2011 Underclassmen Game (Coaches vs. Cancer)

Marcus Gilbert (ANC) - MVP

Erikk Wright (Chester) - MVP & Allen Rubin (Hoop Scoop)

Miles Overton (St. Joseph's Prep)

Rondae Jefferson (Chester) (Left)
Jordan Reed (Wissahickon) (Right)

Shafeek Taylor (Roman Catholic) (Left)
John Davis (Neumann-Goretti) (Right)

< Malik Garner (Chestnut Hill) (Left)
Savon Goodman (ANC) (Right)

Khyree Wooten (Imhotep) (Left)
Jeremiah Worthem (MCS) (Center)
Daiquan Walker (Constitution)

Sometimes the future comes in many different forms, but one thing everybody in the Conshocken Fellowship House Gym yesterday realized was the future is bright for all these guys (if they stay on the path of Hard Work & Faith). Success sometimes never is achieved at an early age but these guys who played in the 2011 Underclassmen Game for the Coaches vs. Cancer showed they are above and beyond the expectations.

I received the chance to watch some of the future bright stars (Soph. & Jrs.) of high school basketball.

The first game featured Underclassmen from the Suburbs & the Catholic League. This game would get exciting and interesting early with Jordan Reed (Wissahickon) coming out with some extremely high difficultly dunk including one alley-oop from half court for him to reverse dunk it. He showed he could extend his range and some great jump shots and he scored 9 of the first 16 points for his team. He would do it all to lead help lead his team in the first half. Miles Overton (St. Joseph's Prep) & Shafeek Taylor (Roman Catholic) would join the mix with to help their team go on a 16-0 run. Taylor would show how elite he was scoring on three different defenders and have the ability to work hard and smooth for each basket. Erikk Wright (Chester) would start up his powerful game with great finishes at the rim and great defensive plays. Wright would put on a show for the crowd and help his team leap back into a lead at half. John Davis (Neumann-Goretti) would help his team gain the lead back by having an electrifying dunk in the first half over another player. Davis showed he could hit shots from the outside and bang with the big guys in the inside. Craig Slade (Bonner) would show the ability to dribble the ball up the court, play defense and score the ball when needed. Reed would get back into his rhythm and make some other extremely tough plays while Overton would be nothing but spectacular by continuing his scoring threat to keep his team close as he would score 16 points in the second half. Wright would finish the game off strong to lead his team to a 115-109 win over the Catholic team and receive MVP.

On another note (X-Factors):

Billy Shank (Neumann-Goretti) was truly a big factor in the game going 3-5 from the 3 point line. Rondae Jefferson (Chester) was himself, as he would show his high skills & abilities to get to the rim and pull up for jump shots.

Suburban

MVP---Erikk Wright (Chester) - 25 Pts. 7 Rbs. 3 Stls.

Jordan Reed (Wissahickon) - 25 Pts. 8 Rbs.

Rondae Jefferson - 16 Pts. 6 Rbs. 5 Asst.

Matt Banas (Hershey) - 13 Pts. 6 Rbs.

Catholic

Miles Overton (St. Joseph's Prep) - 30 Pts. 6 Asst. 6 Stls.

John Davis (Neumann-Goretti) - 20 Pts. 10 Rbs. 2 Blks.

Shafeek Taylor (Roman Catholic) - 12 Pts. 8 Rbs. 5 Stls.

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In the second game, the trend of elite play would continue as this game would feature the Independent vs. the Public. This game would get off to a rough start but Amile Jefferson (Friends Central), would give a great spark for his team and get others involved. Jefferson would show all signs of elite play, including his 360 dunk in the second half. Marcus Gilbert (ANC), who was the game's MVP, would get involved and show his extremely high athletic ability. He would play really good defense and show signs that he could pull up for jumpers. Jeremiah Worthem (MCS) would help the public team with his hard plays to the rim. Daniel Ochefu (Westtown/Villanova) would throw down some strong dunks and blockshots to help his team defensively & keep people from entering the paint. He would penetrate the defense and get inside for tough buckets to lead his team in scoring. Savon Goodman (ANC/Villanova) would come off the bench to extend the lead with his extraordinary dunks and attacks to the rim during the entire game. Malik Garner (Chestnut Hill) would also create great plays for himself and others and show his ability to dribble around others and show some versatility. Daiquan Walker (Constitution) would show off his nasty ankle breaking moves & ability to make difficult lay ups and shots. To solidify the game was getting out of hand, Goodman would pass the ball on a fast break to Gilbert and Gilbert would throw the ball high off the back board with his right hand and Goodman would jump high to catch the ball and finish strong with a two hand dunk. Independent would win 111-79.

