Team Workout Series: Chavez

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Chavez is getting well deserved recognition

September 13, 2009 – Tucked into a corner of Northeast, DC known as Kenilworth/Parkside is school with a new coach, and solid basketball program. The casual fan may not know about Chavez, a charter school, but those in the local hoops scene do, including college recruiters.

“The fact that colleges are now seeking our kids out” said Malcolm Battle, the team’s new leader who as a Chavez assistant recruited the roster, “speaks volumes to how hard our kids are working and how far our kids have come in four years”.

Markee Mazyck is Chavez' most well known player.

With that recognition comes expectations, of which Battle noted: “Well, now especially with the ninth grade class coming in, we won’t sneak up on anybody. We have to win, and get kids in schools (colleges). If that doesn’t happen, they will definitely find someone else to make it happen”.

Check out some of the Eagles creating this buzz.

Markee Mazyck – 6’5”, 220 lb, Class of 2010 swingman – The program’s marquee (pun intended) player, Mazyck is a player capable of posting and shooting offensively, the last being a development focus of his during the last year and a half. Mount St. Mary’s, Morgan State, Hampton and Niagara have offered.

Malcolm Clark defends Devin Shuler during informal workouts.

Malcolm Clark – 6’2”, 170 lb, Class of 2011 guard – A strap-man, Clark uses his long arms to deny and challenge defensively. Malcolm has also improved his shooting and ball patting. He’s received inquiries from Division II institutions.

Nolan Jones - 6’4”, 210 lb, Class of 2010 forward – Jones loves to attack the boards and defend. Will also score around the tin.

Travon Turner, 6’7”, 160 lb Class of 2013 forward – Despite being in need of strength/weight training, Turner is a natural shot blocker, remains mobile, and scores around the rim. Has great upside.

Travon Turner pins a shot on the glass.

Devin ‘Lil Scrappy’ Shuler – 5’7”, 140 lb, Class of 2013 guard – Shuler, a lefty, makes plays, including around the basket. Has a definite poise to his game.

Ty Elliot – 6’1”, 150 lb shooting guard – Will find a way to get the ball in the basket. Has the potential to be one of the best kids in the city, if embraces working hard.

William Riley – 6’3” 180 lbs wingman – Does some of everything; if he trains hard and reshapes his body, sky is the limit.

Addendum:

Diquan Coleman has transferred to Chavez since this writing. A 6'0", 160 pound junior point guard, Coleman is expected to bring points, dishes and quickness to Chavez' line up. His arrival should improves the squad.