2003 Cage Scope/High Potential "Blue-Chip" Basketball Camp

2003 in Review

Georgetown, KY

©2003 by Ron Harrison

Introduction

The 24th Annual Cage Scope/High Potential "Blue-Chip" Basketball Camp was held in Georgetown, Kentucky at Georgetown College.

The camp directors for this camp are Dave Bones (Cage Scope) and Rick Bolus (High Potential).  These two gentlemen have a total of 76 years experience in the business between them.  Dave Bones introduced Cage Scope to the world in 1957.  Mr. Bones has been a contributor to many periodicals as well as being featured in innumerable newspapers and magazines.  Rick Bolus started the Rick Bolus High Potential Basketball Recruiting Service in 1973.  Mr. Bolus is a consultant for several national basketball tournaments and shootouts and several of the top college programs in the country are among his subscribers.  Many scouting/recruiting services have entered and left the business over the past few years.  These gentlemen have withstood the test of time.

There are three sessions this year:  June 29-July 3, July 6-10, and July 20-24.  The first session includes a Junior division.  Each session also features speakers on recruitment, academics, and basketball.  Some of the outstanding players who have attended this camp include Jimmy Jackson, Allen Houston, Rex Chapman, Felton Spencer, Dan Langhi, Darren Hancock, Scott Padgett, Brad Miller, Tim Couch, and Dejuan Wheat.  All players also receive mini-clinics.  There are mini-clinics for guards, big men, and 3-point shooters.  There are also optional competition contests as well as a written evaluation from the camper’s league coach.

Each Senior division player also plays a minimum of nine league games (not counting playoff games and All-Star contest).  All games are played full-court in Alumni Gym and the newly built intramural complex.  All players receive equal playing time as substitutions are done by the clock.  All teams in both junior and senior divisions will compete in a single elimination tournament. Certified trainers are on duty at all times.  

The Cage Scope/High Potential “Blue-Chip” Basketball Camp is not affiliated with any other basketball camp using the name “Blue-Chip”.

 

 

 

 

 

Session 1   June 29-July 3, 2003

Junior “Blue Chip” Camp Division

There were eight teams entered in this division.  They were designated Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.  The standings for the week are as follows:  Tennessee (5-0), Texas (4-1), Utah (3-2), Virginia (3-2), Washington (2-3), West Virginia (2-3), Wisconsin (2-3), and Wyoming (0-5).  The first round tournament winners were Tennessee over Washington, Texas over West Virginia, Wisconsin over Utah, and Virginia over Wyoming.  Semifinal action concluded with Texas defeating Tennessee and Virginia defeating Wisconsin.  Virginia captured the junior division championship with a 73-61 victory over Texas.  The Virginia tourney MVP was 5-9 Joseph Smith from Henderson South, KY.  The championship game MVP was 5-9 Fr. Walker Brunner from Henderson County, KY.   The runner-up tourney MVP from Texas was 6-4 Fr. Grant Meadows from Johnstown, OH.  The runner-up game MVP from Texas was 5-10 Fr. Jordan Scholl from Martinsville, IN. 

The "Blue Chip" Junior All-Star rosters are as follows:

Yellow All-Stars   Coach Mark Jefferson (Cypress, CA)

Jeff Jefferson

  5-1

7th     

Huntington Beach Brethren Christian

CA

Chase Smith

  5-6

7th     

Ripley

WV

Andrew Ostergaard

  5-9

8th

Los Alamitos St. Hedwig

CA

Joseph Smith

  5-9 

Fr.

Henderson South

KY

Riley Benock

  5-9 

Fr.

Brandenburg Meade County

KY

Dustin Day

  6-4

8th    

Pineville Middle

KY

Joshua Ralls

  6-2

Fr.

Waltonville

IL

Aron Moore

  6-4

8th

Huntington Beach Brethren Christian

CA

Jarrod Crowder

  6-1

Fr.

Henderson County

KY

Phil Whelan

  6-0

Fr.

Madisonville

KY

Blue All-Stars   Coach Mike Greene (Deridder, LA)

Julian Moody

  5-0

 6th

Pontiac Madison J.H.S.

MI

Walker Brunner

  5-9 

 Fr.

Henderson County

KY

Evan Faulkner

  5-6

 7th 

Sandy Hook Elliott County

KY

Ethan Faulkner

  5-6

 7th 

Sandy Hook Elliott County

KY

Max Kommor

  5-10 

 8th

Louisville Collegiate

KY

Kyle Swedenburg

  5-11

 Fr. 

Henderson County

KY

Ryan Laswell

  6-1 

 Fr.

Madison

IN

Eddie Miller

  6-2

 Fr. 

Madison

IN

Grant Meadows

  6-4

 Fr.

Johnstown-Monroe

OH

Mike Butler

  5-8

 8th

Abbeyville Wright

SC

The “Blue” All-Stars defeated the “Yellow” All-Stars by a score of 43-37.  They were led by All-Star Game MVP Grant Meadows with 12 points.  Meadows used his height (6-4) and savvy in the paint to lead his team to victory.  The “Yellow” All-Stars were led by Dustin Day and Riley Benock with eight and seven points respectively.  All-Star Game Runner-Up MVP Joseph Smith added six points and had an excellent floor game. 

