TEAM ODOM Earns Spot in History Books

Albany, NY–2007 GymRat CHALLENGE Re-Cap—For Immediate Release, May 31, 2007
17: U Age Division

No team in the talent-rich ten year history of the GymRat CHALLENGE has been able to claim back-to-back titles in the 17U Age Division. Winning a second straight title was not going to be easy for Team Odom. RBK Team Boston Elite threatened to pull away on a number of occasions in the title game, but Team Odom showed time and time again that it was going to take a superior effort to knock-out the title holder.

Trailing by six points at halftime, Team Odom coach Artie Cox had a clear message to his team. “You gotta look at yourself in the mirror right now,’’ Cox told his players. “They are playing zone, so we have to move the ball quicker. We need 14 minutes of solid basketball.’’

Team Odom followed Cox’s message and opened the second half on a 15-2 run – capped by back-to-back 3-pointers by Markeys Deans to establish a 34-26 advantage.

Raheem Singleton led Boston Elite back, capping a 13-1 surge with a pair of free throws for a 39-35 cushion.

Team Odom point guard Ryan Davis created the game’s final two baskets. First, he raced up the court and sliced through two defenders before delivering a perfect wraparound feed to Ryan Pearson. After Team Boston Elite missed the front end of a one-and-one foul shooting situation, Davis pushed the tempo again, penetrated the paint and made a perfect pass to Deans on the wing. Deans drained a 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining for a 40-39 lead. Following a time out, Singleton fired a pass the length of the court to teammate Jerome Cohen, whose full-court alley-oop catch and shoot rattled in and out as the buzzer sounded.

“It’s hard to win a tournament of this magnitude ONCE. Wining HERE twice is an unbelievable accomplishment for
our kids and our program,’’ Cox said. “It was a couple of the same guys from last year, but also a lot of new guys. I am very happy and proud that they didn’t quit when we got behind.’’
17:U GymRat CHALLENGE MVG – Most Valuable GymRat

Averon Matthews (6-10 C, Team Odom): Has only been playing basketball for three years, Matthews still has facets to develop in his offensive game. No one at the 2007 GymRat CHALLENGE, however, made more of a defensive impression than Matthews. He blocked shots and altered many more. His ability to control the glass at both ends allowed Team Odom several offensive rebounding opportunities and helped spearhead the transition game. “He is the one guy we’ve had over the last few years who does not have to score to still be the main impact of the game,’’ Team Odom coach Artie Cox said. “I’m happy that he was selected as MVG. He has the chance to be so special.’’

“I really wanted to win. I didn’t care about nothing else,’’ Matthews said. “Scoring didn’t matter. I just wanted to play defense and rebound.” Matthews swung the semifinal victory over the BC Eagles in his team’s favor with a slew of conversions on offensive rebounds, but it was his incredible left-handed finger roll along the baseline that grabbed the most attention. “How special was that? Not bad for a guy who has played for only three years,’’ Cox said. HUGE POTENTIAL UPSIDE for this athletic and coachable big man.
17:U All-GymRat CHALLENGE Team

Ryan Davis (5-8 PG, Team Odom): Gritty, tough, fiery and enamored with the big situation and big shot, Davis is the lifeblood of the Team Odom attack for his ability to orchestrate a dangerous attack. Made two big-time passes for assists in the final minute of the championship victory over the Boston Elite. Davis can bomb from the perimeter, penetrate for quality set-ups for teammates or simply blow through the basket to finish himself. An exceptional decision-maker, Davis sees things no one else sees. HE’S A LEADER that will make some program (and teammates) very happy at the next level. If you’re an athlete, you LOVE to have this guy distributing the ROCK on your team

Ryan Pearson (6-7 SF/PF, Team Odom): Earned all-star honors for the second straight year based on his solid all-around game. The lefty soars to the basket and is deadly with his effective usage of the glass, Pearson is also superior passer, defender and rebounder.

Raheem Singleton (5-11 PG, RBK Team Boston Elite): Spearheaded his team’s run to the title game while fighting through an ankle injury suffered in the quarterfinals; Singleton amazingly maintained his quickness and energy-level. Drained several huge perimeter shots and difficult drives in the paint, Singleton plays exceptional defense and set his teammates up.

