Sunday, April 7, 2013
NHSI Championship Recap: 4. St. Benedict's (NJ) vs. 2. Montverde Academy (FL)
At 1:00 PM ET on Saturday afternoon, the National High School Invitational championship tipped off between the fourth-seed St. Benedict's (NJ) and second-seed Montverde Academy (FL). Fans filled the Hanley Center at Georgetown Prep to watch two great teams fight over who would be awarded the nation's no. 1 spot once the final buzzer sounded and the game did not disappoint.
To reach the finals, Montverde had to get through seventh-seed, Oak Hill Academy (VA) led by point guard, Nate Britt (committed to North Carolina), shooting guard, Sindarius Thornwell (committed to South Carolina) and Troy Williams (committed to Indiana) followed by Prime Prep Academy (TX), led by power forward, Jordan Mickey (committed to LSU), center, Karviar Shepherd (committed to TCU) and junior point guard, Emmanuel Mudiay (the no. 3 prospect in the 2014 ESPN 60).
St. Benedict's had defeated fifth-seed La Lumiere (IN) led by shooting guard, Detrick Mostella (committed to Oklahoma State) and the first seed who had not lost since December 2011, Findlay Prep Academy (NV) led by point guard, Nigel Williams-Goss (committed to Washington) and power forward, Christian Wood (committed to UNLV) Williams-Goss missed a decent look from behind the arc as time expired sending St. Benedict's to play Montverde Academy instead of them, which ironically enough was the same situation that put them ahead of Montverde Academy in the rankings after their last second victory in Springfield, Massachusetts at the 2013 Hoop Hall Classic.
After the tip-off it wasn't long before Montverde Academy struck first with a dunk from their power forward, Devin Williams, a West Virginia commit. From early on, St. Benedict's made it obvious that they were going to attack the basket and try to get the Montverde frontcourt in some foul trouble as quickly as possible. St. Benedict's point guard, Tyler Ennis, a Syracuse commit, scored the first points for the Gray Bees trying to draw a foul with an aggressive drive to the hoop. There was no contact on that play but with 5:25 still remaining in the first quarter, Eagles center, Dakari Johnson, a Kentucky commit, had received his second personal foul. It was a great sign for St. Benedict's who then did a great job of pressuring the Eagles' big men and forcing turnovers to fuel their transition offense. This led to a 8-0 Gray Bees run to end the first quarter giving them a 16-9 lead. Power forward, Mike Young (committed to Pittsburgh) had six of those eight points.
The Gray Bees continued their run to start the second quarter off a quick bucket from their explosive guard, Jonathan Williams. With the return of Dakari Johnson into the game, the Eagles were able to re-establish their full interior presence scoring six quick buckets, but overall the second quarter mirrored the first. St. Benedict's was forcing turnovers or quickly getting rebounds into the hands of their guards and pushing the ball in transition. The Eagles had nine first-half turnovers and the Gray Bees had eight points off those turnovers, twelve points off fast breaks. The Gray Bees ball-handlers, Ennis, Williams and top-25 sophomore, Isaiah Briscoe were doing a sensational job of getting the ball in the hands of their teammates who had been feeling it. Tyrell Green had six straight points early in the quarter and Mike Young scored a quick four points later on. The Gray Bees reached their largest lead of the game of 16 with 25 seconds remaining and led 36-22 heading into the locker room.
The last eleven minutes of the game was where the Eagles really came together maximizing all their strengths and stealing what was one of the greatest high school games of the 2012-2013 season. With 2:45 left in the third, Eagles point guard, Kasey Hill (committed to Florida) really started to come alive hitting a three-pointer that instantly created a spark. From there to the end of the quarter, the Eagles went on an 11-3 run including a beautiful assist from Sophomore power forward, Ben Simmons off an offensive rebound to shooting guard, D'Angelo Russell (the no. 24 prospect in the 2014 ESPN 60), and two high-percentage buckets by Dakari Johnson while running the floor after Gray Bees turnovers he forced. The Eagles really returned to their strengths in the third quarter and headed into the final eight minutes down eight, 49-41.