This camp gives out several awards over the week session.  The awards for the Junior Division are:

Free Throw Champ - Guard

Jake Greene

Deridder

LA

Free Throw Champ - Post

Ryan Laswell

Madison

IN

Hot Shot Champ: - Guard

Riley Benock

Brandenburg Meade County

KY

Hot Shot Champ: - Post

Jarrod Crowder

Henderson County

KY

3-Pt. Shooting Champ - Guard

Jake Greene

Deridder

LA

3-Pt. Shooting Champ - Post

Jonathan Ferguson

Sandy Hook Elliott County

KY

Most Improved

George Marshall

Chicago Poe Classical

IL

Best Ballhandler

Myles Morrow

Blue Ash Greene Int.

OH

Best Passer

Eric Bonanni

Cypress Lexington

CA

Best Defensive Player

Jonathan Byrd

Paducah St. Mary

KY

Best Rebounder

Ben Higgins

Warsaw Edgewood Middle

IN

Best Hustler

Blaise White

Marietta Mabry

GA

Best Station Worker

J. D. Strange

Pineville Middle School

KY

Tournament MVP 

Joseph Smith

Henderson South

KY

Tournament Runner Up MVP

Grant Meadows

Johnstown-Monroe

OH

League MVP

Aron Moore

Huntington Beach Brethren Christian

CA

League Runner Up MVP

Joseph Smith

Henderson South

KY

All-Star Game MVP

Grant Meadows

Johnstown-Monroe

OH

All-Star Game Runner Up MVP 

Joseph Smith

Henderson South

KY

Junior Division Summary
There was a lot of talent in the Junior Division this year and several of these young players seem destined for future stardom.  The range of talent was from small explosive point guards to tall post players and everything in between.  5-9 Joseph Smith from Henderson South racked up three major awards:  Tournament MVP, League Runner Up MVP, and All-Star Game Runner Up MVP.  6-4 8th grader Aron Moore from Huntington Beach captured the League MVP and appears to have a bright future.  Grant Meadows utilized his 6-4 frame and some nice inside moves to impress.  Several of the smaller perimeter players impressed both with their court savvy and overall basketball skills.
 

“Blue Chip” Camp Divisions

There were twelve teams entered in the Cage Scope Division.  They were designated Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, and Kentucky.  The standings for the week were as follows:  Arizona (9-0), Kentucky (7-2), Illinois (6-3), Florida (5-4), Connecticut (4-5), Indiana (4-5), Alabama (3-6), California (3-6), Iowa (3-6), Kansas (3-6), Georgia (2-7) and Arkansas (2-7).

There were twelve teams entered in the High Potential Division.  They were designated Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and South Carolina.  The standings for the week were as follows:  Missouri (8-1), Ohio (8-1), Maryland (7-2), Montana (7-2), North Carolina (7-2), Michigan (5-4), Mississippi (5-4), South Carolina (5-4), Nevada (2-7), New Mexico (2-7), Oregon (1-8), and Minnesota (0-9).

The first round tournament winners were as follows:  Connecticut defeated Mississippi, Florida defeated Minnesota, Michigan defeated Georgia, Maryland defeated Illinois, Indiana defeated New Mexico, Iowa defeated Nevada, Montana defeated Kansas, Missouri defeated Kentucky, Alabama defeated South Carolina, Arizona defeated Oregon, Ohio defeated Arkansas, and North Carolina defeated California.  Second round winners were Florida over Connecticut, Maryland over Michigan, Iowa over Indiana, Missouri over Montana, Arizona over Alabama, and North Carolina over Ohio.  Third round winners were Maryland over Florida, Missouri over Iowa, and North Carolina over Arizona.  Maryland defeated Missouri in one semifinal while North Carolina advanced to the championship game via a bye. 

Maryland claimed the championship with a 73-61 victory over North Carolina.  6-3 Sr. Kelvin Sango from Tulsa, OK was named tourney MVP while 6-3 Jr. Punchie Boyd from Tulsa, OK was named game MVP.  Runner-up tourney MVP from the North Carolina squad was 5-8 Sr. Carl Richburg from Mason, OH.  6-3 Sr. Matty Owens from Mason, OH was named game runner-up MVP.

The "Blue-Chip" Top All-Star rosters are as follows:

Cage Scope All-Stars   Coach Rodney Martin (Toledo Libbey, OH) 

Kyle Koncz

  6-5

Sr.

Strongsville

OH

Nathan Owen

  5-10

Jr.

Hopkinsville University Heights Acad.

KY

Leon Martin

  6-5

Jr.

Memphis Sheffield

TN

Michael James

  5-9  

Sr.

Owensboro Apollo

KY

Jarrett Buckosh

  6-6

Jr.

Lorain Clearview

OH

Derrick Rhoden

  6-11

Sr.

Alexandria Bishop Brossart

KY

Demetrius Guions

  6-4

Sr.