On another note (X-Factors):

Maurice "Doo-Wop" Watson (Boy's Latin) would show signs of great play and ability to pass the ball with 7 assist, along with 12 smooth looking but hardworking points. Hans Brase (Hill School) played very well in finishing at the rim and have a sweet touch in shooting ability. Khyree Wooten (Imhotep) would also play a strong game and show the reason why he is one of the most exciting and hardworking players to watch in the league (BTW...nice dunk between the legs at the end of the game).

Private

MVP---Marcus Gilbert (ANC) - 19 Pts. 5 Rbs. 4 Stls.

Malik Garner (Chestnut Hill) - 17 Pts. 6 Rbs. 3 Asst.

Savon Goodman (ANC) - 14 Pts. 10 Rbs. 3 Stls.

Amile Jefferson (Friends Central) - 14 Pts. 6 Rbs. 4 Asst.

Public

Jeremiah Worthem (MCS) 16 Pts. 8 Rbs.

Daiquan Walker (Constitution) 11 Pts. 6 Asst.

Khyree Wooten (Imhotep) 11 Pts. 8 Rbs. 4 Stls.

SOMETHING WILL GIVE (Eddie Mitchell)

Something has to give...you (mentally) or you (physically). When you talk to Eddie Mitchell, a 6'1" pg of LaSalle High, who has signed to play at Rider University next year. He will tell you in plain words, "I like watching myself play". It seems as though, others like to watch him play too.

In watching Eddie play, you tend to get amazed by the things he can do. Eddie, this season was not only all district, he was all city first year and all state. His play lead him to averaging 16 ppg and he found a way every game to help his team win. LaSalle came in 2nd place in the catholic league this year and showed they could play with anybody even though, they did not have same talent as other teams.

Eddie took exactly what he had this season and pulled out some good wins. He showed why he belongs in the elite level of guards. He's extremely athletic and has the ability to really have a impact on the floor when he has the ball in his hands. There is no denying that he will be continue this trend into college.

There is always a Chance (IUP Commit)

Sometimes, there comes a moment where players move on and things tend to shake up a program. The big challenge that IUP has is trying to find out where to start when you have reached the sweet sixteen 2 years in a row and now all of a sudden you find yourself without Thomas Young (MVP of the CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT/PSAC West) after reaching the National Championship & then the following year repeating as conference champs losing Darryl Webb (09-10) regional MVP/(10-11) NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR/CONFERENCE MVP.

How about signing Devante Chance, 5'10" premier point guard from Philadelphia Electric & Technology Charter School. His team is coached by Coach James "Flame" Lewis, a former Roman Catholic star. He not only found a home there but found a way by the end of his career to be given the award of ALL DISTRICT & ALL CITY came up with some big numbers, such as 27 pts. 6 rbs. & 3 stls. against Constitution in the Imhotep Showcase, 19 pts. & 7 asst. in the public league quarterfinals vs. Vaux in OT. and not to forget he was undefeated in the regular season and up until he played Imhotep in the semifinals.

This kid has all the makings of a great D2 player. Many believe he would have been also good for D1, but for him, there's nothing like playing at a program that he has been use to watching. One of his close mentors is Thomas Young who attended IUP for 2 years and was a great elite player. He explained to me, "to see Thomas dominate the game and have such a huge impact, I feel I can do the same", He also talked about how Coach Lombardi (Head Coach), came down to visit him and when he saw his National Finalist ring, he stated "I want one of those for myself, matter fact, I'm going to get one, but mine will say National Championship" He will be a impact player from the jump as Kevin Stewart, who was a great product for IUP was the starting point guard at IUP and helped them reach the high points of their season.

If you ask Chance, how do you feel about the shoes you have to fill. He say, "I'm ready". The opportunity to play in the best arena facility in D2 in the new Kovalchick Complex which seats 5,000 and will be the host of 2011-2012 season. All smiles for Chance. So is there any chance that IUP will bounce back strong.

When you talking Devante & he's on your side...There is always a CHANCE!!!!