Although the Eagles were 1-7 (14.3%) on three-pointers in the first-half they were able to stay focused from behind the arc and with 4:01 still remaining, they had completed a 10-1 run that included three consecutive three-pointers from Kasey Hill, Migel Cartegena and D'Angelo Russell. The Eagles looked extremely patient, slowly working the ball around the perimeter and down to their big men who kicked it out when the defense collapsed. They were efficiently using the whole shot clock as their ball movement led to higher percentage looks than they had in the first three quarters. St. Benedict's was forced to adapt by spreading their defense but Kasey Hill knew exactly how to take advantage. He was using his speed and athleticism to drive to the hoop and get fouled. He made four consecutive free throws after going 0-6 from the line in the first half.
The Eagles finally stormed back and took the lead off a Ben Simmons tip slam with under a minute to go. The teams continued to battle back-and-forth and with fourteen seconds remaining the Gray Bees regained the lead off a Tyler Ennis three-pointer from the corner, his only one of the game. Ennis looked up exhilarated as we all thought St. Benedict's was about to become the 2013 NHSI Champions but Kasey Hill had something else in mind. With the clock still running, the Eagles inbounded the ball to their elite floor general. He pushed the ball, drew offenders and kicked it out to Jalyn Patterson in the corner who burried the game-winning three with just 3.1 seconds remaining. Patterson was 0-2 from the field before that shot.
It was an unbelievable battle by two great teams led by highly ranked point guards. Congratulations to the Montverde Academy Eagles and Coach Boyle for securing your place as the number one team in the country and 2013 NHSI Champions and to Dakari Johnson who won All-Tournament MVP Honors.
To reach the finals, Montverde had to get through seventh-seed, Oak Hill Academy (VA) led by point guard, Nate Britt (committed to North Carolina), shooting guard, Sindarius Thornwell (committed to South Carolina) and Troy Williams (committed to Indiana) followed by Prime Prep Academy (TX), led by power forward, Jordan Mickey (committed to LSU), center, Karviar Shepherd (committed to TCU) and junior point guard, Emmanuel Mudiay (the no. 3 prospect in the 2014 ESPN 60).
St. Benedict's had defeated fifth-seed La Lumiere (IN) led by shooting guard, Detrick Mostella (committed to Oklahoma State) and the first seed who had not lost since December 2011, Findlay Prep Academy (NV) led by point guard, Nigel Williams-Goss (committed to Washington) and power forward, Christian Wood (committed to UNLV) Williams-Goss missed a decent look from behind the arc as time expired sending St. Benedict's to play Montverde Academy instead of them, which ironically enough was the same situation that put them ahead of Montverde Academy in the rankings after their last second victory in Springfield, Massachusetts at the 2013 Hoop Hall Classic.
After the tip-off it wasn't long before Montverde Academy struck first with a dunk from their power forward, Devin Williams, a West Virginia commit. From early on, St. Benedict's made it obvious that they were going to attack the basket and try to get the Montverde frontcourt in some foul trouble as quickly as possible. St. Benedict's point guard, Tyler Ennis, a Syracuse commit, scored the first points for the Gray Bees trying to draw a foul with an aggressive drive to the hoop. There was no contact on that play but with 5:25 still remaining in the first quarter, Eagles center, Dakari Johnson, a Kentucky commit, had received his second personal foul. It was a great sign for St. Benedict's who then did a great job of pressuring the Eagles' big men and forcing turnovers to fuel their transition offense. This led to a 8-0 Gray Bees run to end the first quarter giving them a 16-9 lead. Power forward, Mike Young (committed to Pittsburgh) had six of those eight points.
