July 21-25,
2002
Georgetown, KY
©2002 by Ron Harrison
The 23rd 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 74 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 23-27, July 7-11, and July 21-25. The first session includes a Junior division. This report will cover the final session held July 21-25. Each session also features speakers on recruiting, academics, and basketball. Some of the outstanding players who have attended this camp are Jimmy Jackson, Allen Houston, Rex Chapman, Felton Spencer, Dan Langhi, Darren Hancock, Scott Padgett, Brad Miller, Tim Couch, Dejuan Wheat, etc. All players attending camp 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 ten league games (not counting playoff games and All-Star contest) and all games are played full-court. All players receive equal playing time as substitutions are done by the clock. Certified trainers are on duty at all times.
I briefly scanned the roster for this camp session and noted that players from twenty nine states were scheduled to attend. There were also players present from Canada, Germany, and the Caribbean Island of St. Martin.
CAGE SCOPE DIVISION (Teams 1-12) |
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Team 1 (Navy) |
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Team 2 (Navy) |
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Alabama-Mark Hester |
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Arizona-Mark Hester |
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18 |
Josh Beeke |
5-8 |
5 |
Brooks Allen |
6-2 |
24 |
Travis Bolin |
5-11 |
27 |
Alex Bowers |
6-0 |
25 |
Andy Bonczyk |
6-3 |
28 |
Jonathan Breshears |
6-7 |
104 |
Wade Hasenour |
6-3 |
76 |
William Feldman |
5-10 |
134 |
Max Kern |
5-10 |
95 |
Adam Grubius |
6-0 |
142 |
Mike Kreuser |
6-6 |
112 |
Aaron Hill |
5-11 |
164 |
Stephen McDowell |
5-11 |
122 |
Christopher Huening |
6-4 |
195 |
Roman Ritchey |
6-4 |
155 |
Ryan Marable |
6-0 |
221 |
Mike Slone |
6-3 |
185 |
Chris Pereira |
6-0 |
258 |
Brandon White |
5-10 |
192 |
Dean Raven |
6-3 |
262 |
Keith Williamson |
6-2 |
121 |
Adam Howard |
5-11 |
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328 |
Kenny Van Hienegen |
6-5 |
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Team 3 (Navy) |
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Team 4 (Navy) |
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Arkansas-Craig Anderson |
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California-Craig Anderson |
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8 |
J.C.Amos |
5-7 |
6 |
Michael Allen |
6-5 |
23 |
Adam Bolender |
6-1 |
327 |
Brandon Cummings |
6-1 |
38 |
Josh Carlisle |
6-3 |
29 |
Cameron Brewer |
6-2 |
70 |
Bowdy Ehler |
5-9 |
71 |
Preston Eliiott-Moore |
6-2 |
126 |
Nathan Jaggers |
6-0 |
77 |
Cody Flower |
6-0 |
138 |
Matt Klinger |
6-1 |
297 |
Matt Maresca |
6-8 |
169 |
Brett Meredith |
5-10 |
139 |
Jacob Knighton |
6-0 |
173 |
Brent Morgheim |
6-0 |
177 |
Joey Muscio |
6-2 |
176 |
Durand Murray |
6-6 |
268 |
Jeremy Anderson |
6-0 |
187 |
Roderick Porter |
6-0 |
250 |
Brennan Votel |
6-4 |
261 |
Marc Williams |
6-0 |
269 |
Ryan Anderson |
6-0 |
285 |
Chuck Grigsby |
5-10 |
316 |
Nick Anderson |
5-10 1/2 |
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Team 5 (Navy) |
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Team 6 (Navy) |
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Connecticut-Roger Trennepohl |
