TYBS 17u All Star Teams

Ron Bailey, Publisher

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May 20, 2010 – Last weekend’s Take Your Best Shot Tournament, a travel team confab produced by DC Assault, one of the most highly respected youth basketball organizations in America, brought talented players from across the East Coast to Prince George’s County, MD. Fans, family, observers and players witnessed top flight hoops action up close and in personal.

Following are players that in the eyes of i95Ballerz.com and trusted observers, stood out. Apologies are extended to those who are not mentioned, but possibly could have been; everybody cannot be noted. Boys in the 15 and under through 17 and under age groups participated.

Quinn Cook had the step back working all weekend.

MVP – Quinn Cook - junior, 6’0”, 165 lb point guard, DC Assault Gold – Cook did whatever offensively was necessary for his team to win the 17 and under championship, including driving, dishing, finishing, and likely most consistently, shooting – his range was dialed in to three-point land, and Quinn’s ability to get off his shot was inextricably tied to driving the rock when he so desired. In the championship game, Cook even strapped up in the second half, something this skilled player who is beyond his years in offensive feel is not necessarily known for.

Going forward, Cook must demonstrate more of a willingness to strap up defensively on a consistent basis, as in big time ball that’s mandatory. He must also become stronger, dis-allowing defenders to bump him off his dribble at the next level and ensuring he finishes through contact.
Almost everyone in America is recruiting Cook.

17u First Team

Christian ‘Pop’ Leach – senior 6’3”, 215 lb shooting guard, DC Assault blue – It always looks as if Leach is about to get his shot packed or denied the lane, as he doesn’t jump the highest or run the fastest. Who cares, Leach understands offensive basketball, using angles, change of pace and a strong body to fend off defenders and get his shot. Christian pretty much scored when he wanted to in TYBS play, despite being the main offensive target for his team.

Though at the high school team is ‘old school’ game makes him almost a man amongst boys at times, for high major action Leach must shed some weight and gain muscle, thereby improving his explosion, foot quickness and resultantly, defensive prowess. He must also raise his jumpshot’s release point.

Will attend prep school next year.

Pop Leach driving.

Lowell Ulmer – junior, 6’6”, 205 lb forward, Riverside Hawks – St. Francis (PA) and Texas Pan American have offered this versatile, athletic front court player, while Niagara is recruiting him. Lowell gets up and down the floor, attacks the rim, rebounds and defends. He was more or less a dynamo up front.

Ulmer must solidify his handle and jumpshot for college, where foes will be nearly or equally as athletic. In the next few weeks, he may decide to transfer high schools (from Jersey's NIA Prep).

Jarvis Threatt – junior – 6’3”, 165 lb guard, VA Assault Gold – A thin, somewhat gangly player, one may be unsure of Threat’s talent when looking at him. That changes soon after seeing him play, as Threat can shoot, drive, dish and surprisingly finish; if you sleep, he’ll put it on your head. Jarvis is a good all around guard.

Many schools in the CAA are recruiting Threat, as is the Atlantic 10’s UMass. For fans of those programs and any others that may be interested, Threat must become more of a point guard; it’s not that he can’t play the position or doesn’t frequently, but Jarvis could stand to drive to pass more often. Strength development is also needed.

Traveon Graham – 6’4”, 190 lb swingman, Triple Threat – Graham simply got buckets against whomever was put in front of him – he has a good feel for half court offense, including facing from 15+ and going to work via stop and pops, layups and long balls. As he continues to get stronger, Traveon’s offensive proclivity will grow.

Not slow but not blazing fast either, Graham must continue working on his foot speed, which will serve him on both sides of the floor in college.

17u Second Team

Jerome Seagears – junior, 6’1”, 175 lb guard, DC Assault Gold – Currently a combo guard, Seagears understands he must become more of a pass first guy for the highest rungs of college ball. Currently, he’s a scorer that can pass, and boy can he do the former; from outside, at the rim, and in between.

Jordan Goodman – sophomore, 6’9”, 190 lb forward, DC Assault Gold – If not for some early inconsistency would have been a clear first team selection, as he got it done Sunday. Jordan’s performance versus Triple Threat was arguably his best on the circuit this year, since he attacked the cup, shot, handled and passes. Must do all of that consistently, and get in better shape.

Kevin Smith pulls up.

Mike Helmsley – senior, 6’5”, 215 lb forward, DC Assault Blue – Helmsley, headed to prep school, surprised many with his aggressive, athletic play. This guy backs down from no one. Though he was previously a guard, Mike needs to improve his handle and perimeter awareness.

Kevin Smith – junior, 6’1”, 190 lb guard, Baltimore Assault – A classic Baltimore combo guard, Smith has the physical tools to play point but loves to pat the rock and score; he can drive and shoot against virtually anyone. Being more of a set up guy will advance his high major collegiate hopes.

Eddie Mitchell – junior, 6’0”, 170 lb guard, Philly Assault – Despite going right too much – his left hand needs work and/or confidence building – Mitchell is uber-athletic, plays in the tough Philly tradition, can hit jumpers, and will defend. Schools in the MAAC and CAA find him attractive.

17u Sleepers

Isaac ‘Izzy’ Freeman – junior 6’11”, 200 lb center, VA Assault Gold – Almost seven feet and having received offers from Delaware and UMass, while VCU and GW have expressed interest, some may challenge his sleeper status. He’s labeled such because this is his 2nd year of travel team ball experience, is learning positioning, and must get stronger in his body and hands. Nevertheless, this kid can play – he moves well, is a quick learner, reportedly has some jump hooks he really doesn’t show, and again, is almost seven feet. Izzy's best hoops are in front of him.

Izzy Freeman can also pass around the basket.

Stephen Brooks – sophomore 6’0”, 155 lb point guard, D.C. Colts – Lightening fast, Brooks speeds up and down the court like a flash. Needs to work on his jump shot mechanics and left hand dribble.

Dillon Fields – senior 6’1”, 175 lb guard, S. Jersey Select – Likely headed to Monmouth as a walk-on unless other opportunities avail themselves, Fields can clearly play on the Division II or III levels, and may be able to develop on the lower D1 scene: He’s tough, can shoot, will strap, likes to drive and plays both guard spots fairly well. A real sleeper.

Evan Hymes - junior, 5'6", 140 lb guard, VA Assault Gold - Hymes may be diminutive, but he's ultra quick, having seemingly recovered from two leg injuries. Evan uses that quickness to fearlessly attack the tin. Must work in jumpshots more, and drive to pass.

Oliver Ellison - junior, 6'8", 185 lb forward, Triple Threat - A natural shotblocker, Ellison must trust his ability in that regard more. Being long, athletic and lean, Oliver has a great upside. In addition to trusting himself, Ellison must also get stronger and develop a go-to, whether it be drop step or jump hook.

Kerron DeSheilds - senior, 6'3", 175 lb guard, Baltimore Assault - DeSheilds, headed to prep school next year can do some of everything - he just makes plays. Not the strongest or fastest of players (points of needed improvement), he still makes others around him better.