Monday, October 17, 2011

Douglas County outlasts Walton in SEBA Fall League Championship Game

Fall Leagues can be an excellent tool for teams to develop team chemistry and help teams prepare for the start of the regular high school season. The Southeast Basketball Academy (SEBA) Atlanta Fall League did just that for all of the participating teams over the course of the past two months. The SEBA League concluded this past weekend with its end of season playoff tournament, where Walton High School and Douglas County did battle in the Championship Game. Douglas County cruised past Pope 62-40 in the first Semi-Final; while Walton held off an athletic North Cobb squad 60-55 in the other Semi-final game. 


Vantrail Commings (6' 4, Wing; Douglas County; 2012)
 The Championship Game itself was a hard fought contest played with much intensity. The majority of the first half saw both teams going back and forth and exchanging leads. It wasn't until the three minute mark of the 2nd quarter when the uptempo Douglas County squad took a double digit advantage behind the all around standout play of Vantrail Commings (6' 4, Wing, 2012) and strong inside production of Jaumonee Byrd (6' 6, Forward; 2012).




Rico Overall (6' 1; PG, Walton; 2013)
 The Tigers extended the lead throughout the third quarter and the first two minutes of the fourth. However, Walton was not ready to surrender. Behind the tremendous play of Junior Point Guard Rico Overall (6' 1, PG, 2013), the Raiders staged a ferocious comeback. Overall was all over the floor; converting drives, hitting pull ups, dishing out assists, and picking off steals. Walton pulled to within two points inside the final two minutes; however, Douglas County stepped up and made some big defensive stops as well as knocking down some crucial free throws down the stretch. The final score was Douglas County 78 and Walton 73.  

Douglas County was led by Commings 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. They also received strong play Richard Kelly (6' 5, Wing, 2012) who had 15 points, Byrd (15 points), Matt Melms (12 points), and
Devante Orebeau (10 points and 4 assists).

Walton was led by Rico Overall's 27 points and 5 assists. Powerfully built strong forward senior Sean Morgan (6'6, Forward, 2012) scored 16 points and pulled down 8 rebounds to cap off a very good Fall Season. John Gibson (6' 7, Forward, 2012) added 10 points and 6 rebounds.

SEBA Fall League Champs Douglas County

 Additional Notes / Observations:
  • Douglas County has a chance to be strong contender in Georgia's Class AAAA this year. The Tigers have excellent athleticism, size and seasoned players. Head Coach Joby Boydstone returns all five starters from a year ago, including Vantrail Commings and Richard Kelly who were All-Region as Juniors. 
  • Walton does not have the High profile Major D1 player they had the past few years; however look for Coach Joe Goydish's to remain in the mix as one of the better squads in AAAAA. This year's squad has a dominating forward in Sean Morgan and a high quality playmaker in Rico Overall to go along with good overall team chemistry. Emerging 6' 7" forward John Gibson might be the x-factor.
  • Douglas County's Vantrail Commings (pictured above) has received significant football recruiting interest from Major Division I schools. However, basketball is his passion and he may prefer to play hoops at the next level. Commings is a beast on the floor on the hardwood. Is 6' 4, but plays much bigger and with a tremendous motor.






      

Friday, October 14, 2011

2011 SEBA Atlanta Shootout (Event Review - Part II)

Here is the second part of the Camp review from the 2011 Southeast Basketball Academy (SEBA) Atlanta All-Star Shootout held on September 24th at Oglethorpe University.

Link: Click here for Part I of the camp review


Additional Camp Standouts

(Listed in no particular order)

Ethan Gillis (6’ 7, Forward, Rabun Gap, 2013) – Long and wiry forward with good future. Uses his size well to be an impact player; plays “big” in the paint. Blocks shots and pulls down rebounds. With continued development of skills and added strength, could very well blossom into attractive target at Division I level.


Reed Dungan (6’ 1, PG, Hiram, 2013) – Possibly the biggest surprise player of the camp, Dungan had a very good offensive showing. Well rounded skill set; effective with penetration and knocked down outside jumper on consistent basis. Sees the floor well and is very good passer. Plays with a lot of confidence and energy. Definite player to watch in Class of 2013.

Christian Browder (6’ 0, CG, Paulding County, 2012)- Athletic Lefty who was one of the top scorers in the camp. Creates for himself very well and is a top notch penetrator/finisher. Averaged 18 ppg and was named Paulding County Player of Year last season as a Junior. Prospect to watch.