Aaron Williams (6-3 SG/PG/SF, RBK Team Boston Elite): Team Odom coach Artie Cox said of Williams, “He is a great player and has a chance to be really special.’’ Williams took over sizable sections of a number of playoff games, including helping the Elite advance out of the quarterfinals in overtime when Raheem Singleton missed time with an ankle injury. When Williams gets on a roll from the perimeter, few players can be more disruptive. Defense is definitely a strong suit for this terrific young player.

Georgio Milligan (6-2 SG, BC Eagles): The Syracuse Select Orange squad is not likely to forget Milligan. Twin towers Ben Cronin (7-foot) and Nick Pascale (6-10) could do little to stop Milligan on offense or with his ability to grab every loose ball. Milligan creates opportunities for his teammates with his ability to penetrate off the dribble, yet he also showed the ability to knock several clutch jump shots from 18 feet in.

Quillar Marion (6-4 SF, BC Eagles): On a team that didn’t have a great deal of size, Marion played extremely big for the Eagles. Gobbled up a number of loose balls and rebounds through desire and hustle, Marion also showed he can handle the basketball in traffic and get to the rim himself in transition. Mario played a huge role in his team’s journey to the semifinals.

Chris Hines (6-7 SF/PF, N.J. Panthers): Showed off NBA shooting-range, Hines already has a chiseled frame ready for college basketball. Smooth release makes his shot look effortless. Also polished around the basket, Hines just needs to be more assertive to elevate his game.

Tyquan Stroman (6-6 SF, New York Ravens): Imposed his will on many; Stroman explodes to the basket and scores with authority in the paint. Few players are blessed with Stroman’s physical tools. Scores in a variety of ways, Stroman is a player that is hard to ignore.

Blaise French (6-2 SG/PG, NYC Jaguars): Averaged over 26 points per game, French is a finisher around the basket and blessed with outstanding quickness and court savvy. Scores from everywhere on the court and enhances the abilities of those around, French is a player to keep an eye on.

Evan Smotryc (6-6 SF/PF, Mass Rivals): Only 16, Smotryc showed off a game well beyond his years. An exceptional shooter and scorer, Smotryc understands what he needs to do to get the job done. If teams are paying too much attention to him, he will set up teammates. Rebounds well, runs the floor and finishes in the paint. There is a lot to like here.

Brian Benson (6-7 PF/SF, East Coast Fusion Gold): A hard-nosed player who does all the dirty work, Benson is also a player who knows how to score, rebound, defend and lead. Scores in the paint and can step up to show off a quality mid-range game, Benson also displayed the ability to grab a rebound and push the ball forward himself.

Jacob Iati (5-11 PG, The Blast): This young man should serve as the 2008 GymRat symbol – he is the epitome of what the term “GymRat” truly means. A long-range sniper who knocked down 12 treys in two games, Iati showed steely nerve by draining three free throws with two seconds left to force a second overtime in pool play. Sees the floor and is exceptionally quick, Iati is a tremendous competitor and someone who improves all around him with his relentless energy.

Owen Wignot (6-6 SF, Firm AC): An outstanding all-around player with a penchant for making his teammates better, Wignot possesses exceptional leaping ability and a deadly shooting touch from beyond 3-point range. Can play with his back to the basket and rebounds well, Wignot earned 2006 GymRat Challenge all-star honors at the 16-year old level. Improvement on his left hand would make Wignot lethal.

Pat Saunders (6-7 PF/C, NH Wildcats): Displayed excellent footwork and superior instincts, Saunders shined above the rest on a solid Wildcats’ roster. He is a solid two-way standout who can pop out to knock down a 3pointer, score on the blocks or control things at the defensive end. Saunders is a solid performer.

Stanley Elliott (6-3 SG, New Jersey Spartans): Wiry star that does it all and makes it look easy. Tremendously smooth driving to the basket, Elliott has an incredible knack for finishing – even against much larger defenders. Can score from the perimeter, but is potent going to the rim. Division I interest if only going to increase for his standout.

Samuel Givens (6-6 PF, Renegades Black): A polished post player who plays with strength and determination, Givens has few equals. Featured a soft shooting touch and a keen awareness of what he needed to do to score, Givens demands double teams. Can handle the ball extremely well and showed off his abilities as a solid passer. Givens is a definitely a competitor.

B.J. Monterio (6-5 SG/SF, CT Phenom Elite): On a team filled with standouts, Monterio once again stood out. An all-star last year at the 16-year old level, Monterio excels at just about everything on the court. A solid defender and rebounder, Monterio looks to find teammates first. If those options are closed, he will simply score himself. Sneaky quick, Monterio plays with passion.