Unsigned Senior Showcase 2011

Terrell "Sleepy" Daye (West Philly), Carrington Ward (P.E.T.), Mamadou Diakite (Constitution), Tyreek "Ty-Ty" Riddick (MCS)


On Sunday April 10th, 2011...Retroaction/Runhouse.net put on a senior show case with some of the top seniors in the area who are unsigned and looking for an opportunity to play next year in a college setting. The two games started off at 12 o'clock and 2 o'clock. The two games provided coaches from all over the opportunity look at some top prospects that have yet to sign on the dotted line to help change around and enhance their programs.

In the first game featured some really high prospects from the area that continued to show that they could play on a high level if they use their skills in the right way.

Carrington Ward (P.E.T.) who could easily be a big time prospect for a mid/low major D1 to an All American at the D2 level. In this game, he scored 34 pts. 5 rbs. 6 asst. and 5 stls. This kid has all the natural instinct of an elite player. He manages to stretch the game for himself and others in order to help his team win. He has a lot of upside being 6'3" and shows no sign of slowing down at attacking the rim. His game speaks in volumes He probably is the best unsigned player in the area, with his ability to shoot the ball, point guard skills, finishes hard and plays major defense.

Tyreek Riddick (MCS) 6'2" He scored 17 pts. & 4 asst. while hitting four 3 pointers. He's a sharpshooter, show some great signs of life in the game. He makes everything around him come to him naturally. He showed signs of a handle and the ability to get up on players. He's been a real true threat to players lately and makes no mistake in forgetting about the last play and continuing on. I think he would be a great D2 player, especially in a 4-out or 5-out or transitional type of team.


Mamadou Diakite (Constitution) 6'5" Big Bully inside...He's built like a football player. He looks like he should be playing for Penn State or Temple but has made a constant upward development progress in his game. He made some great plays in rout to 15 pts. and 12 rbs. He seems to not step away from contact and finished hard on 3 occasion where he scored a basket and a free throw. He has great touch from the line and gets up and down the floor pretty good. He's definitely a D2 Player but would be a great D3 player.

Terrell Daye (West Philly) 6'3" Left handed guard who attacks the rim. He shows signs of a really good D2 player and still has room to grow and improve. He has great upside and he will be a really good player. He has the attitude that nobody else has and people really sleep on him. He makes the game come him through being everywhere on the floor to make sure that he can stay in the flow of things. He scored 19 pts. and 8 rbs. I think he could be something special.


Other recognitions:

Kenny Johnson (Abington Friends) 6'2"---Plays with passion but has all the IQ's of an elite player, could be a D1 player after JUCO but a very effective D2 player if he goes that rout. Either way wouldn't be bad. 11 pts.

Chris Stokes (MCS) 6'0"---scored 12 pts. in this game and showed he could hit the outside shot and make smart decisions on the floor. He definitely is a leader on the floor if given the opportunities and has the skills to make adjustments through the game.

Elijah Bradley (School of the Future) 6'6"---He grabbed 15 rebounds. He solidly made the game look easy on the boards. He went up strong with 2 hands and grabbed everything. Great catch and finish. He's very long and athletic and could be a easy 4 on the D2 or D3 level.

Bakari White/ Terrell Johnson (Imhotep) 5'9"---Both are the same size and you could get away from either one. I think both could play on the D2 level but would great in a D3 setting. They have the ability to push the ball up the floor and looks for others in transition.

Basir Fulmore (Dobbins) 6'3"---Has skills and shows ability to attack the rim. He has the skills to play on the D2 level but could also be a JUCO kid. He knows the game and is a true general on the floor. He definitely has a future in college and would be hard to pass on.

Jose Figueroa (Plumstead Christian) 6'6"---His height doesn't describe his game. He reminds of you a bigger kid. Like a guy that could stand toe to toe with someone 6'8". Has great hands and finishes well around the rim, runs the floor and sets up hard. I like this guy for D2.

Elijah Johnson (Lamberton) 6'5"---GREAT SIZE and can shoot the ball. He makes players off and on the ball. He has great mechanics and has consistency with the game. He could be a serious matchup problem for players in D2.

In the second game,

Tyree Johnson (Penn Wood) 5'9" scored 20 pts. & had 10 asst. He has a sharp eye for the floor. He's so fast and has the ability to make plays all over the place. He's a very strong individual that has all the talent in the world to be a D1 player. He was a RBK All American Player.