Robert “Mitchell” Parker (6’ 8, Forward, North Florida Christian, 2012) – Long post player who demonstrated potential on both ends of the floor. Has ability to knock down jumper when facing up. Good rebounder and length allowed for him to alter many shots on the day. Improved physical strength will help his low post game. Averaged double-double as a Junior last year. Elite academic achiever with 4.4 gpa and 29 ACT score

Jaumonee Byrd (6’ 6, Forward, Douglas County, 2012) – Long and active forward who plays with high energy and hustle. Has a knack for rebounding and defending. Adequate scorer inside the paint extending out to wing.

Matt Catanzano (6’ 4, SG, Armuchee, 2012) – Dead eye outside shooter with good size. Uses screens well to set up his shot. Understands the game and has high basketball IQ. Has ability to post up smaller defenders. Set school record for three pointers in 2010-11. Named All-Region and Northwest Georgia Tip-Off Club Player of Year as a Junior.

Devin Atkins (5’ 6, PG, Vidalia, 2012) – Small statured and compact lead guard that can flat out shoot the rock. Made 112 three pointers last year as a Junior while shooting 46% beyond the arc and averaging 17PPG. Has effective floater in the lane and can keep defense honest with penetration. Was All-Region last season and named to GACA All-Star Game.

Connor Smith (6’ 2, CG, St. Francis, 2012) – Intriguing talent with definite upside potential. Was previously home schooled, will play his first season of high school ball in 2011-12. Long and slim combo guard with deceptive athleticism and high offensive skill level. Can handle ball well and create his shot off the dribble. Excellent three point stroke. Overall game is improving at rapid rate; best ball is ahead of him.

Nick Graf (6’ 6, Forward, South Forsyth, 2012) – Promising forward with well-rounded game. Has good touch on jump shot. Did majority of his scoring on conversion of 15-18 foot jumpers. Solid footwork and uses ball fakes well around the rim. Has good work ethic. Named All-Region as both a Soph and Junior. Strong student with 3.7 gpa.

Dusan Kovacevic (6’ 9, Forward, Rabun Gap, 2015) – Exchange student from Serbia has outstanding size for 15 year old. Plays on Serbian Junior National team. Has a solid level of skill and polish for his age, but as can be expected, has significant room for growth. With normal development will be a D1 prospect.

Ben Blythe (6’ 6, Forward, Pope, 2012) – Blue Collar and physical forward with well-rounded skill set. Above average post defender. Crafty on lower block with good footwork. Can extend defense out to the arc, where he has three point range. Plays with alot of hustle and intensity. Strong leadership qualities. Elite academic student with 3.8 Gpa.

Trevon Shaw (6’ 1, CG, Mill Creek, 2013) – Powerful and athletic guard with multiple offensive weapons. Is very good in transition, but also has shooting skill to stretch defense in half court set. Puts good defensive pressure on ball handler.

Jamal Lancaster (6’2, PG, Jacksonville Fletcher – FL, 2012) – Quick and athletic guard with good size for point guard position. Very active on both ends of floor, is comfortable taking leadership role. Best when driving to the hoop, but has solid looking jumper as well.

Greg Murphy (6’ 4, Wing,Woodland – Bartow, 2013) – Athletic inside-out threat with slashing scoring ability. Had an impressive tip dunk which displayed good leaping ability. Further development of perimeter skills will allow for transition to wing at next level and full realization of potential.

Keith Colquitt Jr. (6’ 2, SG, Eagles Landing, 2012) – Smooth and athletic guard who is very good in transition. Demonstrated good outside looking stroke in half court set. Plays under control. Above average defender with long arms. Starter on Eagles Landing AAA Final Four team last season.

Daniel Peace (6’ 0, PG, Jonesboro, 2013) – Impressive Point Guard with good quickness and court instincts; one of the camp’s top assist men. Excels on the break and makes good decisions with ball. Played significant role as sophomore last season on on Jonesboro’s State Final Four team.

Ryan Lowery (6’ 4, Forward, Gilmer, 2012) – Uses good motor and offensive technique to offset lack of height for position. Very aggressive while attacking basket. Uses angles and body well. Has good handsand “knack” for the ball. Averaged 19 PPG and was named 1st team All-Region as Junior.

