B’More Assault’s Three The Hard Way

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Baltimore Assault Trio are making names.

July 28, 2010 – Baltimore is known nationally as a town that produces tough players, guys and ladies that don’t back down and compete to the end. That eputation also encompasses ballers that are skilled. Current National Basketball Association standout Carmello Anthony gives both ‘reps credence, as did former league standout and present Washington Wizard assistant coach Sam Cassell.

While not every Charm City product is destined for the highest professional ranks or even gets major publicity, many still personify that go-hard ethos. The travel team Baltimore Assault contains a trio of such guys, in Kevin Smith, Lamont Huggins and Kerron DeShields.

Kevin Smith drives inside.

Smith, an athletic, senior point guard that left B’Mo for Huntington Prep last year has grown tremendously since the move. Just has his mother, Julie Smith.

“It’s been a good experience for him” she said during the recent Super Elite Showcase, of her son attending Huntington Prep (West Virginia). “They have a lot of international kids, from places like Serbia and Paris. They had to feel each other out…He’s even learning to do his laundry and live independently…He’s been able to focus on his work and schedule”.

On the court, that increased maturity is obvious, as the 5’11” Smith has long used his athletic ability and ball handling skill to attack the rim and score. Now, he’s dropping off to teammates much more readily, as well as stop and popping after establishing his drive. Julie assigned Huntington Prep responsibility for Kevin’s new found willingness to pass.

Schools have definitely noticed, with Mother Smith sharing “Seton Hall, Rutgers, Florida State and George Mason” having offered scholarships to the Class of 2011 performer, while dialogue with VCU, Houston and Appalachian State is occurring.

On what the Smith family desires in a school, Julie stated “We are looking to get that feeling of confidence that they will help him. He wants a fast pace (on court), solid academic support…Basically a nice mix”.

Kerron DeShields, here having passed, makes plays all over the court.

A nice mix is what defines DeShields, a 6’3”, senior guard dubbed ‘Plays’ by this writer for his penchant to make them. Though he’s not the most athletic player, Kerron just grinds, whether it’s strapping defensively, dropping dimes to teammates, driving or hitting shots. Again, he just makes plays.

“He’s a playmaker that plays older than what he is” was how Baltimore Assault’s head coach, Kevin Jones” described DeShields between Showcase games. “He seems to be in the right area at the right time, and always gives effort”.

Given his young age (17) and as Jones said having a desire “to go Division I” – though fully qualified he didn’t garner many looks at Pallotti (MD) last season after transferring there from the now defunct Towson Catholic – Kerron will likely attend prep school (likely North Carolina’s Southern Carolina Prep or another option in Vermont). But those plans are not set in stone, as Jones indicated his all around player “is evaluating all options”.

Lamont Huggins (dribbling), has worked tirelessly on his basketball skills.

Options are what Lamont Huggins has created for himself, via hard work. Formerly a long, run and jump, 6’7” Class of 2011 forward, Lamont has transformed himself into a true full court four man capable of not only running the floor but also canning mid-range shots.

“He’s putting in the time” developing is what Jones said of Huggins. “He’s seeing the fruits of his labor”.

Part of those benefits is collegiate interest; According to Jones Citadel has offered him, as have Robert Morris and Loyola of Baltimore. Morgan State, Nebraska and NC Wilmington are interested in this player that last season competed for Baltimore’s Douglass High School.

All three of these B’More Assault’s showed and proved during the Showcase, as both Huggins and Smith were tabbed first team all stars, and DeShields made the 17u sleeper squad.

More accolades are headed the way of this rather unknown threesome. This trio is doing it the hard way.

Huggins, DeShields and Smith all received Super Elite Showcase accolades.