HM Tip Off Provided Needed Exposure, 17u All Stars
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Page 2
17u Second Team
Davon Usher - 6'3", 170lbs, Class of 2010, Digital Harbor HS (MD) - Nike Baltimore Elite guard that is overlooked at times on that talent packed squad. This time around, many of those players were off in camp, opening things up for Davon.
Good recruiters be advised, this kid can play: He's capable of attacking the rim, pulling up from mid-range, and applying some defensive pressure. It was not uncommon to see him face, go toward the baseline, take the rock behind this back and pull up in someone's grill.
Mid-majors are on Usher, who could likely attend prep school, allowing him to greatly prepare for the rigors of college ball.
Justin Drummond (dribbling) is a talented
guard that beckons attention.
Justin Drummond, 6'3", 180lb, Class of 2010, Mountain
State Academy (WV) - Drummond may return to the DC area for his senior
year, bringing the ability to attack the rim and defend with him. Justin,
a guard with Kid's First Basketball has major competitive heart.
Has to show a solid outside jumper to round out his offensive package, though he's reported to have one. In doing so, he will have more than George Mason, Pepperdine, Harvard, Loyola (MD) and other mid majors pursuing him. May attend Riverdale Baptist (MD) this year.
Marvin King-Davis, 6'7", 200lb, Class of 2011, Varina HS (VA) - King-Davis, who runs with Virginia Assault, is best around the rim, where he finishes strong, rebounds, and hits short shots. Going forward, he must work on his ball handling and perimeter shooting.
St. Francis, Stoneybrook, Xavier, and VCU are showing love.
Jonathan Aldridge - 6'8", 225lb, Class of 2010, KIMA (DC) - With a little more intensity, Aldridge would have been a first teamer for Mid-Atlantic Select; that and more strength is needed for this forward who projected himself as a "three-four mix" in college.
Many colleges like what they see in this 3.8 GPA student, with "Siena, Xavier, George Washington, Vanderbilt, Fairfield, Tulane, Boston College, Temple", plus others recruiting him. GW, and Fairfield have offered, while others soon will. Big East schools are evaluating him, surely finding a player with length, athletic ability and some versatility, that will only get better.
He shared "I'm looking to be prepared mentally and physically for the highest level I can ascend to", when asked what he's looking for in a school.
Jonathan Aldridge (33) will give a college both inside and outside action.
Zaird Hurst, 6'3", 200lb, Class of 2011, Salisbury Prep (CT) - A key cog in Springbrook's (MD) historic back-to-back march to the Maryland State 4A championship, Hurst can be defined in three words: Just Makes Plays.
Whether it's hitting three balls, hitting ahead, dropping off in the half court, rebounding or defending, Zaird always makes the right plays. Going forward, he needs to work on his left hand's handle.
Mid-Majors are all over this excellent student, who identified "Fairfield, Siena, Navy, Robert Morris and Navy" as all being in pursuit. Hurst has reclassified in attending Sailsbury Prep - the extra year is strictly basketball driven. Not a good look for foes of Mid-Atlantic Select in the future.
Darius Smith, 5'10", 160lb, Class of 2010, Woodbridge HS (VA) - A fearless floor leader, Smith can get to rim, where he finishes or drops off to teammates. Darius is as the saying goes, 'quick as a cat'.
A more consistent jumpshot will cause schools other than Hampton, Norfolk State, Bucknell, and UNC Charlotte to take a look at Smith, who leads the Stafford Hoyas.
Darius Smith is another in a long line of Woobridge, VA-area standouts.
Jarvis Threat, 5'11", 150lbs, Class of 2011, Highland Springs (Va) - When you look at Threat, he looks like a skinny kid who may not be a player, his long arms being the only thing that rings 'basketball'. You see him play, and you know he has a future in college hoops, as he proved in the Tip Off he can run a team, finding teammates constantly. Interestingly enough, his best offensive asset is shooting; he was told not to rely on that in Tip Off action, as he needs to get other players involved constantly.
Jarvis definitely needs to get stronger, which will favorably impact both finishing and defense, also points of necessary improvement. Nevertheless, UVA, VCU, Towson, ODU, Rider and Eastern Michigan are interested in this Virginia Assault performer.