Sunday Evening Basketball Academy Evals

Ron Bailey, Publisher

January 19, 2009 – The 13th Annual Basketball Academy, organized by The Bickerstaff Group, took place last Thursday-Saturday at Baltimore’s Morgan State University, offering observers a great chance to see top level high school hoops. The benefits didn’t stop there, as all players participating submitted to comprehensive classes touching upon issues like financial literacy, SAT prep, and substance abuse. Sixteen boys and girls teams took advantage of the opportunity

While the player evaluations center around Saturday’s final two games, the Academy’s results follow:

Saturday (Boys)

Lake Clifton 63 Saint Frances 54
Walbrook 49 Veritas Sports Academy 44
Riverdale Baptist 59 City College 54
Dunbar 58 Laurel 53
Mervo 54 Owings Mills 42

Saturday (Girls)

Riverdale Baptist 75 City College 39
Western 60 Catonsville 43
Digital Harbor 51 Randllestown 42

Veritas' Deng Leek powers to the hoop.

Friday (Boys)

Veritas 57 City College 55 (OT)
Dunbar 58 Riverdale Baptist 46
Lake Clifton 66 Laurel 40
Digital Harbor 55 Woodlawn 45

Friday (Girls)

Riverdale Baptist 55 Western 45

Thursday (Girls)

Digital Harbor 43 Catonsville 32
City College 56 Randllestown 47

Evaluations

Lake Clifton

Jason Sharp – 5’10”, senior combo guard – good shooter that will not shy away from the big shot. Needs to strengthen his handle and passing instincts.

Cleveland Melvin – 6’8”, senior center/forward – likes to attack the tin and rebound. Must work on his mid-range game.

William Barton – 6’5”, senior swingman – crafty player that can shoot and create for others. Strength development is necessary.

Antonio Barton – 6’2’, junior guard – capable of scoring, Barton is best when he mixes that with setting up teammates for drop offs or kick outs. A desire to be more of a traditional point guard must be his focus.

Cleveland Melvin is a beast on the boards.

Saint Frances

Wayne Sparrow – 6’3”, junior swingman – headed to Richmond next year, Sparrow is one of the best shooters in Maryland. He must work on handle to round out his game.

Ronald Williams – 5’9”, sophomore point guard – ‘Lil’ Ronald is a past first point man and floor leader. Expect him to continue strengthening his jump shot and comfort level dribbling with his off (left) hand.

Donte Holmes – 6’3”, junior swingman – a multi-faceted player that likes to strap up. His jump shot must improve.

Greg Lewis – 6’8”, sophomore frontcourt man – learning the game, Lewis is able to be a force inside when he focuses. A nice jump hook should be developed.

Terrell Vinson – 6’8”, senior forward – possesses an interesting mix of inside/outside skills. He must continue to work on ball handling.

Veritas Sports Academy

Torre Summerville – 5’5”, sophomore point guard – a pass first point guard, Summerville likes to find teammates for easy baskets. He must work on his left hand handle, and jump shot.

Leek Leek – 6’6”, junior swingman – a defensive specialist, Leek also has a left handed jumper that’s released high. He must improve his understanding of the game going forward.

Deng Leek – 7’0”, sophomore center – Leek is a developing big man that currently can block shots and rebound. He must get stronger and work on fundamentals like setting picks and keeping his center of gravity lower.

Emmanuel Dias – 6’4”, junior forward – being a solid player, Dias does a little bit of everything. For college ball, ball handling development will be key.

Walbrook High School

Donte Stuckey – 6’4” senior swingman – Stuckey is a battler that does what’s necessary to win. Dribbling development is key for him.

Denzell Walker – 6’0” junior guard – Walker is a combo guard that plays hard. He must further his point guard instincts for college.

Roscoe Smith – 6’8” swingman – one of the most highly recruited players in the Mid-Atlantic, Smith can shoot, rebound and pass. His left hand handle has to improve.