17:U Honorable Mention All-GymRat CHALLENGE
Kirk Crecco (6-3 SF/SG, NH Playerz)
Will Bradbury (5-10 PG, Waterloo Wildhawks)
Zack Rosen (6-0 PG, New Jersey All-Stars)
Darius Quarles (6-5 SF/PF, New Jersey All-Stars)
Eugene Teaque (6-7 PF/C, New Jersey All-Stars)
Billy Marsden (6-0 SG, Mass Rivals)
Wilfredo Pagan (5-10 PG, Mass Rivals)
Adrian Gonzalez (6-5 SF, Mass Rivals)
Garrett Constance (6-3 SF, Houston Lynx)
Antonio Williams (6-6 PF, New York Ravens)
Daryl Charles (6-5 SF/PF, New York Ravens)
Raheem Pringle (6-0 PG, Capital District Raptors)
Donovan Johnson (6-2 SG, Capital District Raptors)
Patrick Whitaker (6-2 SF/SG, Garden State Spartans)
Wayne Cottle (5-10 PG, Garden State Spartans)
Jordan Major (6-3 SG/PG, East Coast Fusion Gold)
Ben Boggs (6-4 PG, East Coast Fusion Gold)
Shannon Givens (6-0 PG, Renegades Black)
Arman Wilson (6-3 SG/SF, Team CJEOTO)
Justin Mitchell (6-3 SF, Team CJEOTO)
Ronde Tucker (6-7 C, Team CJEOTO)
Westley Ford (6-3 SG, Maryland Crusaders)
Ronald Burks (6-5 SF, Maryland Crusaders)
Phillip Brooks (6-8 PF/C, Maryland Crusaders)
Kyon Watkins (6-7 C/PF, Greater Boston Lions)
Robert Wesley (5-10 PG, Greater Boston Lions)
DeWayne Davis (6-3 SF/SG, PA Red Storm)
Chris Kehoe (6-5 SF/PF, New Jersey Panthers)
Russell Holloway (6-5 PF, New Jersey Panthers)
Hassan Arbubakrr (6-8 C/PF, New Jersey Panthers)
Jordan Cable (6-1 SG/PG, The Blast)
Curtis Dieudonne (6-4 SF/PF, BC Eagles)
Terry Coleman (5-9 PG, BC Eagles)
Tyler George (6-5 SF/PF, House of Hoops Pride)
Roberto Calonette (6-5 SF, Stamford Express)
Daryl Jefferson (6-2 SG, NJ ShoreShots Blue)
Ryan Peters (6-4 SF, NJ ShoreShots Blue)
Gabriel Fumudoh (6-7 PF/C, Boston Elite)
Terrance Favors (6-0 SG/PG, Boston Elite)
Jerome Cohen (6-4 PF, Boston Elite)
Raymond Evans (6-3 SG/SF, Team Odom)
Greg Edwards (6-4 SF, Team Odom)
Markeys Dean (6-5 PF/SF, Team Odom)
Brian Kerwin (6-0 PG, New Jersey Cyclones)
Noruwa Agho (6-3 SF, New Jersey Cyclones)
Brandon Cohen (6-1 SG/SF, New Jersey Cyclones)
Ron Johnson (6-7 PF, Chillies)
Jeff Ashamole (6-7 PF, CJ Jammers Gold)
Jon Randolph (6-0 PG/SG, Empire State Wizards)
Billy Oliver (6-8 PF/SF, NJ Xpress)
Patrick Sullivan (6-6 PF, NJ Xpress)
Taylor Foster (6-3 SF, CT Flame)
Ryan Woods (6-4 SG, Jersey Shore Warriors)
Adam Fazzini (6-6 PF, Jersey Shore Warriors)
Kyle Smyth (6-4 SG/SF, Jersey Shore Warriors)
Jordan Stevens (6-5 SF, Albany City Rocks Black)
Devyn Erwin (6-7 PF/C, Albany City Rocks Black)
Jeron Belin (6-6 PF, CT Phenom Elite)
Mike Myers-Keitt (6-7 SF/PF, CT Phenom Elite)
Alan Chaney (6-9 C, CT Phenom Elite)
Antun Maxwell (6-5 SF, NYC Jaguars)
Isiah Wallace (6-3 SF/SG, Dunbar Community Center)
Kabeya Kabongo (6-5 SF/PF, Lazz Development)
Jerel Gomes (6-5 SF, Rhode Island Breakers)
Antone Grey (5-11 PG, Rhode Island Breakers)
Ben Dorman (6-6 SF, Rising Stars-Hughes)
16:U Age Division
Talent, Discipline Carry New England Select to Major Title

