Highlighted Holiday Hoopers Pt. 2

Ron Bailey, Publisher

January 2, 2009 – In Part 1, a number of talented high school players participating in Washington, DC area holiday hoops tournaments were presented. Part 2 picks up where the first started.

Coolidge’s Holiday Tournament

Parish Nicks, freshman guard, 5’6”, Wilson High School – The word shooter comes to mind in describing Nicks, dubbed ‘P-Diddy’ by those close to her, as she can let the pill fly, which it generally finds the net. Also evident is her ability to finish around the cup and play with hustle and hear.

A young player, Nicks must continue to work on her handle – particularly the left hand – thereby rounding out her game.

Paris Nicks of Wilson High School is a player to watch going forward.

The Wakefield Holiday Tournament

Edward Jenkins, senior guard, 5’9”, TC Williams High School – The school’s leader, Jenkins or “EJ” as he’s called is a strong, offensive minded guard that possesses a nice shooting release. He’s also a vocal leader. As he goes, so goes the Titans.

For high major ball, EJ must demonstrate more of a point guard mentality.

Ryan Yates, junior forward, 6’5”, TC Williams High School – The definition of a ‘hustle man’, Yates does whatever is needed of his team, including slashing, running the floor and defending – it is not uncommon to see him beat most players down the floor after his team misses a shot.

Handle development is crucial for Yates, who must also trust his jump shot more. GW and Delaware have shown interest.

Mark Milline is a sleeper big man.

Jack Hamilton, junior forward, 6’4”, St. Stephens, St. Agnes School – Hamilton is a shooter that does a lot more, particularly rebound, scrap and making plays. Going forward, he’ll need to improve his dribbling ability.

At this point, Hamilton looks like a Division III forward. With the aforementioned dribbling work, he could become a rough and tumble swingman for a higher level of college ball.

DC Classic

Malcolm Clark can 'strap' with some of the best.

Mark Milline – senior center, 6’7”, Anacostia High School – Flying under the radar, Milline only needs to improve his conditioning to become a boon for a low major program; owner of a high basketball I.Q., Mark consistently scores, rebounds and passes around the hoop. Expect him to also work on his footwork going forward.

Malcolm Clark – sophomore guard, 6’2”, Cesar Chavez Charter School - Clark is a do everything guard that excels on defense, using his long arms to disrupt those he’s defending. Malcolm must become more assertive offensively, including displaying a willingness to pull the trigger on his jump shot. First on the development list is strengthening his handle, which could allow Clark to become well recruited.