Ballin Down South

Ballin Down South October 2017 www.bd-south.com

EXCLUSIVE STORY

AAU Basketball COACHES CORNER DO YOU WANT TO BE A GREAT TEAMMATE?

ALWAYS BE IN SHAPE

DON'T HIDE YOUR PASSION

2017

SHOWCASE RECAPS

Everything That You Can Achieve FEATURED ATHLETE

2018 PG KENDRICK BUSKEY

PASSION IS

ENERGY 123 456 5698 586

CONTENT

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Don't Hide Your Passion

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EXSLUSIVE STORY

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FEATURED ATHELETE Kendrick Buskey

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Coaches Corner

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Battle For The Rankings Class of 2018 Recap

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Icons Sport Top 50 Recap

WHAT ABUSES ARE IN AAU?

KIRVEN LANG Contributing Writer KELVIN THORNTON Contributing Writer

Hello...

Welcome to Ballin Down South Digital Magazine

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here is a need for an entity that could promote high school basketball in the south. There are to many Basketball Athletes that go undiscovered by College Coaches each year and for far to long.

So I came up with Ballin Down South which is a platform to showcase Basketball Athletes to College Coaches across the country. So now I have created an online magazine called Ballin Down South Magazine. The magazine will be published monthly featuring high school athletes across the south.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ron Wallace

EDITORIAL

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DON'T HIDE YOUR PASSION “WITHOUT PASSION MAN IS A MERE LATENT FORCE AND POSSIBILITY, LIKE THE FLINT WHICH AWAITS THE SHOCK OF THE IRON BEFORE IT CAN GIVE FORTH ITS SPARK.” — HENRI FREDERIC AMIEL on't hide your passion, lead with it, affect change, enjoy the delicious creation of it. Honor the ocean within you. Many people pursue passion projects, but they also tend to hide them.

We all have something that makes us feel alive, a passionate pursuit that adds a little extra meaning to life,

an activity that gives us a sense of fulfillment, of purpose. If you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion. If you feel like there’s something out there that you’re supposed to be doing, if you have a passion for it, then stop wishing and just do it.

Remember if you don’t love what you do, you won’t do it with much conviction or passion. Chase down your passion like it’s the last bus of the night.

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EXSLUSIVE STORY WHAT ABUSES ARE IN AAU? WE ASK COACH BO COMER OF TEAM FERG SEVERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT AAU.

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he AAU organization is not the problem, first there are too many travel teams or programs, which has watered down the product. The abuse is with programs that allow players to play on more than one team (No Loyalty).

Coaches that are not teaching fundamentals are a problem. AAU abuse is huge, because some players don’t think high school basketball is important. I hear players talking about getting ready for AAU season during their high school season. There is a problem with travel teams that are not registered AAU members and they abuse the age requirements rules.

AAU must figure out how to better track players age. There are too many programs that will cheat to win, by playing older players in lower age groups.

This is probably the biggest abuse in AAU. The AAU organization is fine, but how do they control the coaches that abuse their rules? must figure out how to better track players age. There are too many programs that will cheat to win, by playing older players in lower age groups. This is probably the biggest abuse in AAU. The AAU organization is fine, but how do they control the coaches that abuse their rules?

AAU

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1. Has AAU become a moneymaker?

I don’t think AAU is a moneymaker unless you are running a large tournament with 200 plus teams and have some type of sponsorship.

Some clubs charge $2000 plus to be in their programs, which includes travel expenses and could have some financial impact. After 6 years, our program Team Ferg does not make any money.

Our fees are based on player’s AAU membership, practice facility rental fee, uniforms cost and tournament fees. We keep our fees low based on parent participation.

2. Will playing AAU make a player better or not?

Yes, playing AAU will make you better, if you are working hard in the gym and weight room daily. The competition at AAU or exposure events should prepare you to perform at a high level once you return to your high school team.

5. AAU vs High School Basketball – which one is better?

3. What is AAU for in your It’s not about which one is words?

AAU is for players that plan to better. You need both to work compete at college level. The together, so that players are physical play is a sample of maximizing their full potential.

Both have their place, AAU college basketball, and prepares you mentally for the should make you a more dominant player once you next level. AAU is an return to high school opportunity for players to compete against other player basketball. I believe some around the country to see how player do not think AAU is necessary to improve their they compare to other game. I believe AAU will only talented player, who are enhance your performance if competing to earn a scholarship to play at some you are playing at a high level college level. AAU is not for all spring/summer. beginners, it is for college 6. What role does AAU have ready players. in the basketball world?

