,” said Davis, a 6-foot-1 pass-first point guard with a sweet stroke from the perimeter.

Davis picked Archbishop Molloy for education above all else. He didn’t play varsity basketball as a freshman, though the coaching staff wanted to give him the opportunity, because he wanted to focus on his education. All he did was compile an impressive 96 average and lead the freshman team to the city title.

The highly ranked Whitehead was hailed as the next great player at Lincoln before he even walked through the Coney Island school’s doors. A 6-foot-4 combo guard, he more than lived up to the hype by leading the Railsplitters to the Brooklyn AA regular season crown, the borough title and Madison Square Garden for the PSAL Class AA title game.

He was revered for his clutch gene, the ability to come through late in tight contests even after struggling early.

“The fourth quarter is when the best players come out,” Whitehead said.

The AAU season was a success for both, even playing with under-the-radar programs. Davis picked up scholarship offers from Washington and South Carolina to go along with serious interest from Miami, Rutgers, Xavier and West Virginia while Whitehead landed offers from St. John’s, Syracuse, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and counts Kentucky and North Carolina among his many interested parties.

The similarities are striking for the team-first dynamos. Neither likes to talk about himself and would rather set up a teammates for an easy shot than score himself, which is probably why players flock to them, Incoming Lincoln transfer Tafari Whittingham said he opted to migrate to Coney Island just for the opportunity to play with Whitehead while Molloy and Team Underrated teammate Gabe Kilpatrick credited Davis with his vast improvement.

“Both go about their business in a quiet fashion, which is refreshing,” said one Division I assistant coach familiar with the two.

Another Division I coach recruiting the two said: “They’re a different breed. … Seniors don’t ask the kind of questions [Davis] asks.”

Neither goes out much, preferring to stay to themselves unless basketball is involved. Though Davis is a better student, Whitehead is responsible just the same, even taking a summer class instead of traveling in July to bump up a grade.

According to coaches, it’s a credit to their strong family backgrounds, for Whitehead his mother, Ericka Rambert, and her brother, Warren, and Davis his parents, Chris and Deborah. Whitehead even says his mother is his role model, not an NBA star, and Davis points to his family, too.

“They taught me how to be humble, never take anything for granted,” he said.

They may never meet in a high school game – Molloy and Lincoln rarely face one another – unless the two schools reach the state tournament in Albany in late March. But today, they will share the court, their bright futures on display for all to see.

TEAM UNDERRATED 15U SUPERSHOWCASE

Coach Dre and CJ 

Coach Dre and Gabe

16U Division II 10th place Champions

Coach Chris, Chavon, Cj, Akil, Bryan, Mike, Nate, Gabe, Justin, Coach Dre, Nick, and Kyle not pictured Antwan and Vinny

Dana King attacking the basket while Malcolm Mathis follows the shot 

Asiah Wilson @ the charity stripe 

14U on Defense @ Nationals

Mel Shawn, Asaih, Malcolm, and Pat 

Team Underrated 15u Super Showcase 2011

Coach Dre & Akil

Coach Dre & Nick

Kyle , Coach Dre, & Evan

Dre, CJ, & Nate

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – C.J. Davis, Archbishop Molloy’s impressive rising sophomore guard, is a unique talent, but his ability on a basketball court isn’t what those closest to him rave about.

Sure, he’s a potent 3-point shooter, an exceptional penetrator and top-notch defender. But ask his Team Underrated coaches and teammates what they like about him and they talk about his unselfishness and cool demeanor – he never has been assessed a technical foul. College coaches talk about his high basketball IQ, comparable to one of their current players. His mom, Deborah, says that stoic, even-keeled temperament isn’t limited to the basketball court; Davis has always been that way, about doing his homework or cleaning his room.

zach braziller

C.J. Davis has already garnered scholarship offers from Washington and South Carolina before his first varsity game for Archbishop Molloy.

“You won’t hear one complaint from him at all,” said Deborah, who made sure to point out he’s never gotten into trouble in school and compiled a 96 average at Molloy this year.

Clearly, the 6-foot-1 15-year-old who rarely leaves his Far Rockaway home for anything other than basketball or school, is different from the typical burgeoning superstar. Asked the players he looks up to, he says Chris Paul because of his ability to get teammates involved and Deron Williams for his mid-range jump shot.

When he picked a high school, he looked at academics, not how many trips the school’s basketball team was taking, when it played on national television or if he could play varsity his freshman year. He was, in fact, given the latter option at Molloy and opted to play on the freshman team. His father, Chris, often received recruiting pitches from rival AAU programs, but C.J. prefers under-the-radar Team Underrated to the New York Gauchos, Long Island Lightning and New Heights.

“I’d rather play the best and beat the best then be with the best,” he said. “I like this team – it’s my family.”

LeBron James, Davis isn’t, though at Molloy he has major shoes to fill. The entire school knows his name and many have hailed him as the program’s savior, the player expected to lead the former powerhouse back to March glory under legendary coach Jack Curran. Hs is often approached by classmates he doesn’t know with kinds words and high hopes.

“I don’t pay attention,” he said. “I just say thanks.”

Davis proved worthy to the hype his freshman year, leading Molloy to the city championship over rival Christ the King with 34 points. Huge scoring outbursts aren’t necessarily the norm for Davis, a pass-first point guard despite his obvious offensive prowess.

In leading Team Underrated to the AAU Super Showcase 15U copper division title this week, Davis led the club in scoring, but the group got better as the tournament continued because he made sure to get his teammates involved. In the championship game, Davis got off to a hot start, sinking back-to-back 3-pointers, but Team Underrated prevailed because others, such as Kyle Williams and Mike Austin, produced in the fourth quarter.

Even when his teammates were struggling, missing open layups or dropping his passes, Davis didn’t once hang his head. He kept going back to them and it paid off, the unheralded program the only city team to return with hardware.

“He’s one of those teammates you really enjoy playing with,” said Gabe Kilpatrick, Davis’ teammate with Team Underrated and Molloy. “He’s a great leader.”

Kilpatrick said he and his teammates also draw confidence from Davis’ on-court attitude. His expression never changes, no matter the score. He always seems in control, never letting the stage bother him.

“He gives confidence to kids that don’t have any,” Edwards said. “He made Mike Austin a better player, he made Gabe Kilpatrick a better player. If they make a mistake, he goes up to them and asks them where they want the ball next time.”

Though he has yet to play a varsity minute and has spent the summer with nondescript Team Underrated, Washington and South Carolina have already offered Davis a scholarship. Xavier is extremely interested, along with several others, in the player one college coach said is already “the best point guard in the city.”

Another said: “He’s wise beyond his years. He plays like an old man, his IQ. He does nothing fast, never in a rush. It’s like orchestra music versus rock & roll.”

Talent evaluator Tom Konchalski echoed the sentiment.

“He has a maturity that belies his tender age,” the scout said. “He plays the game with a level of intelligence you don’t find in 15-year-olds. He reminds me of an extremely lower case Oscar Robertson. He doesn’t have superior quickness or athleticism, but he manages to get wherever he wants on the court.”

Surely, this is only the start of such praise for Davis. Part of an impressive class at Molloy, the Stanners should be playoff contenders in the years to come. More and more schools will undoubtedly be checking in on Davis. His mother and father have an easy smile when reminded of the fact.

Davis’ expression, however, hardly changes.

“It’s no pressure,” he said. “I want to do my best for my team. I just try to concentrate on what should be done on and off the court.”

With the 17s getting underway in the Super Showcase at Disney, it was time to go off site to get some more looks at 2013 Xavier targets. Read about some of the top performers from those games, plus some information on a 2014 point guard that Xavier is recruiting.

Rick Broering

Gill can really shoot it from the outside.
Gill helps Garner Road to W
One of the better games of the day in 16s action featured the New Jersey Playaz 16s team and the Garner Road Bulldogs. The Bulldogs ended up coming out on top in a close game that featured some high major talent really getting after each other. It also included a few Xavier targets.