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Florida-Roger Trennepohl |
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20 |
Matt Biltz |
5-9 |
7 |
Luke Almendinger |
5-9 |
86 |
Logan Gindele |
6-0 |
300 |
Kris Mills |
5-8 |
273 |
Lamar Cannon |
6-3 |
40 |
Walter Cash |
6-0 |
279 |
Kinny Fain |
5-11 |
101 |
Enver Harbans |
5-11 |
137 |
Josh Klinger |
5-11 |
114 |
Trey Hines |
6-4 |
298 |
Sharaun Mathews |
5-10 |
119 |
Edward Horton |
6-1 |
223 |
A.J. Smith |
5-7 |
178 |
Jonathan Myers |
5-11 |
231 |
Brandon Stone |
6-0 |
180 |
Kyle Nelson |
6-3 |
241 |
Trey Tindell |
6-4 |
303 |
Berneil Parker |
6-2 |
242 |
Chance Trafton |
6-3 |
243 |
A.J. Trennepohl |
5-8 |
244 |
Jason Trotter |
6-6 |
253 |
William Walker |
6-0 |
310 |
Jeffrey Willis |
6-8 |
260 |
Brady Wildenradt |
5-11 |
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Team 7 (Black) |
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Team 8 (Black) |
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Georgia-Jeff Kline |
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Illinois-Jeff Kline |
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30 |
Cole Brink |
5-10 |
11 |
Jerry Appleman |
6-1 |
72 |
Nathan Embree |
5-9 |
26 |
Jason Boudreaux |
6-7 |
79 |
Will Floyd |
6-3 |
31 |
Adam Brown |
6-3 |
110 |
Barry Hicks |
6-2 |
42 |
Kris Caufield |
5-10 |
130 |
Terrence Jones |
6-3 |
73 |
Jim Evans |
6-2 |
150 |
Luke Lyle |
6-1 |
80 |
Roberto Fortes |
6-3 |
214 |
Chase Shamlin |
6-1 |
81 |
David Fox |
6-10 |
222 |
Cory Smailes |
5-6 |
143 |
Steve Kriczky |
6-2 |
226 |
Noel Smith |
5-5 |
182 |
Nick Oliveira |
6-2 |
240 |
Dan Thompson |
6-5 |
202 |
Zach Rutledge |
6-1 |
265 |
Tommy Wood |
5-8 |
289 |
Brandon Jefferson |
5-9 |
330 |
Robert White |
5-7 |
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Team 9 (Black) |
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Team 10 (Black) |
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Indiana-Jim Morgan |
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Iowa-Jim Morgan |
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32 |
Benjamin Brown |
6-0 |
13 |
Rob Atherton |
5-9 |
57 |
Kevin Craigo |
5-10 |
34 |
Ryan Brown |
6-1 |
65 |
Bryan Deno |
6-2 |
61 |
Shawn Daugherty |
6-4 |
84 |
Bobby Frazier |
5-11 |
74 |
Kurt Faulkner |
6-0 |
91 |
Campbell Grant |
6-0 |
75 |
Andrew Feichter |
5-11 |
282 |
Jeremy Givens |
6-4 |
89 |
Aaron Gossett |
6-4 |
153 |
Adam Manning |
5-8 |
132 |
Nick Karle |
6-1 |
163 |
Charles McDonough |
6-7 |
144 |
John Lane |
6-5 |
172 |
Justin Morgan |
6-1 |
196 |
J.K. Roberts |
6-4 |
211 |
Kevin Seabolt |
6-0 |
270 |
Christopher Barlow |
6-2 |
254 |
Terrell Warren |
6-1 |
224 |
Brandon Smith |
6-2 |
264 |
Matthew Witwer |
6-5 |
263 |
Jeffrey Winkler |
5-9 |
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Team 11 (Black) |
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Team 12 (Black) |
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Kansas-Grant Brannen |
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Kentucky-Grant Brannen |
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4 |
Parker Alexander |
5-10 |
295 |
Ravone Littlejohn |
6-4 |
35 |
Justyn Burgess |
6-4 |
36 |
Chandler Calfee |
5-11 |
43 |
Joseph Chilton |
6-5 |
37 |
Emmanuel Caraballo |
6-1 |
44 |
Brandon Christy |
6-1 |
41 |
JeRouy Casselberry |
5-11 |
82 |
Tony Fox |
5-8 |
120 |
Richard Houser |
5-8 |
116 |
Vincent Holman |
5-5 |
