Capitol Invitational Game of the Day - Friday

Ron Bailey, Publisher

April 30, 2006 – Charlie Weber’s Capitol Invitational was the kind of AAU tournament purists enjoy: Though many of the “top” AAU teams were elsewhere, it afforded an opportunity for observers and college coaches to see many talented, yet less-heralded high school student athletes compete on the hardwood. For those who attended, the games were well worth attending.

Following is a recap of PAL/Delaware’s overtime 49-44 victory over a resilient MD South Kings crew:

PAL/Team Moody's Joe Seymore plotting his next move

PAL/Team Moody, coached by Michael Shepherd, raced to an early 11-2 lead, which would stand 21-13 at the half. The play of senior Joe Seymore (11 points) stood out, as this two guard filled in aptly at the point guard position in light of his teammate, junior Edwin Santiago’s standing academic commitment, precluding participation. Aiding Seymore was junior Shemik Thompson (8 points). Both are not natural points, but displayed enough ball handling skill and savvy early on to as a group, handle their team’s lead guard duties.

In the second half, MD South Kings rode the capable shoulders of junior Eric Moore (25 points). Moore manned the center and power forward positions for South King’s coach, Bob Brooks, displaying time and again an ability to convert short shots, lay ups, and stick backs. His back to back step back jumper and floater, narrowing a 36-26 to one of six points are prime examples of his effectiveness.

South King's Eric Moore (40) and Lemuel Gartrell

Moore’s play also coincided with increased South King’s ball pressure on PAL’s converted point guards - Shepherd revealed that Seymore, for one, “had never really played point guard before”. With four minutes left in the contest, their commitment to not only pressuring the ball defensively, but forcing an up tempo game by running and sharing the ball secured them a 37-35 lead.

After the two minute mark of the fourth quarter, with the score 38 all, PAL’s Thompson converted a nice left handed lay up, which was answered by Moore, himself converting a ‘bunny’. His coach, Brooks, could then be heard saying “Get the five second call – the team was once again pressuring PAL’s backcourt. This time, Shepherd’s guys handled that tactic, and ended up with senior Markevus Sudler (10 points), another PAL shooting guard/swingman, getting to the cup and converting.

Coaches Brooks (center) and Mann (right) preparing their team

Losing by two, with 12 seconds remaining, senior swingman Lemuel Gartrell (6 points) calmly sank two free throws to knot the score at 40. A missed point blank shot at the buzzer by a PAL guard ensured an overtime period.

The guys from PAL/Team Moody finished the game’s bonus period outscoring their opponents 9-4, with Seymore finishing the period’s scoring with a lay up.

Pal/Team Moody's Shemik Thompson

Player Notes

Joe Seymore – Senior 6’2” shooting guard who filled in competently at the point guard position. Has three ball range, and is not afraid to show it. Has two guard handle and instincts, but knowledge of the game can allow him to play point periodically. Recently announced he will sign with Central Connecticut State. Boston University and Quinnipiac also showed major interest.

Shemik Thompson - A two guard standing around 6’2”, was forced into point guard duty. Fairly explosive scorer, who when determined to do so, can defend fairly well. American and UMES are recruiting this junior.

Markevus Sudler – 6’3” swing man in his last year of high school, is athletic, and has shown the ability to get to the rim. Wesley College is known to be interested. Neumann College may be as well.

Eric Moore – A 6’6” junior forward, Moore showed a lot of spring and energy, in addition to being able to convert difficult shots such as step back and fade away jumpers, out to 15 feet. He also showed a relentlessness on the boards that bodes well for his recruitment going forward.

Lemuel Gartrell – This heady senior, standing 6’3”, knows how to play, and is capable of making timely big plays while working within a system. The forward is mulling an offer from Belmot Abbey.