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.