One of those target prospects is 6-foot-3 guard Anton Gill of Garner Road. Gill was a big reason for his team's victory over the talented and scrappy Playaz. He finished with 27 points in the game, showing his ability to put the ball in the basket at a high level with Xavier assistant Travis Steele looking on.

Gill is fairly well built for a guard and his strength helps him when going to the basket and when defending. He is a plus athlete that can handle the ball, get to the rim and finish. However, what really separates the 2013 target from most athletic guard prospects at this age is his ability to stroke it from the perimeter. Gill buried four 3-pointers in the game and did so in an efficient manner. Likely a two guard at the college level, some may view him as a combo because of his handle and his high IQ but his ability to score the basketball is what makes him most appealing.

Cameron catches fire
Rick Broering

Cameron hit seven threes Sunday.

Though Garner Road came away with the victory, the Playaz were in the game all the way until the final buzzer. A big reason for that was the play of 2013 forward Reggie Cameron.

Cameron was locked in from the beginning as he buried a three on the first possession for the Playaz and followed it up with three more to close out the first quarter - plus another long jumper that was ruled a two because his toes were on the line. While his guards got it going more throughout the middle of the game (thus eliminating some of his touches), late in the game the Playaz went back to him and he was once again money from the outside. He finished with 23 points in the game and hit seven threes.

At right around 6-foot-7, Cameron likely projects to a stretch four with great skills. He plays with a great understanding of the game and his ability to shoot the ball is special as he is extremely consistent from the outside. A lack of foot speed will probably keep him from playing the three at the next level but with him working on his athleticism there is definitely some upside over the next few years for the 2013 prospect.

Rick Broering

Davis is a promising young point guard.
Remember the name: CJ Davis
Earlier in the morning it was a rare event to get to catch New York's Team Underrated as they played in the finals of the bronze bracket at the 15s age group. Team Underrated pulled off the victory to win the bracket but 2014 point guard and Xavier target CJ Davis was the real story.

The young floor general stood out very early in the game because of his perimeter shooting ability. He hit a few early threes both off the catch and the off the dribble. As the game went on, it was clear that he has a very mature game at a very young age. While handling the point guard duties, he never got himself into bad situations by staying under control and making good decisions. He already understands how to probe the defense without getting too far in or trapped and he sees the floor very well. He also advances the ball up the floor via the pass as opposed to over-dribbling.

Davis is about 6-foot-1 right now and has a very thick, strong build for a point guard. Though not exceptionally quick or athletic, he plays with a very high IQ and maturity well beyond his years. He uses his strength to initiate contact when going to the basket and finishes well while absorbing it. Expect Davis to be a name you hear about down the road with regards to Xavier recruiting.

GOOD LUCK TO OUR 14U SQUAD COACHED BY COACH KAREEM, WE WISH THEM LUCK IN BRINGING BACK A NATIONAL RANKING!!!!!!

With much of the AAU season completed, we felt it was time to update our Player Rankings, starting with the Class of 2014. This is a fairly deep class that has shown a good amount of upside throughout the H.S. and AAU seasons. These rankings are not just based off of play during the AAU season, each player's entire body of work was taken into consideration. On the website here we are posting the Top 25 players, but we will post a Top 50 with an analysis of each player in our upcoming newsletter that should be released by the end of next week. With that said, here is our Top 25 in the Class of 2014:

1- Isaiah Whitehead- 6’4” SG, Lincoln (17u Juice All-Stars)
2- C.J. Davis- 6’1” PG, Molloy (15u Team Underrated-Black)
3- Khadeen Carrington- 6’3” SG, Bishop Loughlin (15u New Heights)
4- Mike Williams- 6’3” SG, Bishop Loughlin (14u The City)
5- Doudmy St. Hilaire- 6’2” SG, South Shore (15u New Heights)
6- Thomas Holley- 6’5” PF, Christ the King (15u Westchester Hawks)
7- A.J. Williams- 6’0” PG, Lincoln (15u Metro Hawks)
8- Adonis De La Rosa- 6’7” PF, Christ the King (15u Metro Hawks)
9- Shavar Newkirk- 6’0” PG, Rice (15u Team Scan)
10- Andre Walker- 5’10” PG, St. Anthony’s (15u Long Island Lightning)
11- Tyrone Johnson- 5’8” PG, South Shore (15u New Heights)
12- Tim Quashie- 6’1” SG, Westbury (15u Unique All-Stars)
13- Isaiah Ice- 6’1” SG, Iona Prep (15u NY Gauchos)
14- Stephen Milhaven- 6’3” SF, St. Mary’s (15u Metro Hawks)
15- Naim Thomas- 5’11” PG, Stepinac (15u Team Scan)
16- Kyle Williams- 6’7” PF, St. John the Baptist (15u Team Underrated-Black)
17- Elisha Boone- 6’3” SF, Bishop Loughlin (15u Metro Hawks)
18- Joshua Wallace- 6’3” SF, Holy Cross (14u King Street Kings)
19- Jaquan Hollingshed- 6’5” PF, Franklin D. Roosevelt (15u Brooklyn Badgers)
20- Chancellor Ellis- 6’4” SG, Christ the King (15u Westchester Hawks)
21- Chris Robinson- 6’2” SG, Rice (15u NY Gauchos)
22- Raven Owen- 5’9” PG, Xaverian (15u Metro Hawks)
23- Nigel Carter- 6’2” SG, St. Anthony’s (15u LI Lightning-Butler)
24- Michael Alston- 5’10” PG, Amityville (15u Team Underrated-Black)
25- Tyshawn Myles- 6’7” PF, Wheels School (15u New Heights)

Youth basketball is always changing. There are always new players to start playing high school basketball. Some of the best players get to play at the next level in college, while most others simply graduate. When those players leave, it makes room for a whole new group. There was one place where you could get a sneak peak at the next group of players who will be showing their skills to the city in one or two years.

The “I Got You Middle School League”, sponsored by Under Armour, has showcased a lot of middle school talent for the last few weeks.

Elmer Anderson, assistant coach of Boys & Girls High School, told me the league started with 16 teams. There were two divisions and each team played 7 league games. The league started just before Memorial Day and games were played on the weekends with some games played on Friday nights.

The tournament is a family atmosphere because there are really only the kids and their parents attending. Anderson told me loves this level of basketball; where you can see talented kids just go out on the court and play. He loves the fact that the kids play hard and there aren’t any egos involved. The players weren’t complaining to the refs when a call was made (maybe to their coach, but not the ref). There was none of the nonsense that goes on once the kids get to high school and the testosterone starts flowing full force through the blood stream. One word Anderson used to describe the tournament was “refreshing”.

The kids are all in middle school, grades 6 through 8. Just from the little sample I witnessed yesterday, all the kids look to be exactly the ages they are supposed to be. In other words, I didn’t see any ringers on the court on any of the four teams I saw last night. The little sixth grade kid who is allegedly one of the best in the entire country looked like a sixth grader. He is smaller than my 12 year old nephew, but he was really good.

The league has been a success, at least in the eyes of a very important company. Under Armour is the sponsor. They provided uniforms for the league and because of the talent of the players they are expanding the league next year. They will be having the “I Got You Middle School League” in Chicago, Philly, and Los Angeles in addition to New York.  

Today, the kids will be put through a basketball combine. That is a series of drills designed to make players better. It is being run today from 9am until 12:30. After the combine, there will be an all-star game showcasing the best players from the league this season. They will be facing a team from Philly.

The game tips off at 2 pm and promises to have a lot of talent. The future of high school basketball in the city will be on display.

Last night, UAC Rockers defeated Parson Beacon 51-46. They will face off against 113, who used a terrific late game run to come back and knock off Team Underrated 58-49.  UAC (United Auto Club) are made up of kids from New Jersey, while 113 is a team out of Brooklyn.

They will play on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.

All games are played at Boys & Girls High School.

Participants for this camp are chosen from the ESPNU 100 Watch List compiled by the ESPN Scouts Inc. basketball recruiting staff. These experts have identified prospects from all over the country in the class who show high potential and Super Soph Camp organizers extend the invitations to them to come.

Kyle Williams, Michael Alston, and Gabriel Kilpatrick also had a great experience to play vs some of the best talent throughout the country.

