A nice crowd was on hand despite an overcast and rainy day at Georgetown's McDonough Arena to see the conclusion of the high school and college/pro summer
The Kenner League or Nike Pro City Summer League has developed quite a reputation as a place to spot future college stars and professional prospects. Since I have been covering the action this summer, the quality of basketball has not disappointed and I'm sure witnesses can attest to that fact.
Georgetown and George Mason look to be in good hands for the future. Guards Chris Wright (St. Johns Military Academy), and Austin Freeman (DeMatha) will carry on the Hoya tradition proudly in the foreseeable future. George Mason guards Isaiah Tate and Cameron Long can flat out do it. Virginia Tech's Deron Washington should be an NBA prospect after next season on sheer athleticism alone but he may have to develop a consistent jump shot and dribble move to make a long career out of pro ball. Mamadi Diane of UVA is another one to keep your eye on.
Jeff Green will be a solid player at the NBA level. He looks and conducts himself like a pro. I think from all in attendance at these games, most would agree he belongs in the league. He is smart, court saavy, can rebound, pass, drive the baseline, defend, sees the floor well and has power and finesse moves.
The Kenner League championship game featured Meyers & Alterman vs Electro-Lite. Many who followed the league this summer were probably surprised that the Tombs or Clydes were absent. The Electro-Lite team featured some solid players in Mamadi Diane of Virginia (DeMatha) and Byron Mouton formerly of Maryland. As a team Electro-Lite were a scrappy bunch lead by a decent guard (Andrew Washington, Delaware) and a fierce competitor of a coach in Rod Turner.
Meyers & Alterman, with the addition of Jeff Green and PG Tony Skinn formerly of George Mason just took it up another level. Meyers were solid with Cameron Long at guard but Skinn's quickness and penetration ability was overwhelming for opposing teams. The inside combination of Green, Lang and Diggs meant for a pick your poison kind of death down low.
During the opening minutes of the game Tony Skinn hit a three pointer followed by Mamadi Diane's turnaround jumper for Electro-Lite. Meyers' James Lang, another solid performer for the Wizards hit a putback for a 6-2 lead. Both teams played even until about five minutes into the game. Skinn really started to take off and established himself by putting constant pressure on the Electro-Lite defense. Meyers worked the ball around well which put inside players like Rob Diggs (GW) and Lang in scoring position for easy finishes.
If Skinn wasn't killing them with his fearless drives inside it was Tyler Crawford killing them from the outside. Meyers & Alterman had the size advantage down low and Skinn recognized it early. Green was making some terrific passes to Diggs for easy buckets. Electro-Lite's Andrew Washington (Delaware) who's known on the Goodman courts as "Sponge Bob" was consistently getting buckets and converting at the line in the first half.
Meyers & Alterman extended the lead as Green, Diggs, Falorin Campbell and Crawford,
all got into the act. At halftime, the lead was 48-37 Meyers & Alterman. Mamadi Diane hit a floater for Electro-Lite to close the lead 48-39. After that it was the Tyler Crawford (Georgetown) and Falorin Campbell (George Mason) show. Jeff Green hit a three, Crawford hit a putback, a basket and a three. Campbell hit two threes and a bucket to open up a sizeable 67-50 Meyers lead. Meyers maintained their intensity on the defensive end which led to scoring opportunities by Skinn, Campbell and Diggs.
Electro-Lite's Andrew Washington began to exert himself in the second half. He and Diane started to convert baskets on the offensive end and make free throws. Diane hit a couple threes and a bucket to erode the Meyers' lead to 85-78 with 1:37 left. Electro-Lite made a late run to get as close as 88-83 after a Cedric Jackson three however Meyers' Diggs made a basket and Crawford converted a free throw to seal the victory.
DeMatha earlier in the day won the high school championship. For basketball images of DeMatha, Georgetown and George Mason, log onto www.dcmetrosports.com and click on the prep sport and college basketball galleries.
Continue to log onto dcmetrosports as we begin our coverage of local high school, college, and pro football.
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