The New England Select, guided by coach Greg Kristof, played exceptional basketball from their first pool game against Fundamental Hoops all the way through the playoffs with impressive triumphs over the Newburgh Zion Lions, Westchester Hawks, Young Bucks and Starrett City. This Boston-based squad, led by the talents of Tucker Halpern, Kyle Casey, Jeff Tagger and Greg Jacques, defeated opponents with a mix of talent, savvy, discipline, and desire.
16:U Most Valuable GymRat

Tucker Halpern (6-8 SF/SG/PF, NE Select): Halpern showed beyond a shadow of a doubt that the college interest he is receiving from schools like Stanford, Vanderbilt, Xavier, UMass, Penn, Davidson, Duquesne and Yale is warranted with his commanding performance at the 2007 GymRat CHALLENGE. An academic wiz, Halpern scored high grades at this tournament for his ability to dominate at both ends of the floor. Perimeter game is deadly and Halpern showed he knows how to get to the rim and finish. Extremely comfortable facing the basket, Halpern also displayed exceptional passing skills. “He is the most talented big man in the tourney by far,’’ NE Select coach Greg Kristof said of Halpern. “He averaged a double double and dominated.”
16:U All-GymRat CHALLENGE Team

Mike McLeod (6-2 SG/SF, Newburgh Zion Lions): A 15U all-star in 2006, McLeod added two inches and new layers to his all-around game since last year. Handles the ball well and leaps out of the gym, McLeod truly does it all.

Kyle Casey (6-3 SF/PF, NE Select): Strong in every facet of the game, Casey’s all-around skills already have drawn interest from several Division I schools. Handles the ball on the perimeter and close the deal in the paint, Casey doesn’t have any discernable weaknesses.

Jerrel Joyce (6-2 PG/SG/SF, New York Ravens): A member of the 15U all-star squad in 2006, the high-flying Joyce continues to excel with his skills to finish anywhere in the paint. A ferocious rebounder for his size, Joyce is quick off his feet and difficult to contain off the dribble.

Candon Rusin (6-3 SG, Albany City Rocks Black): A 3-point specialist who also can get to the rim and finish if opponents focus too much on the perimeter game, Rusin moves well and understands his role. Medium-range game needs a bit more work, but Rusin is a player to watch.

Sharod Wright (x-x SG/PG, Westchester Hawks): Led his team to the quarterfinals where the Hawks fell to eventual champion NE Select. Wright proved to be an elite performer at the 2007 GymRat CHALLENGE with his combination of dynamic drives, potent passes and sensational shooting skills.

James Padgett (6-8 PF/C, Starrett City): A man child in the paint, Padgett controls the boards and intimidates anyone thinking they can shoot over him. Needs more polish on his back-to-the-basket game. Padgett has colossal upside.

George Beamon (6-3 SG/SF, LI Lightning Silverstein): Equally adept at playing on the perimeter or around the basket, Beamon has excellent leaping ability and he knows how to use his body to establish position or simply out-muscle foes. Beamon is a huge reason why the Lightning advanced to the quarterfinals.

Josh Turner (6-6 SG/SF, Connecticut Phenom Elite): High-scoring force for the Elite, Turner knows how to get results by drawing fouls and knocking down shots from multiple locations.

Isiah Lee (6-1 PG/SG, Student Athletes Broncos): A combo guard who can score and pass, Lee can devastate opponents with his jumper or with his junkets to the basket. Strong and determined, Lee is extremely polished.

Bunduka Kargbo (6-2 PG/SG, Albany City Rocks Black): An exceptional defender and a player who always is part of winning teams, Kargbo runs the show for an outstanding City Rocks’ squad. Kargbo thinks pass first, but he knows how to score around the basket. Coaches love having players like Kargbo around.

P.J. Gutridge (5-10 PG, Team CJEOTO): A player who gives everything he has every time he takes the floor, Gutridge is a classic point guard who makes his teammates better and will blow by defenders giving him too much room. Extremely quick and gifted as a passer, Gutridge just needs to develop a more consistent jump shot to elevate his game to the next level.

