NCA Takes Its Classic’s Title

Ron Bailey, Publisher

February 18, 2007 – Yesterday, National Christian Academy (Ft. Washington, MD) won the school’s 4th Annual Classic – the first time it has won the event, with a solid 57-40 victory over national power Mount Zion Christian Academy (Durham, NC). National’s senior trio led the way, with point guard Brian McMikle providing 12 points and six assists, while swingman Antonio Haymon chipped in four points and four rebounds, and center Anthony ‘Biggie’ McClain supplied eight points and six rebounds.

Mount Zion as led by senior forward Tracey Smith’s – a future North Carolina State student athlete - 12 points and sophomore forward Karron Johnson’s seven. Junior forward/center Terrance Jennings dropped three points, but had numerous blocks and rebounds as well.

David Diakite (15), a junior with Terrance Jennings. Diakite was the All-Classic Team's alternate, pounding the rims both days and showing he will be a rising force during this season's AAU/travel team season.

Preceding this championship game, the Patterson School (Lenoir, NC) secured third place with a 69-30 victory over Our Savior New American School (Centereach, NY). Jamar Samuels, a junior forward, led all scorers with 21 points, while fellow junior Latiq Adgard chipped in 11.

Junior guard Gerardo Suera led Our Savior with 15 points, and fellow backcourt mate, senior Enrique Benitez, added 10.

Besides being happy taking the Classic’s crown, National’s coach and athletic director, Trevor Brown, felt the event was a success. “I thought it went very well, especially considering the weather” he said, referring to the ice storm that disabled the Washington, DC area for three days prior to Friday.

The weather did impact NCA’s Classic from the standpoint of causing a postponement of the school’s homecoming celebration, scheduled to take place during it: Resultantly, McMikle will have to wait to receive his homecoming king coronation. Despite that setback, Brown rightly concluded “Other than that, the games were very competitive”.

For a recap of day one, click here

The Classic left National with a 17-3 record, and Mt. Zion 14-10. Patterson has a 6-6 win-loss standing, while Our Savior is 12-4.

All-Classic Team

As developed by i95Ballerz.com and several knowledgeable, veteran observers, the 4th Annual NCA Classic’s All-Classic team is as follows:

Anthony ‘Biggie’ McClain (MCA) – A highly recruited 7’0”, 215lb center, McClain not only matched up well with the massive frontline of Our Savior, but also battled the quicker Jennings the following day. McClain has recovered from a foot injury, and showed impressive podiatric quickness. Scored just south of double digits both games.

McClain has a shooting touch he isn’t asked to exhibit in games, as Brown wants him to earn his stripes in the paint – something Anthony has gladly accepted.

There is no wonder schools such as Cincinnati, UConn, Tennessee, Georgetown, Maryland and others have, and will continue to recruit this senior, as they understand his best basketball will be in front of him. He is in no rush – and correctly so – to choose a school.

Antonio Haymon – 6’6” 210lb senior swingman didn’t score as much as he’s capable, but to his credit has embraced rebounding and defending, thereby making himself a more well rounded player. When he did score, on several occasions Antonio punished the rim via hard dunks. Is continuing to develop his face up and midrange skills.

Providence, Stony Brook, Tennessee Tech, Ball State, Marshall and Cincinnati have expressed varying levels of interest.

Jamar Samuels (Patterson) – Jamar, a 6’8” 200lb junior, has greatly improved his game at Patterson, as he attacks the rim forcibly, rebounds, and challenges shooters defensively. His aggressive play against Our Savior saw Samuels attempt to dunk on a defender’s head, get fouled and briefly retreat to the bench to regroup. Jamar wasn’t hurt, and the sequence showed an increased level of toughness he has developed.

His outside game is developing, as are Samuel’s dribble drive skills. He is head and shoulders above last year, in both areas, and the 20+ points he logged both days illustrates it.

Tennessee, South Florida, Cincinnati and Georgetown, amongst others, are showing interest.

All-Classic Team members (l. to r.), Antonio Haymon, Anthony McClain, Brian McMikle (leaning back), and Jamar Samuels. The guys are all friends, and display their kinship with flavor here.

Brian McMikle (NCA) – Senior 5’11”, 180lb point guard saved his best for the championship round, leading his team to victory by utilizing excellent ball handling skills to set up teammates and score himself. McMikle is at home in an environment where he can set up teammates and push the tempo. Against Mt. Zion, Brian controlled the game, particularly in the second half. (For recent McMikle coverage, including recruiting developments, click here).

Expect him to not only continue developing his leadership skills, but fundamentals and understanding of the game as well.

Terrance Jennings (Mt. Zion) – Throughout the Classic, the 6’10”, 225lb junior showed a heckuva a motor; he simply attacks the rim in half court and fast break scenarios unrelentingly, while also cleaning both offensive and defensive glass, as well as blocking shots with aplomb.

Jennings relies on his blend of mobility and athleticism, and is currently developing his back to the basket moves and shooting touch.

Charlotte, Maryland, VA Tech, Oklahoma State, Arizona, UCLA, Nevada, and others have all shown major interest in Jennings. Maryland is currently his leader.

Tracey Smith (Mt. Zion) – A senior headed to North Carolina State next year, Smith is a 6’7”, 221lb forward capable of playing on the blocks and slashing to the cup, and showed both throughout the Classic. Smith scored 20 points over both days.

Asked afterward if he wants to migrate to shooting guard, Smith indicated small forward will be his position. With his strength and skills, Smith should do well on Tobacco Road – where he has spent four years at Mt. Zion.

John Reik burst on the scene during NCA's Classic.

John Reik – The seven foot, 215lb plus Reik only arrived in the U.S. three weeks ago and played during the Classic’s first day, and as such is still an enigma to most. But his aggressive, effort-filled play turned many heads, and earned the Sudanese national much respect.

Listed as a sophomore, expect Reik to develop, as he clearly wants to improve upon his present raw state. Developing upon his aggression, strength, mobility and decent balance, by his senior year, he has the potential to be one of the best high school big men, in the East if not America.