i95Ballerz.com NHSI All Star Crews
Ron Bailey, Publisher
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April 6, 2009 – Now that the smoke has cleared at North Bethesda, MD's Georgetown Prep, a true reckoning can begin regarding the National High School Invitational. To that end, i95Ballerz.com has put together its own independent all-star teams (the choices are position specific, with two guards and three frontcourt types being the model structure). Here they are, and again congrats goes out to boys winner Findlay Prep and ladies bracket champ Seton Keough:
MVP: Avery Bradley - 6'2", 175 pounds, senior guard, Findlay - Clearly the event's best player, Bradley, headed to Texas, is a handful: He can drive/finish, shoot and maybe most appreciably, defend. Bradley will get stronger and work on his left hand in college. His stay in Austin will be limited.
Bradley shoots over fourth team member Justin Anderson, while Moph Yarou (21), a second team guy, looks on.
MOP: Keith 'Tiny' Gallon - 6'9", 320 pounds, senior foward/center, Oak Hill - Headed to Oklahoma next year, Gallon is a unique player given his size and light feet. The combination allows him to post, go out to the perimeter and fill lanes. Though as a big man in the Big 12 he'll be able to step out alot, Gallon needs to focus on around-the-cup play to strengthen his NBA prospects.
First Team
Cory Joseph - 6'2", 180 pounds, junior point guard, Findlay - Originally from Toronto, Cory can be described as 'Steady Eddie'; he rarely makes mistakes, consistently shoots from the perimeter, routinely gets to the rim for scores and drop-offs. Improved strength will pave way for future success.
Tristan Thompson - 6'9", 215 pounds, junior forward, Findlay - Only sporting Findlay gear for slightly more than a handful of games, Thompson was the team's second most explosive player. He loves to fill lanes, catch 'oops, and attack the cup via his strong (left) hand. Must work on that right hand and display more back to the basket skills, as well as be more willing to accept contact going forward. Committed to Texas.
Terrell Vinson - 6'7", 200 pounds, senior foward, St. Frances - Terrell dropped 29 points and seven rebounds in his team's quarterfinal loss to St. Benedict's. In typical fashion Vinson, who de-committed from Loyola Marymount upon a coaching change there, hit outside shots, rebounded, ran the floor and attacked the cup. He understands the need to continue improving his jumper, handle and strength.
Lamont 'Mo-Mo' Jones - 6'0", 205 pounds, senior guard, Oak Hill - Offensively aggressive and self-assured, Jones loves to put the rock up, sometimes to a detriment, as at his size he needs to be more of a point guard. Also needs to commit to the little things, like transition defense.
Deniz Kilicili - 6'9", 240 pounds, senior center, Mountain State - Originally from Turkey, Kilicili is a European style big man (he can hit perimeter shots with both hands and pass) that has an aggressive side that allows him to bang and compete American style. He admitted having to learn both the U.S. game and English language in short order, but having done so has accepted an offer from West Virginia. Must continue developing lateral quickness for the Big East.
Click here for the second team
Click here for third/fourth teams