Here's my report for the week:
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS:
The regular season is over, and district play began last week. Most of the pretenders are gone fishing, but some remain. Don't worry, this is the week where all of the true teams step up as the road to the "Big House", the Mississippi Coliseum, begins tonight.
One of the surprise teams to make it this far is Ridgeland High, who are now in the final four in the 4A tournament! Callaway High won the District 4 tournament defeating the hot Vicksburg High, but lost to Ridgeland in the district playoffs. Callaway is truly the team to watch next year. We here in the SIP knew they would be a powerhouse in the next 2-3 years, but this talented group of freshmen and sophomores, along with top 10 junior Julyesse Noble, has played at a high level since the Christmas break. This is a tribute to Coach Wayne Brent's coaching acumen. This young man has coached at the D1 level at Ole Miss, and his experience is at a higher level than some of the other coaches here, in my opinion. He has taken freshmen, although talented, and sophomores, and gotten them to gel together as one unit and toss the egos aside. The players know their roles (hard to do), and play hard! "Ju" is their leader on the floor, but freshman sensation Deville Smith is their best player. And guess what, he ASKED to come off the bench to help the team. This kid is special. Coaches, if you want a kid who can flat out play, and has no pretenses about himself, start recruiting this guy.
Getting back to Ridgeland High, 6'5 freshman LeAntwan Luckett had a coming out party during the playoffs. He scored the winning basket with less than a minute to go in an exciting matchup against Yazoo City in district tournament play. He finished with 12 points, and played with the poise of a senior. He scored 11 points off the bench against Lanier, while also controlling the boards; and he scored in double figures in the last 4 games for Ridgeland. Next year, it is obvious that Ridgeland will depend on him as one of the go-to guys, as a sophomore!
RECRUITING NOTES FROM THIS TOURNAMENT:
The senior class from this district did not have a good showing, with the exception of Johnathan Phelps, the 6'0 guard from Vicksburg High. He is a helluva athlete, although I feel he takes too many shots at times; and no, this is not the type of team that needed him to shoot that much. Vicksburg has a monster in 6'7 freshman Michael Ammons, who was underused in my opinion. This young man can rebound, pass, and has a nice touch from medium range. They could have been a lethal one-two combination, but Ammons got the majority of his points from rebounds. Yazoo County had a bad year record wise, but 6'2 senior guard Johnathan Ratliff had a productive season. He averaged double figures while being the focal point of the offense.
Pearl High had NO senior production, and that's terrible because there were high expectations this year because of three returning starters. However, 6'4 swingman Montel Walters came on late in the season, averaging double figures in the last 6 games, including the playoffs. Montel is a prototype guard/forward with a GPA of over 3.00! This young man should have received recruiting letters a long time ago. He has the talent AND the grades to play at a D1 school. Next year he will receive much needed help in 6'6 incoming freshman Tymond Howard. This young man already has two years of travel team experience and he is explosive!
Yazoo City, the biggest anomaly this year, had the talent to be the top seed in the district, yet fell to a 5th seed because of a poor record. There was no team in this AREA with a more intimidating frontline than 6'8 junior Jontavious Sutton, 6'7 sophomore DeMarcus Cox, and 6'6 junior Fletcher Cox! Yazoo City also had a 6'3 junior, Robert Gainwell, who had a terrific inside/outside game, but they could not put it together. They should be the favorite next year with 4 starters returning. I was very impressed with their 5'6 freshman point guard, Bradley Lawyer. He is truly a floor general, and he does not get off the floor, literally. He plays the entire game, and Coach Archie Carlyle has complete confident in this young man. Bradley is in my top 10 class of 2011.