John Gibson (6’ 7, Forward, Walton, 2012) – Athletic forward who is starting to come into his own as a player. Strong finisher who had several impressive dunks while attacking basket. Good rebounder with knack for put backs.Has good upside but needs to strive for more consistency.

Brian Egejuru (5’ 10, PG, Central Gwinnett, 2013) – One of the Top 2013 players in attendance. Egejuru is a natural Point Guard who impressed with playmaking ability and poise. Good handle and distributor. Makes players around him better. Very strong on ball defender.

Austin Card (6’ 4, Wing, Pope, 2012) – Wing prospect with extremely long wing span. Has excellent leaping ability and ability to finish well above the rim. Has the physical tools to be a force on both ends of the floor. Super shot blocker for his size. Very good student athlete with 3.6 gpa and 26 ACT score.

Kurt Barger (6’ 2, SG, Crawford Mosley High – FL, 2012) – Active shooter- scorer with strong 190 lbs. frame. Consistently knocked down outside shot from different areas on the floor. Finishes well and is not afraid to power through contact on way to rim. 4.6 GPA attractive to elite academic schools.

Ryan Wilkins (6’ 2, CG, Effingham County, 2013) – Impressed with his offensive skill set and ability to break down defense. Above average athleticism; Aggressive but under control. Quality defender. Will team up with Senior Guard T.J. Rines and fellow 2013 prospect Jay Wright to form a good looking backcourt for Effingham County.

Riley Criswell (6’ 6, Wing/Forward, Carrollton, 2013) – Emerging wing forward who had good camp. More of a perimeter orientated player at this point in his development. Shot the ball very well from mid-range and beyond the arc. Plays hard. Promising future.

Nate Bucher (6’ 1, PG, Providence Christian, 2012) – Playmaker who gets others involved and distributes well. Has strong frame and good ball handling skills. Above average jumper. Quarterback on the floor.

Clayton Roessler (6’ 5, Forward, Lecanto – FL, 2012)–Strong forward with good low block post moves; has good footwork and understands positioning; finishes around the rim. Sees floor well and good passer from the post. Academic standout with 4.6 GPA in classroom.

Ify Imachukwu (6’ 2, SG/SF, Duluth, 2013) – Another 2013 talent that was a pleasant surprise. Very athletic and bouncy prospect who gets to the rim easily and then finishes above it. Not afraid to drive the paint and challenge bigger defenders. Excellent fast break player. Has to avoid tendency to take plays off on defensive end. Overall impressive prospect with bright future.

Honorable Mention Players

Class of 2012: Johnnie McGhee (6’ 3, SG, Memphis Briarcrest Christian, TN); Kolin Zimmer (6’ 0, SG, Jackson County); Donte Moss (6’ 6, Wing, Buckhorn – AL); Chris Boyd (6’ 6, Forward, Cherokee); TJ Rines (5’ 8 PG, Effingham County); Joseph Sciberras (6’ 2, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian); Petar Milivojevic (6’ 2, PG, Crenshaw Christian, AL); Devante Orebeau (5’ 9, PG, Douglas County); Trent Burton (6’ 6, Forward, Winder Barrow); Jamal Davis (5’ 8, PG, Riverwood); Cole Morgan (6’ 4, Wing, Chestatee); Lekeigh McQuillia (5’ 9, PG, Jacksonville Fletcher – FL); Raheem Newton (5’ 11, PG, Augusta Laney); Jalen Bracey (6’ 0, PG, Mill Creek); Colin McKay (5’ 10, PG, St. Pius Catholic); Brian Ginty (6’ 3, SG, Mt. Pisgah); JeVaughn Sanchez (6’ 1, SG, Stone Mountain); Daniel Howell (6’ 3, Forward, Prince Avenue Christian); Damone Williams (6’ 6, Forward, St. Francis); Reid Olson (6’ 3, SG, Woodstock); Migel Ethridge (6’ 1, Gadsden City – AL); Austin Franklin (6’ 1, PG, St. Johns Country Day – FL) ; Keonte King (6’3, Wing, Woodland – Henry); Torrey Johnson (6’ 0 SG, Carrollton); Michael Barney (6’ 4, Wing East Paulding); Colin Perzella (6’ 4, Wing, Lambert); Austin Pearson (5’ 11, CG, Lakeview Academy); Ryan King (6’ 7, Forward, Allatoona);

