Event Preview: BATTLE for the city CROWN (Seattle vs. Tacoma)
I have been in Washington since 1992. I cannot remember a time where I was more excited to see the feature state of basketball in our area since the legendary day of Nicholas Maurice Woods. Those of you who know that name know he was a force to be reckon with in those days. Since his passing basketball in our cities have had some great players come out of our schools but not to the magnitude of these past few years. The game is at a new level. Kids are starting earlier than before, kids are training like never before and schools are recruiting like never before. The overall value of the game has increased. Washington was never known as the mecca for hoops. We have fought hard to start to receive the recognition we deserve. With players like Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy, Michael Dickerson, Doug Christie and Isaiah Thomas paving the way for young ballers. We now have an awakening in our streets.
On August 12, 2017, if you do not have anything planned the place to be is Cleveland High School at 4pm. You will have a front row seat to watch some of the most talented and gifted young men go head to head in a battle of city game. You will also witness two of the top coaches in the business. Most of these young men in the following year you will require a ticket to see and have to travel thousands of miles to watch. This is one of the most anticipated games of the year. Get there early because to guarantee a seat.
—
Coach Chris Spivey – will be coaching TEAM TACOMA. Chris has been and influential piece to the building of our basketball culture not just in Tacoma but also in the nearby cities like; Lacey, Olympia, Shelton, Yelm, Lakewood just to name a few. From playing at Saint Martin’s College to coaching and mentoring young men at River Ridge High School. Chris has a wealth of knowledge about the game and the passion you look for in every coach. He has since developed and spearheaded an AAU program known as Washington Supreme formerly known as TEAM A.C.C.E.S.S, which features boys’ basketball from 4th grade all the way up to high school. Washington Supreme will have some of their own players in this game with players like; Erik Stevenson (Wichita State Commit), Tre Anderson (D1 high-level recruit) and Emmitt Matthews Jr (D1 high level recruit). Washington Supreme is one of the only teams on this side of the mountain sponsored by UA. On many coaches and analyst polls and rankings, Washington Supreme is one of the top programs in the nation. Who better to coach than this man!
Lets take a look at some of the featured players from TEAM TACOMA:
The Wichita State Commit Erik Stevenson is a highly skilled wing who has elite athleticism. Erik is attending Timberline High School is rank #4 in the state of Washington. I got a chance to see him in action against Curtis High School in a summer league game. He actually looks taller than 6’3 due to his long arms and long arms. He has a high IQ for when it is time to look for his shot or when it is time to get others involved. A deadeye shooter from long range and can get to the basket with an assortment of dribble drive moves. He comes from a good background, good family and good coaching. Erik is a part of the Washington Supreme family.
6’0 Tre Anderson is a hardnosed bull to put it simply. He is the quintessential point guard. A player who can pass, shoot, attack the rim and finish amongst the trees. His line of offers are soon to come and most definitely will be high to mid major type of recruit. He is currently play for Lincoln high school out of Tacoma, Washington and belongs to the Washington Supreme family under the expert tutelage of Chris Spivey.
6’7 Emmitt Matthews Jr. is currently ranked #8 in Washington. He is a very athletic small forward who can lead the break and shoot from long range. He is currently attending Wilson High school and like his counterparts plays for a very stacked Washington Supreme team. With offers ranging from Boise State, Oklahoma, WSU and OSU to name a few. This young man has the skill set to fit into any one of those programs.
—
Coach Daryll Hennings – will be coaching TEAM SEATTLE. Daryll talks about the meaning of his work in youth sports, about basketball being a route to college for inner-city kids. It is understandable. During the past 15 years, Seattle has vaulted more than a dozen basketball players to national status — including Jason Terry, Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy, Aaron Brooks and Terrence Williams — most of whom played for Hennings. Most of his players earn scholarships to universities, and Hennings, has built the Central District’s Rotary Style program into a state legend. “Our basketball program is under a huge umbrella within the Boys and Girls Club,” Hennings said. “So a lot of what we do is centered on making sure the kids are safe and understand about their bodies as far as athletics is concerned.” With the reputation, Hennings has built for himself and Seattle Rotary. We look forward to a great showdown!
Lets take a look at some of the featured players from TEAM SEATTLE:
Once a sleeper, but now turning heads around the North West is 6’7 guard CJ Elleby. The Cleveland High School star currently has some interest from Gonzaga, WSU, Stanford, Pepperdine, and Boise State. The lefty has a smooth jumper with nice size, giving him the ability to rebound and push the break. Being a taller guard, he is able to post up and shoot over smaller guards easy, but can also break defenders down off the dribble. It would not be a surprise to see him grow another inch or two. He has also added more athleticism to his game, being much more explosive and finishing many plays in the paint with dunks. Defensively, he is physical enough to defend forwards and quick enough to matchup with guards. He rebounds at a high level and is very vocal on the defensive end, showing great leadership skills. SBS has him ranked at #4 for the class of 2014.
PAC 12 schools are all over Kevin Porter Jr. Standing at 6’5, he can jump with the best of them. Kevin is a great finisher at the rim with both hands even though he is a left-handed player. His ceiling is through the roof will already pro scouts keeping an eye on him. He currently holds offers from numerous high major D1 programs and looks to make his decision on where he will play next year. Kevin goes to Rainier Beach High School and play for Seattle Rotary. SBS has him ranked at #2 for the class of 2018.
6’5 swing Noah Robinson from O’Dea High School out of Seattle, Washington has major game and is a high major recruit. Noah plays above the rim and looks to finish his plays with thunderous dunks. He can finish through contact and for his height is very shifty. Already receiving offers from D1 programs. Noah is primed to take this state by storm this season. SBS has him ranked at #2 for the class of 2019