Canton High suffered a down year due to injuries, disciplinary actions, and inner turmoil. I believe Coach Gillum will right the ship next year as 4 returning starters received a lot of playing time this season. Expect 6'0 junior point guard Kenitric Gillum, the coach's nephew, to take over as the leader. He has started off and on for three years now, and is a consistent jump shot away from being a college player. He has good dribbling skills, fearless in the paint, and has a decent set shot. But he has to control his emotions better (constant foul trouble), and work on his game this summer. 6'7 sophomore Omar Travis is a beast on the boards, and has a nice 15-foot-range jumper. 6'4 sophomore DeMarcus Lewis, Canton's best player, was suspended for half the season due to disciplinary reasons, but should return for his junior season. He has to realize that he is hurting himself more than Canton High with his off-the-court behavior. I know DeMarcus personally, as I coach him during the summer. He is a good kid in a bad environment, meaning that kids aren't expected to go anywhere in his neighborhood. He is going to change that thinking in a couple of years. Get right "8-ball".
Lanier played over their heads this year in my opinion, so I do not consider this a "down" year for them. Teams simply caught up with them in terms of talent, and coaching can only get you so far when the talent is evenly matched. They lost their leading scorer last year in R L Horton, now a starter at the University of Southern Mississippi, and those young men were strictly role players last year. 6'3 swingman Terry Church, and 6'5 forward Lamar Williams, both seniors, played superbly for three fourths of the season. Maybe fatigue was a factor, because Lamar put up some crazy numbers in December and January, but they did not play the same way in February as they did all season, losing 3 out their last five games. Now they face powerhouse New Hope High, led by 6'9 senior Rashanti Harris this week in a win-or-go-home match. Right now, Lanier's hope for next year will be placed on the shoulders of 6'2 point guard Marcellous Hansberry, one of the top sophomores in the state. Marcellous had some growing pains this year, as is to be expected if you are running the show for Coach Billups. However, if he sticks it out, he will be a D1's delight. He's a competitor, team player, and has a great attitude as I mentioned before.
Ridgeland will be back with a strong cast led by 6'2 junior Jeff Stubbs and 6'5 freshman LeAntwan Luckett. Jeff is starting to realize that the team can only go as far as he plays within the team concept. He is a tremendous talent, with at least a 38 vertical, consistent jump shot, and no fear of taking the last shot. This young man has a tremendous heart, as evidenced by his ability to play hurt, and he has taken a little "mustard" off his game. I'm rooting for him. Luckett goes for the easy basket, plays defense, and plays with absolutely no fear. He does what he is asked to do, and although he is not starting (in my opinion he should be), he has no attitude regarding playing time or number of shots he receives. LeAntwan actually led his AAU team in 3 pointers, while attempting less than 15 for the entire season with Ridgeland. Coaches, this kid is special.
6'0 Senior guard Justin Grace had a solid season, although I wish he would have been more aggressive on the offensive end, and he has the ability to play at the college level. He has a quick release on his shot, and I believe he was around 47% on three-point shooting. He has solid point guard skills and is very heady in tense situations. You can't teach that. 6'2 senior guard James Archie had a great year, leading the team in scoring. As far as basketball bodies, 6'3 senior TJ Allen fits the bill. This young man has all the skills in the world inside him, and it probably won't be seen until he reaches the next level. He's a great shooter, wonderful demeanor, and will do anything the coach asks him to do. 6'4 junior Jamal McCoy came on at the end; scoring from the inside, playing solid defense against guys 4 to 5 inches taller, and rebounding like a "Philadelphia" Charles Barkley. However, he gets into foul trouble, and I question his dedication to the sport. Nothing negative, because the young man also plays football. But if Jamal concentrates on one sport, and REALLY dedicates his efforts towards that one sport, he will be a coach's dream. 6'1 sophomore Calvin Johnson III did not get a lot of playing time with the varsity this year, but he led the junior varsity team in scoring. He is a Reggie Miller like shooter with crazy range. He could be the "X" factor on the team next year.
I have already mentioned Callaway and Vicksburg earlier, as Callaway has a solid group of freshman and sophomores coming back, including 6'8 freshman LaQuinton Ross and 6'0 freshman Deville Smith. 6'8 sophomore Jeverik Nelson really came on the second half of the season and looks like the D1 prospect people expect him to be. Callaway will definitely be the team to beat in the this, arguably, the toughest district in the state.
SIDE NOTE (OR RANTS AND RAMBLINGS)
They say the pen is mightier than the sword, so I'm taking my pen out on a couple of topics.