123 |
George Hukill |
6-1 |
141 |
Justin Kowrach |
6-1 |
219 |
Brent Shy |
6-3 |
148 |
Matt Liguzinski |
6-1 |
227 |
Tyler Smith |
5-11 |
149 |
Troy Livingston |
6-1 |
306 |
Arthur Rhodes |
6-0 |
154 |
Nate Mapp |
5-11 |
286 |
John Hays |
6-5 |
239 |
Alex Thompson |
6-2 |
311 |
Dustin Zaleski |
6-0 |
296 |
Dominic Lopez |
5-10 |
317 |
Jacob Burtschi |
6-6 |
HIGH POTENTIAL DIVISION (Teams 13-24) |
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Team 13 (Red) |
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Team 14 (Red) |
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Louisiana-Juan Byars |
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Maryland-Juan Byars |
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21 |
Rory Birmingham |
6-0 |
15 |
Lewis Ball |
6-4 |
45 |
Tim Clark |
5-10 |
46 |
Matt Clarkson |
5-10 |
48 |
Ty Cochran |
5-9 |
47 |
Milt Clemmons |
6-1 |
108 |
Ryan Herndon |
6-5 |
111 |
Dillon Higdon |
6-4 |
124 |
Brandon Huntley |
6-2 |
115 |
Darrin Holliman |
5-10 |
156 |
Sean Maroldo |
6-3 |
158 |
Drew Martin |
6-6 |
171 |
Cory Molchan |
6-0 |
165 |
Matt McKiernan |
6-1 |
189 |
Zack Pressnell |
5-10 |
168 |
Jordan Mendelson |
6-2 |
257 |
Jason Werner |
6-4 |
183 |
Ari Paschal |
6-2 |
323 |
Donte Sweatt |
6-5 |
206 |
Kirk Sandstrom |
6-1 |
325 |
Carlos Williams |
5-11 |
237 |
Ronaldo Tankard |
6-0 |
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252 |
Kaleb Walker |
6-1 |
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Team 15 (Red) |
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Team 16 (Red) |
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Massachusetts-Omar Vazquez |
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Michigan-Omar Vazquez |
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267 |
Ryan Aiken |
5-4 |
55 |
Tony Cotton |
5-11 |
291 |
Chris Jeter |
6-0 |
56 |
Brandon Covington |
6-2 |
90 |
Clint Graham |
6-9 |
64 |
Philip Deaton |
6-5 |
96 |
Jeffrey Gumm |
6-1 |
127 |
Blake Jones |
5-9 |
99 |
Chad Hammonds |
5-11 |
129 |
Bobby Jones |
5-9 |
326 |
Danny Norman |
6-2 |
135 |
Josh King |
6-7 |
181 |
Will Norskog |
6-5 |
186 |
Travis Pickering |
5-10 |
188 |
Daniel Potts |
5-8 |
208 |
Christopher Schmidt |
6-4 |
220 |
Scott Singleton |
5-6 |
235 |
Torrion Sykes |
5-10 |
249 |
Derek Vonckx |
6-0 |
238 |
Chad Terrell |
5-11 |
259 |
David White |
5-7 |
292 |
Jarrell Jordan |
6-1 |
293 |
Nathaniel Keith |
5-10 |
318 |
James Cogdill |
6-1 |
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Team 17 (Red) |
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Team 18 (Red) |
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Minnesota-Anthony Perry |
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Missouri-Anthony Perry |
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93 |
Tyrone Hurt |
5-9 |
22 |
Brett Bisbee |
6-5 |
102 |
Chase Hardin |
5-11 |
50 |
Duke Cole |
6-1 |
103 |
Derek Harmon |
6-3 |
60 |
Jason Darland |
6-1 |
109 |
Jaycen Herring |
6-3 |
106 |
Thomas Heil |
6-1 |
117 |
Kyle Holmes |
6-3 |
133 |
Mark Kent |
6-5 |
125 |
Shane Ingolia |
6-1 |
145 |
Patrick Lewis |
6-1 |
161 |
Josh McDaniel |
6-2 |
179 |
Rana Nandi |
5-8 |
162 |
Samuel McDaniel |
6-6 |
230 |
Anthony Stein |
6-0 |
175 |
Joe Mott |
6-1 |
280 |
David Platt |
6-0 |
193 |
Matthew Reynolds |
6-4 |
248 |
Brett Versen |
6-5 |
266 |
Kevin Wriht |
6-2 |
256 |
Sean Walsh |
5-9 |
236 |
Matthew Tack |
6-2 |
287 |
Ben Holbrook |
6-1 |