4. Is an AAU Program about AAU role is important, because so many people are using their building a brand? name. . They must protect the Yes, if your program is preparing young players for rules of their program. AAU must continue to find ways to life style changes, that incorporate changes that program is about a brand.

Everyone is not concern with protect the integrity of the the future of our youth. Visit game for youth. AAU must our site (www.teamferg.com) protect the youth from coaches that abuse the rules and take and see what our brand is advantage of players and their about. We are about the parents. AAU needs to find a player’s future not just way to get parents to be more winning an AAU game. involved and get parents to read about AAU. There are so many parents that do not understand AAU’s role with youth in sports.

AAU

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7. What determines if a player has what it takes to make your squad?

I look at the talent level, players must play and be productive players on their school team. Players must be a hard worker. They must be great students, great person, great attitude and respectful to their parents, coaches and elders. Their character is very important in our program. The most important thing is grades, our program only want players that plan to go to college. If you are not playing for your high school team or planning to play in college, why are you playing AAU basketball?

8. Camps what is your take on should a player attend as many as possible?

I don’t have rules against camps, except do not attend a lot of camps unless you are invited. Most colleges are inviting players that they want to take a good look at. If you are not receiving lots attention from colleges, please try to attend camps of the schools you are interested in attending.

9. Finally – What do a player have to do to be noticed by College Coaches?

Pray, work hard, and Pray! It is not easy to get a college scholarship. Remember, you are competing against players in all 50 states. You and your parents must go to colleges website and start contacting schools. Try to get a highlight video that you can send the link when emailing college coaches. When emailing the schools, send it to the entire coaching staff. Most schools have coaches assigned to a certain region of the country.

You want to make sure the right coach responds. You must show that you are interested in the school too.

Please do not wait on your high school coach or AAU coach to help you. It is the family’s responsibility to be a part of your recruiting process.

It all starts at home. Don’t say you do not have time. Please take 15-20 minutes’ couple times per week and invest in your child’s future.

AAU

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FEATURED ATHELETE KENDRICK BUSKEY

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his months Featured Athlete is Daphne High School 6’1 Senior PG/SG Kendrick Buskey. Buskey has attacking ability & strength to penetrate inside the lane at will.

Buskey is leader and floor general for his team at Daphne High School. Coach Cedric Yelding believes that Buskey could be the best PG in the state of Alabama in the 2018 Class if he continues to have a good work ethic.

Over the summer he has gotten the attention of some very good programs Georgia Tech, West Florida, UAH, South Alabama, Spring Hill, Lee University and Georgia Southwest.

Last but not least Buskey great student in the classroom and a member of the Daphne Kappa League.

Buskey is coming off a terrific AAU Summer session, playing for Team Ferg out of Prattville, AL. Buskey average 19 points per game over the summer, he was also selected to play in the Alabama North/South Basketball All-Star Game.

FEATURED ATHLETE

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Daphne High School 2018 PG/SG Kendrick Buskey

FEATURED ATHLETE

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COACHES CORNER

DO YOU WANT TO BE A GREAT TEAMMATE?

By Coach Jason Roberson Things All Players Can Do to Contribute 1. Shot Fake and Pass Fake

3. Play Hard

Truly a lost art. When’s the last time you said to yourself, “that player is excellent as shot and pass fakes.” Of course part of the responsibility belongs to us as coaches — are we teaching and emphasizing it? Few things can help an offensive player more than the proper use of a pass fake and a shot fake.

Again, seems like it shouldn’t have to be said but it does. And here is the key to playing hard — you have to do it all the time…not just when your team’s ahead or the play is called for you. Playing hard means that you are making all your cuts in your offense hard. It means that you are sprinting to screen. It means that getting back on defense is a full speed proposition.

2. Know and Execute the Plays

Sounds a little silly saying “know the plays” but it’s amazing to see a player or two who doesn’t 4. Have a Team First Attitude know where they are supposed to be or what they are supposed to being doing. Whether it Be the player constantly encouraging their is an inbounds play, a half-court set, a motion teammates…picking them up both physically entry or anything else structured, take the time and emotionally when the time comes. Don’t be the player with the horrific body language to know where you are supposed to be and when a teammate turns the ball over as if you what you are supposed to be doing Next is execution — doing it when you are supposed to were saying “I wouldn’t have made that mistake.” If a player does make a mistake, and as well as you can. This does not take correct it is a positive manner. talent but commitment to knowing and understanding your team’s playbook..

