Spring Snapshots

Ron Bailey, Publisher

June 12, 2007 – In another installment of our snapshot series, i95Ballerz.com introduces readers to a bevy of talented high school student-athletes, destined to play college basketball at various levels.

Jasper Williams - 6’2”, 175lbs: William, a junior is well along his transition path from shooting guard to point guard, displaying it not only for his high school, Progressive Christian Academy, but also the D.C. Blue Devils (AAU).

According to his coach at PCA, Vann Whitfield, Williams averaged “17.2 points a game and 10.1 assists”, including scoring 30 or more points five times.

Can score, and finds teammates. Has also become a capable floor leader, directing a team verbally and through actions. In addition to now being a floor leader, Whitfield noted Williams possesses “an uncanny ability to feel the moment, to capture it and to take charge when games are on the line”. During a 17 and under championship of the Charlie Weber Spring Fling, Jasper did just that offensively and defensively, as well as during the Golden Child Awards championship, with Progressive. In essence, he has stepped up, big time.

Currently, UNC Charlotte, Clemson, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Indiana, Rhode Island, UNC Greensboro, and Ball State have shown varying yet persistent interest.

Brian Oliver - 6’6”, 210lbs: Sophomore swingman, capable of playing inside, and now increasingly out; shared earlier he was working to become more proficient away from the cup, and his work has created dividends. Averaged 20 points and 4 blocks at William Penn (DE).

In the Weber Spring Fling, showed his budding all court versatility, while also defending well for the Playaz. Good weak side shot blocker. Has legitimate 17 foot range, and attacks the rim. Helped lead the Playaz to a Weber Spring Fling title.

Schools are lining up, as he shared “UConn, Rutgers, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, VCU, Florida” and a host of others have expressed major interest. Oliver will be a player of note in college.

Dante Drake - 5’8”, 150lb: Pure point guard. Junior is capable of pushing the rock as well as D’ing it up. (See Charlie Weber Spring Fling coverage)

Cecil Kirk’s director, Anthony Lewis agreed with that assessment, adding “He can hold down the turnovers, is able to get other kids involved, and has excellent court awareness”. According to Lewis, Drake did just that for Mervo High School (MD) this year.

Given that it is early in this AAU season, Lewis believes Drake’s recruitment “will take off”. To ensure it does, the Cecil staff will work on his “jump shot’s range”, and strength. One of Drake’s 16 and under coaches, Maurice White echoed those sentiments, adding the young man “must keep on growing as a basketball player” generally.

Noruwa Agho - 6’3”, 205lbs: Solidly built senior off-guard. Averaged 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists at St. Joseph’s in Montvale, NY. According to his New Jersey Cyclone (AAU) coach, Mike Cervellino, “Almost the entire NEC and Ivy League” conferences are interested, in addition to Lehigh, New Hampshire, and Holy Cross. Is open to all schools.

Agho is a strong player, capable of getting to the hole, and pulling up for ‘J’s’. (See game winner in Weber Spring Fling championship game). Possesses good understanding of the game, and embraces the strategic aspect of hoops.

Will probably attend prep school in 2007-2008 strictly for hoops, as he has earned 3.6 GPA and 1200 on the SAT. Not surprisingly, Agho revealed “Academics are very important to me”.