Presidential Hoopfest First Team All-Event Squad

Ron Bailey, Publisher

First team event was stocked with good players.

February 21, 2011 - Wise Hs (MD) was Saturday's host of the Presidential Hoopfest, a high school boy’s basketball showcase. The first time event went off without a hitch.

Winners of the four game slate were:

Blue Ridge (VA) 64 Riverdale Baptist (MD) 48
Princeton Day (MD) 68 Our Savior New American (NY) 62
Lincoln (NY) 67 O’Connell (VA) 62
Oak Hill (VA) 103 Arlington Country Day (FL) 76

Following is the first team, All-Event crew, put together by i95Ballerz.com in conjunction with knowledgeable observers. Talent was in abundance.

MVP: Quinn Cook, 6'0", 165 pound guard, Oak Hill Academy (VA) - Despite the pressure of returning home, senior guard Quinn Cook played well, hitting his typical jumpers and layups. Most importantly, Cook defended something he didn't previously do regularly. Dropped 29 points. Is headed to Duke next year.

Cook talked about the game and strapping opponents afterward. Click here for the exclusive interview.

Malik Kone, 6'5, 200 pound senior swingman, Blue Ridge (VA) - Long known as a shooter only, Kone has worked on his ball handling, enabling him to now get to the rim in halfcourt situations. Headed to Rutgers next season, Kone indicated that team's opportunity for playing time, assistant coach Dave Cox, and league all intrigued him. Notched 19 points, 10 rebounds and one block.

Romello Trimble, 6'2", 150 pound freshman guard, O'Connell (VA) - Trimble pulled up from deep and slashed to the cup, where he got fouled or converted. Must get stronger. Has worked hard on advancing his dribble drive game. The future his great for Trimble. Click here for an interview with him on his high school season and development. Trimble finished Saturday with 20 points.

Shaquille Stokes off the bounce.

Carlos Morris, 6'5", 175 pound junior swingman, Arlington Country Day (FL) - An athletic slasher, Morris is being recruited by "Cincinnati, Georgia, Missouri, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia State, Georgetown, Cleveland State, James Madison and NC State". Though he didn't show it Saturday, Morris indicated he can shoot from distance, but also understands the need to work on his ball patting, including lowering center of gravity and using both hands. Finished with 14 points.

Michael Javes - 6'10", 220 pound senior center, Arlington Country Day (FL) - A shot blocking, defensive effort machine, Javes went after just about everything. Headed to Arkansas-Little Rock, this Venezuelan national must develop offensive footwork and shot release. Still scored 22 points.

Shaquille Stokes - 5'9", 160 pound senior point guard, Lincoln (NY) - Stokes is a NYC point guard in that he loves defeating pressure off the bounce and finding teammates. Stokes also displayed the ability to shoot, finishing with 23 points. There was considerable debate as to whether Stokes is a BIG EAST/ACC player, some believing so, others not. Regardless, he goes it at. Needs to solidify his jumper.

Stephan Manga punished the rims.

Stephan Manga - 6'6", 190 pound senior swingman, Princeton Day (MD) - Manga thrilled with slashing dunks, while also playing solidly all around. Has worked on his jumpshot; doesn't trust it 100%, but it’s definitely better than before. Manga could make a high major program happy, or be a mid major star. Scored 25 points.

Jordan Adams, 6'5", 225 pound junior guard, Oak Hill (VA) - Adams has multiple skills; driving, shooting and operating around the tin. Must become quicker in space and more explosive, points he understands. Scored 20 points. Shared he's being recruited by "UCLA, Tennessee, Memphis Syracuse, Georgia, Miami". To hear his thoughts on schools and development, click here.