Radcliff North Hardin

KY

Drew Shubik

  6-3 

Sr.

Boswell North Star

PA

Nathaniel Barstad

  6-7

Jr.

Glasgow

MT

James Johnson

  6-7 

Jr.

Milwaukee Messmer

WI

Cody Christopher

  6-6

Sr.

Crossville Cumberland County

TN

Tory Robertson

  6-5

Jr.

Frankfort

KY

Danny Cumby

  5-10

Jr.

Crossville Cumberland County

TN

Eric Wendt

  6-5

Sr.

Rockford Boylan Catholic

IL

Robert Walker

  6-1

Sr.

Chicago Holy Trinity

IL

High Potential All-Stars   Coach Thomas Brown (Patton Meadow Heights, MO)

Kelvin Sango

  6-3 

 Sr. 

Tulsa Memorial

OK

Reggie Soileau

  6-6

 Sr. 

Radcliff North Hardin

KY

Derek Adams

  6-5

 Jr. 

Greenville Muhlenberg North

KY

Jeffrey Moore

  6-2

 Sr. 

Sullivan

IN

J. D. Pollock

  6-3

 Sr. 

Marietta Lassiter

GA

Brian Witt

  5-9

 Sr.

Jupiter

FL

Aaron Cash

  5-10

 Jr. 

Mt. Vernon Rockcastle County

KY

Derek Summers

  5-11

 Sr. 

Floyds Knob Floyd Central

KY

Brennan Votel

  6-5

 Jr. 

Covington Catholic

KY

Brandon Ball

  5-9

 Sr. 

Grand Rapids Union

MI

Zac Rich

  6-2  

 Jr.

Lexington

SC

Ryan Pinkney

  6-5

 Sr. 

Cordova Edisto

SC

Michael McCutchen

  6-5

 Sr. 

Henderson Chester County

TN

Nathaniel Hainje

  6-6

 Sr. 

Brownsburg

IN

Mario Rivers

  5-10

 Sr. 

Tulsa Memorial

OK

The Cage Scope All-Stars defeated the High Potential All-Stars by a score of 103-98.  Cage Scope was led by 6-5 Tory Robertson with 12 points.  All-Star Game MVP 6-4 Demetrius Guions and 6-5 Leon Martin added 10 points each.  The High Potential All-Stars were led by 6-3 Kelvin Sango and 6-5 Michael McCutchen with 17 and 13 points respectively.  All-Star Game Runner-Up MVP 6-5 Ryan Pinkney added 10 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. 

This camp gives out several awards over the week session.  The awards for this division are: 

Free Throw Champ – Under 6-0

Brad Adams

Patton Meadow Heights

MO

Free Throw Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Jeffrey Moore

Sullivan

IN

Free Throw Champ – 6-3 and Up

Chris Carter

Jeffersonville

IN

Free Throw Champ – 6-3 and Up

Ben Daller

Hermann

MO

Hot Shot Champ – Under 6-0

Jon Gonzales

Kokomo Northwestern

IN

Hot Shot Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Brandon Berry

Memphis Briarcrest

TN

Hot Shot Champ – 6-3 and Up

Ben Daller

Hermann

MO

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – Under 6-0

Randy Perkins

Picayune Memorial

MS

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Zac Rich

Lexington

SC

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – 6-3 and Up

Nathaniel Hainje

Brownsburg

IN

Slam Dunk Champ

Ricky Bodiford

Louisville Eastern

KY

Most Improved

Derrick Paultz

Prior Lake

MN

Best Ballhandler

Brandon Ball

Grand Rapids Union

MI

Best Underclassman

Nathaniel Barstad

Glasgow

MT

Best Passer

Brian Witt

Jupiter

FL

Best Defensive Player

Mitchell Goldschmidt

Ft. Loramie

OH

Best Rebounder

Ryan Pinkney

Cordova Edisto

SC

Best Hustler

Michael Schwindel

Lewisport Hancock County

KY

Best Station Worker

Joseph Jakubowski

Toledo St. Johns

OH

League MVP 

Demetrius Guions

Radcliff North Hardin

KY

League Runner Up MVP

Kelvin Sango

Tulsa Memorial

OK

Tournament MVP

Kelvin Sango

Tulsa Memorial

OK

Tournament Runner Up MVP

Carl Richburg

Mason

OH

All-Star Game MVP

Demetrius Guions

Radcliff North Hardin

KY

All-Star Game Runner Up MVP 

Ryan Pinkney

Cordova Edisto

SC

Senior Division Summary

There was a lot of talent in this division with several players making good impressions this week.  Demetrius Guions and Kelvin Sango each captured two major awards this week.  There were several players who did not make the All-Star teams but still impressed during the week.  6-2 Fr. Matt Walls (Scott County) had an excellent camp and looks to have an impressive future for Coach Billy Hicks.  6-2 So. Aaron Dunaway (Frankfort) will team with Tory Robertson to give Frankfort a potent offense.  It was good to see 6-5 Jr. Derek Adams (Muhlenberg North) get some well-deserved acclaim.  Adams is a very cerebral player who can stroke the long jumper.

