Recap: Middle School Elite Father’s Day Challenge Basketball Camp
Middle School Elite | Jun 25, 2015 | Comments 1
Anxious dads support in droves and young hoopers showcase basketball skills with pure grace
Middle School Elite Campers experience non-stop fun, training, games & exposure
A diverse multitude of people from across the country traveled to attend the Middle School Elite Father’s Day Challenge Basketball Camp at Grand Slam USA Gym in Raleigh/Durham, NC.
OH, VA, MI, NY, DC, MD, CA, FL, PA, WV, SC, GA, KY, NC & AL were some of the many states representing.
Before receiving national attention on MiddleSchoolElite.com, campers introduced themselves to one another to spark their exposure.
However, Baseline to Sideline’s head scout, Robert Alfonso told campers, “you will be competing against each other for a college scholarship in the future.”
His speech brought out the best in campers who competed with a ‘let’s get it on now’ type attitude.
“I will not rank kids on my site either,” he said with concern for the young ages of campers.
The youngest prodigy making a name was Gregory Dunson Jr., a seven- year-old rising second grader from Douglasville, Georgia.
There were also kids a year older such as eight-year-old rising third graders Atibah Fleming (GA), Jai’saun Williams and Zyon Hawthorne (WV).
Alfonso lectured campers in saying, “basketball is a very political sport, especially when you get older.”
Furthermore, he stressed the significance of maintaining good grades throughout middle school and high school.
Why?
“To obtain athletic eligibility out of high school, students will need a minimum GPA of 2.3. The current minimum is 2.0.,” he reiterated.
He concluded by thanking the fathers for coming out, but not before huddling together with campers and shouting “Elite” following a whispering three-count.
Here’s a breakdown of some elite players at the MSE Camp in North Carolina
No particular order
Rising ninth graders
Terrence McClain (FL) was perhaps the most reliable and coachable player. Well, he’s older than the rest. McClain cause havoc on wing using pick & roll or isolation plays. The unselfish point guard displayed occasional flash, but played fundamental overall.
Reginald Walton (NC) Walton should’ve raised his stock for the next level this camp. The athletic guard scored in various ways: the three pointer, mid range and corner. He was unstoppable down low, finishing put backs and making shots every which way. Wishing him best of luck in high school.
Zuric Harvey (SC) Harvey communicated with teammates using signals. He handled the ball with confidence and made the regular pass. When he had the ball, he passed and screened away to free his man and to create space for himself to get the ball back. His high school coach will be happy come next season.
Rising eighth graders
Damion Harris (NC) was effective performing guard and forward duties. He closed out on shooters and turned ball handlers from the basket’s lane. He wasn’t the primary ball handler but helped get the ball up court against the press. He is strong with good ball handle and basically had his way in games.
Aaron Ross (NC) He played like a basketball coaches’ son. Breaking down defenders off the dribble and hop-stepping in the lane to finish awkward up-and-under lay ups. Ross did it all earning himself Best Sportsmanship award.
Elijah Sanders (NC) 6’4″ Sanders sealed off defenders to catch entry passes. Then he threw fakes passes to teammates who just passed him the ball to prevent sagging guards from reaching. If doubled, he clearly saw the open man.
Kaleb Scott (NC) 6’5″ Scott was an absolute beast in the red. After receiving the step around pass, he scored with his back to the basket. He faked a screen away and V- cut sharply back to repost when defenders overplayed.
Trey Crews (NC) This youngster has a slow-motion game reminiscent to former UCLA star Kyle Anderson. He tricked his defender by studying his eyes, and when his defender wasn’t looking he ran to an empty space to shoot. The highlight of his game was a buzzer beater three pointer.
Jamonte Smith (VA) Smith was a basketball quarterback, who kept the ball on a string. He wasn’t nervous to make risky passes like a lob over defenders. He got fouled and didn’t let defenders block his shot.
Bobby Pettiford, Jr. (NC) He’s a facilitator and extension of the coach on the floor. When dribbling, he kept his head up and rotated the ball to shift the defensive zone.
Rising seventh graders
George Cutler (VA) Cutler the floor general is chiseled and energetic. Forcing his will, he muscled through traffic. He wasn’t afraid to draw body contact on his way to the rim. He set the intensity level on defense and avoided fouling.
Trevor Smith Jr. (MI) Jr. is a swing man that plays both shooting guard and small forward. Versatile player able to shoot the three pointer and bank shots in the post. He also was good defending smaller and bigger players.
Rising sixth graders
Ramel Lloyd Jr. (CA) did not disappoint the judges eyeing him. It should be no surprise that Lloyd is the best fifth grade basketball player in America. He has height, athleticism and long-range jumper. He wears size eleven shoe, too. Besides, he’s an overachiever inside the classroom. The 5’10” specimen actually plays all five positions, and scored any way and anywhere on the court.