The Gray Bees continued their run to start the second quarter off a quick bucket from their explosive guard, Jonathan Williams. With the return of Dakari Johnson into the game, the Eagles were able to re-establish their full interior presence scoring six quick buckets, but overall the second quarter mirrored the first. St. Benedict's was forcing turnovers or quickly getting rebounds into the hands of their guards and pushing the ball in transition. The Eagles had nine first-half turnovers and the Gray Bees had eight points off those turnovers, twelve points off fast breaks. The Gray Bees ball-handlers, Ennis, Williams and top-25 sophomore, Isaiah Briscoe were doing a sensational job of getting the ball in the hands of their teammates who had been feeling it. Tyrell Green had six straight points early in the quarter and Mike Young scored a quick four points later on. The Gray Bees reached their largest lead of the game of 16 with 25 seconds remaining and led 36-22 heading into the locker room.
The last eleven minutes of the game was where the Eagles really came together maximizing all their strengths and stealing what was one of the greatest high school games of the 2012-2013 season. With 2:45 left in the third, Eagles point guard, Kasey Hill (committed to Florida) really started to come alive hitting a three-pointer that instantly created a spark. From there to the end of the quarter, the Eagles went on an 11-3 run including a beautiful assist from Sophomore power forward, Ben Simmons off an offensive rebound to shooting guard, D'Angelo Russell (the no. 24 prospect in the 2014 ESPN 60), and two high-percentage buckets by Dakari Johnson while running the floor after Gray Bees turnovers he forced. The Eagles really returned to their strengths in the third quarter and headed into the final eight minutes down eight, 49-41.
Although the Eagles were 1-7 (14.3%) on three-pointers in the first-half they were able to stay focused from behind the arc and with 4:01 still remaining, they had completed a 10-1 run that included three consecutive three-pointers from Kasey Hill, Migel Cartegena and D'Angelo Russell. The Eagles looked extremely patient, slowly working the ball around the perimeter and down to their big men who kicked it out when the defense collapsed. They were efficiently using the whole shot clock as their ball movement led to higher percentage looks than they had in the first three quarters. St. Benedict's was forced to adapt by spreading their defense but Kasey Hill knew exactly how to take advantage. He was using his speed and athleticism to drive to the hoop and get fouled. He made four consecutive free throws after going 0-6 from the line in the first half.
The Eagles finally stormed back and took the lead off a Ben Simmons tip slam with under a minute to go. The teams continued to battle back-and-forth and with fourteen seconds remaining the Gray Bees regained the lead off a Tyler Ennis three-pointer from the corner, his only one of the game. Ennis looked up exhilarated as we all thought St. Benedict's was about to become the 2013 NHSI Champions but Kasey Hill had something else in mind. With the clock still running, the Eagles inbounded the ball to their elite floor general. He pushed the ball, drew offenders and kicked it out to Jalyn Patterson in the corner who burried the game-winning three with just 3.1 seconds remaining. Patterson was 0-2 from the field before that shot.
It was an unbelievable battle by two great teams led by highly ranked point guards. Congratulations to the Montverde Academy Eagles and Coach Boyle for securing your place as the number one team in the country and 2013 NHSI Champions and to Dakari Johnson who won All-Tournament MVP Honors.
Is the Andrew Wiggins Decision Down to Just TWO?
It has been common knowledge in the college basketball recruiting world that the nation's top-prospect, Andrew Wiggins has narrowed his list of schools down to four: Florida State, Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina. As one of the most hyped high school prospects since LeBron James and the only player yet to commit in the Class of 2013 Top 50, it is without doubt that hoops fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting to hear his decision as it will have a massive impact on the 2013-2014 NCAAB Season.
Following post-game interviews of St. Benedict's (NJ) 60-57 victory over Findlay Prep (NV) during the National High School Invitational Final Four that took place Friday, April 5, the media turned to a person close to Wiggins as soon as Findlay Prep head coach, Todd Simon headed back into the locker room. The badgering quickly began and did not let up until the source gave the people what they wanted and shed a little light on the Wiggins decision.
After some hesitation, a person called out, "It's Kentucky isn't it?" and the source replied, "No, that's out. It's between Florida State and UNC now."