6-9 300 pound 8th grader Yuri Allen got a lot of attention at camp this week.  Allen is only 12 years old and will be entering the eighth grade at St. Vincent DePaul in Nashville this season.  Because of his size, Allen was thrown into the mix with the high school division players, and although he struggled at times it’s obvious the talent and potential are there.  Allen demonstrates correct fundamentals on his shot and rebounding and maintained his cool despite all the attention.  He’s young, talented, and appears to be having a good time which would seem to foretell a bright future.

 

Session 2   July 6-10, 2003

 

“Blue Chip” Camp Divisions

There were sixteen teams entered in the Cage Scope Division.  They were designated Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Mississippi.  The standings for the week were as follows:  California (8-1), Arkansas (7-2), Illinois (7-2), Arizona (6-3), Iowa (5-4), Kentucky (5-4), Mississippi (5-4), Connecticut (4-5), Florida (4-5), Kansas (3-6), Michigan (3-6), Georgia (2-7), Indiana (2-7), Alabama (1-8), Minnesota (1-8), and Maryland (0-9).

There were sixteen teams entered in the High Potential Division.  They were designated Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina. Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.  The standings for the week were as follows:  Utah (9-0), Wisconsin (9-0), Montana (8-1), West Virginia (8-1), Wyoming (8-1), Virginia (7-2), Missouri (6-3), Washington (6-3), Nevada (5-4), New Mexico (5-4), Ohio (3-6), Oregon (3-6), Texas (3-6), North Carolina (1-8), South Carolina (1-8), and Tennessee (1-8).

The first round tournament winners were as follows:  Utah defeated Alabama, Virginia defeated Arizona, Tennessee defeated Arkansas, California defeated Texas, Wisconsin defeated Connecticut, Wyoming defeated Florida, Washington defeated Georgia, West Virginia defeated Illinois, Indiana defeated Oregon, Iowa defeated South Carolina, North Carolina defeated Kansas, Kentucky defeated Ohio, Nevada defeated Maryland, New Mexico defeated Michigan, Minnesota defeated Missouri, and Mississippi defeated Montana. 

Second round winners were Virginia over Utah, California over Tennessee, Wisconsin over Wyoming, West Virginia over Washington, Indiana over Iowa, Kentucky over North Carolina, New Mexico over Nevada, and Minnesota over Mississippi.  Third round winners were California over Virginia, Wisconsin over West Virginia, Kentucky over Indiana, and Minnesota over New Mexico.  Wisconsin defeated California in one semifinal while Minnesota defeated Kentucky in the other semifinal. 

Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 78-55 to claim the tourney championship.  The tourney MVP for the victorious Wisconsin team was 6-3 Sr. Antwoin Baker from Hinesville, GA.  6-4 Sr. Dale Clay from Hinesville, GA was named game MVP.  Runner-up tourney MVP from the Minnesota team was 6-5 Sr. Ryan McFarland from Nicholasville, KY.  6-2 Jr. Joseph Bailey from Byrdstown, TN was named game runner-up MVP.

The "Blue-Chip" All-Star rosters are as follows:

Cage Scope All-Stars   Coach Joe Cunningham (Ft. Valley State College) 

Josh Moten

  6-0

Sr.

Peoria Notre Dame

IL

Jay Alexander

  6-4

Jr.

Chicago Morgan Park

IL

Joseph Chilton

  6-6

Sr.

Hayesville

NC

Brady Neal

  6-4  

Sr.

Mufreesboro Oakland

TN

Jason Miller

  6-8

Jr.

Hamilton

OH

Drew Martin

  6-7

Jr.

St. Louis Oakville

MO

Shawn Hacker

  6-7

Sr.

Ironton St. Joseph

OH

Brian Ondocsin

  6-8 

Sr.

Madison Bob Jones

AL

Nicholas Marino

  6-7

Sr.

Boynton Beach Lake Worth Christian

FL

Ryan Banas

  6-6 

Sr.

Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central

MI

Brandon Mertz

  6-1

Sr.

Ft. Wayne Wayne

IN

Zac Gondakis

  6-8

Sr.

Stow Stow-Munroe Falls

OH

Eric Meister

  6-6

So.

State College Area

PA

Yima Chia-Kur

  6-5

Sr.

Mansfield Senior

OH

Matt Sheffer

  6-1

Sr.

Dalesville Lord Botetourt

VA

Alternate:

Scott McVicker

  5-6

So.

Lilburn Parkview

GA

High Potential All-Stars   Coach Chris Moore (Indiana University – Southeast)

Travis Johnson

6-4

 Sr. 

Owensboro Apollo

KY

JoJuan Walker

6-2

 Sr. 

Bolivar Central

TN

Richard Long

5-11

 Sr. 

Owensboro Apollo

KY

Norris Arnold

6-9

 Sr. 

Atlanta Westlake

GA

Donte Williams

6-2

 Sr. 

Dayton Meadowdale

OH

Steven Sexton

6-1

 Jr.

Monticello Wayne County

KY

James Wynn

6-3

 Sr. 

