Warriors From the Weekend Pt 1.

Ron Bailey, Publisher

During summertime, high school-aged hoops is hot in the DMV. Here are a few of last weekend's standouts.

June 30, 2009 - Last weekend saw youth hoops being thick in the DMV, with the DC Metro Showcase's last iteration being held, along with GPS' Beltway Basketball League (formerly the high school Kenner League). Several notable performers in each event are featured here.

Darian Atkins, Landon School, 6'7", 185 pound Jr. F - Athletic forward that will attack the rim. Needs to extend his offensive skill set to at least the elbow, including jumpshots and mini-hooks. Had a busy day Saturday, playing in the Beltway Summer League (Landon), the Showcase (Team Takeover), and even reportedly running pick up at Georgetown earlier in the morning.

He noted "Villanova, Georgetown a little bit, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Clemson, basically Big East, ACC, and SEC schools are showing interest.

Devon Pastrano (left) and Danny Rubin should impact MC's 4A and the IAC respectively, this year.

Danny Rubin, Landon School, 6'4", 165 pound Sr. G/F - Columbia, Cornell, Penn, other Ivy League Schools and the Big Ten's Northwestern are all recruiting Rubin. An excellent student likely to play either the two guard or three man in college, Rubin has also been a lead guard - in Beltway Summer League play he functioned as such because Landon's point guard was not present. Being able to step into that role is a testament to Danny's hard work on ball patting.

In terms of development, the svelte Rubin must get stronger, focus on lateral quickness work, and continue his dribbling work.

Devon Pestano, Springbrook, 6'1", 170 pound Jr. G - Though he admitted "I have to work on my ball handling and shot", Pestano can still impact games through his athleticism - he can surprise you on the court through attacking the rim and finishing.

Devon, a DC Assault guy, is getting looks from the likes of VCU and American. Participated in Beltway Summer League battle with Springbrook.

Markee Mazyck (shooting) is one of, if not the most, unhearled Class of 2010 guys in the DMV.

Markee Mazyck, Chavez High School, 6'5", 200 pound Sr. G/F - A smooth, athletic left-hander, Morgan State, Mount St. Mary's and Niagara, Morgan State have all offered Markee, who attends and competed in GPS action with Chavez High School. He's worked greatly on his shooting, producing a jumpshot with prodigious arch and consistency. Can also back down opponents and/or post.

Markee must continue to work on his right hand dribbling and lateral quickness. Led Chavez in Beltway play.

Arnold Richmond, Roosevelt High School, 5'10", 160 pound Jr. G - Expect Richmond to burst on the scene this year, as he can hit the three ball, drive, handle defensive pressure, find open teammates and hound the ball. Arnold needs experience running a team, as now he's more two guard than point, though the skills are there. Played well in Beltway action.

Darius Stokes, Roosevelt High School, 5'9", 170 pound Jr. PG - Like Richmond new to Roosevelt, Darius will be a handful this year, primarily due to his driving ability. Stokes' jumper and shot selection both need to be strengthened. Ran the one for Rose in the school's Beltway Summer League game versus Chavez.

Arnold Richmond, seen here riding a foe's right hand, will be a DCIAA name of note this year.

Aton Cheminski, Jewish Day School, 6'9", 215 pound Sr, F/C - An active big man, Cheminski showed in Showcase (played with the Maryland Sixers) action he can hit mid-range shots and post. This solid position defender must become stronger to standout at Colgate where he's orally committed.

Traevon Graham, St. Mary's Ryken High School, 6'4", 175 pound Jr. G - A sleeper, Graham, who possesses long arms, can pat and shoot the ball, while using that length to harass defenders. Must get stronger and become more experienced as a lead guard. Stood out for Triple Threat in the Showcase.

Deon Andrews, St. Mary's Ryken High School, 6'1", 175 pound Jr, G - Graham's partner in crime on and off the floor (the two have a good synergy and are buddies while running for Ryken and Triple Threat), Andrews can play both guard positions, given his good penetration and solid shooting skills. Experience will make him highly recruited.