Classes of 2013: Raekwon Reed (6’ 2, SG, Vidalia); Jay Wright (5’ 11, PG, Effingham County) ; Patrick Petty (5’ 11, SG, Jonesboro,); Greyson Arnold (6’ 4, SG, Calhoun); Amir Arabnia (6’ 2, SG, North Oconee) ; Elijah Blackmon (5’ 11, CG, Pensacola, FL);Beau Blackwell (5’ 10, CG, Creekview); AJ Lasante (6’ 6, Wing, Kolbe);Daniel Brooks (5’ 11, PG, Gordon Lee); DeAngelo Anthony (6’ 1, CG, Lovejoy); Brandon Cerezola (6’ 0, SG, McIntosh); Joe Chapman (5’ 6, PG, Northside Christian – FL); James Powell (6’ 3, SG, Harrison);

Classes of 2014: Avery Patterson (5’ 10, PG, Tri-Cities); Nick Masterson (6’ 5, SG, River Ridge); Ja’Davin Keith (6’ 0, PG, Cherokee);Roger Rickman (6’ 1, PG, Fellowship Christian); JB Charles (6’ 4, SG, Gilmer); Corey Tobin (6’ 4, SG, Woodland-Bartow); Samuel Harris (5’ 9, PG, Tampa Catholic – FL); Jack Shaghnessy (6’ 0, PG, Etowah); Ramel Thompkins (6’ 5, Forward, Vidalia)

Thursday, October 13, 2011

2011 SEBA Atlanta Shootout (Event Review - Part I)

The 2011 Southeast Basketball Academy (SEBA) Atlanta Shootout was held on September 24th at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. The SEBA event was a tremendous day of instruction and exposure for the 180 young men in attendance.

This high quality event, now in its 9th year, was once again directed by SEBA Director Billy LoPresti and his stellar staff. This year's camp featured an excellent group of talented 2012, 2013, and 2014 prospects from throughout Georgia and the entire Southeastern Region. A large number of college coaches from throughout the nation were in attendance to recruit and evaluate players for their respective programs.

Here is a breakdown of the top performers from the event:

Derrico Peck (6’ 6, SG, Etowah, 2012)
Athletic and versatile guard prospect with tremendous potential. Has great length and footwork; can guardall 5 positions at the high school level. Has ability to be high impact player on both ends of the floor. Can handle the ball well for his size and is exceptional finisher, often punctuating drives with emphatic dunks. Mid range Jumper is solid; three point is inconsistent but improving. Good student with 3.7 gpa and above average test scores. Receiving heavy interest and/or holding offers from several Mid Major Division 1 programs.

Adonai Rogers (6’ 2, CG, Berkmar, 2012)
Explosive and wiry combo guard who impressed with his athleticism and scoring ability. Had stretches during camp where he took over the game and scored in bunches. As a scorer, has balanced approach as he is effective from all three scoring zones. Finishes very well in transition and above the rim. Has good body control. Will need to add some weight to slender frame for next level. All-Gwinnett County as a Junior; has transferred to Berkmar for senior season.

Richard Kelly (6’ 5, SG/SF, Douglas County, 2012)
Highly athletic wing prospect who showed out as one of the camp’s top overall prospects. Great leaper who plays above the rim. Consistently scored from all three levels throughout the day. Very good rebounder from wing spot. Needs to continue to focus on staying under control and not forcing action. Great attitude and plays with passion for the game. Averaged 16 ppg and 7 boards per game as Junior. Honor student with 3.8 GPA. Diamond in the rough; has a high ceiling with his best basketball certainly ahead of him.

Dee Washington (6’ 3, SG, Rabun Gap, 2012)
Very Athletic Guard with good strength and leaping ability. Demonstrated a well rounded offensive ability throughout the day; scoring off penetration, from outside, and in transition. Averaged 18 PPG and 6 rebounds as a Junior while being named All-Conference and All-State in North Carolina. Currently has Division I offers/heavy interest from a number of SoCon and Atlantic Sun programs.

Fineto “Andy” Lunguana (6’ 2, SG, Centennial, 2012)
Extremely athletic guard prospect with excellent upside. Has tremendous speed in open court which makes him very good in transition. Can shoot the outside jumper and attack the rim with equal effectiveness. Very good on ball defender and plays passing lanes well. All-Region in tough Region 6-AAAAA last season as a Junior. Has transferred to Centennial for Senior season.