Milwaukee Bay View

WI

Tyler Hicks

6-0

 Sr. 

Georgetown Scott County

KY

Brian Lake

6-6

 Sr. 

Bolivar Central

TN

Jejuan Brown

6-7

 So. 

Biloxi

MS

Jake Meisler

6-6

 Sr.

Castalia Margaretta

OH

Michael Rader

6-7

 Jr. 

Wayland Union

MI

Will Lewis

6-4

 Jr. 

Hinesville Bradwell Inst.

GA

Tony Brinson

6-3

 Sr. 

McComb

MS

Eli Hale

6-2

 Sr. 

Hinesville Bradwell Inst.

GA

Alternate:

Brandon Cassise

  6-3

Sr.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep

MI

The Cage Scope All-Stars defeated the High Potential All-Stars 110-105 tonight in a very entertaining All-Star contest.  The victors were led by 6-5 Yima Chia-Kur with 12 points.  All-Star MVP 6-0 Josh Moten added 11 points and wowed the crowd with some spectacular ballhandling and flashy “shake-and-bake” moves.  6-7 Nicholas Marino also added 11 points with some nifty inside moves.  6-1 Brandon Mertz tallied 11 points including three three point goals.  The High Potential All-Stars were led by All-Star Game Runner-Up MVP 6-6 Brian Lake with 17 points including some spectacular dunks.  6-4 Will Lewis and 6-2 Eli Hale added 10 points each.  6-0 Tyler Hicks added nine points on three three point goals. 

This camp gives out several awards over the week session.  The awards for this division are: 

Free Throw Champ – Under 6-0

Bradley Walker

Olive Hill West Carter

KY

Free Throw Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Matt Wehmeyer

Mascoutah

IL

Free Throw Champ – 6-3 and Up

Seth Haywood

Harlan

KY

Hot Shot Champ – Under 6-0

Adam Hines

Aledo

IL

Hot Shot Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Kyle Bibb

Frankfort Western Hills

KY

Hot Shot Champ – 6-3 and Up

Brandon Cassise

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep

MI

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – Under 6-0

Scott McVicker

Lilburn Parkview

GA

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Tony Brinson

McComb

MS

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – 6-3 and Up

Brian Lake

Bolivar Central

TN

“Skywalker” Award

Alex Pruitt

Memphis Lausanne

TN

Slam Dunk Champ

Brian Lake

Bolivar Central

TN

Most Improved

Pierre Dembo

Portland Lakeside

OR

Best Ballhandler

Tyler Hicks

Georgetown Scott County

KY

Best Underclassman

Jejuan Brown

Biloxi

MS

Best Passer

Josh Coward

Rock Falls

IL

Best Defensive Player

Trah Moore

Louisville Manual

KY

Best Rebounder

Drew Martin

St. Louis Oakville

MO

Best Hustler

Zack Frick

Aledo

IL

Best Station Worker

Troy Cherry

Columbus Beechcroft

OH

League MVP 

Brian Lake

Bolivar Central

TN

League Runner Up MVP

Yima Chia-Kur

Mansfield Senior

OH

Tournament MVP

Antwoin Baker

Hinesville Bradwell Inst.

GA

Tournament Runner Up MVP

Ryan McFarland

Nicholasville East Jessamine

KY

All-Star Game MVP

Josh Moten

Peoria Notre Dame

IL

All-Star Game Runner Up MVP 

Brian Lake

Bolivar Central

TN

Division Summary

6-6 Sr. Brian Lake (Bolivar Central, TN) had an excellent week at camp and impressed spectators with his athleticism and all-around play.  Lake was named League MVP, All-Star Game Runner Up MVP, 3-Pt. Shooting Champ – 6-3 and Up, and captured the Slam Dunk competition.  The “Skywalker” award is not awarded every camp session, but after seeing 6-4 Sr. Alex Pruitt (Memphis Lausanne, TN) soar through the air it was richly deserved.  6-0 Sr. Tyler Hicks (Georgetown Scott County, KY) plays with intensity and gives 100% from horn to horn.  I have been watching basketball for more years than I care to remember, but I have seen few ballhandling displays to match the show that 6-0 Sr. Josh Moten (Peoria Notre Dame, IL) put on in the All-Star game. 

All the All-Star selections were well deserved but there were several other players who could have been named had space permitted.  I like the new tournament format where all teams enter a single elimination tourney on the final day of camp.  Team Minnesota finished 1-8 for the week but played well on the final day and made it to the championship game before getting defeated by team Wisconsin.  Wisconsin and Wyoming were compiled of players from Hinesville Bradwell Institute in Georgia, and if this week is an indication coach David Jones should have an excellent team this season.  Several players performed well for Hinesville including 5-8 Jr. Arquelio Gillespie.  6-5 Sr. Yima Chia-Kur (Mansfield Senior, OH) is a very polished player with a bright future.