Jeff Tagger (5-9 PG, NE Select): The quintessential point guard, Tagger makes exceptional decisions with the basketball. Will score when needed, Tagger loves to pass and sets up his capable teammates in the best possible positions to score. Timing is impeccable.

Corey Wright (5-10 PG/SG, RI Young Bucks): Sets up opponents with his dribbling skills and imagination, Wright instincts are sound. He knows when to push the tempo or when to slow things down. Wright’s high speed game is lethal. Can stop and pop or cruise past defenders not prepared to move their feet.

Louis Montes (6-4 SG/SF, YABC): Strong and physical, Montes loves to impose his will around the rim and usually wins. An outstanding defender and rebounder, Montes’ toughness is difficult to contend with.
16:U Honorable Mention All-GymRat CHALLENGE

Terrence Sturdivant (6-3 SG/SF/PF, Newburgh Zion Lions)
Jordan Robinson (5-8 PG, Team CJEOTO)
Mark Stockton (6-2 SF/PF, Team CJEOTO)
David McDaniels (6-4 PF/C, Team CJEOTO)
Austin Laymance (6-1 SG, Boston Warriors-Sanders)
Jamel Fields (6-0 PG, Albany City Rocks Black)
Tyler Foster (6-4 SF, Albany City Rocks)
Jamal Williamson (6-5 PF/C, Boston Warriors Elite)
Akeem Williams (5-10 PG, Boston Warriors Elite)
Marcus Papas (5-10 SG/PG, Boston Warriors Elite)
Jeff Pitkin (6-1 SG, Glastonbury Hawks)
Chris Canino (6-6 SF/PF, Glastonbury Hawks)
John Pinone (6-3 PF/C, Glastonbury Hawks)
Josh Kolas (6-4 SF/SG, Jersey Renegades)
Dan Feehan (5-10 SG, NH Playerz)
Desmond Tillery (5-9 PG, D-Squad White)
Isiah Wilkinson (6-2 SG/SF, Student Athlete Broncos)
Gavin Scott (6-4 SF/PF, Student Athlete Broncos)
Terence Henderson (6-4 SF, NY Patriots)
Dashawn Wiggins (6-1 PG/SG, NY Patriots)
Patrick Thornton (6-2 SG, NY Patriots)
Jeff Hall (6-2 SG/SF, Boston Warriors Elite)
John Calarco (6-0 SG, Westchester Hawks)
Robert Dean (PG, Westchester Hawks)
Madut Bol (6-8 C, Westchester Hawks)
Dominique Elliott (6-3 SF, CT Hoop Stars)
Derrick Mosely (6-6 SF, Legends Select)
Delroy Robinson (6-0 PG, Starett City)
Russell Rosenband (6-1 SG, CT Flame)
Christian Birt (6-2 SG, NH Sharpshooters)
Ken Click (6-9 PF/C, BC Eagles)
Andre Pope (5-10 PG, New York Pride)
Preston Smith (6-1 SG/PG, NJ ShoreShots)
B.J. Bailey (6-3 SF/PF, NJ ShoreShots)
Matt Blummal (6-1 SG, NJ ShoreShots)
Andre Daveson (6-0 SF, Davies AC)
Malaci Mitchell (5-9 PG, Davies AC)
Brian Lynch (6-5 SG/SF, East Coast Fusion Gold)
Nate Dukes (5-10 PG, East Coast Fusion Gold)
Robert Weber (5-10 PG/SG, Backcourt Hoops)
Bobby Beldo (6-2 SG/SF, NYC Jaguars)
Randall Sanabria (6-3 SG/SF, NYC Jaguars)
Stephen Hrusovsky (5-10 PG/SG, Boston Warriors)
Dan Guest (6-2 SG, CT Knights)
Kareem Robinson (6-2 SF, CT Knights)
Vinson Givans (5-11 SF/PF/C, Mass Appeal)
Jefferson Lora (6-4 SF/PF, New York Ravens)
Walter Aponte (5-4 PG, New York Ravens)
Tevin Bracey (6-2 SF, New York Ravens)
Kenneth Rubenstein (5-10 SG/PG, Memorial Park Playas)
Kevin Morris (5-10 PG, Memorial Park Playas)
Greg Jacques (5-9 PG, NE Select)
Gerard Lewis (6-4 SG/SF, Monmouth Power)
Ross Gerhart (6-1 SG, Monmouth Power)
Troy King (6-5 C, Fundamental Hoops)
Brendan McClinton (6-0 SG/PG, Fundamental Hoops)
Deshaunt Walker (5-8 PG, Fundamental Hoops)
Darnell Wiley (5-11 SG, Fundamental Hoops)
Justin Brown (6-3 SF/PF, Long Island Lightning Silverstein)
George Beamon (6-3 SG/SF, Long Island Lightning Silverstein)
Halil Kanacevic (6-7 PF/C, Long Island Lightning Silverstein)
Justin Brown (6-3 PG/SG, Long Island Lightning Silverstein)
Marcus Ware (6-6 C, South Jersey Express)
Mike Rose (PG/SG, South Jersey Express)
Jakeem Bogans (PG, South Jersey Express)
Lance Greene (5-7 PG, Raiders)
Dan O’Keefe (6-4 SF/PF, Raiders)
Darryl McCoy (6-8 C, CT Phenom Elite)
Corey Andrews (6-5 SF/PF, CT Phenom Elite)
Jonathan Mack (5-8 PG, House of Hoops Pride)
Al McClure (6-4 SF/PF, Penn Blue Devils)
Dalton Pepper (6-6 PF/C, Penn Blue Devils)
Michael Neuville (6-6 PF, YABC)
Jonathan Culpepper (5-11 PG/SG, YABC)
Jeremy March (6-7 C/PF, RI Young Bucks)
Victor Holder (6-3 SF/PF, Long Island Lightning Ruh)
Devin Karch (6-4 PF, Long Island Lightning Ruh)
Mike Muller (6-5 PF/C, Mass Premier)
Nick Daley (6-3 SG/SF, LI Lightning Driscoll)
Chris Evans (6-1 SF/SG, Connecticut Basketball Club)
Terrance Blanchard (5-9 PG, Schenectady Patriots)
Brian Wilson (6-0 SG/PG, Syracuse Select)
Evan Croll (6-0 SG/PG, Syracuse Select)
15:U Age Division
CITY ROCKS Roll Towards Claim as Nation’s Elite 15:U Group