So it is down to the Seminoles and the Tarheels. If Wiggins was to pick Florida State, he would be keeping the tradition alive as both his father and mother who met there also both reside in the athletic hall of fame for basketball and track, respectively. He will also join his best friend and teammate, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, a shooting guard, who has been committed to the 'Noles since October 13, 2012.
If Wiggins committed to UNC he would be joining a class composed of West Charlotte center, Kennedy Meeks, Webb High School power forward, Isaiah Hicks and Oak Hill Academy point guard, Nate Britt that is currently tied for fourteenth in the 2013 college team recruiting rankings. He would also be taking the Tobacco Road Rivalry to another level as the nation's second overall recruit, Simeon small forward, Jabari Parker is committed to Duke.
Whether Wiggins commits to Florida State or North Carolina it is clear that his presence will take that team to the next level and automatically consider them as a contender in the 2014 March Madness, but until that decision is made all people can do is continue to guess where the top player in the country will be taking his talents.
Following post-game interviews of St. Benedict's (NJ) 60-57 victory over Findlay Prep (NV) during the National High School Invitational Final Four that took place Friday, April 5, the media turned to a person close to Wiggins as soon as Findlay Prep head coach, Todd Simon headed back into the locker room. The badgering quickly began and did not let up until the source gave the people what they wanted and shed a little light on the Wiggins decision.
After some hesitation, a person called out, "It's Kentucky isn't it?" and the source replied, "No, that's out. It's between Florida State and UNC now."
So it is down to the Seminoles and the Tarheels. If Wiggins was to pick Florida State, he would be keeping the tradition alive as both his father and mother who met there also both reside in the athletic hall of fame for basketball and track, respectively. He will also join his best friend and teammate, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, a shooting guard, who has been committed to the 'Noles since October 13, 2012.
If Wiggins committed to UNC he would be joining a class composed of West Charlotte center, Kennedy Meeks, Webb High School power forward, Isaiah Hicks and Oak Hill Academy point guard, Nate Britt that is currently tied for fourteenth in the 2013 college team recruiting rankings. He would also be taking the Tobacco Road Rivalry to another level as the nation's second overall recruit, Simeon small forward, Jabari Parker is committed to Duke.
Whether Wiggins commits to Florida State or North Carolina it is clear that his presence will take that team to the next level and automatically consider them as a contender in the 2014 March Madness, but until that decision is made all people can do is continue to guess where the top player in the country will be taking his talents.
Friday, April 5, 2013
"TOP RECRUIT ANDREW WIGGINS ADAPTS TO ATTENTION AS HE NEARS COLLEGE DECISION"
Jason Jordan, USA TODAY, dives into the recruitment of the nation's no. 1 prospect, Andrew Wiggins while he was in Chicago, IL for the 2013 McDonald's All-American Game.
http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/andrew-wiggins-adapts-to-attention-as-college-decision-nears
Follow Jason on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY
http://www.usatodayhss.com/news/article/andrew-wiggins-adapts-to-attention-as-college-decision-nears
Follow Jason on Twitter: @JayJayUSATODAY
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
McDonald's All-American Dunk Contest Highlights
Andrew Wiggins (Huntington Prep, Undecided), Jabari Parker (Simeon, Duke), Aaron Gordon (Archbishop Mitty, Arizona), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Chester, Arizona) and Chris Walker (Holmes County, Florida) put on a show at this year's McDonald's All-American Dunk Contest. It was Chris Walker that took home the honors.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Andrew Wiggins: The Hype is Heating Up
When Andrew Wiggins takes the court for Huntington Prep (W.V.) you cannot shake the aura that surrounds him. The top player in high school carries with him an insane combination of athleticism, length, potential and skill that keeps all eyes focused on him from warm-ups through when the final buzzer sounds.
Story continues under 'Stories' in the 'High School' Section.