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Team 19 (White) |
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Team 20 (White) |
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North Carolina-Lee Tynes |
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Oklahoma-Lee Tynes |
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12 |
Emerson Ates |
5-9 |
62 |
Dave Davies |
6-1 |
66 |
Daniel Drwencke |
6-4 |
68 |
Adam Ebling |
6-2 |
67 |
David Drwencke |
6-9 |
92 |
Justin Graves |
5-2 |
152 |
Jeff Manley |
6-2 |
146 |
Evan Liggett |
5-10 |
85 |
Chase Fulbright |
6-1 |
204 |
Eric Sanchez |
5-11 |
140 |
Reginald Koggu |
5-11 |
184 |
Femi Pedro |
5-11 |
203 |
Anthony Sadler |
6-0 |
194 |
Caleb Rice |
5-10 |
283 |
Ryan Gold |
5-9 |
201 |
Matthew Rucker |
6-7 |
308 |
Justin Sok |
6-5 |
201 |
Matthew Schima |
6-1 |
233 |
Chris Suel |
5-8 |
229 |
Matt Sowers |
6-3 |
234 |
Donald Suel |
6-2 |
245 |
Carter Tynes |
6-4 |
321 |
David Stickler |
5-9 |
225 |
Bryan Smith |
6-4 |
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276 |
Tucker Edwards |
6-0 |
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Team 21 (White) |
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Team 22 (White) |
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Tennessee-Larry Berkman |
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Texas-Larry Berkman |
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1 |
Osama Abulhassan |
6-0 |
51 |
Jamel Coleman |
5-10 |
3 |
Hassan Ahmad |
6-3 |
54 |
Joseph Cooper |
6-3 |
9 |
Ali Aoun |
6-0 |
83 |
Mike Fratangelo |
6-1 |
10 |
Nader Aoun |
5-7 |
87 |
Charlie Goetz |
6-2 |
53 |
Eric Conley |
5-11 |
98 |
Scott Hammons |
5-7 |
58 |
Kyle Daneff |
6-3 |
16 |
Steven Banks |
6-0 |
105 |
Jason Haskin |
6-1 |
136 |
Sean Kriby-Peloquin |
6-4 |
151 |
Rhett Malpass |
6-4 |
301 |
Ryan Moore |
6-0 |
170 |
Samad Mohammad |
6-11 |
199 |
Travis Ross |
6-7 |
274 |
Jonathan Collins |
6-2 |
246 |
Stephen Underwood |
6-2 |
198 |
Michael Roselli |
5-10 |
309 |
Reonal Upchurch |
5-11 |
247 |
O.J. Valdez |
6-0 |
319 |
Willie Jackson |
6-2 |
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Team 23 (White) |
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Team 24 (White) |
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Utah-Mark Wayne |
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Wisconsin-Mark Wayne |
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329 |
Josh Bell |
6-2 |
271 |
Chris Bentley |
6-3 |
307 |
Garron Shoulders |
6-0 |
272 |
Christopher Burton |
5-9 |
313 |
Robert Sarver |
6-3 |
275 |
Zach Drummond |
6-4 |
107 |
Ted Heintschel |
5-11 |
277 |
Jon Elrod |
5-5 |
113 |
Zach Hillesland |
6-6 |
278 |
Stephen Elrod |
6-0 |
314 |
Jason Foutz |
6-0 |
284 |
A.J. Gooden |
6-3 |
157 |
Norman Mars |
6-5 |
2 |
Jimmy Adams |
5-11 |
320 |
William O'Dell |
6-7 |
294 |
D.J. Kelso |
5-7 |
174 |
Stephen Morris |
5-11 |
299 |
David McFarland |
6-1 |
322 |
Maurice Blakey |
6-2 |
302 |
Derek Morris |
6-1 |
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304 |
Jason Pogue |
6-6 |
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305 |
Travis Rasso |
6-7 |
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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 (8-2), Iowa (8-2), Alabama (7-3), Connecticut (6-4), Kentucky (5-5), Indiana (5-5), Arkansas (4-6), Florida (4-6), Illinois (4-6), Kansas (4-6), Georgia (3-7), and California (2-8).