Jim Hart has guided the Albany City Rocks program to a number of successes as a coach and the program’s founder and director. The 2007 15U squad Hart coached at the 2007 GymRat CHALLENGE is easily one of the finest teams ever to don City Rocks’ uniforms and may very well be the BEST 15:U TEAM IN THE NATION. Albany is a team capable of defeating opponents in a half-court game or an up-and-down contest. The City Rocks have the post play, wing strength, guards and bench play few teams can match.

Led by the talents of Taran Buie, Will Regan and Kyle Callanan, the City Rocks bested a strong field of contenders to secure the championship. The team’s biggest test came in the quarterfinals, where the City Rocks scored a 65-63 win over the Metro Hawks. Outside of that Nike v. Nike battle, nobody was able to offer the City Rocks a single digit challenge.
15:U Most Valuable GymRat

Taran Buie (6-1 SG/SF, Albany City Rocks Black): The Most Valuable GymRat award is Buie’s second major honor this season as the freshman also took home MVP plaudits from Boo Williams in April. Extremely polished around the basket, Buie can take over games with his prowess on offense or defense. The younger brother of Penn State-bound point guard Talor Battle, Buie continues to crave out his own hoops niche. If he can continue to properly channel his energy and skill, that niche will draw many major college on-lookers.
15:U All-GymRat CHALLENGE Team

Will Regan (6-8 C, Albany City Rocks Black): An extremely gifted performer at both ends of the floor, Regan was an EXTREMELY close second to Buie for MVG honors. Regan is a high-energy player who knows how to use his body, draws fouls and finishes. Also an excellent foul shooter, Regan has great hands, a huge basketball IQ and an upside that will keep college coaches hot on the young Nichols High (Buffalo) star. The completeness and maturity in Regan’s game is well beyond his years. Scores, defends, rebounds, passes, and competes. Rises to the occasion when challenged as demonstrated when he scored 16 of the ROCKS first 22 in a quarterfinal battle against fellow Nike foe New York Gauchos. Tremendous representative for the City Rocks program both on and off the court. A well-traveled Jim Hart calls Regan “clearly one of the best big men in his class in the country”.

