Madness Does Work in Easter Weber

Ron Bailey, Publisher

April 18, 2006 – Maryland Madness AAU has always been respected locally in the Washington DC area, but expect that to expand this year. After advancing to the equivalent of a semi-final game in the recently completed Charlie Weber Easter Hoop Fest Madness, who was coached by ex-pro baller Ennis Whatley (as well as fellow NBA alumni Buck Williams who was not there), showed they have the chops to play with anybody.

In their first three Saturday games, Madness dispatched NJ Express, Lynchburg Hoops, and the Student Athlete Broncos. In each of these contests a different challenge was faced, with the Express being an energetic bunch of young men, while Lynchburg Hoops was well coached and disciplined (as always), and the Student Athlete Broncos, hailing from the Big Apple, are were talented and competed hard.

In these contests, Whatley, a 14 year (previously i95Ballerz.com shaved a number of years off of his pro career) professional veteran employed an attack where the guards initiated the offense off of penetration and passing, while the big men rebounded, defended, and presented themselves for post looks. Madness also didn’t hesitate to pick up their defenders in their opponents side of the court, or push the ball offensively for easy buckets.

Ennis Whatley coaching them up (lft to rt: E. Whatley, Jr., E. Baker, J. Grant, and G. Young, with Coach Whatley in the center),

When it came to the transition game, unsigned senior Evan Baker was on the proverbial controls. Against the teams listed above, Baker scored nine, 24, and 17 points against NJ Express, Lynchburg Hoops, and the Broncos respectively. Despite these prodigious offensive numbers which were produced by hitting jumpers and driving to the cup (that drive against the Broncos where he drug the defender by dribbling between his legs is still memorable), it was probably his ability to set up teammates, particularly in an open court setting, that allowed Madness to defeat each of these three opponents by over 10 points each.

Baker said during a brief phone interview after the event that since “I played both the one (point guard), two (shooting guard), and three (small forward) for Archbishop Carroll (Wash DC)” and since his size of around six foot three inches is more suited for a Division I point guard, he wanted to show the myriad of coaches in attendance that he in fact could dish the rock. “Coach Whatley told me to run the show, and I was just doing it” he said. Baker displayed similar skills in the preliminary game of the 33rd annual Capital Classic earlier last week, where he was named to the all-event team. He’s definitely playing at a high level right now.

Ennis Whatley, Jr.

Aiding Baker on the perimeter were Ennis Whatley, Jr. and Garvey Young. Whatley, Jr., a powerful six foot four inch guard capable of playing some small forward on the AAU level, really stepped up offensively against the Broncos by scoring 10 points, but his impact is greater than just offensive numbers. Whatley is adept at rebounding, can handle the ball (and is improving that), and will pull up for the open jumper. He also is a capable and willing defender, who as a junior has time and athleticism to become a true defensive stopper.

Garvey Young (21) in a Madness huddle

Young, as previously reported here, is a silky smooth combo guard, who as a slender six foot four inch sophomore can get to the cup or pull up for jumper in the half court, or in transition. Being left handed gives him an advantage getting to the rim, and his athleticism makes him a constant defensive threat, while his passing ability pressures defenses into respecting that threat. Against NJ Express and Lynchburg Hoops, Young scored nine points apiece, and if not for his unselfishness, could have scored much more.

During another phone interview, Young felt he played well, but thought “I could have done more”. Exhibiting his competitive nature, he then went on to state “I’m not satisfied with the way I played. There is always something I could have done to be more successful”.

Grant at the line, with Baker in the background

On the inside, junior Jerai Grant was truly a force. His physicality has clearly improved since last year, a testament to his hard work and the instruction/training he is receiving at DeMatha Catholic High School and with Madness. Grant notched scoring numbers of 10, six, and 10 points in the games featured here, but that doesn’t do justice to his impact on this team. Jerai basically dominated the boards, illustrating to coaches on hand that at around six foot eight inches, he can more than hold his own in the paint, offensively and defensively. Last year he would block shots and rebound, but this year Jerai is definitely a more consistently stout force in the middle. College coaches were impressed.

Maryland Madness will compete nationally, and therefore bring attention and college scholarship offers to their players (to see the schedule, click here). Check back with i95Ballerz.com for updates on the team’s progress, and the individual recruitment of its players.