Kanye Clary (VA) This natural born baller impressed us the moment we first saw him. What attracted us was his steady focus. He has a great feel the game and plays with mojo, poise and tempo. He is officially the best point guard for class of 2022.
Davion Kirkland (VA) He’s a strong wing, who got inside the paint and drove to the basket. He defended the other teams shooting guard as a shooting guard. This kid has a knack for disrupting opponents and winning games.
Terrence Gibbs (FL) Gibbs isn’t just a shooter, he’s a scorer. The big guard made quick, sharp passes to his target. He is tall and physical enough to play every position. Gibbs and Lloyd went head to head several outings. He is a top ten national player with tremendous upside.
Chauncey Presley (PA) The Pennsylvania native ran the team’s offense by controlling the rock and making sure it got to the right player at the right time. He created scoring opportunities for his teammates and attacked the basket for buckets.
Demetrius Dudley (CA) didn’t travel over two-thousand miles for nothing. He had defenders on his hip when they reached for the ball. When the ball was loose, he out hustled opponents to get it.
Jayden Epps (VA) Epps knows how to play the game, hands down. He’s strong, crafty plus a dangerous playmaker. He didn’t make mistakes so it seem. Maybe because he’s constantly thinking smart and playing extra hard. Can watch him play anytime as he’s a new top three player nationally.
Nicholas Graves (NC) Would have love to see Graves leave the camp number one. He was certainly one of the best players his age group. And he should be ranked high nationally. He’s a scrappy player with the necessary tools to get the job done.
Michael Williams (MD) Williams read the defense and got into triple threat stance. He scored without dribbling. He did a ‘catch and go’ whenever his defender was up close. His strength is defense. Keep an eyes on this kid.
KiJan “KJ” Robinson (FL) The young lion has a wicked handle and good court awareness to go with it. He either made a jumper from the elbow or passed the ball to a basket cutter. We will be tracking Robinson’s development from now on.
Players worthy of praise: Greg McClain (FL), Dontai Pendleton (OH), Mykel Tyler (AL),
Rising fifth graders
Jakhary Towns (MI) Everybody was talking about “the kid with the Mohawk.” The intellectual floor general stole the show with an all-around game. Defenders struggled to stay in front of him the entire weekend. Towns is the best player nationally for class of 2023.
Isaiah Williams (MD) The big guard had a good assist to turnover radio. He handled the rock with ease and was sometimes quicker than smaller guards. Mark him down as top five fourth-grader nationally based on his dominating performance at the MSE camp.
Travelle Bryson (NC) This mighty and brave warrior didn’t panic in tight situations and displayed mental toughness. He wasn’t trying to wow the crowd just because the ball was in his hands. He was patient and made critical plays.
Players worthy of praise is DeShawn Brown (NC), Gregory Lomax (DC), and Mathew Selmon (AL).
Rising fourth graders
Brooklyn Vick (VA) Vick came on stage with a Allen Iverson’s high crossover hesitation signature move. He used peripheral vision to make sure his team got a good shot every possession. And he played exceptional defense. Vick was crowned best third grader.
Jordan Mabe (KY) Mabe had a somewhat tremulous start on Saturday and was no-show at camp on Sunday. Word is that he was feeling a bit under the weather. We hope to see him back in action soon
Ty Virgil (CA) The tall lefty looked as if he just finished a boxing match after games. The west coast stud greatly benefited from competing on the rugged Eastern part of the U.S. Rough play didn’t deter or discourage Virgil, though. It only made him deadlier as he kept squeezing the trigger from deep.
Elijah Redfern (VA) Redfern caught our attention while minding his business on court. He simply terrorized opponents; plays with a grudge or chip on his shoulders. He was spectacular every second, minute, hour and day. No wonder he’s a top five player nationally his class.
Blake Harper (DC) Harper is a team player that coaches and teammates can trust. He didn’t take shots every time he was open, although he could’ve knocked it down. He can score and put players in position to be successful.
Elijah Kelly (VA) Kelly has some height and is obviously still growing. He saw the floor well and made good decisions with the ball in open court. He set screens for teammate and demonstrated nice defensive footwork on the flip side.
Isaiah Marshall (OH) The Midwestern state guard dribbled effectively with both hands. He knew his teammates game and where to get them the ball. When playing help side defense, he jabbed stepped in the lane.
Jaden McCall (NC) Kept an even-keel and proper balance on his jumper. He’s young and has a long way to go but he looked good for the most part. Bottom is he can go. McCall is a players we’ll be tracking from now on.
Players worthy of praise: Devaugn Brown (NC) and Braydon Hawthorne (WV)
Stay tuned for more exclusive camp write-ups!
Filed Under: California • Florida • Georgia/Atlanta • MSE Players • North Carolina • NYC • Ohio • Pennsylvania
Brooklyn Vick is the best I have seen at his age.The Towns and Graves kids are elite as well.My son had a great time at the camp but he is not ready for a kid like Vick.