There were twelve teams entered in the High Potential Division. They were designated Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. The standings for the week were as follows: Maryland (10-0), Minnesota (9-1), Utah (7-3), Louisiana (7-3), Michigan (5-5), Tennessee (4-6), Missouri (4-6), North Carolina (3-7), Oklahoma (3-7), Wisconsin (3-7), Texas (3-7), and Massachusetts (2-8).
The four teams that advanced to the final four tournament were Arizona, Iowa, Maryland, and Minnesota. Arizona defeated Iowa 56-27 in one semifinal, and Minnesota handed Maryland their first loss of the week 50-44 in the second semifinal game. Minnesota defeated Arizona 47-35 to claim the tourney championship. The Final Four MVP (Minnesota) was 5-11 Sr. Chase Hardin from Bartlett Tennessee. The Runner-Up MVP from the Arizona squad was 6-4 Sr. Christopher Huening from Wyoming, Ohio. Please note that the low scores of the playoff games are the result of the games being shortened after a strenuous week and to allow the players to compete in the All-Star Game.
The "Blue-Chip" All-Star rosters are as follows:
Cage Scope All-Stars Melvin Walker (Riverside Park Hill South, MO)
Jacob Burtschi |
6-6 |
Sr. |
Oklahoma City Putnam City |
OK |
Robert White |
5-7 |
Jr. |
Louisville Central |
KY |
Brett Meredith |
5-10 |
Sr. |
Brownsville Edmonson Co. |
KY |
Stephen McDowell |
5-11 |
Sr. |
Indianapolis Lawrence North |
IN |
Jonathon Breshears |
6-7 |
Sr. |
Fulton |
MO |
Durand Murray |
6-6 |
Jr. |
Stone Mountain Redan |
GA |
Ryan Anderson |
6-0 |
Jr. |
Bowling Green Warren Central |
KY |
Jeffrey Willis |
6-8 |
Sr. |
Chattanooga Baylor |
TN |
Edward Horton |
6-1 |
Sr. |
Shreveport Southwood |
LA |
Terrence Jones |
6-3 |
Sr. |
Fremont Ross |
OH |
Justyn Burgess |
6-4 |
Sr. |
Minneapolis North |
MN |
John Lane |
6-5 |
Sr. |
Flora Carroll |
IN |
Luke Lyle |
6-1 |
Sr. |
Fremont Ross |
OH |
Matthew Witwer |
6-5 |
Sr. |
Minot |
ND |
Ravone Littlejohn |
6-4 |
Sr. |
Fairfield Cincinnati Christian |
OH |
Jeffrey Gumm |
6-1 |
Jr. |
Campbellsville Taylor Co. |
KY |
James Cogdill |
6-1 |
Sr. |
Cleveland |
TN |
High Potential All-Stars Brandon Combs (Bowling Green Warren Central, KY)
Donte Sweatt |
6-5 |
Sr. |
Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park |
KY |
Dillon Higdon |
6-4 |
Sr. |
Riverside Park Hill South |
MO |
Ari Paschal |
6-2 |
Sr. |
Virginia Beach Princess Anne |
VA |
Carlos Williams |
5-11 |
Sr. |
Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park |
KY |
Clint Graham |
6-9 |
Jr. |
Campbellsville Taylor Co. |
KY |
Ryan Gold |
5-9 |
Sr. |
Indianapolis Northwest |
IN |
David Drwencke |
6-9 |
Sr. |
Harper Woods Notre Dame |
OH |
Norman Mars |
6-5 |
Sr. |
Toledo Central Catholic |
OH |
Maurice Blakey |
6-2 |
Sr. |
Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park |
KY |
A.J. Goodin |
6-3 |
Sr. |
Ft. Wayne Harding |
IN |
Jason Pogue |
6-6 |
Sr. |
Dayton Colonel White |
OH |
Brett Versen |
6-5 |
Sr. |
Centerville |
OH |
Brandon Covington |
6-2 |
Sr. |
Vevay Switzerland Co. |
IN |
Garron Shoulders |
6-10 |
Sr. |
Louisville Central |
KY |
Josh King |
6-7 |
Sr. |
Janesville Craig |
WI |
Tyrone Hurt |
5-9 |
Sr. |
Louisville Western |
KY |
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Alternates for either team: |
