The i95Ballerz.com WISE 8 All-Star Teams
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Talent was in abudnance at the WISE 8 Tournament.
March 25, 2010 – As an companion to Washington Independent School Elite 8’s official All-Tourney team – an excellent list compiled by event organizers Kevin Wills and Frank Simpson – i95Ballerz.com has put together two All-Star squads. Comprising six players each who participated in the event, these teams were formed with maintaining position congruity. Brief evaluations are also supplied.
Be sure to check out exclusive audio interviews and game reports from day 1/2 and the championship.
Chris Thomas dunks. He is the i95Ballerz.com MVP for his work.
Mike Starghill, an excellent photo journalist, has put together several galleries documenting championship day, where pictures can be seen and purchased. Other related items are there as well. (Chavez vs Friendship Gallery and KIMA vs PDA Gallery)
First Team
Eugene McCrory – 6’6” senior forward, KIMA (DC) – Did what he does, which is to score around the rim via aggressive, relentless play. Indicated he’s still committed to Seton Hall, but not adverse to listening to other school’s pitches.
Markee Mazyck – 6’5” senior forward, Chavez (DC)– In addition to hitting a game winning shot, Mazyck was solid from mid-range and in attacking the rim. The unsigned lefty flat got it done.
Lou Bell to the cup.
Louis Bell – 6’2” senior guard, Friendship (DC) – Showed why the likes of University of Maryland Eastern Shore are all over him; Bell shot and drove well. A combo guard, Louis posses a good level of athletic ability.
Kareem Story – 5’11” junior guard, KIMA (DC) – Story saved his best for last, leading KIMA to the championship by driving and finishing/dropping off. A solid floor leader, Worked well with his big men.
Kareem Story drives.
Chris Thomas – 6’3” freshman guard, Princeton Day (MD) – Displaying an ability to score from three point land or drive and finish, Thomas is an elite level, young combo guard. For his body work, is the i95Ballerz.com MVP.
Jon Arledge – 6’10”, senior forward, KIMA (DC) – Headed to George Mason next year, Arledge not only illustrated a propensity to score in the lane, but also faced up; his championship game drive and missed dunk portends a high upside going forward.
Second Team
Malcolm Clarke – 6’3” junior guard, Chavez (DC)– Clarke defended and scored (at rim and from mid-range), proving he can play with more heralded players. A sleeper.
Malcolm Clarke (4) will score and strap.
Moses Abraham – 6’8” senior center/forward, Progressive (MD) – Clearly the best shot blocker competing, Abraham also displayed some mid-range shooting, a new wrinkle to his game. Coaches from the likes of UCLA, Georgetown, Indiana, Rice, Virginia Tech and elsewhere flocked to see him play Saturday. Would likely have been first team, but team didn’t make semis.
Joe Lundy – 6’5”, junior forward, Friendship (DC) – Lundy slashed and battled underneath, illustrating a solid forward skill set in the process.
Stephane Manga loves to attack the rim.
Chris Hampton - 6’0”, senior point guard, Princeton Day (MD) – A pass first point guard, Hampton will get into the lane and score, or pull up from 17+.
Stephane Manga – 6’5” senior forward, Princeton Day (MD) – Unsigned slasher loves to finish, getting up and down the floor well. Will also play the passing lanes defensively.
Ibrahima Djinde – 6’8”, junior forward, Progressive Christian (MD) – Didn’t put up significant numbers, but still was a force inside, one that could/should have been utilized more.
Can’t Forget Squad:
Kirven Rameau – 6’4” junior swingman, Progressive
Brian Kelly – 6’1” freshman guard, Don Bosco (MD)
Devin 'Lil Scrappy' Shuler, 5'9" freshman guard, Chavez
Devin 'Lil Scrappy' Shuler off the bounce.
Curtis Symonds – 6’3” senior guard, Friendship
Jada Johnson – 6’1” senior guard, KIMA
Devon Martin – 6’2” senior swingman, KIMA
Jermaine Powell – 6’1” senior guard, Chavez