Festival All Star Teams
Ron Bailey, Publisher
December 10, 2008 – Last weekend’s DTLR National High School Hoops Festival brought uber-talented high school/prep basketball players under the roof of Wise High School (MD). For game coverage, click here.
After consulting with several knowledgeable sources, the all star lists below were comprised.
For pictures and image-embossed materials, see the work of photographer Michael Starghill linked below. Nowhere else will you find this!
MVP: LaQuinton Ross, Murrah HS (MS), 6’8” soph, swingman – Wins the award despite his team loosing, due to 37 points scored by getting to the rack, shooting and in transition. Needs to get stronger, but is clearly one of the best in the land. His recruitment will be off the charts.
First Squad
Quinn Cook, DeMatha (MD), 6’1”, soph, point guard – Controlled his team’s game by first getting to the tin then finding open teammates. Also was able to defend pretty well. Getting Big East, ACC and other looks.
First teamer Roscoe Smith (4) attempts to block second unit all star Jack O'Neal's shot.
Chris Braswell, Hargrave (VA), 6’8”, post grad, center/forward – Braswell returned home and nearly led his team to victory by dominating the boards, hustling to loose balls, and running the floor. Chris also worked from his trademark high post area, and defended. Committed to Charlotte.
Eric Green, Jr. Paul VI (VA), 6’2”, senior, point guard - Answered critics who suggest he’s not an ACC caliber point guard (he’s committed to VA Tech), with a scintillating performance; Green ran his team, scored, and defended. Was probably the best lead guard of the Festival.
Ayodeji Egbeyemi (MD), 6’4”, junior, guard/forward – The Festival’s surprise, Egbeyemi or ‘Deji’ displayed impressive shooting skill, along with the ability to finish – hard. Has a high motor and reported willingness to learn. Will be very highly sought after.
Talib Zanna (MD), 6’8”, senior, forward/center – Headed to Pittsburgh, Zanna displayed a readiness to play in the Big East, as he’s tough and skilled; Talib doesn’t shy from contact, can score multiple places on the court and understands the game.
Roscoe Smith (MD), 6’8”, junior swingman – Though he and his team showed a need to become more comfortable in a new offense, and Roscoe must pick his spots better, there’s was no doubt Smith is one of the top swingman in the East, justifying the widespread recruiting interest he’s receiving. The West Baltimore resident can shoot, handle well in the half court and rebound.
Rakeem Christmas (PA), 6’9”, sophomore forward/center – One of the most highly regarded young big men in the country, Christmas proved that attention warranted, as he not only did big man things like rebound, defend and run the floor, but did them well.
Second Squad
Jack O’Neal (PA), 6’3”, junior swingman – O’Neal
was a utility man, doing whatever his team needed to win, including rebounding,
defending and making shots.
Reggie Bullock (NC), 6’7”, junior, swingman – While uber talented, Bullock missed shots he normally makes, probably didn’t drive as much as he should have, and admitted his defense wasn’t up to spec. Nevertheless he showed why North Carolina has recruited him to Chapel Hill.
Deandre Kane on the move
Kendall Marshall (VA), 6’3”, junior, guard – Also slated to be a Tar Heel, Marshall played good position defense on Bullock, while also hitting shots and finding teammates.
Dante Taylor (MD), 6’8”, senior, center/forward – Being secure in his abilities and desiring a win, Taylor let his teammate Egbeyemi take over, as he should have. But don’t get it twisted, Taylor still finished via put backs and fast break action. Will join Zanna at Pittsburgh, forming a heck of a young front line there.
Maalik Wayns (PA), 6’1”, senior, guard – It’s almost a shame putting Wayns on the second team because he has first team talent and displayed it, but as a point guard his teammates didn’t necessarily live up to their end of the bargain. Nevertheless, Wayns is still one of the toughest players in America, can shoot and drive, and almost led his team back. Villanova has a keeper coming next season.
Deandre Kane, 6’4”, post graduate, shooting guard – Kane is a tough customer who can hit the mid to long range shot, dribble in the half court, and defend. Could likely end up in the Big East.
Honorable Mention
Freddie Riley (6’4” guard), Ledell Eackles (6’3” guard), Blake Bozeman (6’1” guard), Koron Reed (6’7” forward), Grandy Glaze (6’6” forward), Larry Savage (6’5” forward), Rashad Whack (6’4” guard), Terrell Vinson (6’6” forward), Woody Redding (5’8” guard), Phil Wood (6’3” guard), David Golladay (6’3” forward), Kemy Osse (5’8” guard)
Starghill's Picture/Merchandise Purchase Links:
St. John's Catholic vs. National Christian