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Jeffrey Gumm |
6-1 |
Jr. |
Campbellsville Taylor Co. |
KY |
Tyrone Hurt |
5-9 |
Sr. |
Louisville Western |
KY |
Matthew Tack |
6-2 |
Jr. |
Sterling Heights Stevenson |
MI |
James Cogdill |
6-1 |
Sr. |
Cleveland |
TN |
The High Potential All-Stars overcame a large deficit to nip the Cage Scope All-Stars 140-138. 5-9 Sr. Tyrone Hurt hit a late basket with five seconds left in the game to settle the issue. The victors were led by All-Star Game MVP 6-2 Sr. Maurice Blakey with 24 points. 6-5 Sr. Brett Versen, 6-5 Sr. Donte Sweatt, and 6-9 Jr. Clint Graham added 14, 10, and 10 points respectively. The Cage Scope All-Stars were led in scoring by 6-5 Sr.John Lane, 6-5 Sr. Matthew Witwer, 6-6 Sr. Jacob Burtschi,and 6-4 Sr. Justyn Burgess with 15 points each. All-Star Game Runner-Up MVP 6-3 Sr. Terrence Jones added eight points and had an excellent floor game.
6-1 Sr. Edward Horton and 6-2 Jr. Matthew Tack did not participate due to injuries or prior travel arrangements.
This camp gives out several awards over the week session. The awards for this session are:
Free Throw Champ - Under 6-0 |
Aaron Hill |
Canton R-V |
MO |
Free Throw Champ - 6-0 to 6-3 |
Jonathan Collins |
Lilbum Parkview |
GA |
Free Throw Champ - 6-0 to 6-3 |
Brandon Cristy |
Bridgeport Red Hill |
IL |
Free Throw Champ - 6-0 to 6-3 |
Justin Morgan |
Columbus Tree of Life Christian |
OH |
Free Throw Champ - 6-4 and Up |
Brett Versen |
Centerville |
OH |
Hot Shot Champ - Under 6-0 |
Dominic Lopez |
Quincy |
MI |
Hot Shot Champ - 6-0 to 6-3 |
Brooks Allen |
Pittsfield |
IL |
Hot Shot Champ - 6-4 and Up |
Joseph Chilton |
Hayesville |
NC |
3-Pt. Shooting Champ - Under 6-0 |
Bowdy Ehler |
Gering |
NE |
3-Pt. Shooting Champ - Under 6-0 |
Aaron Hill |
Canton R-V |
MO |
3-Pt. Shooting Champ - 6-0 to 6-3 |
Josh Bell |
Lexington Tates Creek |
KY |
3-Pt. Shooting Champ - 6-4 and Up |
Matt Maresca |
Bowling Green Warren Central |
KY |
3-Pt. Shooting Champ - 6-4 and Up |
Brett Versen |
Centerville |
OH |
3-Pt. Shooting Champ - 6-4 and Up |
Mark Kent |
Painesville Riverside |
OH |
Slam Dunk Champ |
Dillon Higdon |
Riverside Park Hill South |
MO |
Most Improved |
David Fox |
Lakewood |
OH |
Best Ballhandler |
Femi Pedro |
Chicago Archbishop Quigley |
IL |
Best Underclassman |
Durand Murray |
Stone Mountain Redan |
GA |
Best Passer |
Mike Fratangelo |
Pittsburgh Wilkinsburg |
PA |
Best Defender |
William Walker |
Cincinnati Northwest |
OH |
Best Rebounder |
Aaron Gossett |
Chesapeake |
OH |
Best Hustler |
James Cogdill |
Cleveland |
TN |
Best Station Worker |
O.J. Valdez |
Cedar Park |
TX |
Final Four MVP |
Chase Hardin |
Bartlett |
TN |
Final Four Runner Up MVP |
Christopher Huening |
Wyoming |
OH |
League MVP |
Jacob Burtschi |
Oklahoma City Putnam City |
OK |
League Runner Up MVP |
Jason Pogue |
Dayton Colonel White |
OH |
All-Star Game MVP |
Maurice Blakey |
Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park |
KY |
All-Star Game Runner Up MVP |
Terrence Jones |
Freemont Ross |
OH |
Division Summary
