Elite 75 prep Showcase Review

There was plenty of talent at this event , but as always there are some  kids that just make a lasting impression on you. Everyone was very aware of Kennedy Meeks PF ( West Charlotte High  2013) and Sindaius Thornwell SG  ( Lancaster, SC 2013) but the most impressive kid in the building this past weekend was Dwayne Morgan SF ( Baltimore City High 2014) he had that rare mixture of size talent and agression that every coach is in search of. This kid was able to defend every position on the floor and on the offensive end play 1-4. He reminds of a Rudy Gay type player but with the aggression of Dwayne Wade every thing that came off the glass he either tried to tip dunk or get the rebound. I haven't seen a kid this young at this size with the ability to handle the ball in a long time. Whoever gets the kids will definitely extend there coaching career by a few years. Other standout  players at the event were

Corey Kellem PG  Magna Vista High School  Martinsville, Virginia  Class 2015
Zandre Givens  PG York Chester High School  Gastonia, North Carolina Class 2015
Markel Pollard SG United Faith Christian Charlotte, North Carolina Class 2014
Trey Foster PG/SG West Charlotte High  Charlotte, Noth Carolina Class 2014
Austin Harris PG West Charlotte High Charlotte, North Carolina Class 2014
Quincy Issaca Wing Nottingham High School Syracuse, New York Class 2015
Derrick Brocks PG Detroit Westside Christian Academy Detroit, Michigan Class 2014
Shabazz Atkins SG Hereford High School Parkton, Maryland Class 2012
Julius Hamilton SG Kennedy Charter School Charlotte, North Carolina Class 2013
Lakeith Ingram Wing Hartsville High School Hartsville, South Carolina Class 2014
LAbryan Shiflett SF Greer High School Greer, South Carolina Class 2013
Jaylen Hinton PG Trinity School Richmond, Virgina Class 2013

Tino Thomas highlight

National Disgrace ( Plight of the inner city athelete)

I am sure by now everyone has either seen or heard about the documentary " National Disgrace" highlighting the many problems in DPS (Detroit Public Schools ). We have all known that for years children were just passed along to the next grade in most major cities school districts not just Detroit. That is why there are so many " Playground Legends" in Detroit, Chicago, New York and Atlanta. Top talent from these cities more often than not can not make it in college. I have talked with several colleges over the past two years and they will tell you we don't even waste time recruiting those districts because they can't adapt to the college life. So as a former inner city athlete I challenge the High School and travel coaches to really tighten up on there athletes. NCAA has basically made it impossible for you to get into college on scholarship with the bottom of the barrel eligibility standards that the schools have put into place. So lets all do our part stop allowing these kids to give little to no effort, don't bring them up believing that they will get a chance to make up an assignment that they just ignored or chose not to do. Let's no go to the teachers and ask them to change a kids grade so that he can help us win because most on the time the kid will end up loosing.

Detroit Spartans 14U highlights

This is why I feel that the Spartans have the best, fastest and most aggressive back court in the state. Just look at this video and funny thing is half of these kids are 13U.

http://youtu.be/qLsGrlTMhIg

The Silent Storm ( Cedric Moten) Flint Southwestern academy 2015 Travel Team: Detroit Spartans

The Detroit Spartans (14U) have quietly assembled the most talented back court in Michigan. They are a fast and aggressive unit if you play soft or are afraid of contact they will expose you. I believe the piece that took them to new heights is the addition of Cedric Moten (Flint Southwestern class of 2015) he may not be as flashy and explosive as the rest of the guard on the Detroit Spartans but he has been the most consistent.  I have watched this team play about 10 games this year and every time they need a basket or a stop it is most likely Cedric Moten that comes thru for them. The team can go 5 deep with guards and all 5 of them would start on most national travel teams, so it is refreshing to see kids with this much talent play together as a team. Every time a team tries to play a zone defense to take away the speed and strength of the guards I have seen Cedric Moten leak out to the perimeter and began to knock down 3 pointers with consistency. If there is a down side to Moten it is his tendency to reach instead of sliding his feet. I personally feel he is in the top 10 players statewide and I am sure the Flint high school coaches won’t disagree. So this summer look for the Detroit Spartans to make a run at several national events. I spoke with the Head Coach DeShawn Bean and he assured me by this summer people will be very aware of these kids, he has purposely cut back on the amount of games the team is playing this spring to give them time to gel and give his bigs time to develop and be ready to contribute to the team. As of right now I would project Cedric Moten as a mid-major prospect but he definitely has the potential for the big time.

