I-95 Elite Challenge Produces D.C. Win, but Questions Remain

Ron Bailey, Publisher

July 1, 2008 – Last Saturday hoops fans from the D.C./Baltimore corridor to witness a temporary answer to a long standing question – Who’s better in hoops, D.C. or Baltimore? The Challenge attempted to answer it for the moment, as high school aged players from both locales in the Classes of 20012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 took the court at B’More’s St. Frances Academy.

D.C. took three of the four contests, which temporarily could settle the argument if not for talented players from both cities not participating; nevertheless good basketball was provided. Following are short recaps of the games, with player evaluations following soon.

2009

After Baltimore’s All-American candidate Isaiah Arwmood went down early with in injury to his previously hurt left knee, D.C. used 19 points from Kansas State bound forward Wally Judge and ’s (MVP) and 18 from swingman Jamal Olsawere to defeat B’More 76-66. The losing B’More team got 18 points from future Texas A&M guard Naji Hibbert, plus 11 from athletic combo guard Devon Saddler.

'The Champs' - D.C.'s 2009 crew.

The shock of losing Armwood with around five minutes expended in the first quarter was immediately evident, as Baltimore fell behind 29-17 early yet came within one point (50-51) with ten seconds to play in the third period. Fortunately guard Shaun Duffy (6 points, Sportsmanship award) dropped in a timely three pointer to end the quarter for D.C, which never trailed.

“It was a good game” said Judge of the win afterward. “It was an all star game, so I wanted to show some of my game”.

2010

Talented floor general Daryl Trayham (MVP) dropped 26 points while controlling the tempo for D.C., while guard Vic Olidipo proved 11 and swingman Byron Allen poured in 10 to lead the team to a close 89-85 win.

Down by as much as eight, Baltimore combo guard Dante Holmes (28 points, Sportsmanship award) seemingly would not let his team go down easily, as he scored on three pointers, drives, and put backs; in fact his tip in with about 10 seconds in the third quarter brought the Charm City crew as close one, but a subsequent jumper at the buzzer by Olidipo added some comfort for D.C.

D.C.'s 2010 squad

“We just played hard” noted Trayham afterward, while Olidipo noted “We gutted it out…When you have the opportunity you have to show what you can do”.

2011

In the lone Baltimore victory, guard Kevin Smith (33 points and MVP) was a force late in the fourth and in overtime, shooting from the perimeter, defending and attacking the cup. “It was a lot of talk about all their kids” said Smith afterward. “We just wanted to play hard”.

According to Carlos Green, Baltimore’s coach, their 100-96 overtime win was predicated on just that, specifically defensively, as he said “We started playing defense, which was sparked by Ronald Williams (15 points) and Kevin Smith. Plus Smith finally woke up offensively”.

B'Mo's 2011 team

The combo’s eye-popping late fourth quarter scenario says it all: Trailing 82-88, Washington, the games Sportsmanship award winner, stole the ball, then flipped it to Smith for a dunk. The energy that play produced seemed to carry Baltimore to victory.

Leading D.C. in this extremely exciting contest was forward Bruce Littles (22 points) – who is a strong offensive player – and guard Chris Martin (15 points), who has worked tirelessly to become a more proficient ball handler, a skill that fits well with his shooting prowess.

2012

Given that this game’s participants have yet to attend high school, it’s fair to say they will factor heavily in the D.C./Baltimore region’s high school hoop future. As such, the next several years are bright.

D.C.’s 55-50 win over Baltimore gave the young people on both teams a chance to shine, and that they did, starting with the contest’s leading scorer and MVP, forward Marvel Redferran (11 points). His contributions were mirrored by Baltimore’s Charles Tapper (12 points), an athletic swingman.

The 'Babies' - D.C.'s 2012 team.

Lamont Baldwin, a rough and tumble D.C. forward that possesses athleticism, posting ability and footwork contributed seven points while manning the boards.

Defensive pressure carried the day for D.C., with Baldwin, Jordan Washington (7 points), and Jemal Lewis (4 points), along with David Barnes all providing it.

Eric Singletary, D.C.’s coach was pleased with not only his team’s defensive pressure, but overall effort as well.