 Kyle now understands the importance to run the floor hard on every possession and to finish in the paint.

Mike understands the different tempo of the game playing vs multiple point-guards who all had different games..Mike held his own vs some of the top PG's.  In one game Mike played one of the top PG's from the Top 20 game even and they both dropped each other during the game, and gave dap to each other and showed that true respect (:

Gabe now understands in camps like this he has to assert himself more and play with much more confidence...

Just to be at the camp was a blessing in itself with many kids still trying to get in at the last minute...Team Underrated had 4 players at the camp and represented themselves and the program well...Team Underrated Class of 2014 is one of the best in our State..

2011 Super Soph All American Camp Top 40 (Blue Squad)

#43 Evan Bailey (Canton, Ohio)  #38 Kennan Evans (Dallas, Texas), #58Christopher "CJ" Davis (Far Rockaway, NY), #17 Miles Reynolds (Chicago, Illinois), #222 Mavin Saunders (Houston, Texas), #73 Darohn Scott (Grand Rapids, Michigan), #67 Marlon Jones (Chicago, Illinois), #210 Joe Burton (Houston, Texas)

Coach Dre & Kyle Williams

Name: Dana King

AAU Team: Team Underrated

Position: Combo Guard

Class: 2015

Breakdown: King was on his game at the AC Showcase. He averaged over 20 points a game including a 25 point effort in a playoff loss to Positive Force. King will be returning to the MDC with his TU boys and trying to make some more noise. He might be the next Chris Davis for this squad.

Last year Team Underrated had a tremondous amount of kids on our 14u team, with all the talent and the frustation of not getting many minutes and waiting their time is when we made 2 teams.. The teams were then called Black and Silver..Last year Black finished 3rd in the country in Division II and our Silver competed but didnt have the necessary pieces to get it done. Now the pieces are in place, this team is off to a great start heading into July live period. The 15u Black qualified for the 16u Nationals and will also be attending the 15u Super Showcase, while the Silver will be representing TU at the 15u Nationals being held in Arkansas..The 15u Silver will be playing for the Regionals Championship on Memorial Day while going 3-0 in pool play, and defeating a good Lightning-Law and Unique All-Stars squad (Timmy Quashie, Thomas Holley, Terry Harris and Chancellor Ellis) . This team has now created its own identity and skies the limit for this squad...

Anthony Kelly (St.Mary;s), Andre Berry (Malverne), Aaren Jackson (St. John the Baptist), Johnathan Joseph (St.Francis Prep), Payton Johnson (St. Mary's), Kevin Little (St. John the Baptist), Jahwon Gordon (St. Anthony's), Wade Neblett (Molloy), Charlie Joyner (St. John the Baptist), Charles Wingate (St. Mary's) Jarred Morrow (St. Anthony's) , Dalton Prendergast (Not pictured)..

 TEAM UNDERRATED 15U (SILVER) TEAM 2011

17u
1) New Heights (Coach Rahme Anderson)
Key Players:
Tyliek Kimbrough (Bishop Loughlin), Clyde Smith (Hotchkiss, CT), Jimmy Hall (St. Anthony, NJ)
Key Results:
17u Playaz Spring Fling- Champions
17u Basketbull HOF New England Championship- Champions
17u Providence Jam Fest- Gold Bracket Finalists

2) NY Gauchos (Coach Billy Singleton)
Key Players:
Omar Calhoun (Christ the King), Melvin Johnson (Rice), Muhammed Ahmed (JFK)
Key Results:
17u King of New York- Champions
17u King James Shooting Stars- Gold Bracket Quarterfinalists
17u Nike EYBL- 4-6 Record Through 2 Tournaments

3) Juice All-Stars (Coach Casey Williams)
Key Players:
Isaiah Whitehead (Lincoln), Jevon Thomas (OSNA), Shaquille Mosley (Uniondale)
Key Results:
17u Northeast Hoops Festival- Finalists
17u King of New York- Finalists
17u Pittsburgh Jam Fest- Gold Bracket 2nd Round

4) Long Island Lightning- Dingle (Coach Dana Dingle)
Key Players:
Daniel Dingle (St. Raymond), Kamari Murphy (Lincoln), Sheldon Hagigal (West Oaks, FL)
Key Results:
17u Northeast Hoops Festival- Champions
17u Playaz Spring Fling- Quarterfinalists
17u Regionals- Finalists

5) NY Panthers (Coach Paul Ruddock)
Key Players:
Mike Taylor (Boys and Girls), Darrel Lucky (Robeson), Deonte Houston (Wings Academy)
Key Results:
17u Pittsburgh Jam Fest- Gold Bracket Quarterfinalists

16u
1) New Heights (Coach Kimani Young)
Key Players:
Jordan Washington (Pathways), Terrence Samuel (South Shore), Nassir Williams (Rice)
Key Results:
16u Baltimore Elite Invitational- Gold Bracket Champions
16u Providence Jam Fest- Gold Bracket Champions
16u Playaz Spring Fling- Semifinalists
16u Pittsburgh Jam Fest- Gold Bracket 2nd Round

2) NY Gauchos (Coach Tommy Swinton)
Key Players:

Key Results:
16u King of New York- Champions
16u Regionals- Finalists
16u King James Shooting Stars- Gold Bracket Semifinalists
16u Boo Williams Invitational- Silver Bracket Quarterfinalists

3) NY Panthers (Coach Devine Smith)
Key Players:
Travis Flagg (Hudson Catholic, NJ), Tenie Johnson (Campus Magnet), Wesley Myers (Boys and Girls)
Key Results:
16u King of New York- Finalists

4) Long Island Lightning (Coach Shandue McNeill)
Key Players:
Jonathan Severe (Christ the King), Kentrall Brooks (St. Anthony, NJ), Joshua Doughty (Mt. Vernon)
Key Results:
16u Regionals- Finalists
16u Baltimore Elite Invitational- Silver Bracket Semifinalists

5) Metro Hawks (Coach Donald Niang)
Key Players:
Jaquan Lynch (Thomas Jefferson), Kindell Kinloch (Wings Academy), Shakir Lindsay (Teaneck, NJ)
Key Results:
16u Playaz Spring Fling- Quarterfinalists
16u Boo Williams Invitational- Silver Bracket Quarterfinalists

15u
1) Team Scan (Coach Terrance “Munch” Williams)
Key Players:
Chris McCullough (Salisbury Prep, CT), Naim Thomas (Stepinac), Shavar Newkirk (Rice)
Key Results:
15u Providence Jam Fest- Gold Bracket Finalists
15u Atlantic City Showdown- Finalists
15u King of New York- Semifinalists
15u Playaz Spring Fling- Gold Bracket Quarterfinalists
15u Pittsburgh Jam Fest- Gold Bracket 1st Round

2) New Heights (Coach Shawn Mark)
Key Players:
Tyrone Johnson (South Shore), Doudmy Saint Hilaire (South Shore), Devyn Wilson (Bishop Loughlin)
Key Results:
15u King of New York- Finalists
15u Providence Jam Fest- Gold Bracket Semifinalists
15u Playaz Spring Fling- Gold Bracket Quarterfinalists
15u Basketbull HOF New England Championships- Quarterfinalists

3) Metro Hawks (Coach Sean Adams)
Key Players:
Adonis De La Rosa (Christ the King), A.J. Williams (Lincoln), Raven Owen (Xaverian)
Key Results:
16u Hoop Group May Showdown- Finalists
15u Boo Williams Invitational- Gold Bracket Quarterfinalists
15u Baltimore Elite Invitational- Silver Bracket Semifinalists
15u Playaz Spring Fling- Silver Bracket Semifinalists

4) Team Underrated (Coach Andre Edwards)
Key Players:
C.J. Davis (Molloy), Evan Hubbard (Neptune, NJ), Mike Alston (Amityville)
Key Results:
16u Super Regionals- Champions
15u Baltimore Elite Invitational- Silver Bracket Quarterfinalists

5) NY Gauchos (Coach Bingo Cole)
Key Players:
Chris Robinson (Rice), Isaiah Ice (Iona Prep), Jemal Smith (Rice)
Key Results:
15u Regionals- Finalists
15u Playaz Spring Fling- Silver Bracket Quarterfinalists
15u Boo Williams Invitational- Silver Bracket Quarterfinalists
15u King James Shooting Stats- Gold Bracket 1st Round

With the Baltimore Elite Invitational in the books, it is player evaluation time. I focused on the local 15’s and 16’s, so I am sticking to them with the evaluations. I also got a chance to see a few high level players from out of the area that I was able to evaluate. Here are 10 evaluations from this past weekends B-More Elite tournament. If you want more, there will be many more in our upcoming newsletter.