Kyle Concillieri (6-4 SF/PF, Jersey ShoreShots): This versatile forward can play inside or outside with equal effectiveness. Concillieri passes the ball well and can also handle it to set up his own shots or enhance opportunities for teammates. This young man makes a number of things look easy.

Denzel Jones (6-3 SF/PF, CT Knights-Wilcox): A force underneath the basket, Jones could eventually play exclusively on the wing. Potent posting up, Jones is also an outstanding defender who uses his long arms effectively to block and alter shots. Has a huge upside.

Jarell Byrd (6-3 PF/C, MASS Thundercats): Adept at facing the basket, Byrd can also punish opponents with his back to the basket. Has an excellent mid-range jumper, passes the ball well and is extremely disruptive as a rebounder and shot-blocker.

Ryan Woumn (6-1 PG/SG/SF, MASS Thundercats): Versatile, versatile, versatile. Easily one of the most athletic players at any age level, Woumn is a lethal finisher and game-changer. The ability to play multiple positions makes this man even more special.

Shavar Fields (6-5 PF/C, Albany City Rocks Black): Defensive skills are disruptive across the board. Fields rebounds, blocks shots and keeps opponents from even thinking about driving the lane. Has offensive potential. He just needs to cultivate his moves. When he does, look out.

Billy Soriano (5-8 PG, Rhode Island Breakers-Holland): Dynamic point guard who scores, creates and controls tempo. Blessed with exceptional court vision and a solid decision-maker, Soriano is also a streaky shooter.

Nick Manning (5-10 SG, Rhode Island Breakers-Holland): One of the most complete players in the tournament, Manning teamed with Billy Soriano in the Breakers’ tremendous backcourt. An unselfish team player who blows by foes with ease. Deadly on the perimeter or going to the basket, Manning always plays under control.

Paul Pammer (5-11 SG, Lehigh Valley Thunder): Plays with a true understanding of the game, Pammer is a coaches’ delight and an opponent’s nightmare. Possesses a superb scorer’s mentality, yet also is adept at making the perfect pass. Pammer is an excellent shooter who knows how to get to the basket.

Deric McCottrell (6-2 SG, Bay State Magic): Slashes to the rack with the best, McCottrell proved to be a tough player to defense because of his exceptional quickness and moves around the basket. Showed off a nice medium range jumper, McCottrell proved to quite disruptive for the opposition.
15:U Honorable Mention All-GymRat CHALLENGE

Josh Varney (6-5 C, VT Panthers)
Matthew Hall (6-3 SF, Bingo All-Stars)
Will Stankevicius (6-5 C Team CJEOTO)
Emmanuel Ajayi (6-5 C, Scarborough Blues)
Kurt Davis (6-1 SF, NJ Panthers-Blue)
William Harris (6-4 PF, Frederick Netmasters)
Ray Bradley (6-2 Metro Hawks-Reid)
Chris Jetter (5-10 PG, Central Jersey Hawks-McGuckin)
Eric Justick (6-2 SF/PF, Firm AC-Black)
Matt Barrett (6-1 SG, CT Flame)
Jabrille Williams (6-0 SG, CT Flame)
Nigel Mitchell (5-10 PG, CT Flame)
Jack Middleton (5-11 SG, New York Gauchos-Black)
Bennett Jackson (5-10 PG, NJ Trailblazers)
Ryan Roomes (6-6 C, Newburgh Zion Lions-Black)
Egi Gjikondi (5-10 PG, Boston Warriors)
Dave Brandon (6-0 SG/SF, RAP-Brady)
Shaquille Stokes (5-10 PG, Metro Hawks-Murray)
Xavier Harris (6-5 PF, Team Boss)
Isiah Stokley (6-2 SF, Long Island Lightning-Cooper)
Matthew Palazini (6-2 SF, Mass Premier)
Michael Adams (5-10 SG, Mass Premier)
Chris Gilkes (6-0 SF, Syracuse Select)
Lance McKenzie (5-11 PG, NJ ShoreShots)
Carson Derosiers (6-8 C, Mass Rivals)
Tyler Strange (5-8 PG, Mass Rivals)
Kmeron Ritter (6-3 SG, Albany City Rocks Black)
Kyle Callanan (6-1 SG, Albany City Rocks Black)
Kyle Houston (5-10 PG, Bay State Magic)
Ryan Kilcullen (6-4 PF/C, Bay State Magic)
Jasper Grassa (5-9 SG, MASS Thundercats)