Fall Jamboree All-Star Crews

Ron Bailey, Publisher

October 24, 2007 – In conjunction with our coverage of Hoop Magic’s Fall Jamboree high school/travel team tournament, following are All-Star teams of players who competed in the event. Though these guys are honored, everyone who participated should be recognized. These lists were developed by this writer in conjunction with several participating coaches and talent evaluators.

Senior Division

1st MVP – Derrick Washington, Jr., Guard, Coolidge HS (DC) – Washington, also known as ‘Dirky’, was an offensive dynamo, who also provided some minutes at point guard. Standing around 6’0”, and weighing 155 pounds, Washington’s play belied his youth and stature, as he was dominant at times. His performance validated the sage words of some around him, who have noted Washington could score 30+ games a year with consistent focus.

Derrick Washington

2nd MVP – Norvell Arnold, prep student, guard/forward, Progressive Christian (MD) – Hailing from the eastside of Harlem, NY, many would assume Arnold to be a super flashy player, with a penchant for the dramatic. Though he can play in that manner, that’s not his game, as he is actually a very efficient, skilled player capable of playing the 1, 2, or 3, at 6’5”, and weighing around 180 pounds.

First Team

DaQuante Thompson, 5’9”, 163 pounds, Sr. point guard, Coolidge HS (DC) – Pass first floor general, lead his relatively squad through stiff competition and adversity to the Jamboree’s title.

Bruce Littles, 6’4”+, 200 pounds, Fr. forward, Coolidge HS (DC) – Bouncy forward finished in transition, and scored a lot in the half court. Also provided some physicality to Coolidge’s attack.

Latay Dotson

Latay Dotson, 6’7”, 180 pounds, prep student center/forward, Progressive Christian (MD) – Shot blocker supreme that has improved his shooting and ball handling tremendously over the summer.

Terrance Burke, 6’3”, 195 pounds, Sr. guard, Northwestern HS (MD) – Uber-athletic guard gets up and down the floor with the best.

Denzel Yard, 5’10”, 156 pounds, Jr. guard, Franklin Learning Center (PA)/Philly Heat – Slick Philly guard can pat the rock, shoot, and find open teammates with aplomb.

Second Team

Elijah Gore, 6’2”, 190 pound, Jr. guard/forward, Bullis High School (MD) – Guard/forward can do a little bit of everything, pretty well.

First teamer Terrance Burke and his father.

Dontay Harvey, 6’6”, 220 pound, prep student forward, Progressive Christian Academy (MD) – Strong, long-armed and athletic performer excelled on the blocks, where he constantly attacked the rim.

Robert McPherson, 6’4”, 180 pound, Jr. swingman, Bullis High School (MD) – Sweet shooting player has deep range, typically delivering his shot with excellent mechanics.

Jake Wasco, 6’7”, 200 pound, Sr. forward, Franklin Learning Center (PA)/Philly Heat – Efficient player can post, and run the floor, while not needing the ball to be effective.

Marcus Farrell inbounding the ball.

Marcus Farrell, 5’9”, 150 pound, Sr. point guard, Blake High School (MD) – Overlooked floor general enabled his team to defy major odds (no real size), and make the quarterfinals, by running his team, defending, and selectively scoring.

Zach Webb, 6’2”, 175 pound, Sr. guard, Coolidge High School (DC) – Backcourt performer scored in transition, nabbed rebounds, defended, and provided both energy and glue.

Junior Division

Denzel Primus - MD Bulls
Holdyn Grant - MD Bulls
Mark Alston - PW Ballers
Dlante Holmes - PW Ballers
Peter Brosnan - NOVA Cavaliers (team's leading scorer helped lead team to semis)

Denzel Yard, of North Philly.

14 and Under Division

A. Hamilton - Hoop Magic Nimmo
Ferguson - Hoop Magic Nimmo
Weldon - Hoop Magic Tate
Myles - Hoop Magic Tate
Daxter Miles - Team Melo
Maurice White - Team Melo