 

Session 3   July 20-24, 2003

 

“Blue Chip” Camp Divisions

There were sixteen teams entered in the Cage Scope Division.  They were designated Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Mississippi.  The standings for the week were as follows:  Florida (9-0), Georgia (7-2), Illinois (7-2), Arkansas (7-2), California (6-3), Alabama (6-3), Indiana (6-3), Iowa (6-3), Arizona (5-4), Maryland (5-4), Kentucky (4-5), Kansas (3-6), Michigan (3-6), Mississippi (3-6), Connecticut (2-7), and Minnesota (0-9).

There were sixteen teams entered in the High Potential Division.  They were designated Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.  The standings for the week were as follows:  Washington (9-0), Tennessee (8-1), Ohio (7-2), Utah (6-3), Texas (5-4), Wisconsin (5-4), West Virginia (4-5), Nevada (4-5), New Mexico (4-5), Virginia (4-5), Missouri (3-6), Montana (3-6), Wyoming (3-6), Oregon (1-8), North Carolina (0-9), and South Carolina (0-9).

The first round tournament winners were as follows:  Oregon defeated Indiana, Iowa defeated South Carolina, North Carolina defeated Kansas, Kentucky defeated Ohio, Nevada defeated Maryland, New Mexico defeated Michigan, Missouri defeated Minnesota, Mississippi defeated Montana, Utah defeated Alabama, Arizona defeated Virginia, Tennessee defeated Arkansas, California defeated Texas, Wisconsin defeated Connecticut, Florida defeated Wyoming, Washington defeated Georgia, and Illinois defeated West Virginia. 

Second round winners were Iowa over Oregon, North Carolina over Kentucky, New Mexico over Nevada, Missouri over Mississippi, Arizona over Utah, Tennessee over California, Florida over Wisconsin, and Washington over Illinois.  Third round winners were Iowa over North Carolina, Missouri over New Mexico, Tennessee over Arizona, and Washington over Florida.  Iowa defeated Missouri in one semifinal while Washington defeated Tennessee in the other semifinal. 

Iowa defeated Washington 90-76 to claim the tourney championship.  The tourney MVP for the victorious Iowa team was 6-3 Jr. Michael Bramos from Grosse Point North, MI.  Bramos had an excellent tourney and dominated at times during the championship game.  5-11 Jr. Andrae Lyles from Bolingbrook, IL was named game MVP.  Runner-up tourney MVP from the Washington squad was 5-11 Jr. Charles Willis II from Louisville Seneca, KY.  6-7 Sr. Dathon Martin from Louisville Seneca, KY was named game runner-up MVP.

The "Blue-Chip" All-Star rosters are as follows:

Cage Scope All-Stars   Coaches Demetrius Boyd (Milwaukee Forest Home Avenue, WI) and Rodney Martin (Toledo Libby, OH) 

Clint Graham

  6-9

Sr.

Campbellsville Taylor Co.

KY

Rodney Mitchell

  6-7

Jr.

Manchester Clay Co.

KY

Brooks Allen

  6-2

Sr.

Quincy

IL

John Curran

  6-1  

Sr.

Lakewood St. Edward

OH

Thomas Davis

  6-8

Sr.

Rockwood

TN

Cleveland Zeigler

  5-10

Sr.

Killeen Shoemaker

TX

Carl Hampton

  6-2

Sr.

Palos Heights Shepard

IL

Warren McCarty

  6-3 

Jr.

Rockton Hononegah

IL

Michael Bramos

  6-3

Jr.

Grosse Point North

MI

Andrae Lyles

  5-11

Jr.

Bolingbrook

IL

Jess Mullens

  6-7

Sr.

Harvest Sparkman

AL

Ryan Mason

  6-6

Sr.

Dubuque Hempstead

IA

Taylor Hougland

  6-3

Sr.

Ft. Wayne Homestead

IN

Shane Simpkins

  6-1

Sr.

Paintsville

KY

Ryan Anderson

  6-0

Sr.

Bowling Green Warren Central

KY

Alternates:

Evan Hutchinson

  6-2

Sr.

Scottsburg

IN

Bret Miller

  6-8

So.

Ashland Blazer

KY

High Potential All-Stars   Coaches Bill Kercher (Louisville Seneca, KY) and Gene McBee (Columbia State)

Zach Allender

6-6

 Sr. 

Bardstown Nelson County

KY

Mark Balthrop

6-5

 Sr. 

Lexington Catholic

KY

Brad Cofer

6-2

 Sr. 

Crestwood South Oldham

KY

Dustin Rudegeair

6-5

 Sr. 

Yellow Springs

OH

Jackson Capel

6-2

 Jr. 

Florence Heritage Academy

KY

George Clements

6-8

 Sr.

Springfield Washington Co.

KY

Micah Parker

5-8

 CF 

Social Circle

GA

Dathon Martin

6-7

 Sr. 

Louisville Seneca

KY

Gerry Young

6-8

 Sr. 

Louisville Seneca

KY

Eric Mullins

6-4

 Sr. 

Hazard

KY

DeAndre Coleman

6-5

 Jr.

Stone Mountain Stephenson

GA

David Byrd

6-0

 Sr. 

Glasgow Barren Co.

KY

Kyle Lane

6-4

 Sr. 

Sullivan

IN

J. P. Estep

6-4

 Sr. 