Jacob Burtschi, a 6-6 Sr. from Oklahoma City Putnam City, Oklahoma, was a late addition who captured the League MVP as well as being named to the All-Star team. Burtschi is a fundamentally sound player who can score both inside and out. 6-6 Sr. Jason Pogue (Dayton Colonel White, Ohio) was named League Runner Up MVP as well as being selected for the All-Star team. Pleasure Ridge Park (Louisville, KY) should be one of the top contenders for the 2003 Kentucky high school championship and were well represented by 6-2 Sr. Maurice Blakey, 6-5 Sr. Donte Sweatt, and 5-11 Sr. Carlos Williams. All these players were named to the All-Star team with Maurice Blakey capturing the All-Star Game MVP. Sweatt is a slender 6-5 wing player who can maneuver inside the paint for a basket as well as pull up for the outside jump shot. Carlos Williams, a solidly built 5-11 guard, is deceptively quick and strong enough to take the ball inside against the tall timber. Blakey is strong enough to take the ball to the basket and can hit the outside shot.
6-5 Sr. Brett Versen (Centerville, Ohio) played well in the All-Star game and also captured the free throw title in his division as well as tying for the 3-point shooting championship in his division. 6-5 Sr. Matthew Witwer (Minot, North Dakota) had an excellent camp and played well in the All-Star game. 6-5 Sr. John Lane (Flora Carroll, Indiana) and 6-4 Sr. Justyn Burgess (Minneapolis North, Minnesota) also turned in sterling All-Star game performances. 6-3 Sr. Terrence Jones (Freemont Ross, Ohio) showed excellent range on his jump shot.
This was an excellent summer for the Cage Scope/High Potential "Blue-Chip" Basketball Camp. Most rankings are subjective, but I felt like 6-4 Sr. Stephen Floyd (Houston Fort Bend Elkins, Texas) who played in Session Two was probably the top player in camp this summer. Floyd is a very athletic player with good "hops" and should star at the next level. There were many good players spread over the three sessions that should dot college rosters over the next few seasons. Several teams that should be highly ranked in Kentucky high school basketball next season (North Hardin, Warren Central, West Jessamine, Pleasure Ridge Park, etc.) were well represented in summer camp. There were several schools well represented from outside Kentucky, including Hinesville Bradwell Institute (Georgia) who brought their team to Session Two with several players turning in excellent performances. One of the top individual shooting performances was turned in by Zac Madren (Anchorage Christian, Alaska), who set a camp record by hitting 191 consecutive free throws.
There were too many good players in camp to mention them all here and the selections for All-Star slots and camp awards were sometimes difficult, but that is a nice problem to have.
This was my fourth year attending this camp and while I am a veteran observer 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 any 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. The All-Star games are always entertaining due to the work of the camp directors who usually have to juggle the lineups to accommodate early player departures due to travel arrangements. 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. While there are many summer camps and leagues, I feel very comfortable with the value each camper receives at this camp and will continue to make the Cage Scope/High Potential "Blue-Chip" Basketball Camp an annual "must visit" for myself.