Mike Alston- 5’9” PG, Team Underrated 15’s (Amityville ‘14)- A confident point who proved to be strong and quick, Alston showed the ability to play a equally well in the halfcourt and in transition. Showed a good ability to go at defenders and create going forward at the rim. As a lefty, he tended to be a lot more confident going left, and will have to work on getting stronger using his right, but can becoming a big time point with what he showed this weekend.

Elisha Boone- 6’3” SF, Metro Hawks 15’s (Bishop Loughlin ‘14)- His skills with the ball in his hands are obvious. He is able to get to the basket with ease, and he seems very comfortable going from one end of the court to the other with the ball. Needs to improve his defense though as he lacks the movement on defense to keep players in front of him. Can get a bit too ambitious at times on both ends with his chances, but he has a lot of upside with his ability to play almost anywhere on the court, and he will most likely continue to grow with his lean and slender frame.

C.J. Davis- 6’1” PG, Team Underrated 15’s (Molloy ‘14)- He proved once again to be an elite player in the 2014 class. His ball handling and care of the basketball are among the best you will find. Against Baltimore Elite he was pressured a lot and did try to do a bit too much in getting into tight spaces, but he showed a great pull up jumper, and was a lockdown defender. He was a bit too aggressive on defense at times, but was also all over the court trying to make plays to help his team.

Josh Hart- 6’3” SG, Team Takeover 16‘s (Sidwell Friends, DC ‘13)- Was a spot up shooter, who knocked 4 down in the title game coming off screens and squaring up to the basket. Was moved to the point at times and was able to use his shooting abilities to draw defenders out and beat them off the dribble. Was a bit slow defensively moving side to side against the quick New Heights guards, but showed off unquestioned range and has a high ability to be a major player.

Jorden McNeil- 6’3” SG, Maryland 3D 15’s (Mt. St. Joseph’s, MD ‘14)- Was able to take advantage of the Metro Hawks shaky perimeter defense by burning them from deep. A very versatile combo guard who was also used as a tall point. He was a tough spot up shooter, who came off pick and rolls and found open room for his shot, which left his hands quick and had very good rotation. Will need to improve on getting to the basket, as he didn’t seem very interested in going inside, but with a shooting touch like his, he is one to keep an eye on.

Terrence Samuel- 6’3” PG, New Heights 16’s (South Shore ‘13)- The leader of New Heights who seemed to be the one the players respect the most. Had been struggling with his decision making in prior tournaments, but was solid in Baltimore. He used both hands more, and was especially good in the title game where he was strong at using his left to beat defenders. Great defender who would always come up big on the defensive end, and he never let mistakes affect his play. Showed that when he took two charges in critical spots. A big point with high upside.

Shamiek Sheppard- 6’4” SF, New Heights 16’s (South Shore ‘13)- An unbelievable athlete who showed off a wide variety of abilities in the playoffs. He drove the baseline and elevated over Takeover’s 6’8” big man for a massive throw down, and then stuck a big corner three late. If he is going to make defense’s respect his abilities on the perimeter, then he is going to be a major problem. He is a tweener defensively, but he is getting quicker and can guard 3’s pretty well. Had a great overall tournament, and should just continue to get better.

B.J. Soyemi- 6’0” SG, Metro Hawks 15’s (Christ the King ‘14)- Until this weekend, every time I saw Soyemi he was running the point, and I always thought something looked off. With the Metro Hawks this weekend he played a lot more off the ball and looked a lot more comfortable. He was able to move around the court and was able to find good spots to receive the ball. Was impressive with his footwork as he was able to show speed this weekend I don’t remember seeing in him. If he can become a better and more reliable shooter, with his ability to get open moving without the ball, he can become a very solid 2 guard.

Andre Walker- 5’9” PG, Long Island Lightning 15’s (St. Anthony’s ‘14)- Going up against a bigger and deeper squad he seemed to try too much. He over dribbled at times and tried to be a bit too fancy with the ball. He showed good hands defensively and was one of the better defenders in 15’s in keeping opponents in front of him and getting into passing lanes. Would like to see him run the offense in the half court as he seemed to push tempo at all times. Solid range and ability to finish against a tall front line was impressive.

Nassir Williams- 5’10” PG, New Heights 16’s (Rice ‘12)- I have liked what I have seen recently from Williams, and was sold this past weekend. He showed a tremendous ability to guide a team and beat pressure up the court. Was reliable all tournament long from the mid range and the ball got out of his hands quick. Confident on the court who never seemed rattled in pressure situations. A bit undersized for the point, but does possess the strength to handle the spot. Making his name already this spring with big time performances in big games.

After that game I had to wait an hour until Team Underrated got into action. They took on a scrappy Annadale Bulldogs.

Underrated got out quickly behind the play of Evan Hubbard (Neptune, NJ ‘13). Yes they have C.J. Davis (Molloy ‘14), Gabe Kilpatrick (Molloy ‘14), and Mike Alston (Amityville  ‘14), but it was Hubbard who really stood out. He is a versatile 6’4” wing player who can hurt you from deep, and also put the ball on the floor and beat defenders with a surprising burst. He torched Annadale for 11 first half points, while Davis proved to be the consummate floor general as Underrated led by 10 at the break.

It was a bit dicey in the 2nd half early on as Coach Andre Edwards sat his starters for a good portion on the half, and Annadale closed the gap to just 1 at one point with 8 minutes to go, but when Edwards subbed his starters back in, the game again tipped the way of Underrated and they cruised for a 48-36 victory.

Hubbard led all scorers with 18 points, while Davis chipped in 13.

I had a bit of a break after that game until Underrated played Baltimore Elite at 5, so I decided to hit Chick-Fil-A. We need a Chick-Fil-A in New York. I had 2 of the chicken sandwiches if anyone cares, and I could’ve had 2 more.

Back to basketball, at 5, Underrated played Baltimore Elite. Both teams were 1-0 coming into the game, and the winner would advance to the Gold Bracket, with the loser headed to Silver.

It looked real bad early for Underrated as they fell quickly into an 11-1 hole as Jaylen Adams (John Carroll, MD ‘14) used his length and athleticism to give Underrated fits. It seemed as if Underrated was a bit shell shocked early on. There trap was not getting to the man quick enough, and on offense they were flat out sloppy with the ball. Coach Edwards called a timeout to settle his team down, and it seemed to work.

They came storming back. There trap was aggressive and they were quick to the man. They created steals and turnovers, and converted on the other end. Davis and Alston were getting to the rim and finishing, and when they didn’t finish, Kyle Williams (St. John the Baptist ‘14), was doing a nice job on the inside getting rebounds and contributing a disturbance for Baltimore.

Underrated actually took a 20-19 lead late in the half before a Rodney Elliott (Mt. St. Joseph, MD ‘14) lay in gave Elite a 21-20 lead at the break.

To start the 2nd half, Underrated came out strong. Kilpatrick hit a tough jumper from the right side, and Alston was creating a lot of ball pressure. Underrated took a 31-26 lead with 7 to go, and the Baltimore faithful were definitely starting to get a bit nervous.

At that point though, Baltimore turned up the intensity on their end as well. They became much more aggressive going to the basket, and were also stepping up their defensive pressure and creating steals as Davis may have tried to do a bit too much. Baltimore Elite over the next 5+ minutes would go on a 13-2 run, to retake the lead at 39-33. Most figured it was over, most because Team Underrated had different ideas. With 1:20 to go and down by 6, Underrated chipped away, and they did the chipping with Davis, the stud Freshman, who had just fouled out.