Columbus North

IN

Zac Walker

6-0

 Jr. 

Columbia Central

TN

Alternates:

Jeremy Givens

  6-6

Sr.

Orlando Circle Christian

FL

Jacob Welch

  6-7

Sr.

Temperance Bedford

MI

The High Potential All-Stars defeated the Cage Scope All-Stars by a score of 125-113.  The victors were led by 6-5 Dustin Rudegeair with 23 points.  The All-Star MVP 6-6 Zach Allender added 17 points.  6-5 DeAndre Coleman, 6-2 Brad Cofer, and 6-8 George Clements added 14, 12, and 10 points respectively.  The Cage Scope All-Stars were led by All-Star Game Runner-Up MVP 6-3 Warren McCarty with 16 points.  6-7 Rodney Mitchell added 12 points. 

This camp gives out several awards over the week session.  The awards for this division are: 

Free Throw Champ – Under 6-0

Jayson Johnson

Summersville Nicholas Co.

WV

Free Throw Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Scot Gibson

Friendswood Clear Brook

TX

Free Throw Champ – 6-3 and Up

Michael Smith

Vandalia Van-Far

MO

Hot Shot Champ – Under 6-0

Joe Price

Batavia

OH

Hot Shot Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Matt Garrett

Edmonton Metcalfe Co.

KY

Hot Shot Champ – 6-3 and Up

Ryan Hoehner

Bowling Green

OH

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – Under 6-0

Dustin Whitis

Columbus North

IN

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – 6-0 to 6-3

Stephen Pendergraft

Washburn Southwest

MO

3-Pt. Shooting Champ – 6-3 and Up

Brandon Tucker

Rushville

IN

Slam Dunk Champ

Jess Mullens

Harvest Sparkman

AL

Most Improved

John Mowl

Indianapolis IN School/Deaf

IN

Best Ballhandler

James Hagan

Wichita Falls

TX

Best Underclassman

Michael Bramos

Grosse Pointe North

MI

Best Passer

Bret Fair

Sacramento Rio Americano

CA

Best Defensive Player

DeRone Parris

Killeen Shoemaker

TX

Best Rebounder

Adam Burress

Campbellsville Taylor Co.

KY

Best Hustler

Kristopher Mills

Barbourville Knox Central

KY

Best Station Worker

Kyle Funk

Carrollton Christian Academy

TX

Hard-Nosed Award

Christopher Burton

Arcadia Hamilton Heights

IN

Top Sleeper

Tony Fox

Knoxville Catholic

TN

Top Sleeper

Lance Mathis

Baxter Upperman

TN

League MVP 

Carl Hampton

Palos Heights Shepard

IL

League Runner Up MVP

Zach Allender

Bardstown Nelson Co.

KY

Tournament MVP

Michael Bramos

Grosse Pointe North

MI

Tournament Runner Up MVP

Charles Willis II

Louisville Seneca

KY

All-Star Game MVP

Zach Allender

Bardstown Nelson Co.

KY

All-Star Game Runner Up MVP 

Warren McCarty

Rockton Hononegah

IL

Division Summary

6-3 Jr. Michael Bramos (Grosse Pointe North, MI) had an excellent week at camp being named Best Underclassman, chosen as the Tournament MVP, and was named to the All-Star team.  Bramos demonstrated the ability to score both inside and out and dominated the final stages of the tournament championship game.  6-6 Sr. Zach Allender (Bardstown Nelson County, KY) was named League Runner Up MVP, named to the All-Star team, and named the All-Star Game MVP.  6-2 Sr. Carl Hampton (Palos Heights Shepard, IL) was named League MVP, and was named to the All-Star team. 

Louisville Seneca had several players that made up the Washington team which finished runner-up in the camp tournament.  Coach Bill Kercher did an excellent job with this team and Seneca could make waves in the always-tough seventh region in Louisville this season.  Clay County (KY) could also have a good season as they got nice performances from 6-5 Sr. Brian Griffith and 6-7 Jr. Rodney Mitchell.  There were also some players in this camp with some famous relatives in Kentucky hoops folklore, including 6-3 Sr. Rob Issel (Batavia, IL), the nephew of former UK and pro star Dan Issel, and 6-6 Sr. Jeremy Givens, son of former UK great Jack “Goose” Givens.

Although the All-Star selections were well deserved, there were also several other players who played extremely well this week.  One player I was impressed with this week was 6-1 Sr. Joshua Green from Louisville Doss, KY.  Green sees the floor well, operates extremely well in the open court, and also showed the ability to take the ball to the basket this week. Green should have a good senior campaign.  There was also a lot of young talent at camp this week that could develop into future stars.

