i95Ballerz.com/SportsGroove TV Game(s) of the Week: Caron Butler Classic Proves Successful
Ron Bailey, Publisher
January 13, 2009 – Sunday, Coolidge High School saw six boys high school teams – all laden with future college players – compete in front of fans and coaches; in its second year, the second annual Caron Butler Classic met its goals.
“I think it’s big, for kids to come out her and display their talent” said the event’s namesake and a member of the National Basketball Association’s Washington Wizards, Caron Butler. “It’s the exposure. You have the radio personalities here…you representation from Nike and DTLR, who have the area on lock. So (people) they can get well familiarized with the players”.
His advice to the participants: “It’s a showcase…so go out there and put on a show. Just go out there and have fun. Get loose!”
That the teams did. Brief game write-ups follow:
Paul VI (VA) 61 Penn Charter (PA) 55
Paul VI’s coach, Glenn Farello firmly believes in testing his team, with this match up being par for the course; their 61-55 victory was the first victory in three consecutive days, as the school completed a grueling trifecta. The point, in his mind is to “toughen you up”, and also prepare for the WCAC Tournament, itself a consecutive game affair.
Dan Brinkley, Penn Charter’s coach, felt similarly. “We loved it…We came down here looking for a challenge” he said regarding participating in the Classic. “It was a great idea for Caron Butler to give an opportunity to these young guys”.
Paul VI’s Erick Green led all scorers with 16 points, while teammate Raven Barber supplied eight. Ferguson Myrick scored 14 for Penn Charter (8-2).
Caron Butler (green sweater) presented National Christian their trophy.
National Christian Academy (MD) 63 Coolidge 62
Again, the mantra for participation was preparation for future experiences, as National Christian (14-3) had previously played in New York, while the contest was Coolidge’s third in three days.
“We went 0-3 by a total of six points – we lost by three, one and two” shared Coolidge’s coach, Vaughan Jones of his team’s recent string. For the season, the Colts are 9-6.
During his post game talk, Jones told his team “I’m not mad at how hard and tough you played…We just need to focus on execution”.
Coolidge came within a stolen pass from possibly winning the game, but time expired before possession was determined.
In Jones’ estimation, the loss did nothing to diminish his team’s chance of meeting its three goals – winning the DCIAA Western Division, prevailing in the DCIAA tournament, and winning the City Title game.
National Christian enjoyed 18 and 17 points from Dante Taylor and Ayodeji Egbeyenu respectively. Coolidge saw Jeremy Underwood pour in 18 points, Christian Leach provide 13, and Andre Mattison put up 11 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.
Heat Academy (VA) 76 Princeton Academy (MD) 63
A prep school hailing from Martinsville, VA, Heat Academy (18-3) as the saying goes, ‘gets it in’, ducking no wreck and willing to travel in the process. Against Princeton they showed it, with P.J. Lockridge (19 points), Miles Holley (18 points), and Kelvin Gaines (6 points, seven blocks) leading the way.
Princeton Academy, who according to coach Vann Whitfield is 15-1, saw Darius Gilmore drop 16 points and Brandon Gibson slam his way to 13.
“It was a good experience with our kids to play in an atmosphere such as we played in DC” said Jason Niblett, Heat’s coach. “It will help us with competition later”.
“We really enjoyed playing them” said Whitfield of the contest, which saw his team face a stronger and more mature Heat crew.
Special Note: Curtis Symonds, founder of Northern Virginia’s preeminent athletic facility, Hoop Magic Sports Academy, lent his impressive Hoop Magic Foundation to the effort. When asked his feelings regarding this, the second annual Caron Butler Classic, Symonds was effusive in his support: “Caron Butler called me and Tim Fuller (a Nike representative) to gem me involved, and it was a no-brainer – NBA players reaching out to the community and giving back”.
Symonds, who has made a career in sports management and media marketing was thrilled with the final product, and indicated a desire to participate next year.