Alston hit a runner in the lane to start it off, and then Baltimore started missed crucial FT’s. They could’ve put it away numerous times, but failed to. It was a 3 point game at 40-37 after Elliott went 1 of 2 from the line with 7 seconds left, when Alston brought up the ball and found Charles “LB” Wingate (St. Mary’s ‘14) on the right wing. He put up a 3 at the buzzer that was good, and the game was tied at 40 heading to OT.

In the OT, both teams struggled to put the ball in the basket. Baltimore converted on 2 FT’s with 20 seconds to go to take a 42-40 lead. Alston drove the lane and missed, but Williams came up with a huge rebound, and he hit the put back at the buzzer to send the game into  2nd OT tied at 42.

All this was being done without Davis, a very impressive feat, sadly though there luck was about to end. Underrated seemingly had nothing left, and they continued to struggle offensively, while Baltimore Elite once again found there groove. They scored the first 6 points of the 2nd OT, and were able to finally hand on for the 49-45 victory.

Wingate led Team Underrated with 12 points, while Kilpatrick added 8. Adams led all scorers for Baltimore with 20 in the hard fought win.

Team Underrated went to Bethlehem, Pa. to qualify for the 2011 Nationals with all the teams in the program and left their with 3 championships and 2 losses in the semi-final game. Team Underrated 12u coached by Mark Hubbard was short handed with all guards but still managed to get something out of their experience of playing in a tourney without any bigs. Our 13u team went through pool play 3-0 and was stumped in the semi-final game to a team they already beat. This was coach Pete Rodgers 1st time on the road without head coach Kathy Gholson and he did a fantastic job but just came up short of qualifying for the Nationals. Our 14u coached by Abdur Kareem had a great weekend by winning their pool and marching on to win the Chip and earned them a spot at the 14u Nationals in Disney World Florida. Our 15u (Silver Team)  coached by new coach Gerald Eugene also came up short and lost in the semi-finals. Our 16u (15u Black) Coached by Andre Edwards won their pool and won the chip with majority of the roster playing up in the Division. The team qualified to play in the Nationals in Disney World Florida.  Our 17u team also coached by a new coach Kevin Jackson (my boy Troy "Escalade" Jackson) brother did a great job by winning the 17u Division to also qualify for the Nationals that will be held in Disnery World Florida as well.

April 13th, 2011 by Jaden Daly 

College basketball is a game of youth, and what better way to find out about the stars of tomorrow than by getting a look at the future?

Fordham University provided that opportunity Tuesday night when it played host to the Hoop Group Top 100 Elite skills camp, showcasing prep stars from across the Northeast for scouts, media, and coaches at the Division II and Division III levels. A total of 125 prospects auditioned for what could very well be their future a few years from now; and while most aren’t at the “can’t miss” prospect level just yet, the majority of these aspiring hoopsters showed off their massive potential for some of the national landscape to see firsthand for themselves. Here’s a brief scouting report on some of the boys that provided some lasting impressions in the Bronx as they continue to chase their dreams:

• Kyle Williams (6-8 Fr., West Islip, NY – St. John The Baptist HS)
Kyle is an athletic young big man that bears a slight physical resemblance to St. John’s rookie Dwayne Polee, but his game is a little more physical inside. Already measuring 6-8 in just his freshman year of high school, Williams demonstrated a Charles Oakley-esque ability to chase rebounds and go after the ball on the defensive side; offsetting his raw offensive game.

• Isaiah Velez (6-3 Jr., Parlin, NJ – Old Bridge HS)
Isaiah’s on-court speed and ability to finish in transition is the most impressive facet of his game. He is a slasher that can attack the basket just as well as he can spot up to shoot from mid-range. In other words, think a poor man’s Jerel McNeal; but less aggressive defensively. Covering the Northeast Conference personally, I can definitely see a player like Velez getting offers from NEC schools in a year’s time if his game improves just a little more.

• David Hardy (6-1 Jr., New York, NY – John F. Kennedy HS)
Same last name and high school as a St. John’s star of the past, but no relation. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any similarities between David Hardy and Dwight Hardy, though. David has a shooter’s touch the same way the Johnny that shares his surname does; but the younger Hardy needs to develop more confidence in his shot when he puts it up. There were many times in which David looked hesitant when under in-game situations, but his determined nature inside is what will endear him to college coaches. A true work in progress that could be a bigger boom than bust for whomever recruits him.

• Chris McCullough (6-9 Fr., Bronx, NY – Salisbury HS)
McCullough was one of the first players that stood out from the moment the camp got underway, blazing through drills and warmups before showing his true potential in competition. A tall and lanky Long Islander that is already rumored to be receiving interest from Connecticut and Pittsburgh, McCullough could be the prototypical Big East power forward/center if he fills out over the next three years. Currently, Chris’ skills are similar to former UConn swingman Stanley Robinson; but he could blossom into a Jeff Adrien/DeJuan Blair type with the proper conditioning.

• Robert Rossiter (6-2 Fr., Staten Island, NY – Xaverian HS)
From the family that gave us oldest brother Steve (former Davidson reserve) and middle child Ryan (the Monsignor Farrell product who went on to dominate at Siena while setting the school rebounding record) comes the latest big man in Richmond County. What you’ll find most impressive about Robert is his ability at such a young age. He plays very much like his brother on both ends of the ball, and even does Ryan one better with his instinctive tendencies to take charge wherever he is on the court. The youngest Rossiter could be ticketed for a mid-major like both of his brothers before him; but being a freshman who will eventually play for legendary Xaverian varsity head man Jack Alesi, it wouldn’t be out of the question to see Robert develop into a Luke Harangody-type big man in one of the BCS conferences.

• Jarrel Marshall (6-6 Jr., Mount Vernon, NY – Mount Vernon HS)
Jarrel is the type of player Bob Cimmino has become notorious for churning out at Mount Vernon: A swingman that could play guard and forward with equal proficiency. What Marshall needs to expose further is his outside game, as he didn’t get many chances to prove himself from beyond the arc. Currently, he looks like fellow Cimmino product and Rutgers star Jonathan Mitchell; but needs to develop his three-point shot a little more to really draw comparisons to “J-Mitch,” or even outgoing St. John’s senior D.J. Kennedy.

• Mike White (6-6 Sr., Staten Island, NY – Lincoln HS)
Of course, when one thinks Lincoln, they think PSAL elite the likes of Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair. White is proving that Tiny Morton doesn’t just give the NBA great guards, and the best part about that is that he does it gradually. You won’t see flash and sizzle right away from White, but at the end of the day he’s a grinder that won’t leave anything on the court. If he were more of a scorer, he would be a lock for a Big East or ACC squad; but don’t be surprised to see him at a mid-major the likes of George Mason or Hofstra, where his style fits right in with the nature of play in the CAA.

• Jordan Fuchs (6-6 So., Rockville Centre, NY – Christ The King HS)
Jordan was probably the biggest diamond in the rough last night, and will no doubt add his name to the Who’s Who of Christ The King basketball players. It’s not easy to make a name for yourself when you’ve played alongside household names like Omar Calhoun and Isaiah Lewis, but Jordan showed a little bit of everything when put to the challenge by the Hoop Group staff. The best thing about him is that he’s got two more years in Middle Village. Already measuring 6-6, it wouldn’t be surprising to see coach Joe Arbitello use him as a big man at the varsity level, which is something that will naturally attract Big East coaches to him if he develops the right way. Just remember: Chris Taft (Xaverian/Pitt) and Curtis Sumpter (Bishop Loughlin/Villanova) were both CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens products too, and Jordan has the potential to outshine both.

• Isaiah Whitehead (6-3 Fr., Brooklyn, NY – Lincoln HS)
The last name on the list is another Lincoln product, but one who hasn’t taken full advantage of what he could bring to the table yet. Only a freshman, Isaiah still has the time to turn himself into a PSAL stud. Already playing for Team USA, Whitehead is a point guard from an institution famous for their exports at that position; and his skills that earned him a spot on the national team should improve over time to the point where even if he doesn’t take his talents to the NBA, he’ll at least be a recognizable name in Division I and/or maybe even overseas as well.