Chukwudubem Okeke (6’ 8, Forward, Jonesboro, 2013)
Emerging big man with tremendous upside potential, he impressed many of the coaches in attendance with his combination of athleticism and length. Excellent finisher in and around the rim, throwing down several power dunks per game. Very good shot blocker, negating manydrive attempts from opponents. Current offensive skill set is limited; however, has only played organized ball for two years and has much room for growth. With continued development, could very well evolve into a highly sought after target at the Division I level.

Daniel Loudermilk (6’ 6, Forward, Mill Creek, 2012)
Long and Athletic Forward prospect who had a strong camp. Finishes well and plays above the rim. Had several impressive finishes in traffic. Exhibited pretty good mid-range jump shot and runs the floor well. Looks comfortable playing on wing and inside.

Derick Pope II (6’ 5, Wing, Grayson, 2012)
Slashing athlete who is very effective around the rim. Had one of the camp’s top dunks in traffic. Top notch rebounder, especially on the offensive end where he has knack for keeping ball active. Has athleticism to rebound, outlet, and run lane on break. Has long arms and is capable of guarding players 2-3 inches taller. Very good help side defender with shot blocking ability. Has solid mid-range jumper. Good work ethic. Elite Academic student with 3.5 gpa and 28 ACT score.

Tristen Harrell (6’ 1, PG, Dalton High, 2012)
Exciting Guard prospect with electric playmaking ability. Excellent leader on fast break; Sees the floor very well and was one of the best passers in camp; often delivering perfect assists to teammates for easy scores. Has very good ball handling ability. As a scorer, has well rounded game with above average outside shot and quickness to score in the paint. Has strong frame and size for point guard position. 1st Team All-Region and All-North Georgia as a Junior.

Nigel Jackson (6’ 7, Forward, St. Francis, 2012)
Developing big man prospect with excellent frame. Has solid perimeter skill set but will be more sought after as an forward operating in the paint. Is at his best operating from high post, where he is a threat to score or draw double team. Sees floor well and hit teammates cutting to basket on multiple occasions. Good rebounder and interior defender. Coachable and attentive to detail.

Brandon Grant (5’ 11, PG, Fayette County, 2012)
Good looking Point Guard with excellent quickness who can both distribute and score.Has strong midrange game and good ability to shoot the ball off the dribble. Leads the break well and has good floor leadership skills. Has long wingspan. Exhibits the confidence desired in a true PG.

Adam Dowell (6’ 3, SG, Lassiter, 2012)
Well rounded Shooting Guard with good size, frame, and fundamentals. Had an excellent day shooting the ball where he seemingly did not miss a three point attempt over the course of several games. Has quick release and can keep defense off balance by putting the ball on the floor. Plays with much intelligence and hustle. Top Notch student with 4.1 GPA and above average test scores. Good looking prospect for higher end academic programs .

Michael Pack (5’ 11, PG, Centennial, 2012)
Lightning quick, strong, and explosive, He has all of the physical tools desired in a prototypical Point Guard. Blew by defenders with his quick first step throughout the day, and knocked down the long jumper when given space. Initiates the fast break well and made good decisions with minimal turnovers. Will share backcourt at Centennial this season with his Identical twin brother Charles (see below).

Charles Pack (5’ 11, PG, Centennial, 2012)
The other half of the “Pack Twins”, Charles is an extremely quick, athletic, and physical playmaker. Very good penetrator and ball handler who routinely draws defense and dishes off for easy buckets. Equally skilled at finishing drives to the rim; has excellent body control and balance. Top notch on ball defender. Natural leader.

Abdulkareem Adekunle (6’ 5, Wing, Providence Christian, 2012)
Exceptional athlete who plays with a good motor; finishes very well and through contact. Cleaned the boards throughout the day and posted a double-double in each of his games. Very good running the lane on fast break, finishing with dunks and strong layups. Overall Offensive skill set is still developing; but he has all the necessary physical tools. Can be excellent defender at next level.Very coachable.

Jeremy Presley (5’ 11, PG, Harrison, 2012)
Crafty Point Guard with scorers mentality and exceptional three point shooting ability. Can shoot the lights out from deep range.Gets excellent separation from defender on pull up jumper and has quick release. Brings good poise as floor leader and understands “draw and kick” principles. Uses change of pace moves to his advantage. Had strong summer on AAU circuit, including 15 ppgand 4 apgat 17u AAU Nationals. Good student with 3.7 GPA that includes several AP classes

Link: Click Here for Part II of the Camp Review