Story continues under 'Stories' in the 'High School' Section.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Brandon Knight Breaks his Ankles
Kyrie Irving breaks Brandon Knight's ankles.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Landry Fields Locks It Up
Landry Fields is engaged... well done.
Noel Goes Down
Nerlens Noel left Kentucky's game versus Florida yesterday with a knee injury. He banged it into the hoop's base after attempting to block a shot. This video is not easy to watch.
"The McLemore"
The Kansas Jayhawks bust out "The McLemore" after a big win versus Kansas State.
Stay Classy Staples Center
Will Ferrell was dressed as a security guard at last night's Lakers games vs. The Suns. You gotta love when celebrities make unexpected cameos like this!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
The New Look Knicks
It has been a rough road for Knicks fans since the new millennium but this year things are different. We have been reminded of the aura that surrounds New York Knicks basketball and the high levels of excitement and optimism that once flooded Madison Square Garden. Let’s take a look at what is fueling the Knicks success this season.
The article continues in the 'NBA' Section under 'Stories'
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Okafor kills it at the Hoop Hall Classic
Jahlil Okafor led Whitney Young to a big win against Long Beach Poly at the Hoop Hall Classic. Check out the highlights of his strong performance.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Highlights from the 2013 Hoop Hall Classic
If you weren't in the stands or able to catch some of the major games on ESPN networks, you need to see these highlights from the 2013 Hoop Hall Classic.
via Ballislife, @Ballislife
via Ballislife, @Ballislife
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
2013 Hoop Hall Classic - Stand-out Players and Moments
The 2013 Hoop Hall Classic had several players and moments that resonated through the high school basketball community. Check out the players who excelled and the unforgettable moments from this season's most stacked event to date!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Looking back on the Hoop Hall Classic
Scouting Reports on the Hoop Hall Classic's Top Games will be coming out this week. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis from high school basketball's most stacked event of the year!
Lone Peak vs. Archbishop Mitty, Oak Hill vs. Simeon & Montverde vs. Findlay Prep Recaps & Scouting Reports are out! Check them out on Write-Ups/Recaps section under Stories/News
Lone Peak vs. Archbishop Mitty, Oak Hill vs. Simeon & Montverde vs. Findlay Prep Recaps & Scouting Reports are out! Check them out on Write-Ups/Recaps section under Stories/News
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
2013 Penny Hardaway HoopFest Recap
The 2013 Penny Hardaway Hoopfest took place this past weekend. A lot of elite teams and players came making this recap a definite Must See.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Going to Towns
Kentucky commit puts up a quadruple-double; 16 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists & 11 blocks.
Thursday, January 3rd, 2013
The BEST of 2012
Ballislife.com has uploaded a video featuring their Best footage of 2012. The video is a Must See be sure to check it out!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Top 10 Derrickson
Marcus Derrickson is a Top 10 player in the Class of 2015 and has just officially received an offer from Indiana. I was at the National High School Hoops Fest where the Hoosiers' Head Coach Tom Crean was also in the stands. I guess he was as impressed as I was with the Sophomore.
Lindsey is MVP
Jalen Lindsey put up an MVP Performance with 44 points in the King of the Bluegrass Championship.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Duane Wilson vs. Bronson Koenig
Marquette commit, Duane Wilson Jr. vs. Wisconsin commit, Bronson Koenig at the WBY Shoot-out. Two exceptional point guards from the same area battle it out. Definitely a must see.
Andrew Wiggins & Kasey Hill Show Out at 2012 City of Palms Classic
Andrew Wiggins (#1, 2013) and Kasey Hill (#10, 2013) shined at the 2012 City of Palms Classic!
Les Schwab Invitational Day 1 Highlights
Les Schwab Invitational Day 1 Highlights features some crazy plays featuring top players such as Aaron Gordon featured left.
2012 Charlotte Hoops Recap Challenge
Check out this 2012 Charlotte Hoops Recap Challenge. Plenty of elite players were there including Andrew Wiggins featured left.
