NOVA Vs. The Nation Designed to Highlight Talent

Ron Bailey, Publisher

January 9, 2009 – Curtis Symonds, founder of Chantilly, VA’s Hoop Magic Sports Academy always envisioned that facility to be more than just a first rate place to play, more than simply a gym. Nova Vs. The Nation is another step in meeting that goal.

“I feel good about Nova Vs. The Nation” he said via telephone today. “There is a lot of talent in Northern Virginia, and it’s overlooked (in terms of recruiting)…We are going to create a hub, where that talent can be promoted”.

A six game showcase-type affair held tomorrow (Jan. 10th), Nova Vs. The Nation pits Virginia-based boys high school teams against one from either DC or Maryland. The following slate is offered:

Noon: CD Hylton (VA) vs Eleanor Roosevelt (MD)
1:40pm: Word of Life Christian (VA) vs Princeton Day Academy (MD)
3:20pm: Miller School (VA) vs Carroll (DC)
5:00pm: Atlantic Shores Christian (VA) vs McNamara (MD)
6:40pm: Paul VI (VA) vs Riverdale Baptist (MD)
8:20pm: Woodbridge (VA) vs Calvin Coolidge (MD)

The following future college stars, amongst others, will participate: Erick Green (Va Tech), Talib Zanna (Pitt), Raphaiel Putney (UMass), Andre Dawkins (Duke), Lawrence Smith (NC A&T), Andre Mattison (FAU), Tristan Spurlock (UVA), Raven Barber (Mt. St. Marys), Steven Pledger (Oklahoma), Marshawn Powell (Arkansas), John Underwood (JMU), Javon Farrell (UMass).

Symonds also shared his state of that art facility is prepared to accommodate the expected crowd. “We are going to bring in some bleachers” shared the sports professional with experience at the professional level, as well as in mass media. “We will also have chairs on the floor”.

For more information, including price, Hoop Magic’s exact location and webcasting, see the link above.

So in addition to training (individuals and teams), pick up play, travel team tournaments and camps, Hoop Magic Sports Academy is now offering national caliber high school tournaments.

It seems as if Symonds’ vision of his facility becoming “a hub” has been realized. Come out and enjoy it.

Extra: Symonds' Call for Partners