First, if I hear one more time that Ridgeland has no talent, I'm going to lose it. Ridgeland High is in the semi-finals of the 4A tournament in the big house! They knocked off Lanier, Callaway, Noxubee County, and St. Stanislaus in a two week period. Anyone with any basketball knowledge can see that Ridgeland actually had one of the best teams, talent wise, this year. They were basically in all of the games they played. Seven of the players on varsity, play AAU-travel-team basketball. Surprisingly, James Archie was not one of them. Yes, I have a personal attachment to these young men as I have coached several of them during the summer, and I REFUSE to let ANYONE put them down like that.
Second, AAU coaches, if you have a "stacked" team, why are you still trying to take other teams' players? There is one organization, in particular, (which I won't name, this time), but the coach is constantly trying to get players any way he can. I personally observed this coach use one of his players to try to convince another player to join their team. This is what gives AAU a bad name--this "by any means necessary" attitude of getting a player. "Coach", do us all a favor and leave other organizations' players alone. If you are so good, you shouldn't have to resort to "certain tactics". Don't get caught.
Speaking of which, AAU will be starting up shortly, and in my next column, I will be ranking the AAU teams from MS, ages 15 through 17. I think you will be surprised at some of the rankings. There are some very good players who will be playing on a travel team for the first time. Two in particular, sophomores Chris Ulmer and Courtney Owens, guards from Murrah High. I expect big things out of them as they will play for the Mississippi Ballers 16U team this year. They are quick, very athletic, and can flat shoot the lights out from long range. I'm also going to mention Sean "Baby Hutch" Hutchins as a surprise player this year. After sitting out his 9th grade year for disciplinary reasons, this 5'1 original "Baller" seems energized from my observation. Damn, just what the Ballers need, more guards!
I will try to get a traveling schedule from the Jackson Tigers, Jackson Panthers, as well as the MS Ballers, so coaches will know where and when these teams will be playing.
Look for my final regular season rankings next week. The next rankings will be in August, after the summer traveling season.
The senior camp on April 12th is filling up quick!! Get your registration in early fellas.
Peace,
Coach
NEWS AND HAPPENINGS:
The regular season is over, and district play began last week. Most of the pretenders are gone fishing, but some remain. Don't worry, this is the week where all of the true teams step up as the road to the "Big House", the Mississippi Coliseum, begins tonight.
One of the surprise teams to make it this far is Ridgeland High, who are now in the final four in the 4A tournament! Callaway High won the District 4 tournament defeating the hot Vicksburg High, but lost to Ridgeland in the district playoffs. Callaway is truly the team to watch next year. We here in the SIP knew they would be a powerhouse in the next 2-3 years, but this talented group of freshmen and sophomores, along with top 10 junior Julyesse Noble, has played at a high level since the Christmas break. This is a tribute to Coach Wayne Brent's coaching acumen. This young man has coached at the D1 level at Ole Miss, and his experience is at a higher level than some of the other coaches here, in my opinion. He has taken freshmen, although talented, and sophomores, and gotten them to gel together as one unit and toss the egos aside. The players know their roles (hard to do), and play hard! "Ju" is their leader on the floor, but freshman sensation Deville Smith is their best player. And guess what, he ASKED to come off the bench to help the team. This kid is special. Coaches, if you want a kid who can flat out play, and has no pretenses about himself, start recruiting this guy.
Getting back to Ridgeland High, 6'5 freshman LeAntwan Luckett had a coming out party during the playoffs. He scored the winning basket with less than a minute to go in an exciting matchup against Yazoo City in district tournament play. He finished with 12 points, and played with the poise of a senior. He scored 11 points off the bench against Lanier, while also controlling the boards; and he scored in double figures in the last 4 games for Ridgeland. Next year, it is obvious that Ridgeland will depend on him as one of the go-to guys, as a sophomore!