Aaron Gordon vs. Jabari Bird
Aaron Gordon and Jabari Bird faced off in the highly anticipated matchup of Archbishop Mitty HS and Salesian High School. They are two of California's most elite talents so check it out.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The No. 2 man goes with Duke
Jabari Parker picked up the blue shirt featuring the White D showing the world that he has officially committed to DUKE. I had the Blue Devils second on my list of which school was most likely to win his services but overall I cannot say I am the least bit surprised by his decision. Duke already had two solid recruits in SG, Matt Jones and SF, Semi Ojeleye and you simply cannot ignore Coach K and Duke's consistent relevance in the elite team conversation of college basketball. I am a huge fan of what Duke has going for them right now. The slashing and shooting capabilities of all three of their recruits will make them lethal on the offensive end both on the perimeter and inside the paint. I predict that Duke will move into the TOP 5 on the 2013 Team Recruiting Leaderboard but it may not end there. Parker's commitment launches Duke to a level where they will be a serious contender in the 2013-2014 season and should peak the interest of other recruits who are looking to play at a school with a legitimate chance at the National Title.
Jabari Parker Ready To Decide
Jabari Parker is almost ready to make his decision. Will it be BYU, Duke, Florida, Michigan State or Stanford??
Jordan Bell SNAPS The Rim
Jordan Bell gets the ball on a fast-break, rises up for the windmill and literally snaps the rim! This is a crazy highlight, it's not everyday you see a high school hooper cause such destruction!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Kennon Noble Rises Up And The Crowd Goes Wild
6'2 Kennon Noble rises up and posterizes a defender. The crowd definitely got a kick out of this one.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The Latest Recruiting Headlines
Dave Telep and Paul Biancardi break down what has been going on in recruiting recently including Jabari Parker's decision to be made this Thursday, December 20th, where Andrew Wiggins stands with his recruiting process and some recent commitments.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Fighting For That Top Spot
Skal Labissiere is making a strong case that could potentially claim him the top spot in the Class of 2015! These highlights feature his 29 point and 11 rebound performance that helped lead his team, Evangelical Christian School to a 64-61 win in overtime.
Three Top-7 Recruits Battled It Out On ESPN
If you missed it, Travis and Archbishop Mitty battled it out all the way through an Overtime period Live on ESPN. Andrew and Aaron Harrison of Travis and Aaron Gordon of Archbishop Mitty each proved why they are Top 7 Recruits in the Class of 2013.
Michigan Football Commit Can Hoop Too
Michigan Wolverine Football Commit, Csont'e York rises up and POSTERIZES a defender. It's always impressive to see a kid excelling both on the field and on the court.
TODAY'S POSTERIZE OF THE DAY
Corey Brewer throws down on Derek Fisher
Friday, December 14, 2012
Roy Williams in the stands for Andrew Wiggins
No. 1 Player in the Class of 2013, Andrew Wiggins has a monster game in front of University of North Carolina Head Coach, Roy Williams.
Dynamic Dominican Duo
Dominican High School Duo, Future Marquette PG, Duane Wilson and No. 1 Ranked Player in the Class of 2015, Diamond Stone combine for 52 points and one crazy highlight reel.
No. 1 Simeon (IL) vs. No. 18 DeSoto (TX)
The top-ranked team in the country Simeon took the court against DeSoto last night. There was a lot of attention on this game now that No. 2 recruit in 2013, Jabari Parker plans to make his college decision in less than a week. Head Coaches Tom Izzo (Michigan State), Dave Rose (BYU) and Mike Krzyzewski (Duke), schools Parker is considering were all present at last night's game. This buzz definitely overshadowed last night's greatest performance, which was by a player already committed to Duke, DeSoto shooting guard, Matt Jones.
Check out the rest of the story in the Write-ups/Recaps section under Stories/News.
Check out the rest of the story in the Write-ups/Recaps section under Stories/News.
