1st Annual Mary Kline Classic

"Famous" Amos Leak & Alex "the Great" Kline

Jalen Gaffney
Columbus, NJ
4th Grade

Khem Birch (Notre Dame Prep/Pitt)

Dunk Contest Winner
Jabril Trawick (Abington Friends/Georgetown)

ALL STAR GAME MVPs

Jerrell Wright (Dobbins/LaSalle)
14 pts. 9 rbs. 5 asst. 3 blks

Jabril Trawick (Abington Friends/Georgetown)
17 pts. 8 rbs. 4 asst. 4 stls.

3 Pt. Contest Winner
Isaiah Williams(Robinson/Marshall)

On May 28th, at 6pm...Pennington, NJ would be taken over by Alex "the Great" Kline. Alex had been emotional for years about the passing of his mother and what better what to do something in memory of her, than using his powers to put together something that would be remembered for ever. Alex would then begin to organize the Mary Kline Classic. An event that would feature over 20 D1 Players who have committed to a range of different schools such as Pitt, Georgetown, LaSalle, St. John's, Rutgers, Marshall, N.C. State, Clemson, Louisville & many others, who are from the Mid-Atlantic Region of the country.

Alex has one particular characteristic that people are so interested in...which is his age. At the age of 16, Alex has excelled in writing for not only his own website http://www.therecruitscoop.com/ but for Rivals and other mega sources around the country. Alex has been a huge force behind the recruiting and scouting circuit and for him to organize such an event, there seem to be nothing he couldn't do. This game would be in the memory of his mother Mary Kline, who had departed this world but remained in his heart. She was diagnosed with malignant brain tumor, and was given 18 months to live but remained with the Kline family for 5 years until her departure. Alex would organize this classic to raise money to fight cancer for the American Cancer Society and the National Brain Tumor Society.

This game would feature huge play by some great talent that would and could be future NBA prospects. One of the biggest names on hand would be Khem Birch (Notre Dame Prep/Pitt), who was recently a McDonald's/Jordan Brand All American and is rated the #1 Center in the country. Khem would contribute 12 pts. 13 rbs. 4 asst. & 2 blks. He showed the ability to finish threw aggressive play, play great help defense & just keep smiling the entire game. Jabril Trawick (Abington Friends/Georgetown) would be the show stopper being able to take 2 trophies home as the Dunk Contest Winner (which can be viewed above us) and MVP for his team having 17 pts. 8 rbs. 4 stls. Devin Coleman (Friends Central/Clemson) would come out hot in the first half leading his team in scoring as they broke through with a huge lead after the first, He would finish with 15 pts. & 4 asst. Tyler Harris (St. Benedict/NC State), would play big with 22 pts. & 6 rbs. as he made all the necessary moves and prominent decisions to help his team. Angel Nunez (Notre Dame Prep/Louisville) would play big with 11 pts. 5 rbs. & 3 asst. and show some great athletic ability and game time intensity. But this game would be dominated and have a great showing by Jerrell Wright (Dobbins/LaSalle) who played tremendously well shooting the ball, inside defense, running the floor & even passing the ball. He won MVP of the winning team with 14 pts. 9 rbs. 5 asst. & 3 blks. He showed the play that scouts had been missing and excluded, but after the game, many recognized him as one of the best players that they have seen around playing tremendously out the gate against whoever would play him.


In the end, the game is listed as a success. There is no doubt in my mind that Alex's mother is proud of his ability to do such a great thing for society and make a huge contribution to the future of many different basketball players. This event would raise $7,000 dollars and bring upon many different potential future ideas and concepts of this event. It was a great turnout and huge fan base would get to see the future of basketball before their eyes. Alex mentioned to the media, "I am truly grateful and humbled by the experience of the players attending, when they didn't have to and they are from all over, they played tremendously well and had a great attitude towards the entire event, which I loved, I can't thank everyone enough for making one of my dreams come true and I will continue to do so, every year so that we can continue to see the future of basketball and even bigger, contribute to a great cause for the world"

On a side note: Jalen Gaffney from Columbus, NJ who is in 4th grade put on a show for the crowd at halftime. He would make tremendous play with his vision and show his incredible ball handling skills. He played wonderful defense and shows his great IQ of the game on the floor. Congratulations to the NJABC basketball program for having such great children play and develop their skills towards their future.

