Deanwood Summer Jam a success

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Kids aided by hoops in far Northeast, DC.

August 23, 2011 – Friday, Northeast Washington was treated to good professional and high school-aged basketball, all for the cause of generating school supplies for kids in that area. It was a proverbial win-win for all involved.

The Deanwood Summer Jam's first game featured the youngsters competing for travel teams, as the Maryland Rough Riders took out DC Assault Blue 73-41 in 16 and under action. Davon Wiley led all scorers with 17 points for the Riders.

Davon Wiley before throwing it down.

Up 38-21 at halftime, Wiley, a junior swingman at Bishop Ireton and his teammates including Bishop McNamara junior guard (17 points) and Marquise Wright, also a junior guard who plays at North Point (MD) (15 points), blew open the game via a spread offense in which their multiple guard lineup flourished. Defensively they either got stops or profited from Assault’s penchant of not moving the ball and forcing shots.

Isaiah Stanback’s 14 points led Assault.

In the pro affair, the 94 feet All-Stars took out Inge’s All-Stars 115-102. Devin Sweetney, soon to depart for the basketball franchise in Akita, Japan, led all scorers with 35 points.

Why did event organizer Brian Inge put the Deanwood Summer Jam together?

“To give back to the community” answered Inge. “They are good kids. Some don’t have much, but they are good kids”.

On why professionals like Sweetney commit to such an event, Inge, also a D.C. area hoops trainer and coach, said “They guys, they like to give back and play. It’s all good. The guys, they were kids just like them (the young people in attendance and receiving school supplies)”.

Though he remained neutral as good event organizers do, Inge did have a gleam in his eye discussing the Rough Riders victory. “It shows Southern Maryland is on the rise” opined Inge of that area’s development and on court success. This game, as well as North Point’s 4A state championship seem to confirm it.

Wiley Report:

A 6’3”, 185 lbs swingman, Wiley is capable of slashing, finishing, and hitting mid–range jumpers. He’s also a willing and able defender, though in college will likely have to focus on staying in front of smaller guys.

For the next level, Wiley must also further develop his handle, particularly in the open floor, in addition to consistently nailing three point shots.

Presently, Kennesaw State is showing interest, though in him the ability for more college recruiting exists.