MD Hurricanes Tourney 16u All-Star Selections

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Bruce Shingler (right), noted his DC Assault 16 and under team noted "It seemed like we were wearing them down (Squash All Beef)" which occurred their foes having a size advantage (Squash had just completed their semi-final game before the contest with Assault).

June 3, 2007 - As a companion to MD Hurricanes Tourney 17u All-Star Selections, following our choices for that tourney’s's 16 and under all-star crew. They were chosen not only for production in the event, but future possiblities as well.

Stephen Griffin – A rising junior at Paint Branch High School (MD), Griffin is a smart point guard that does one thing exceptionally well, and that’s pass: Whether it be fancy fast break drop off, or a mundane entry pass, Griffin can drop dimes with the best locally in his class.

Having played varsity only one game last year, Griffin is sure to hear from more schools than Hampton, Wake Forest, NC State, Hampton, Virginia, and Virginia Tech – all of which have shown some interest after being invited to the Reebok Proving Ground via his showing in that company’s Headliner Camp – plus UConn and VCU – which both have shown him attention after his Eastern Invitational camp experience.

Also advancing his development and exposure has been the Washington Shock, Griffin’s AAU/travel team. His coach with the Shock, Anthony Murray, lauded Stephen’s contribution in several big wins over AAU/travel teams with more name recognition this spring/summer. He also believes the sky is the limit for the young guy.

Needing to improve his jump shot, Griffin shared “I’m shooting 500 shots after working out with a trainer” as well as recently attending “point guard college”. His junior varsity numbers of 28 points and nine assists may be approached on varsity this year, after that work.

Percy Woods – Woods is a lightening quick, 5’10”, 160lb combo guard, who can shoot three balls, attack the rim, defend on the ball, and find open teammates. Percy was outstanding at the Reebok Headliner Camp, an event he noted “helped me out a lot”, and since then has committed himself to “working on my left hand”. Additionally, Woods shared “I’ve been playing ball all day” during summer break.

Percy has range beyond the three point stripe, and when he gets hot can be automatic. Though slight of frame and needing to get stronger, he’s willing to battle opposing guards, many times dominating them.

Percy plays with Squash All Beef in AAU/travel team ball, and is valued by its coach/director Dwight Redd. “The kid has great heart and competitive spirit” he noted, before saying being challenged is “what he lives for”.

Expect him to do just that when facing attack Crossland High School’s (MD) competition this year.

Josh Smith - Maybe the most slept on rising senior in the D.C. area, Smith has decent size at 6’3”, 195lbs, is athletic, skilled, versatile, and understands the game. Despite playing an abbreviated season at Eastern High School (DC) last year, he was one of the best players in DCIAA ball. Josh also excels for his AAU/travel team home, Squash All Beef.

Smith trains at the Benning Park Recreation Center to the tune of “100 shots a day” and two hour workouts. He also is drilled by his brother, Antoine Mayhand – a former University of Miami player, as the young guy shared “I work with him everyday on skill development”.

Josh’s potential is seemingly limitless: He’s capable of coming down the court on the break one possession and finding a streaking teammate with a left handed alley-oop, stealing the ball after getting back on defense, and then dribbling down the court, isolating on a clear out, blowing by his defender after patting the rock multiple times between his legs, and finishing by punishing the rim.

Squash All Beef’s Redd labeled him “the linchpin to the program”, as “He does whatever I need him to do. If need hm to play center, he does it. If I challenge him to do anything, he does it all”.

Lasan Kromah – Standing 6’3” and weighing around 170 pounds, Kromah is expected to be a force at Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) this upcoming season. Kromah plays shooting guard and small forward, though currently he’s best as a two guard who can shoot and possesses a solid all-around game. For Triple Threat this weekend, Kromah impressed observers with not only what he can do now, but what he will be able to provide in the future.

Lasan believes “Defense” is what he needs to concentrate developing, though there were several times he stripped defenders clean in the open court. Kromah shared he has not received any recruiting attention to date, but works “from two until it closes” as the Greenbelt Community Center in hopes of changing that. He’s on his way.

Thomas Robinson - Robinson only played Sunday, but shown brightly nonetheless, rebounding, shooting permimeter jumpers, blocking shots and filling lanes. At 6’6”+ and weighing approximately 200 pounds as a rising junior, Robinson is capable of playing near the hoop and on the perimeter - things he did repeatedly.

Squash All Beef’s coach and director, Redd, lauded Robinson for his inside/out versatility, stating “He gives you a combination of both”, and in an effort to have the young guy reach his potential, demands the best.

Robinson played at Eastern High School (DC), but may transfer to Riverdale Baptist this upcoming season. Thomas also has had a breakout spring summer, performing well at the Reebok Headliner Camp and other stops along the way.

Maurice Creek - A 6’3”, 175lb shooting guard, Creek’s normally deadly jumper wasn't draining through the twine as much as usual. In fact, he has seemed to be pressing when it comes to his jumper for much of the spring and summer.

Creek, to his credit, still stood out, as he’s also done for much of the spring and summer. How? Via work on the other aspects of hoops, like defense, rebounding, and passing.

Just ask Ron Winbush, one of Mo’s coaches with Triple Threat. “Now Mo is taking his game and skills a few steps further in regards to doing other things on the court” said the AAU/travel team and high school (St. John’s) teacher of the game. “He is playing tough defense (defending the other team's top scoring guard), rebounding (offense/defense), ball handling, and probably most importantly taking the ball to the basket when his shot is falling to get a better look, kick to the open man, or get to the free throw line”.