Joe Reid...Where the Lone-Stars are born!

Ask 6'7" Joe Reid, where will you be attending college at next year, 3 weeks ago...You might get an easy answer..."Where I best fit". Now, for some, that might not be a good answer, for his family and others...it's just right. After talking to Joe, he seemed to only be concerned with going somewhere, where he would be comfortable and they would treat him like a family.

Joe was a really good player dating back to his days at Gratz High School, where he would learn to fit in a system that was actually built for his success in the first place. With Joe's performance in high school and highly creditable athletic ability. Joe would soon find out, how much of a better player he could be. Joe would start to receive interest from different colleges about his interest in departing Barton CCC and going into a four year school and being able to make the best of his career somewhere.

In his abilities and development, Texas A&M International would jump on the scene and see something in him that most people wouldn't see...THE POTENTIAL. His Potential would be what he needed to have to make people realize how much of a player he truly could be compared to his great skill now. Joe consistently worked out and focused on his grades and now has found a home in the "Lone-Star" State. The state where everything is big and he will have the opportunity to join the same guys writing on his facebook wall that, they are so eluded to have him join the program next season. Joe also goes into discussion about how his coaches told him what type of player he is and will become with the program and they need him to take it to the next level, seeing that this team had made it to the national tournament this season. Watch out for Joe Reid...He'll be a "Lone-Star" with this family and system of his.

E. Copes...Following in Line!

Following the leader is not always easy, but when things happen for a reason, they tend to be set up in the best interest for the success portion of a person's future career.

It seemed as though, Erik Copes, 6'9" Big from Imhotep Charter was caught in a pretty difficult situation. What's the situation?...

Basically you want the best for yourself but you also don't know where you might fit. With him & his Uncle (Coach Houston), looking upon the different situations going on & there being a need at George Mason, where their head coach would leave and go to Miami University, here comes the dynamic duo. Even though, Erik's Uncle was probably a huge concern and a thought about what would happen because of the departure of Coach Hobbs, there was a great situation that had opened at George Mason in the hiring of Coach Paul Hewitt, who is known for his huge stint at Georgia Tech University.

After texting back and forth with Erik after his commitment, I asked him about what he felt in terms of his commitment. Copes tells me, "It's great for me & I'm ready to get started". I would then go on to tell him, "I remember being on the bench at my alum (IUP) and we took Georgia Tech into overtime and playing against those tremendous bigs he developed". He then would remind me, "don't forget, Chris Bosh was under him". So with Chris Bosh first, then Derrick Favors next, the question is who's the next big talent that will come from under the Hewitt tree...I guess it will be Copes.

He plays with the intensity and as all the natural ability and mentality of a great big. With the system that Hewitt runs, there will be plenty of opportunities for him to be successful, and it does help that his Uncle is going to join him there. Great to see that he sees the bigger picture in all of this, where people might not understand.

Congratz & I wish you the best of luck. Fairfax is going to enjoy this one.

See how Brown gets Down!

Earl Brown who stands at 6'6" from Imhotep Charter jumped on the scene very early when he was freshmen in high school.  As a freshmen and sophomore, he was very productive at Freire Charter. He would find many different ways to help his team reach the fullest potential possible. Something just wasn't right for Brown at Freire and he transfered over to Imhotep, where he would excell early scoring 269 pts. in his junior year. He would then understand what victory tasted like on and off the court. He would show his ability to be athletic and get people to notice how good a player he was. He took his game to another level when he decided to take a back seat in order to help the better production of the team. Earl would not crack the starting line up but would be a huge piece in the success of his team winning a state title this past season. Not only, did he earn the opportunity to win a state & city title but he would also earn a scholarship offer to St. Francis (PA). 

If you talk to Brown about why St. Francis, he would tell you, "OPPORTUNITY". He explain "imagine getting the opportunity to play, get a great education, work hard and people from home would be able to see me play". Even though Brown didn't get the biggest looks and could have easily prepped and went bigger, he found a home in St. Francis (Pa).

After the visits and great experience and help from his team, he would show that he can be as productive as anybody else, by coming up big for his team when they needed him, including his big game in the state championship. He realized his time would come and now the guy who came off the bench with great upside, has now found a place to play Division 1 basketball and make a huge impact from the beginning to the end of his career. 

I wish Earl the best in his next four years. 

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.

________________________________________________________________

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!!!!