'We Takin Over' 17u All Star Teams

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Talent in Abundance Last Weekend

March 30, 2009 – Last weekend's We Takin Over boys grassroots tournament, Team Takeover's inaugural event hosted at Hoop Magic Sports Academy saw the sponsor organization go home with hardware - the 16 and 17 under championship games featured two Takeover squads competing.

As to be expected, talented young men were plentiful throughout. Here are the i95Ballerz.com, 17 and under All Tourney teams. They were compiled with input from knowledgeable observers.

MVP: Mike Gbinije, Team Takeover - soph, 6'6", 185 pounds - Gbinje makes it look easy; his dominance that is. Can shoot, fill lanes, drive and finish. Is working on getting stronger and his left hand. Has definite pro potential. Is being recruited by schools like UNC, Florida, G'Town, Virginia, Va Tech and a host of others, including recently Memphis. Team Takeover Black/Christchurch

MOP: Will Barton, Nike B'More Elite - junior, 6'5", 170+ pounds - A tough, do anything player, Barton has long been coveted by Memphis, MD, and many others, as he can do a little bit of everything and exhibits an understanding of the game and flair that's uncommon. Barton was neck and neck with Gbinije for MVP honors, but an ankle injury sidelined him during quarterfinal play. Nike Baltimore Elite/formerly Lake Clifton.

Mike Gbinije (23), Brandon Young (20) and Billy Rowland all made 17 and under All-Tourney designations.

First Team

Ayodeji Egbeyemi, 6'3", 190 pound junior swingman can flat get it; will shoot, dunk, run the floor and plays hard. Working on his ball handling, which will open up his game. Team Takeover Black/National Christian.

Josh Selby, 6'3", 185 pound junior combo guard has oralled to Tennessee. His talent is unquestioned. Needs to maintain constant focus. Nike Baltimore Elite/formerly DeMatha.

Skylar Jones, 6'4" 200 pound junior wingman can face up and post. Used as a four man in high school, his migration to the perimeter, including ball patting work, will greatly improve college looks which include Fairfield. Team Takeover Orange/Mt. Vernon

Tyshawn Bell, 6'7", 205 pound senior swingman can shoot and rebound consistently. Working on his handles and creating own shot. Delaware Takeover/prep school.

Jordan Latham, 6'8", 210 pound junior forward has orally committed to Xavier, where his intelligence, teachablility and willingness to do many things will serve him well. Likes to score on put backs, must work on footwork and mid range shots. Nike Baltimore Elite/City College.

Second Team

John Graham, 6'7" 200 pound junior forward provides a decent interior presence, mobility and skill set. Needs to get stronger and/or extend his game to the perimeter for high major ball. Mid-majors currently on him. Nike Baltimore Elite/Calvert Hall.

Mo Williams is on the rise.

Brandon Young, 6'3" 175 pound junior point guard can do some of everything. Has to further develop his strength, which will amplify athletic capacity. In doing so, more than St. Francis (PA) will be recruiting him. Team Takeover Orange/Friendship Edison.

Mo Williams, 6'1", 170 pound junior point guard is set to shine in travel team ball, after being somewhat hidden in high school. Wyoming, Navy and Minnesota have inquired despite that. Team Takeover Orange/O'Connell.

Eugene McCrory, 6'5" 210 pound junior forward is constantly in motion, beating defenders down the court. Must further develop his jumper, but McCrory's effort was undeniable. Team Takeover Black/Paul VI.

Thomas Gibson, 6'5", 190 pound senior swingman is at the top of the athletic food chain. Needs to bone up on his handle and mid range game. Activa Sports/Princeton Academy

Honorable Mention

Durrell Edwards, 6'2", 186 pound junior scoring guard is a tough customer. Towson, Indiana, Indiana, Mount St. Mary's and others are interested. Nike Baltimore Elite/Dunbar.

East Baltimore's Durrell Edwards.

Billy Rowland, 6'6", 200 pound junior forward is undersized for his interior-based game in a college setting, but makes does and will make it happen. A solid mid-range shot will make a big difference. Team Takeover Orange/TC Williams.

Justin Coleman, 6'6", 225 pound junior forward is a top shelf athlete that can hit the three ball. When he further develops his handle, more than Virginia Tech will come calling. Petersburg Elite/Henrico

Keith Crockett, 6'2", 180 pound junior guard (true combo) is flying under the radar. Multi-skilled performer will not be lightly regarded after this summer. Team Takeover Black/Duval.

Kai Smith, 6'2", 190 pound junior point guard is the definition of a sleeper. Strong and skilled, runs a team well. Offered previously by Boston. Team Takeover Orange/St. Mary's Ryken.

Dyanta Thomas, 6'7", 215 pound junior forward plays with force, and likes to do the dirty work. Needs to beef up his skill set. Team Takeover Orange/Thomas Stone.

Darius Smith, 5'11", 160 pound junior point guard is always on the attack, while never backing down form a challenge. Likes to drive and can shoot, though his jumper needs some strengthening. Lehigh and American are interested. Stafford Hoyas/Woodbridge

Brandon Britt, 6'0", 180 pound junior point guard is being recruited by Richmond. The scoring lead man uses his quickness to score, though must work on finishing in traffic. Petersburg Elite/Atlantic Shores