Team Underrated went to Bethlehem, Pa. to qualify for the 2011 Nationals with all the teams in the program and left their with 3 championships and 2 losses in the semi-final game. Team Underrated 12u coached by Mark Hubbard was short handed with all guards but still managed to get something out of their experience of playing in a tourney without any bigs. Our 13u team went through pool play 3-0 and was stumped in the semi-final game to a team they already beat. This was coach Pete Rodgers 1st time on the road without head coach Kathy Gholson and he did a fantastic job but just came up short of qualifying for the Nationals. Our 14u coached by Abdur Kareem had a great weekend by winning their pool and marching on to win the Chip and earned them a spot at the 14u Nationals in Disney World Florida. Our 15u (Silver Team)  coached by new coach Gerald Eugene also came up short and lost in the semi-finals. Our 16u (15u Black) Coached by Andre Edwards won their pool and won the chip with majority of the roster playing up in the Division. The team qualified to play in the Nationals in Disney World Florida.  Our 17u team also coached by a new coach Kevin Jackson (my boy Troy "Escalade" Jackson) brother did a great job by winning the 17u Division to also qualify for the Nationals that will be held in Disnery World Florida as well.

Team Underrated went to Bethlehem, Pa. to qualify for the 2011 Nationals with all the teams in the program and left their with 3 championships and 2 losses in the semi-final game. Team Underrated 12u coached by Mark Hubbard was short handed with all guards but still managed to get something out of their experience of playing in a tourney without any bigs. Our 13u team went through pool play 3-0 and was stumped in the semi-final game to a team they already beat. This was coach Pete Rodgers 1st time on the road without head coach Kathy Gholson and he did a fantastic job but just came up short of qualifying for the Nationals. Our 14u coached by Abdur Kareem had a great weekend by winning their pool and marching on to win the Chip and earned them a spot at the 14u Nationals in Disney World Florida. Our 15u (Silver Team)  coached by new coach Gerald Eugene also came up short and lost in the semi-finals. Our 16u (15u Black) Coached by Andre Edwards won their pool and won the chip with majority of the roster playing up in the Division. The team qualified to play in the Nationals in Disney World Florida.  Our 17u team also coached by a new coach Kevin Jackson (my boy Troy "Escalade" Jackson) brother did a great job by winning the 17u Division to also qualify for the Nationals that will be held in Disnery World Florida as well.

Jay Mumford
NYCHoops.net Staff Writer

After coaching in Wyandanch public schools, founding and coaching his Team Underrated AAU program, and taking over the JV at St. John the Baptist HS, coach Andre' Edwards was looking to go full circle.

J. Mumford
Dantre Langhorne & Paris Parks

I had the priviledge to coach a the NY Lions team based out of Westbury, Long Island and run by Leon Pursoo. Before I took over the team they were 4-3 and thereafter we finished 6-1 with a 10-4 record and 3rd place finish. Not bad for a 1st year team in the semi-pro sector..Congrats to you all on a good season!!!We have 3 players who also were name to the All-Star Team and named All-League..  

ALL LEAGUE TEAMS ANNOUNCED: HUGH “BABY SHAQ” JONES NAMED ACPBL PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!!

Top 10 (In Alphabetical Order)
Khadeen Carrington- 6’3” SG- Bishop Loughlin
C.J. Davis- 6’1” PG- Molloy                       
Adonis De La Rosa- 6’7” PF- Christ the King
Thomas Holley 6’4” PF- Christ the King
Stephen Milhaven- 6’3” SF- St. Mary’s
Tim Quashie- 6’1” SG- Westbury
Chris Robinson- 6’2” SG- Rice
Isaiah Whitehead- 6’4” SF- Lincoln
Kyle Williams- 6’7 PF- St. John the Baptist  
Mike Williams- 6’3” SG- Bishop Loughlin

Next 20 (In Alphabetical Order)
Muhammed Ahmed- 6’3” SG- JFK
Yhanni Bartley- 6’5” PF- Mt. Vernon
Elisha Boone- 6’3” SF- Bishop Loughlin
Joshua Clarke- 6’5” PF- St. Mary’s
Jack Daly- 5’10” PG- Eastchester
Chancellor Ellis- 6’4” SG- Christ the King
Jaquan Hollingshed- 6’5” PF- FDR
Rashaad John- 5’11” PG- Brooklyn Collegiate
Shawn Jones- 6’3” SG- St. Raymond
Gabriel Kilpatrick- 6’2” SG- Molloy            
Shavar Newkirk- 5’11” PG- Rice
Raven Owen- 5’8” PG- Xaverian
Eric Paschall- 6’3” SF- Dobbs Ferry
Lamont Peebles- 5’11” SG- Thomas Jefferson
Doudmy Saint Hilaire- 6’2” SG- South Shore
Naim Thomas- 5’10” PG- Stepinac
Andre Walker- 6’1” PG- St. Anthony’s
Anthony Williams- 6’0” PG- Lincoln
Devyn Wilson- 6’0” PG- Bishop Loughlin
Alex Wolf- 6’6” PF- Hackley

Team Underrated/St. John the Baptist unsigned senior showcase was a huge success. The student-athletes were put through a series of strength and conditioning drills along with fast-break and half court drills. The games were very competitive with alot of good defense being played as well as some great offense.  Everyone worked extremely hard in front of the college coaches that were in attendance. The college coaches walked away from the event with many prospects to recruit. I appreciate all the support from my great staff for helping to put on a great event with many more to come.. Big shout to my boy Jerry Powell for getting the boys mentally ready for the day, and Tobias Harris for showing his support of his former teammate and TU....

It was difficult to pick an all-star team, we actually had some juniors picked in the game but we managed to choose 20 senior student-athlete to represent the 1st Team Underrated/St. Johnn the Baptist Top 20:

• Alexasandar Krsteski- Euoropean Player
• Dantre Langhorne- Greenport High School
• Jordan Parks- Campus Magnet High School
• Paris Parks- Longwood High School
• Vaja Janeshia-
• Justin Stanton- Freeport High School
• Kris Owens- Edison High School
• Will Fortune- St. John The Baptist
• Rishawd Hendricks- Mount Zion Christian
• Danny Thompson- South Shore
• Andre Danny- Freeport High School
• Sean Doman-
• Vincent Jackson- Springfield Gardens High School
• Phillip Page- Copiague High School
• Terrell Rose- Port Jefferson High School
• Cavon Baker- Edison High School
• Tim Pandolphi- The Stony Brook School
• Ishmel Pierre- Hempstead High School
• Chris Cox- Half Hollow Hills West High School

To our due dilegence Team Underrated will be competing in this years 15u SuperShowcase to be held in ESPN Wide World of Sports, Florida...

The 15u Super Showcase is the Premier Boys Basketball Invitational event of the summer.  Each of the teams invited to this event possess some of the most highly recruited players in the country.  This event consist of the TOP 56 TEAMS IN THE COUNTRY. (Last year their were 84 teams involved)

Kyle had a quick growing process while playing and starting on Varsity as a Freshman. Kyle had moments when he played very well and even recorded the 1st Triple Double for a Freshman this past year. Kyle ceiling is very high and stay tuned for his July campaign..Along with fellow teammates the 15u will play a 16u schedule in some tourneys as they plan on competing in the 15u Super Showcase...

HOOP SCOOP'S RANKING OF THE NATION'S TOP 250 FRESHMEN
 (CLASS OF 2014)
Published on March 11, 2011

TEAM UNDERRATED 2010-2011 NATIONALLY RANKED PLAYERS. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 3 PLAYERS. WHO'S NEXT!! 

On July 8, hundreds of thousands of student-athletes across America glued their eyes to the tube and waited for LeBron James to divulge the intricacies of his NBA plans.

Associated Press
"I'm taking my talents to South Beach," said LeBron James

But pro-athletes and student-athletes don't and shouldn't adhere to the same protocol.