 

THE BEST OF "BLUE-CHIP" FOR THE SUMMER OF 2003  (per Rick Bolus)

TOP 12

PLAYER

HT/CLASS

POS

TOWN-SCHOOL-STATE

Brian Lake

6-6/Sr

F

Bolivar Central, TN

Yima Chia-Kur

6-5/Sr

F

Mansfield Senior, OH

Demetrius Guions

6-4/Sr

F

Radcliff North Hardin, KY

Kelvin Sango

6-3/Sr

2G

Tulsa Memorial, OK

Tory Robertson

6-5/Jr

SM

Frankfort, KY

JeJuan Brown

6-7/So

F

Biloxi, MS

Michael Bramos

6-1/Jr

2G

Grosse Pointe North, MI

Steven Sexton

6-1/Jr

2G

Monticello Wayne Co., KY

Norris Arnold

6-9/Sr

C

Atlanta Westlake, GA

Leon Martin

6-5/Jr

F

Memphis Sheffield, TN

Nathaniel Barstad

6-7/Jr

C

Glasgow, MT

DeAndre Coleman

6-5/Jr

F

Stone Mountain Stephenson, GA

TOP SLEEPER

Zach Allender

6-6/Sr

F

Bardstown Nelson Co., KY

SECOND 12

Carl Hampton

6-2/Sr

SM

Palos Heights Shepard, IL

Clint Graham

6-9/Sr

C

Campbellsville Taylor Co., KY

Ryan Pinkney

6-5/Sr

F

Cordova Edisto, SC

Cleveland Zeigler

5-10/Sr

PG

Killeen Shoemaker, TX

Eric Mullins

6-4/Sr

2G

Hazard, KY

Jess Mullens

6-7/Sr

F-C

Harvest Sparkman, AL

James Johnson

6-7/Jr

F

Milwaukee Messmer, WI

Rodney Mitchell

6-7/Jr

F-C

Manchester Clay Co., KY

Drew Shubik

6-3/Sr

G

Boswell North Star, PA

Ryan Mason

6-6/Sr

F

Dubuque Hempstead, IA

Derrick Rhoden

6-11/Sr

C

Alexandria Bishop Brossart, KY

Kyle Koncz

6-5/Sr

F

Strongsville, OH

Eric Meister

6-6/So

F

State College Area, PA

THE NEXT 25 BEST (Listed alphabetically)

Auri Allen

6-9/8th

C

Nashville St. Vincent DePaul, TN

David Booker

6-6/So

F

Moss Point, MS

Aaron Cash

5-10/Jr

PG

Mt. Vernon Rockcastle Co., KY

Cody Christopher

6-6/Sr

SF

Crossville Cumberland Co., TN

Danny Cumby

5-10/Jr

PG

Crossville Cumberland Co., TN

Thomas Davis

6-8/Sr

C

Rockwood, TN

Zak Gonidakis

6-8/Sr

C

Stow Stow-Munroe Falls, OH

Tyler Hicks

6-0/Sr

PG

Georgetown Scott Co., KY

Michael James

5-9/Sr

PG

Owensboro Apollo, KY

Will Lewis

6-4/Jr

F

Hinesville Bradwell Institute, GA

Richard Long

5-11/Sr

2G

Owensboro Apollo, KY

Andrae Lyles

5-11/Jr

PG

Bolingbrook, IL

Dathon Martin

6-7/Sr

F

Louisville Seneca, KY

Drew Martin

6-7/Jr

F

St. Louis Oakville, MO

Aron Moore

6-4/8th

SM

Huntington Beach Brethren Christian, CA

Josh Moten

6-0/Sr

PG

Peoria Notre Dame, IL

Brian Ondocsin

6-8/Sr

C

Madison Bob Jones, AL

Nathan Owen

5-10/Jr

PG

Hopkinsville University Heights, KY

Alex Pruitt

6-4/Sr

F

Memphis Lausanne, TN

Michael Rader

6-7/Jr

SF

Wayland Union, MI

Zac Rich

6-2/Jr

2G

Lexington, SC

Reggie Soileau

6-6/Sr

F

Radcliff North Hardin, KY

Jo Juan Walker

6-2/Sr

2G

Bolivar Central, TN

Zac Walker

6-0/Jr

PG

Columbia Central, TN

Gerry Young

6-8/Sr

C

Louisville Seneca, KY

 

Conclusion

This was my fifth year attending the camp and I manage to learn something new at each session.  Talent levels may vary slightly from camp to camp, but the campers have ample opportunity to display their abilities, and there are always some previously undiscovered gems.  The camp directors have a very “hands-on” approach and observe each player’s performance at least once daily.  I firmly believe that players will only get better as a result of this concentrated period of competition.

 

The strengths of this camp should start with the involvement and work ethics of the camp directors.  Because of the aforementioned “hands-on” approach, I feel the strengths of this camp are the organization and the opportunity afforded each player.  The camp directors make everyone welcome and provide the official camp programs, all-star game rosters, and the list of award winners.  Another, and I believe, very important, strength of this camp is the presence of certified trainers.  Injures are evaluated and treated immediately with doctors being on call at all times.  This camp also has a tremendous up-side for players who have either not had the exposure or are late bloomers.

 

For a complete report on each camp session, click on the links below:

 

Please feel free to send your comments and questions concerning this event, teams, or players to Ron Harrison at  prephoops@yahoo.com .

Ron Harrison’s reports on this and other basketball events appear on http://www.angelfire.com/ky/prephoops.