i95Ballerz.com NHSF All-Event Teams (1st/2nd)

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Talent was in the house at DeMatha Catholic.

December 13, 2010 - Saturday's National High School Hoops Festival lived up to its billing as must-see high school boys basketball showcase action, with teams competing, fans filling DeMatha Catholic High School's new sports facility, and writers from many walks taking in the action. Of course i95Ballerz.com was present at this, the Festival's fourth iteration.

The matchups were:

Riverdale Baptist (Md) 57 Cesar Chavez (DC) 44
Word of God (NC) 88 National Christian (MD) 80
Douglass (MD) 64 Wise (MD) 61
St. Johns (DC) 55 W. Charlotte (NC) 49
I.C. Norcom (VA) 71 Gwynn Park (MD) 42
Benedictine (VA) 63 Paul VI (VA) 59
DeMatha Catholic (MD) 79 St. Vincent-St. Mary (OH) 68

Box scores are available at StatVA.com.

Dorian 'Bobo' Finney-Smith (15) makes a lot happen on the court.

Developed in concert with knowledgeable on-lookers, the following lists this site's first/second All-Event teams. They were compiled without regard to position.

First Team

Torian Graham - 6'6", 180 pound junior swingman, Word of God Academy (NC) - MVP - Dropped 34 points on 50% shooting, including a number of rim-rocking dunks. Athletic and long, Graham is sure to be one of the most highly recruited players in America going forward. Needs to get stronger and tighten both handle and shooting range.

Javon Moore - 6'3", 190 pound senior guard, National Christian (MD) - A 34 point scorer himself, Moore answered critics of his outside shooting range, hitting seven of 12 long balls. Is a stat-stuffer (six steals, five boards, two assists) who plays hard. Must continue to show such shooting prowess, which if done will cause high majors to join several mid-major schools in recruiting him.

Dorian Finney-Smith - 6'8", 180 pound senior swingman, I.C. Norcom (VA) - Headed to VA Tech, Finney Smith projects as an ACC player capable of playing the three and maybe two (with improved consistency on his jump shot). Can handle the rock and despite needing to get stronger, will get in there for rebounds. Dropped 13 points, 15 boards, five blocks, three steals. Athletic and bouncy.

Mike Gbinije makes stuff happen.

Mike Gbinije - 6'6", 190 pound senior swingman, Benedictine (VA) - Though he scored 16 points - pedestrian for a player of his ability and previous production - Gbinije showed he can do what he wants on the court, whether that means slashing, defending, rebounding and finishing. His jumper from distance needs to be more consistent. Headed to Duke.

Joseph Uchebo - 6'9", 240 pound senior center, Word of God Academy (NC) - A glass cleaner, Uchebo, destined for NC State, snared 25 boards in 30 minutes, also adding nine points. In college his footwork must improve, in addition to shot mechanics.

Second Team

Davonte Beard - 6'2", 170 pound senior guard, St. Vincent-St.Mary (OH) - Silky shooter capable of getting his shot off movement, Beard has long arms and is also fairly athletic. Understands how to score. Needs to attack rim more. Is open in recruitment, after ending commitment to St. Francis (PA).

Julian DeBose - 6'4", 175 pound senior guard, St. Johns (DC) - Signed to attend Rice, DeBose is a smart, athletic player that must continue making his jumper more consistent. Loves to get up and down the floor.

Decarlos Anderson is a true sleeper.

Kavon Glover - 6'4", 170 pound sophomore swingman, Douglass (MD) - Glover, athletic and tough, finished with 24points and 11 boards. Handle needs improvement, as does long ball, but this guy is definitely trending upwards.

Decarlos Anderson - 6'2", 175 pound senior guard, I.C. Norcom (VA) - Presently recruited by Division II schools, Anderson is a keeper for a mid to low major school, as he does it all; shoot, drive, pass, defend and battle. Can run point or the two. Must get stronger. Finished with 15 points and seven boards.

Mikeal Hopkins - 6'8", 210 pound senior forward, DeMatha Catholic (MD) - Didn't take his starter spot due to undisclosed reasons and began slowly, but in the second hand bounced back, finishing with 15 points and a surprising 12 rebounds - shocking in the sense that Mikeal didn't seem to own the paint as a dozen boards generally indicates. Headed to G'Town, where this skilled four man needs to become stronger and more consistently focused/aggressive.

Mikael Hopkins started out slowly, but rebounded; pun intended.

Kennedy Meeks - 6'8", 250 pound sophomore forward, West Charlotte (NC) - Dubbed 'Baby' by his teammates, Meeks notched grown numbers of 10 points and 17 boards - eight offensive. Has worked to define/strengthen his body, which shows. Expect more of that, along with back-to-basket footwork improvement.