RECRUITING NOTES FROM THIS TOURNAMENT:
The senior class from this district did not have a good showing, with the exception of Johnathan Phelps, the 6'0 guard from Vicksburg High. He is a helluva athlete, although I feel he takes too many shots at times; and no, this is not the type of team that needed him to shoot that much. Vicksburg has a monster in 6'7 freshman Michael Ammons, who was underused in my opinion. This young man can rebound, pass, and has a nice touch from medium range. They could have been a lethal one-two combination, but Ammons got the majority of his points from rebounds. Yazoo County had a bad year record wise, but 6'2 senior guard Johnathan Ratliff had a productive season. He averaged double figures while being the focal point of the offense.
Pearl High had NO senior production, and that's terrible because there were high expectations this year because of three returning starters. However, 6'4 swingman Montel Walters came on late in the season, averaging double figures in the last 6 games, including the playoffs. Montel is a prototype guard/forward with a GPA of over 3.00! This young man should have received recruiting letters a long time ago. He has the talent AND the grades to play at a D1 school. Next year he will receive much needed help in 6'6 incoming freshman Tymond Howard. This young man already has two years of travel team experience and he is explosive!
Yazoo City, the biggest anomaly this year, had the talent to be the top seed in the district, yet fell to a 5th seed because of a poor record. There was no team in this AREA with a more intimidating frontline than 6'8 junior Jontavious Sutton, 6'7 sophomore DeMarcus Cox, and 6'6 junior Fletcher Cox! Yazoo City also had a 6'3 junior, Robert Gainwell, who had a terrific inside/outside game, but they could not put it together. They should be the favorite next year with 4 starters returning. I was very impressed with their 5'6 freshman point guard, Bradley Lawyer. He is truly a floor general, and he does not get off the floor, literally. He plays the entire game, and Coach Archie Carlyle has complete confident in this young man. Bradley is in my top 10 class of 2011.
Canton High suffered a down year due to injuries, disciplinary actions, and inner turmoil. I believe Coach Gillum will right the ship next year as 4 returning starters received a lot of playing time this season. Expect 6'0 junior point guard Kenitric Gillum, the coach's nephew, to take over as the leader. He has started off and on for three years now, and is a consistent jump shot away from being a college player. He has good dribbling skills, fearless in the paint, and has a decent set shot. But he has to control his emotions better (constant foul trouble), and work on his game this summer. 6'7 sophomore Omar Travis is a beast on the boards, and has a nice 15-foot-range jumper. 6'4 sophomore DeMarcus Lewis, Canton's best player, was suspended for half the season due to disciplinary reasons, but should return for his junior season. He has to realize that he is hurting himself more than Canton High with his off-the-court behavior. I know DeMarcus personally, as I coach him during the summer. He is a good kid in a bad environment, meaning that kids aren't expected to go anywhere in his neighborhood. He is going to change that thinking in a couple of years. Get right "8-ball".
Lanier played over their heads this year in my opinion, so I do not consider this a "down" year for them. Teams simply caught up with them in terms of talent, and coaching can only get you so far when the talent is evenly matched. They lost their leading scorer last year in R L Horton, now a starter at the University of Southern Mississippi, and those young men were strictly role players last year. 6'3 swingman Terry Church, and 6'5 forward Lamar Williams, both seniors, played superbly for three fourths of the season. Maybe fatigue was a factor, because Lamar put up some crazy numbers in December and January, but they did not play the same way in February as they did all season, losing 3 out their last five games. Now they face powerhouse New Hope High, led by 6'9 senior Rashanti Harris this week in a win-or-go-home match. Right now, Lanier's hope for next year will be placed on the shoulders of 6'2 point guard Marcellous Hansberry, one of the top sophomores in the state. Marcellous had some growing pains this year, as is to be expected if you are running the show for Coach Billups. However, if he sticks it out, he will be a D1's delight. He's a competitor, team player, and has a great attitude as I mentioned before.
Ridgeland will be back with a strong cast led by 6'2 junior Jeff Stubbs and 6'5 freshman LeAntwan Luckett. Jeff is starting to realize that the team can only go as far as he plays within the team concept. He is a tremendous talent, with at least a 38 vertical, consistent jump shot, and no fear of taking the last shot. This young man has a tremendous heart, as evidenced by his ability to play hurt, and he has taken a little "mustard" off his game. I'm rooting for him. Luckett goes for the easy basket, plays defense, and plays with absolutely no fear. He does what he is asked to do, and although he is not starting (in my opinion he should be), he has no attitude regarding playing time or number of shots he receives. LeAntwan actually led his AAU team in 3 pointers, while attempting less than 15 for the entire season with Ridgeland. Coaches, this kid is special.