With kids switching schools like Ron Artest switches hairstyles, one has to wonder if or when playing hop scotch from school to school is a detriment to the student-athlete. If the pursuit of a better shot at the "big time" comes with side orders of sub-par academics and limited responsibility for one's actions, the "big time" can easily become "no time."

"[When it comes to transfers], I think each case has to be looked at individually," Brookville (N.Y.) Long Island Lutheran coach John Buck said. "Academics are extremely an important factor. Transferring out of one school and into another strictly for basketball reasons is a big mistake for a kid."

Making moves

Long Island Lutheran (LuHi) is no stranger to the world of transfers, but three student-athletes of note have gone through the turnstile over the past year. While forward Jordan Allen jettisoned his zone high school, Bay Shore (N.Y.) High, to attend LuHi, forward Terry Brutus and wing Joe Savaglia left the Brookville private school and returned to their hometown schools - Spring Valley (N.Y.) High and Greenlawn (N.Y.) Harborfields, respectively - to close out their high school careers.

Hofstra-bound Allen enrolled at LuHi over the summer and thus far, the transfer has paid dividends for both sides. The 6-6 Allen (who secured his scholarship prior to the transfer) sought to make a move that would enable a smoother transition to the collegiate level, and LuHi's strength of schedule and strong academics cracked the case for Allen's needs. On the flip side of the coin, the LuHi Crusaders have benefited immensely from Allen's energy and presence in the paint.

	Coach John Buck

"It's been a homerun for our program to get Joe back," Harborfields coach Chris Agostino said of Savaglia, who has averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds this season. "I think it was also a great move for him. He's having a very good year."

Transferring out of a school has also given many players an opportunity to face better competition, play at their natural positions, increase their visibility to college coaches and receive academic support that wasn't available at their local high school. The jump in stock that J.J. Moore witnessed upon transferring from a Brentwood (N.Y.) High, a Long Island public school, to South Kent (Conn.) South Kent Prep can't be ignored.

But for every Moore, there's a kid who pursued greener pastures and landed on barren soil.

The flip side

Yonkers (N.Y.) Roosevelt coach Ken Stevens wasn't whistling Dixie in October. What coach would be after losing both a potential Division I and Division II prospect - talented junior wing Darnell Glover and senior marksman Sha'Vaughn King, respectively - to a prep school in one fell swoop?

The fact that the news of the transfers came on the eve of the season was another heaping teaspoon of salt on an open wound.

J. Mumford
Shemar Owens and Jose Diaz

Basketball is a floundering business in Yonkers public schools. With talent being dispersed among five high schools and financial woes restricting league games to within the city, ball players hopping on the first thing smoking to get out of Yonkers is common. Across town, Yonkers(N.Y.) Lincoln High lost a major talent in Dustin Hogue to the same prep school that enrolled Glover and King - Thomasville (N.C.) Brittain Academy - stripping the city of marquee match-ups between its top-billed players. However, the better competition and visibility that awaited Glover, Hogue and King in their new environment is now a mirage; Brittain Academy folded during the middle of the 2010-11 season.

Focusing on the present

When star players bolt from their zone schools in search of greener pastures, what happens to the teams they left behind? Regardless of the outcome, the show goes on and basketball is still played. Many teams watch their potency and records plunge. Without Hogue's services, Lincoln has struggled and is currently the owner of a 3-9 record. Bay Shore has been able to hover at around a .500 without Allen in the middle. As for Roosevelt, the question is no longer "what if?" but "what now?"

Stevens, who founded NYC's Dyckman Tournament in 1990 and is in his fifth year at the helm at Roosevelt, has coached the group that stuck it out at Roosevelt to a 12-2 record and a playoff seed in Westchester County. Would they have been able to give Westchester powers Mt. Vernon (N.Y.) High and New Rochelle (N.Y.) High some competition with the services of their two former stars? One would guess probably, but Stevens and his players are long past the effects of the transfers.

"We miss [Glover and King] and what they would've been able to contribute to this team," Stevens said. "But whatever happens, we have to move on and continue playing."

These days, Roosevelt doesn't have anyone with the dangerous-from-all-over-the-floor gene like the 6-7 Glover, nor does it have a steady zone-buster like the 6-4 King. In fact, it doesn't boast a single player over 6-2. Guards Jose Diaz and Shemar Owens are 5-11 in platform disco shoes, and its center hasn't been available for the second half of the season. But the thought of postseason life after Stevens witnessed a mere seven kids show up to tryouts and spent four months coaching the art of small ball proves one thing - there's still something to be said for just going to school, playing ball and making the most of your situation.

	Hofstra University
	Assistant coach Allen Griffin

The real 'Decision'

An argument with your boss, a teacher who has it in for you or a spat with your spouse aren't excuses for quitting a job, changing your college major or filing for divorce in the real world. Not only is a transfer not always the "end all, be all" to a less than ideal situation, it can also be an immediate crutch option for when things aren't going as planned. Additionally, the refusal to "stick it out" when your hand is dealt can be a detrimental quality to carry into adulthood.

Student-athletes (as well as the handlers and parents) will often express disdain for a number of things about the current situation, but at what point do daily differences become legitimate beefs that warrant changing schools? At the end of the day, the kid transferring is leaving more than a sports team; he's leaving one institution of learning for another, which in some cases may be a step down academically. When it's done enough times and a pattern begins to develop, it can present a quagmire.

"If a kid transfers too often, it doesn't look good," Team Underrated AAU founder and West Islip (N.Y.) St. John the Baptist junior varsity coach Andre Edwards said. "OJ Mayo transferred [numerous times] and he worked out OK, but he's an exception to the rule. It's a real gray area, but a lot of times it's the parents [behind the transferring]. Kids get better with stability, so parents have to be patient with the growth of their kids. All of that bouncing around makes it harder for a kid to qualify."

Hofstra assistant coach Allen Griffin agrees with the breadth of the issue.

"Whether transferring is good or bad comes with a broad set of factors, but 60 percent of the time, it's a bad move," said Griffin, who is well-versed in the downside of making moves solely based on hoops. Griffin starred at Brooklyn (N.Y.) Paul Robeson in the 1990s, before shipping out west to powerhouse Las Vegas (Nev.) Durango for his senior year. His search for more exposure via balling with the All-Americans on the West Coast backfired immediately; Griffin was academically and socially unprepared for his new environment and consequently returned to Robeson in a month.

"I knew I wasn't going to make it out there," Griffin said. "A kid may want to leave Robeson for another PSAL [Public Schools Athletic League] school like Jefferson because they may get more exposure. But if after the transfer you still don't qualify [academically], it was all for nothing. Kids have so many outside influences like parents and AAU coaches making them want to transfer. As a college coach, I look at transfers and determine why they were done. They should be done more for academic reasons than basketball reasons."

There's also that little detail about the basketball world being immense and unforgiving.

"[As far as transfers go], every situation is different," Agostino said. "But the educational part is what so many kids are missing. They think they're going to be ball players for the rest of their lives, so they transfer just for more exposure. Even if college coaches show up at your gym to watch other Division I players on the court, it doesn't mean an automatic scholarship for you."

To transfer or not to transfer - there's no definitively right or wrong answer. However, it's a decision that should be well thought out and always stretch far beyond just "getting looks."