No. 10 Archbishop Mitty (CA) vs. No. 11 Travis (TX)
It seemed as if it were almost inevitable that this game would come down to a battle between Archbishop’s athletic and dominant paint presence in Aaron Gordon and Travis’ duo of skilled guard play in Andrew and Aaron Harrison. Despite the great story out of Travis how the banged up Harrison Twins led their team to an overtime victory in front of their future coach at Kentucky, John Calipari, I believe the biggest thing to take away from last night’s game is the crazy potential of the No. 6 recruit in 2013, Aaron Gordon.
Check out the rest of the story in the Write-ups/Recaps section under Stories/News.
Check out the rest of the story in the Write-ups/Recaps section under Stories/News.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Wild Night for Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones (#1, 2014) had a fan in the stands last night who carries more pressure with him than any one else. John Calipari was there to see the Apple Valley Point Guard put up 20 points and 11 assists.
Check out the rest of the story in Write-Ups/Recaps under Stories/News.
Check out the rest of the story in Write-Ups/Recaps under Stories/News.
High School Basketball airs on ESPN tonight!
Aaron Gordon (#6, 2013) for Archbishop Mitty.
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8:00 PM ET
No. 10 Archbishop Mitty (CA) VS. No. 11 Travis (TX) |
Andrew Harrison (#3, 2013) & Aaron Harrison (#5, 2013) for Travis.
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Jabari Parker (#2, 2013) for Simeon.
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9:30 PM ET
No. 1 Simeon (IL) VS. No. 18 DeSoto (TX) |
Matt Jones (#36, 2013) for DeSoto.
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Kevon Looney gets Impressive Triple-Double
Kevon Looney (#6, 2014) went off for an impressive 21 Points, 11 Rebounds and 14 Blocks. Not your standard Triple-Double.
Jabari Parker gets his Skullcandy's Customized
Jabari Parker rocks Skullcandy headphones customized with purple and yellow for top-ranked Simeon Career Academy.
Turgeon reels in Class of 2014, 4-Star Guard
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Romelo Trimble, PG
Class of 2014 |
Maryland
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Where is Jabari Parker headed?
Simeon Career Academy’s Jabari Parker plans to make his college decision December 20th. After an incredible Junior season where he averaged 19.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 3.3 blocks and 1.4 steals per game and was honored as ESPNChicago.com Player of the Year, Illinois' Mr. Basketball and the National Gatorade Player of the Year, Parker is currently listed as the Second Ranked player in the Class of 2013. Parker only lost his first ranked spot recently after the reclassification of Huntington Prep’s Andrew Wiggins. Parker’s list consists of 5 schools: BYU, Duke, Florida, Michigan State, Stanford. Christmas will come 5 days early for one of these schools, but to which one? Here is my predicted order of the likelihood of each decision and what each decision would mean for that team.
5. Stanford:
Stanford ranks 5th on my list for two main reasons: First, Stanford Basketball simply makes the least sense. Duke, Florida and Michigan State are all prominent and established basketball programs fit for the nation’s second overall recruit. BYU also makes sense because as a Mormon, Parker has an opportunity to keep ties to his religion. Second, Stanford is the only school of the five that Parker has not made an official visit too.
Clearly a Jabari Parker commit would do wonders for Stanford basketball as they currently do not make ESPN Recruiting Nation’s Top 40 on the Team Recruiting Leaderboard.
Clearly a Jabari Parker commit would do wonders for Stanford basketball as they currently do not make ESPN Recruiting Nation’s Top 40 on the Team Recruiting Leaderboard.
4. Florida:
Personally, I think Florida would be a great fit for Parker. Florida commits, PG, Kasey Hill (#10 in 2013) and PF, Chris Walker (#9 in 2013) would be great compliments to Parker’s game. They are both extreme athletes who can run the floor and would give Florida’s offense the ultimate balance. From an NCAA fan standpoint, a commitment by Parker to Florida would also intensify rivalries in the SEC. If Wiggins were to pick Kentucky and Parker, Florida, a Wildcats vs. Gators match-up could potentially contend game of the year. These reasons and others may seem like Florida should rank higher on the list but at the end of the day, reports simply suggest it’s unlikely to happen.