6'0 Senior guard Justin Grace had a solid season, although I wish he would have been more aggressive on the offensive end, and he has the ability to play at the college level. He has a quick release on his shot, and I believe he was around 47% on three-point shooting. He has solid point guard skills and is very heady in tense situations. You can't teach that. 6'2 senior guard James Archie had a great year, leading the team in scoring. As far as basketball bodies, 6'3 senior TJ Allen fits the bill. This young man has all the skills in the world inside him, and it probably won't be seen until he reaches the next level. He's a great shooter, wonderful demeanor, and will do anything the coach asks him to do. 6'4 junior Jamal McCoy came on at the end; scoring from the inside, playing solid defense against guys 4 to 5 inches taller, and rebounding like a "Philadelphia" Charles Barkley. However, he gets into foul trouble, and I question his dedication to the sport. Nothing negative, because the young man also plays football. But if Jamal concentrates on one sport, and REALLY dedicates his efforts towards that one sport, he will be a coach's dream. 6'1 sophomore Calvin Johnson III did not get a lot of playing time with the varsity this year, but he led the junior varsity team in scoring. He is a Reggie Miller like shooter with crazy range. He could be the "X" factor on the team next year.
I have already mentioned Callaway and Vicksburg earlier, as Callaway has a solid group of freshman and sophomores coming back, including 6'8 freshman LaQuinton Ross and 6'0 freshman Deville Smith. 6'8 sophomore Jeverik Nelson really came on the second half of the season and looks like the D1 prospect people expect him to be. Callaway will definitely be the team to beat in the this, arguably, the toughest district in the state.
SIDE NOTE (OR RANTS AND RAMBLINGS)
They say the pen is mightier than the sword, so I'm taking my pen out on a couple of topics.
First, if I hear one more time that Ridgeland has no talent, I'm going to lose it. Ridgeland High is in the semi-finals of the 4A tournament in the big house! They knocked off Lanier, Callaway, Noxubee County, and St. Stanislaus in a two week period. Anyone with any basketball knowledge can see that Ridgeland actually had one of the best teams, talent wise, this year. They were basically in all of the games they played. Seven of the players on varsity, play AAU-travel-team basketball. Surprisingly, James Archie was not one of them. Yes, I have a personal attachment to these young men as I have coached several of them during the summer, and I REFUSE to let ANYONE put them down like that.
Second, AAU coaches, if you have a "stacked" team, why are you still trying to take other teams' players? There is one organization, in particular, (which I won't name, this time), but the coach is constantly trying to get players any way he can. I personally observed this coach use one of his players to try to convince another player to join their team. This is what gives AAU a bad name--this "by any means necessary" attitude of getting a player. "Coach", do us all a favor and leave other organizations' players alone. If you are so good, you shouldn't have to resort to "certain tactics". Don't get caught.
Speaking of which, AAU will be starting up shortly, and in my next column, I will be ranking the AAU teams from MS, ages 15 through 17. I think you will be surprised at some of the rankings. There are some very good players who will be playing on a travel team for the first time. Two in particular, sophomores Chris Ulmer and Courtney Owens, guards from Murrah High. I expect big things out of them as they will play for the Mississippi Ballers 16U team this year. They are quick, very athletic, and can flat shoot the lights out from long range. I'm also going to mention Sean "Baby Hutch" Hutchins as a surprise player this year. After sitting out his 9th grade year for disciplinary reasons, this 5'1 original "Baller" seems energized from my observation. Damn, just what the Ballers need, more guards!
I will try to get a traveling schedule from the Jackson Tigers, Jackson Panthers, as well as the MS Ballers, so coaches will know where and when these teams will be playing.
Look for my final regular season rankings next week. The next rankings will be in August, after the summer traveling season.
The senior camp on April 12th is filling up quick!! Get your registration in early fellas.
Peace,
Coach