KEVIN LITTLE CLASS OF 2013

DDANTE FREEMAN CLASS OF 2012

ESPN TOP 100 CLASS OF 2014

1	Tre Lyles		Indiana	PF	6'7"	200	Arsenal Technical H.S. (IN)
2	Justin Jackson		None	SF	6'5"	175	Homeschool Christian Youth Association (TX)
3	Dakari Johnson		None	C	6'8"	250	St. Patrick H.S. (NJ)
4	Tyus Jones		None	PG	5'11"	160	Apple Valley H.S. (MN)
5	Emmanuel Mudlay		None	SG	6'3"	175	Grace Preparatory Academy (TX)
6	Jalen Lindsay		None	SF	6'6"	170	Christ Presbyterian Academy (TN)
7	Jahlil Okafor		None	PF	6'8"	260	Whitney Young H.S. (IL)
8	Paul White		None	PF	6'7"		Whitney Young H.S. (IL)
9	Theo Pinson		None	SG	6'4"		Oak Ridge Military Academy (NC)
10	Craig Victor		None	PF	6'7"	205	Saint Augustine H.S. (LA)
11	Khadeem Lattin		None	C	6'8"		Second Baptist School (TX)
12	Joel Berry		None	PG	6'0"		Apopka H.S. (FL)
13	Leron Black		None	SF	6'6"	175	White Station H.S. (TN)
14	Wayne Selden		None	SF	6'4"		The Tilton School (NH)
15	James Blackmon, Jr.		Indiana	SG	6'2"	170	Bishop Luers H.S. (IN)
16	Malik Yarbrough		None	SF	6'3"		Benton Consolidated H.S. (IL)
17	Drake Harris		None	SG	6'2"		Grand Rapids Christian H.S. (MI)
18	Shaqquan Aaron		None	SF	6'5"		Mater Dei H.S. (CA)
19	Trayvon Reed		None	C	6'9"		Carver H.S. (AL)
20	Richard Lee		None	SG	6'2"		Northeast H.S. (FL)
21	Larry Austin		None	PG	6'0"		Lanphier H.S. (IL)
22	Parker Cartwright		None	PG	5'9"		Loyola H.S. (CA)
23	Trevon Blueitt		None	SF	6'5"		Park Tudor School (IN)
24	Justice Winslow		None	SF	6'4"		Saint John's H.S. (TX)
25	Jackson Forbes		None	PF	6'6"		Prestonwood Christian Academy (TX)
26	Ahmed Hill		None	PG	6'2"		Peach County H.S. (GA)
27	Romelo Trimble		None	SG	6'0"		Bishop O'Connell H.S. (VA)
28	Josh Martin		None	PF	6'7"		Mercer Island H.S. (WA)
29	Anton Beard		None	PG	5'9"		Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High (AR)
30	Tadric Jackson		None	SG	6'1"		Turner County H.S. (GA)
31	Marcus Smith		None	PG	6'2"		Mount Carmel H.S. (IL)
32	Johnnie Vassar		None	PG	6'0"	160	Lawrence Academy (MA)
33	Dominique Collier		None	SG	6'1"		East H.S. (CO)
34	Jackson Davis		None	PF	6'5"		Lafayette H.S. (KY)
35	Quentin Snider		None	PG	5'11"		Ballard H.S. (KY)
36	Stanley Johnson		None	SG	6'4"	180	Mater Dei H.S. (CA)
37	Elijah Staley		None	PF	6'5"	200	Harrison H.S. (GA)
38	Mitch Wilbekin		None	PG	6'0"		The Rock School (FL)
39	Eric Johnson		None	PG	6'0"		Kestrel Heights School (NC)
40	Kelan Martin		None	SG	6'5"		North Hardin H.S. (KY)
41	Terrell Davis		None	PF	6'5"		Lawrence North H.S. (IN)
42	Daniel Hamilton		None	SG	6'2"	155	Crenshaw H.S. (CA)
43	Tyler Herron		None	C	6'8"		St. Edward H.S. (OH)
44	Marvin Saunders		None	PF	6'5"		Trent Internationale School (TX)
45	Trey Thompson		None	C	6'7"		Forrest City H.S. (AR)
46	Sean O'Mara		None	C	6'6"	240	Benet Academy (IL)
47	Tyler Wideman		None	C	6'6"		Lake Central H.S. (IN)
48	Joniah White		None	C	6'8"		Grenada H.S. (MS)
49	Cliff Alexander		None	C	6'7"		Curie H.S. (IL)
50	Paul Turner		None	SG	6'2"		Saint Joseph H.S. (IL)
51	Tyler Ulis		None	PG	5'4"		Marian Catholic H.S. (IL)
52	Joe Burton		None	SF	6'4"		Christian Life Center Academy (TX)
53	Ajon Efferson		None	PG	6'0"		Taft Union H.S. (CA)
54	Isaiah Jackson		None	SF	6'3"	180	Gainesville H.S. (FL)
55	Mike Gilmore		None	PF	6'6"		Jacksonville Episcopal H.S. (FL)
56	Tyler Arens		None	C	6'7"		Marion H.S. (IN)
57	Rohan Blackwood		None	PF	6'4"		Gulf H.S. (FL)
58	Thaxter Spruill		None	C	6'8"		Clinton H.S. (NC)
59	Kyle Williams		None	PF	6'6"		St. John Baptist Diocesan H.S. (NY)
60	Omar Sherman		None	PF	6'6"		Duncanville H.S. (TX)
61	L.J. Peak		None	SF	6'4"		Gaffney H.S. (SC)
62	Karriem Simmons		None	SF	6'4"		Saint Joseph H.S. (IL)
63	Xavier Rathan-Mayes		None	SG	6'3"	180	Christian Faith Center Academy (NC)
64	Ian Theissen		None	C	6'9"	210	Osseo H.S. (MN)
65	Joshua Perkins		None	SG	5'10"	150	Regis Jesuit H.S. (CO)
66	Reid Travis		None	SF	6'2"	170	De La Salle H.S. (MN)
67	Devin Burleson	40	None	PF	6'7"		Price H.S. (CA)
68	Jordan Corbitt	40	None	PG	5'11"		Heritage H.S. (TX)
69	Lance Crawford	40	None	PG	5'9"		Pine Crest School (FL)
70	Clay Custer	40	None	PG	5'10"		Blue Valley Northwest H.S. (KS)
71	Ernie Duncan	40	None	SG	6'0"		Harrison H.S. (IN)
72	Chance Ellis	40	None	SF	6'3"		Christ the King H.S. (NY)
73	Brandon Etienne	40	None	PG	5'9"		North Shore H.S. (TX)
74	Brandon Halton	40	None	PG	6'0"		Dixie Heights H.S. (KY)
75	Dorian Holland	40	None	SG	6'2"		Florence H.S. (CO)
76	Isiah Holman	40	None	PG	5'9"		Saint Louis University High (MO)
77	Demetrius Houston	40	None	SG	6'3"		Central H.S. (AL)
78	Marsalis Johnson	40	None	PF	6'5"		Sierra Canyon School (CA)
79	Jon Johnson	40	None	PF	6'6"		Notre Dame H.S. (IL)
80	Sam Jones	40	None	SF	6'5"		Mesa H.S. (AZ)
81	Justin King	40	None	SF	6'5"		Gary Wirt H.S. (IN)
82	Ricky Landers	40	None	PF	6'6"		Waukesha South H.S. (WI)
83	Nate Mason	40	None	PG	5'7"
84	Lourawls Nairn	40	None	PG	5'10"		Florida Preporatory H.S. (FL)
85	Moses Newman	40	None	PF	6'6"		Fort Lauderdale H.S. (FL)
86	Riley Norris	40	None	PF	6'6"		Sand Rock H.S. (AL)
87	Joey O'Connell	40	None	SG	6'4"		Wilbraham & Monson Academy (MA)
88	Tide Osifeso	40	None	PG	5'7"		Lutheran H.S. (CA)
89	Kyree Perkins	40	None	SF	6'4"		Chicago University H.S. (IL)
90	Khalil Rasheed	40	None	SG	6'3"		North Hardin H.S. (KY)
91	Jarred Reuter	40	None	PF	6'7"	220	St. Mark's School (MA)
92	Michael Robinson	40	None	PG	5'8"		New Britain H.S. (CT)
93	D'Angelo Russell	40	None	SG	6'3"		Louisville Central H.S. (KY)
94	Blake Shannon	40	None	SG	6'0"	150	Tulare Union H.S. (CA)
95	Stephon Sharp	40	None	SG	6'2"		Hopkins H.S. (MN)
96	Robert Steele	40	None	PF	6'6"		Huntsville H.S. (AL)
97	Quinton Stroman	40	None	SG	6'1"		W. J. Keenan H.S. (SC)
98	Alonzo Trier	40	None	PG	5'5"		Federal Way H.S. (WA)
99	D'Marques Tyson	40	None	SG	6'2"		Lakeside H.S. (WA)
100	Tony Upchurch	40	None	SF	6'3"		Pearland H.S. (TX)