Want to Play for DC Assault (17 and under)? Tryout is this Weekend!
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Open tryouts for DC Assault's 17 and under crew occur Saturday.
March 10, 2009 – As the longest standing and most successful AAU/travel team organization in the Washington, DC area, DC Assault has both a plethora of supporters and detractors. No matter what is said, the exposure players receive through it is something unquestionable, as not only do they play locally, but travel to some of the most high profile tournaments nationally as well. You have to give props where they are due.
To that end, young men presently in the 11th grade, or in rare cases individuals who are seniors that haven't committed to a college, or maybe the younger kid capable of playing at the 17 and under level, are afforded an opportunity: DC Assault (17 and under) has tryouts scheduled for this weekend. The info follows:
Place: Fairmont Heights High School, 1401 Nye Street, Capitol Heights, MD (Google Map)
Time: 9:00 AM
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Mike Phillips has parlayed his DC Assault experience into a full ride to Howard University.
Make no bones about it, competition will be stiff, and not many players will be chosen, but there is precedent for someone walking into a DC Assault tryout making it. His name is Mike Phillips.
Several years ago, Phillips tried out for the organization's 16 and under team, then coached by Jerry McFarland. Previously a relative unknown, the now 6'7", 215 pound Phillips, a native of Fredericksburg, VA earned a spot on that team, and next year will enroll at Howard University.
Phillips previously lauded what DC Assault provided him, saying: "I wanted to be on a top team, and ended up playing against a lot of good players…Being on DC Assault helped my basketball career by bolstering my confidence".
Damon Handon, the organization's General Manager is proud of the work Assault has done and thinks the exposure and competition that was provided Phillips can also benefit others.
"Normally we are an invitation-only organization" said Handon, who has coached and managed Assault almost since its inception and 1996. "But we also like to give kids a chance. People assume its all about winning or getting kids to big schools, but that's not really our mission. Curtis (Malone, Assault's Director) has said it also, we are about using basketball to help people. And these tryouts are related to that".
Think DC Assault can assist you or a loved one? Do you fit the guidelines specified above? If so, see you Saturday at 9am sharp. It could all start there.