NCA's Classic pits the Free and Tarheel States

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Maryland and North Carolina Go At It.

February 18, 2010 - Yearly, the National Christian classic pits some of the best independent schools in hardwood action, with players who will go on to college and pro acclaim participating. Through it, the little school in Fort Washington, MD offers fans an opportunity to see top-tier talent for a nominal fee.

This year, 2010, National Christian's coach, Trevor Brown decided to spin the event differently: Previously, participants came from several locales. This year, the Classic pits schools in Maryland against those from North Carolina. Resultantly, the 2010 NCA Classic Maryland Vs North Carolina Challenge is born.

"I just thought I would do something southern-based" this year shared Brown via telephone yesterday of his motivation. "There's a lot of talent down there""

Slated for Friday and Saturday of this week (2/19 - 2/20) at National Christian - 6700 Bock Road Ft. Washington, MD - the Challenge boasts the following schools and players, as provided by a NCA press release:

Christian Faith Center Academy, NC - Andrew Wiggins a 6'6" 13-year-old G has the ability to finish plays off above the rim with monstrous dunks and has showed scouts the ability to post up defenders, as well as hit jump hooks with both hands. A scouting service has anointed him as the best 8th grader in the nation. He's teamed with top 50 Jr 6'5" SF Theon Reefer, Jr 6'8" PF Kevin Thomas and Jr 6'8" SF Braedon Anderson - all highly regarded.

Ayodeji 'Deji' Egbeyemi leads NCA this weekend.

Mt.Zion Academy, NC - Mt. Zion comes in with Tyler Brunson, a 6'7" So F, who is getting interest from Wake Forest, Ga Tech and Georgetown. Also playing there are Jr 6'8" F Zach Reynolds who has Big East, ACC interest and 6' SR G Desmond Lewis, being recruited by schools in the SEC.

Howard Bernstein Charter, NC - Top players are 6'9" Sr Darius Leonard with interest from Tulane, VCU and IONA to name a few. Tradion Leonard, a 6'8' Jr SF is seeing Ole Miss, Alabama and other SEC schools on the chase. Also 6'3" Jr G Joshea Singleton has VCU & Richmond seeking his services.

National Christian Academy, MD - NCA's top players are super athletic 6'4" Sr G Ayodeji Egbeyemi, who is still unsigned but is fully qualified. Nigerian import, 7'2" JR C Jordan Omogbuhin (Big East schools are interested), 6'7 Jr F Dakota Hinely, 6'6" JR F Joel Clemmons, 6'1 Jr G Jarell Briggs and 6'2" Jr G Javon Moore make NCA a tough opponent for any team.

Progressive Christian Academy, MD - PCA is led by 6'8" Sr PF Moses Abraham, who is getting looks from ACC, Big East and A-10 schools. Well known 6'8" So SF Jordan Goodman, a top 50 recruit, teams with Abraham, as does 6'4" So G Derrek Woods and 6'4" Jr G Kervin Rameau - both of whom are receiving interest from A-10 and CAA schools. Ibrahima Dijinde, a 6'8" Jr F rounds out the Conquerors.

Princeton Day Academy, MD - The school's top players are Sr F 6'8" Eric McKnight, who UMD, Miss, Memphis , Penn St and Miami all are recruiting. Issac Fullwood, a 6'2" Sr G has looks from Marshall, NC Central & E. Washington. Super frosh 6'5" G Chris Thomas is considered to be in the Top 25 in his class.

Game times for Friday 02/19/10 are:

4:45pm Progressive vs. Mt. Zion , NC

6:30pm Princeton vs. Christian Faith Center Academy , NC

8:15pm NCA vs. Howard Bernstein Charter, NC

Game times for Saturday 02/20/10 are:

2:30pm Princeton vs. Mt. Zion , NC

4:15pm Progressive vs. Howard Bernstein, NC

6:00pm NCA vs. Christian Faith Center , NC

"I think it's going to be a lot of good games, some good competition...All the teams pretty much have several (NCAA) Division 1 players" finished Brown, before having to solidify logistical concerns.

He's telling the truth. Be there to witness them.