3. BYU:
BYU falls in the middle of the pack for me simply because I think it’s more likely than Stanford and Florida but less likely than Duke and Michigan State. It makes sense for Parker to pick BYU due to his ties to Mormonism but I just can’t see the ESPNChicago.com Player of the Year, Illinois' Mr. Basketball, National Gatorade Player of the Year and the No. 2 overall recruit in the Class of 2013 going with a small stage when offers from the biggest and brightest are on the table.
Parker committing to BYU would give them a huge boost, obviously. BYU already has some great role players; they just need that one go-to guy that would elevate their potential.
Parker committing to BYU would give them a huge boost, obviously. BYU already has some great role players; they just need that one go-to guy that would elevate their potential.
2. Duke:
The Blue Devils rank second on my list from primarily a legacy standpoint. They are always in the conversation of elite teams and Coach K is arguably the greatest coach to play for throughout all sports and time.
A commitment by Jabari Parker to Duke would establish quite the duo between him and 6’4 Shooting Guard, Matt Jones. I have always been a big fan of the slasher/shooter combo as a recipe for open shots and resulting success. This duo would exemplify that relationship to a great extent.
A commitment by Jabari Parker to Duke would establish quite the duo between him and 6’4 Shooting Guard, Matt Jones. I have always been a big fan of the slasher/shooter combo as a recipe for open shots and resulting success. This duo would exemplify that relationship to a great extent.
1. Michigan State
The Spartans top my list because of their recruitment of Parker over the recent months and their consistent success year-in and year-out. Head Coach Tom Izzo and his staff have done a great job peaking Parker’s interest. Between the job they have done recruiting and the school’s basketball legacy, I believe Michigan State makes the most sense. Reports seem to indicate a Michigan State commitment is the most likely outcome as well.
5. Stanford
4. Florida
3. BYU
2. Duke
1. Michigan State
We will know for sure on December 20th!
4. Florida
3. BYU
2. Duke
1. Michigan State
We will know for sure on December 20th!
Sophomore, Bryant Crawford is Making a Name for Himself
As only a Sophomore at Gonzaga High School in Washington D.C., Bryant Crawford has already received offers from UConn, SMU, Georgetown, Seton Hall and Indiana. Virginia, Virginia Tech and Maryland have also shown high interest.
Jabari Parker to decide December 20th
Christmas is coming 5 days early for one school! Jabari Parker (#2 in 2013) to make his college decision December 20th. He is considering BYU, Duke, Florida, Michigan State and Stanford.
Chris Walker will RISE
Florida Gator commit, Chris Walker (#9 in 2013) gets up in warm-ups.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Future ACC Center Preview
North Carolina bound, Kennedy Meeks goes up against North Carolina State bound, BeeJay Anya in a Battle of Future ACC Centers. Both players put up Double-Doubles in their meeting at the National High School Hoops Festival.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
National High School Hoops Festival Recap
This weekend I was down in Hyattsville, MD for the National High School Hoops Festival held by DeMatha Catholic High School; two days of intense match-ups featuring some of the nation’s most elite talent playing in front of college coaches and scouts, some of the most credible writers and analysts and hundreds of passionate fans.
Check out my Top 7 Headlines in the Recaps Section under Stories/News.
Check out my Top 7 Headlines in the Recaps Section under Stories/News.
Monday, December 10, 2012
TOP PLAYS from November.
Here are Top 10 Plays from the month of November including some other great plays worthy of consideration.
Warm Reception for Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins took an official visit to Florida State and attended their game vs. rival Florida. Unfortunately for FSU the game was hardly competitive. With a final score of 72-47 the Noles shooting was cold but overall Wiggins' reception was warm. Noles fans stepped up and took it upon themselves to show the top ranked high school player in the nation how badly they want him. Wiggins has a few schools on his radar but Florida State and Kentucky lead the pack.