Mark Wilmer (Prep Charter) 6'6" scored 20 pts. 15 rbs. With JUCO or Prep School work could play low D1 but would be much more effective at the high level in D2. He always seems to be overlooked but has the ability to finish around the rim and is always in the right place.

Markeith Mont (World Comm.) 6'5" scored 16 pts. & makes all the proper decision. This kid was all public/all city/all state and the mvp of his division and one of the top scorers in the city this year, scoring well over 1,000 points in his career. With JUCO or Prep School, he's definitely D1. He's gotten looks from VCU, LaSalle & Rider at one point. He definitely can play the game.

Tyhiem Perrin (Imhotep) 6'4" scored 12 pts. and grabbed 9 rbs. He's is an everything type of guy. Even though he plays guard, he could be a huge prospect for a team looking for someone to be consistent, tough and effective in every way. This is the kid, I would pick up for any purpose, especially defensively.

Darrell Robinson (Bartram) 5'11" scored 16 pts. He's really a quick guard and has all the potential to play on different levels. I think he would benefit from JUCO and would be a solid D2 player and would make a difference on any time in so many different ways.

Earl Brown (Imhotep) 6'6" scored 13 pts. and had 12 rbs. He makes the game come very easy with the minimum amount of shots he takes. He would easily be a big time player if he played for another school. He has D1 talent and skill. He is a solid 4 man but can develop into a great 3. I like the future of this kid. He would dominate D2 if used right and developed.

Andrew Moye (Gratz) 6'3" scored 16 pts. and all the hustle plays during the entire game. He had 6 stls. and made it very difficult for his opponent to score. He never forces things but he is the hard nose player that schools are looking for. I heard some really good D2 schools are after him. He approaches the game with the go-getter attitude.

Others to watch:

Turhan Griffin 6'1" (FLC)---He has the point guard mentality but can shoot the ball. He has skills that would put him in good class of players. He makes very good decisions and makes others around him so much better. He's definitely a D2 talent.

Barry Brockington 6'4" (Bartram)---Mr. Everything. He makes the game come easy because of his decision making. He knows when to run the floor, he can beat any man of the dribble and has pretty good athletic ability and length. He's definitely a D2 talent.

Thomas Moore 5'11" (MCS)---Go-getting guard. I like this kids style. Very smooth and consistent with what he does. He picks and chooses his battles and knows where and what to do with the ball. He's a great on and off the ball defender also. Very quick and elusive. D2

Warren Dogan 6'2" (MCS)---When under control, could be the most lethal player around. He actually has a D1 mentality towards the game with a few adjustments, that I know he could make. He definitely can shoot and get up the floor. D2 effectively.

I want to thank Jack Whitehead (jwhitehead@runhouse.net) & Rasool Hajj (rasnashaj@hotmail.com) for putting together this event & helping kids get the opportunity to be seen. If you need any information about a player or event itself. Please contact me at amosleak@aol.com or the two organizers of the event.

Trawick & Wright (FUTURE STARS)

Sometimes there are things we just can't explain...JABRIL TRAWICK & JERRELL WRIGHT MIGHT BE 2 OF THOSE THINGS ON THE LIST OF MANY!

Reason being is...God has created 2 guys that are tremendously gifted with the ability to play the game at a high level.

Trawick will be attending Georgetown University next year in the Big East Conference and will showcase his talent every home game in the Verizon Center in the Chinatown of D.C. Trawick has been a huge lift for his school's program and created a huge name for himself just about a summer ago where he would take off and do amazing things. He showed some of that in the Labor Classic when he did the "statue of liberty dunk". Trawick would score 14 pts. & lead the suburbs over the city boys in a 114-111 win. He's made so many people a believer and has worked tremendously on his skill for the future.

Wright will be attending LaSalle University next year in the Atlantic 10 Conference and will showcase his talent every home game in the Tom Gola Arena in the Olney Section of Philly. Wright not only dominated his division in scoring but he provided the opportunity to put Dobbins High back on top, as one of the top basketball programs in the public league. His 6'8" frame rocked some old throwback Dobbins shorts from the 80's that would help him show off the old school in his first official game on the Tom Gola Arena floor & scored a cool 11 pts. with a few moves with an up and under move.