Festival Preview: Host Wise Receiving Multiple Benefits From Festival

Ron Bailey, Publisher

December 1, 2007 – Rarely does a public school host an event in the scope, magnitude, and competition level of the National High School Hoops Festival, taking place December 8th and 9th. But Dr. Henry J. Wise High School. Coached by its Athletic Director, O.J. Johnson, the Wise family has that opportunity, and best believe plan on taking advantage of it.

“First of all, it’s going to bring a lot of positive notoriety to our school” opined Johnson, of allowing the Festival to use the school’s state of the art gymnasium (the school opened last year). “Next thing, it is an opportunity for outside teams and outside coaches to see what our program is all about”.

Delonta "Big 50" Boyd frequently gets to the foul line via nifty post moves and strength.

When discussing coaches, Johnson was primarily talking about those at the next level. “College coaches focus on private schools. The Festival will bring coaches in to see our guys”.

His team, cobbled together last year from as he put it “different philosophies and experiences”, is a talented, fast paced group comprised of five seniors and four juniors. Leading the charge is 6’3”+ junior center, Delonta ‘Big 50’ Boyd, a space eating, rebounding pivot man that finishes around the rim using nimble footwork and angles against taller opponents. Fellow third year student David Gallady is also a prime Wise player, as the 6’2” swingman excels at slashing to the basket, while also providing his coach with defensive flexibility given his ability to defend multiple positions.

Wise’s impact player list doesn’t stop there: Quick, senior 5’10” point guard Antoine Brown runs the team, 6’2”wing Donald Williams slashes and shoots, as does 6’2” junior Phil Wood, a guard. Not to be overlooked is 6’4” forward Arrington Flemming, who provides inside and outside punch, and 6’6” junior post player Maxie Esho, a player that not only blocks shots and rebounds, but runs the floor well and will find the open man when called upon.

David Gallady can match up with many different players, and will put it on your head if you sleep.

Facing Riverdale Baptist (MD)on December 8th in Festival play, expect Wise to push the ball mercilessly, as well as meet the team’s goal, articulated by Johnson, their coach, as “To come out and try to play better…try to improve every game”.

In doing so, the newest high school in Prince George’s County, MD will not only expose the hoops public to their program, but college coaches will also get to know Wise’s student athletes. There many positive things to learn, on both fronts.