Mazyck Using Lessons in Making His Name

Ron Bailey, Publisher

December 20, 2007 – When one’s brother is a former Washington, D.C., Player of the Year, numerous opportunities to learn present themselves over the years, both what to and not to do. Markee Mazyck, a 6’4”, 200 pound sophomore forward at Cesar Chavez (DC) has paid attention.

“Watching my brother play at Spingarn (DC)” recalled Mazyck during a pre-season open gym session at Chavez, “I learned whatever you do put forth your best effort. And always stay focused”.

Mazyck has developed a solid outside shot, and plans to do likewise with his off-hand dribbling, a necessary point of improvement he stressed.

His older sibling, Deon Saunders, starred in high school, culminating in 2000 All-Met Player of the Year honor, signed with American University – a real coup for that school as he had big time talent – then transferred to Southern University, where injuries as well as a reported lack of focus derailed him.

Mazyck, who hails from N.E., D.C.’s Paradise section, has also seen the pitfalls present in that portion of the city, and is steeled to avoid them.

Averaging around 20 points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game last year for Chavez, who ended up Charter School League champions, Markee displayed a skill set somewhat similar to his brother’s in that he makes everything look easy, including getting to the rack, hitting jumpers, rebounding, passing, and defending.

This year has been much the same, as he was named MVP of the Barre School Turkey Classic, in addition to dropping 22 points, five assists, and nine rebounds against Baltimore’s Gillman, and 22 points and 12 rebounds versus Coolidge (DC), the last two being pre-season contests.

Moreover, Mazyck is slotted to play all positions on the court at various times this year for Chavez, a school he enjoys attending and playing for.

“It’s good” said the laid back, respectful ‘youngin’ of this season and his team’s progression. “But we can do better”.

That effort to improve will be on display this spring/summer with Triple Threat’s 16 and under team - his first real experience on the national circuit - one that led him to note “I’m looking forward to it”, since last AAU/travel team season he didn’t compete because “I felt I had to work on my game and grades”.

In doing so, colleges other than the handful that have presently scouted him such as Mt. St. Mary’s and New Mexico State, will surely become interested.

Mazyck’ assistant coach at Chavez, Malcolm Battle, will not be surprised when that occurs. The school’s Dean of Students also shared of Markee, “I tell other people, how good a ball player he is, he’s a better kid”.

A kid, who with more experience, work and exposure will surely improve. Markee may not be as well known as his brother was in high school, but then again, Saunders more or less snuck up on people. That could be another thing they have in common.