Michigan VS Illinois Border Battle

The battle for bragging rights is here. These two states have put out some of the best players in history   Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas. So the rivalry is heating up again this Saturday May 7th  Illinois Flames, Illinois Prymetyme,Detroit Spartans and Michigan Hurricanes are some of the teams that have already committed. This even will only have 1 age group 17U so there will be alot of top talent in the gym. Two of the best point guards in the country will be going at each other with Fred Van Bleet ( Illinois Prymetyme) and Jonathan Campbell ( Detroit Spartans) showing off there skills. For more info on the event or to register your team contact . Coach Shawn 248-238-4822 or Coach Doc 815-608-5100

Some of the best and brightest from the Mid- Atlantic

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Daijon Womack "The Reason"
Daijon Womack is currently in 5th grade.
He's a 5'0 Combo-Guard from South West Philly.
This kid is one of the next Stars from the city of brotherly love.
He can shoot the 3,finish with both hands @ the rim and locks up on D.
His trainer Braheim Wilson of E.T.G Sports helps Daijon work hard on his game.
He's has a B-Average in school. Plays football wants to play in ACC or Big East in college.
There will be much more from Mr.Womack for years to  come.
AAU Club(s): Each One Teach One/Philly Freedom Stars

Fahmir Ali "Mirdy"
Famir is a stocky 4'11 4th grader who plays 11 &12u basketball on the circut.
He's really been making a name for himself traveling with Delaware Royalty 11u.
He's one of their Big 3. After seeing him play, you would never believe he's only 10 years old.
Check him out on (http://www.bballspotlight.com/) He's a scoring guard. He has good size that allows him
to get to the rim and a nice stroke on his shot. Like Daijon he too is a football stud. He's captain of the
No Limit Hurricanes. On the court he reminds you of UCONN Standot Khalid El-Amin.
Catch Fahmir on the circut. You won't be disappointed.
AAU Club(s): Delaware Royalty

Jamal Whittlesey "The Biggest Baby"
Jamal is something you don't see in Delaware a lot. SIZE!
Jamal is in 5th grade. He's about 5'10 200 pound anchor.
He's a tad mythotical on the floor, but with his large wingspan and his wide frame,
it allows him to grab loads rebounds, change shots and score the ball. The upside for him is scary.
The word is he's going to be at least 6'6. With him being another 2 sport athlete the D1 offer should be pouring in for him in the future.
AAU Club(s) Delaware Royalty

Kiyon Johnson "Big Guard"
Kiyon is a coaches dream. Big, Strong, Athletic and multi-talented.
Kyion presents match up problems for any youth team in his age group,
He's a 5'6 lefty who can do it all. There are a lot of 11 & 12u programs tugging at
Kiyon, but you can catch him on the circut with DE Royalty or DC ASSAULT.
He reminds you on Lamar Odom....If he gets to his fathers height of 6'5. His ticket to
college will be punched and he's also a 2.8 student.
AAU Club(s): Delaware Royalty / D.C. Assault

DaQuan Smallwood "DayDay"
DaQuan has really came along. the 6'2 1/2 Forward is currenlty in 8th grade.
He's a 3.5 student, who attends P.S. DuPont in Wilmington,Delaware
DaQuan has made leaps and bounds since late october. He's long, lanky and athletic.
He runs the floor, blocks shots and has begun dunking the ball on a regular basis.
He's currently being sought after by some of Delaware's top programs. However he's only interested in
The Sanford School, Wilmington Christian School and Concord High School a top public school.
If he gets to 6'5-6'6 he will be a nice prospect from the 1st State.
AAU Club(s): East Coast Elite-Thoroughbreds