Cecil Kirk Is Still Cranking Them Out

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Baltimore AAU team is churning out players to Division I programs.

November 21, 2009 - Baltimore Cecil Kirk (AAU) has long produced top players with current National Basketball Association professionals Rudy Gay, Josh Boone, Sam Young and DaJuan Summers being alumni. The organization's head, Anthony Lewis has been at it for over 40 years - guys like Reggie Lewis and David Wingate, former collegiate stars and professional players, learned some of the game from Cecil Kirk. The number of top players that donned the Blue and White, at all levels, is quite impressive. The Eastside, Baltimore crew looks to have four more going to top schools.

First, Cleveland Melvin recently committed to UConn.

"His upside is high" said Lewis of Melvin, a 6'8" forward presently at Notre Dame Prep. "Cleve reminds me of a Sam young; same style of athleticism - runs the floor, rebounds. At the same point they are very similar, with the exception of their physique. Sam had a man's body" said the coach, who has worked with Melvin since the young guy was 12 years old.

According to Lewis, Melvin chose the Huskies after visiting. A trip to DePaul had also occurred. Seton Hall, Memphis and South Florida were also recruiting him.

Anthony Lewis (right) with Brandon Herbert, presently a Division I baller at Binghamton (NY)

Next up is Raphael Akpejori, a 6'9", power forward who will play at Miami next year. Currently attending Sunset Academy in Witchita, Kansas, Lewis indicated Akpejori also had "South Florida, Oklahoma and Colorado" hot on his trail.

Another Cecil Kirk baller, Antonio Barton, will play at Memphis next year. The 6'2" guard - don't call him a combo as Lewis likes to "classify him as a lead guard" will be packaged with his brother Will next season. Antonio currently attends Notre Dame Prepl.

Though he hasn't committed yet, the next Cecil Kirk guy to play Division I ball will be Durand Johnson, a 6'6" swingman that boasts offers from Pitt, Va Tech, South Florida, Seton Hall and FSU, per Lewis. Expect that list to multiply, as Johnson will attend prep school next year at Notre Dame Prep.

Three other players have a chance for high level college hoops: Jeff Fields (6'3" guard at Lake Clifton in Baltimore), Monetrey Clemmons (6'8" forward, Baltimore Poly), Karee Watson (standing 6'8" and enrolled at Lake Clifton), Denzell Walker (a six foot point/combo guard out of B'More's Parkville) and Antonio Myers (6'2", Notre Dame Prep guard). According to Lewis, the last three "Recently stepped up and are coming to the forefront"

Getting kids' names out there is a source of pride at Cecil. "It's fantastic, we had an opportunity to showcase kid who fly under the radar screen" said Lewis, who also noted those efforts are working. "The proof of it is look where they are ending up".

Looks to be the same old thing occurring, at Cecil Kirk.