Assault Tryout Reveals Hidden Gems

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Some participants could become household names.

March 22, 2009 – As reported here previously, DC Assault had something rare in high level grassroots basketball, an open tryout. Originally set for 17 and under classified boys, the event was expanded to encompass younger players as well.

In total, about 70 young men showed up; during the approximately two hour session stretched, ran, drilled and played full court under the watchful eye of Assault coaches and management.

Damon Handon, DC Assault's General Manager was pleased afterward. "I think it was good" he said. "The kids came and worked hard...There was a lot of potential on the floor today".

DCA's 16 and under White coach, Renard Phillips, drilled and evaluated players along with other Assault personnel.

While many of the players stood out, the following young men are individuals who excelled and are likely names to remember going forward, including several who made teams based on their tryout.

Hippolyte Tsakack, junior, 6'9" front court player - long and athletic 'Hibby', who attended the Miller School (VA) loves to block shots, even taking them off the glass. A solid rebounder born in Cameroon, West Africa, he will play for Assault's 17 and under Blue team, coached by Dot Dodson. Is new to the organization.

Jonathan Aldridge, junior, 6'8" forward - having stood out for KIMA (DC) last year to the tune of 15 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks a game, the likes of Vanderbilt and George Mason have reportedly offered, with Maryland and others scouting him. Capable of rebounding, shooting and blocking shots, Aldridge will play for the 17 and under Blue team. Is new to the organization.

Dame Ka, senior, 6'8" forward - Hailing from Paris, France, Ka attended Progressive Christian (MA) and is looking for a scholarship opportunity. Given his athletic ability, intelligence and length, he will likely earn one based upon grassroots action. Scheduled to play with the 17 and under White squad, coached by Derrick Campbell. Is new to the organization.

Corey Spence, junior, 5'9" guard - this Dunbar (Baltimore) point guard knows how to get others involved, while also scoring, many times via penetration. Expect his under-recruited status to change after running with the 17u White crew. Is new to the organization.

Adjehi Baru, sophomore, 6'9 center - though he only played J.V . at Carroll (DC) last year due to administrative concerns, Baru is poised to received major looks playing for Assault's 16 and under White team, coached by Renard Phillips. Baru, who claims Ivory Coast, West Africa as home is mobile, blocks shots and fills lanes. Is new to the organization.

Kendal Smith, junior, 6'6" forward - multifaceted, mid-majors like George Mason are all over this Thomas Stone (MD) student. Will play for the 17 and under Blue squad. Is a returning DCA player.

Elijah Matthews, junior, 6'2" guard - also on the 17 u Blue crew, Matthews should generate interest via his athletic ability and skill expansion. Is a returning DCA player that attends St. Mary's Ryken (Southern Maryland).