The Braintrust’s Team Takeover NCAA Certified Event All Star Team

Ron Bailey, Publisher

DMV sites join forces in tourney coverage.

August 1, 2012 - When compiling an all event team, a general rule of thumb prevails – it’s always better to have more than one opinion informing the lists. With that in mind, we bring you ‘The Braintrust’.

A joint effort of i95Ballerz.com and DMVElite.com, the two most well informed and knowledgeable hoops sites in the District-Maryland-Virginia area, ‘The Braintrust’ was created to supply our readers with the best all star team of the recently concluded Team Takeover NCAA Certified Event.

This list is comprised of players that competed in both the 16u and 17u classifications. For more student-athletes, see our respective sites.

1) Stanford Robinson – Committed to Indiana, Robinson did what Robinson does, meaning the 6’3”, 175 pound guard/forward defended, rebounded, drove to the cup and even found people. He must further his mid-range game – many times Robinson either pulls up deep or gets all the way to the rim – and get stronger as his game is built on effort and heart. Paul VI (VA), Class of 2013

That's Lavon Long attacking the rim.

2) Lavon Long – A tweener type player at around 6’6” and weighing 220 pounds, Lane thrives when taking larger players to the cup, or shooting over smaller ones, particularly from mid-range. Will accept contact. Must work on defending the perimeter better for college. Can handle the rock like a half court three man, particularly in terms of a couple of dribbles to the rim, while also finding people. Oakland Mills (MD), Class of 2013.

3) Dion Wiley – When it comes to shooting, few are better than Wiley, a 6’3”, 185 pound guard/forward; Wiley generally doesn’t mean much, releases the ball high and in quick fashion, and makes a large percentage of his three ball shots. Wiley must continue to play harder consistently, particularly on defense, as doing so will allow him to avoid the stretches of ineffectiveness he’s prone to. Makes the right offensive play. More strength work will allow him to maintain footwork consistency off the bounce. Potomac (MD), Class of 2014.

4) Sindarius Thornwell – Scorer should be tattooed on the 6’3”, 180 pound Thornwell’s chest – he simply gets buckets, whether driving, shooting, the foul line or in transition. He’s relentless. Demonstrated he can deliver the rock to others, though needs to do so more readily, as well as adjust his shot selection. Also must become a more consistent position defender. Oak Hill (VA), Class of 2013.

5) Kennedy ‘Baby’ Meeks – Though Meeks, standing 6’8 and weighing 285 pounds admittingly must get in better condition, he excelled nevertheless, using a high skill level to do so. This included solid mid-range shooting – particularly starting back to the basket and ending fading away – and excellent passing delivery; Meeks showed himself one of the best ball deliverers in the tourney. Has a high hoops I.Q. West Charlotte (NC), Class of 2014.

6) John Crosby – Crosby runs a team well, in smooth fashion. He’s not a great outside shooter, but has very good vision, finding people and making shots. Must get stronger in terms of perimeter shooting. Poly (MD), Class of 2014.

7) Marcus Derrickson – Well known nationally, Derrickson did nothing to tamp down interest in him, as he scored down low and from distance, passed, rebounded and defended. Stands 6’8” and tips the scales around 225 pounds. Needs to further his perimeter defense and overall comfort level away from the cup. Paul VI (VA), Class of 2015.