COACHES CORNER

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5. Understand Shot Selection

9. Control Your Intangibles

Forcing shots does not help your team nor does it impress a college coach. Know what a good shot is for you — and yes, your shot selection will vary from those of your teammates. Don’t hunt shots, let the shots find you.

Again, these have nothing to do with skill or talent but they are game changers. The three areas that players can control (but often choose not to) are: attitude, energy, enthusiasm. Now I’m not saying it is easy but if you want to make a difference on your team it is well worth working on. By controlling your intangibles, I mean you don’t let officiating, teammates, opponents, coaches, gym conditions or anything else affect you having a team-first attitude, with high energy and positive enthusiasm.

6. Concentrate As I heard Nick Saban once say, “Wherever your shoes are, be there.” Don’t wonder mentally. Stay focused to the job at hand. Be a process oriented player. Don’t worry about the past play — it’s over. Don’t worry about a play in the future that may or may not happen.

All you can control is the current possession you are involved with — give the possession complete concentration.

10. Be an Example

What do your teammates see when they see or think of you? He or she is always early to the gym. They stay late. They are on time for meetings. They listen to the coach. They keep their composure. Off the court they conduct 7. Be a Great Listener themselves the right way. They maintain a This actually can go a long way to helping with proper diet to put fuel in the tank. They are positive talkers — not criticizing a coach or concentration. In timeouts are you locked in gossiping about a teammate. with your eyes and ears? Does your coach have your complete attention? If there is a free throw situation and your coach or captain 11. Rebound is barking out instructions are you actually listening and processing or just hearing — and Some of the best rebounders are lacking in talent and athleticism — they board well there is a difference between listening and because of effort and tenacity. Rebounding is hearing. one of the only areas in basketball where it’s alright to be selfish. I’ve coached for over 35 8. Be in Great Shape years and have never heard of a coach taking a player out for rebounding too much!

Without doing anything in regard to skill work…without saying anything about your talent level…you can make an impact on your team by being in great physical shape. When the game is in the fourth quarter or late in the second half and everyone else is starting to drag, this is where you can make a difference.

Not only will you be a step faster because of your conditioning level, but you will be mentally sharper as well. How many times have we seen a team put on a late run and in large part because of players that are in just better shape that run the floor and pass their opponent.

COACHES CORNER

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BATTLE FOR THE RANKINGS (CLASS OF 2018 RECAP)

BY KIRVEN LANG - CONTRIBUTOR WRITTER

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he second annual Battle For The Rankings is one to remember. As usual, there are always hidden gems and late bloomers ready to emerge as the next guy. There were actually several and we will tell you first hand, they’re legit!. Markise Davis of Oxford High School has made a name for himself after this past weekend. He was clearly one of the best kids in attendance and South Georgia Tech didn’t waste any time by extending a scholarship offer his way. At 6-foot-6 and smooth as butter, Davis has all the tools and frame to arguably be the best player in the class. He can shoot it off the catch and bounce, good handle with the ability to create for himself and others, supreme athleticism and plays hard on both ends of the floor. His ability to rebound and think frames ahead of the game is unique.

The phone lines have been ringing off the hook with several division-I schools taking major interest including Alabama State, Dayton, SIU-Edwardsville and South Alabama among others. Expect to see Davis in the top 5 of the next player rankings sometime next week.

Another gem who had a name earlier in his high school career is back on the scene like no other. 6-foot-2 guard Bryant BJ Lancaster of Central-Tuscaloosa has reemerged and took over at the Battle For The Rankings. His game has matured and he did a good job of mixing it up. Showcased a scoring ability from anywhere on the court along with some big time springs and tough plays around the rim. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and has a mean streak about him that college will crave over.

SHOWCASE

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umter Central has several studs and Tyler Presswood is one of them.

His motor is relentless on both ends of the floor and plays the game with passion.

He clearly had the will to win as he challenged opponents at the rim. He’s an undersized four man at 6-foot-5 but his heart and desire makes up for the lack of size. Presswood arguably had the play of the camp as he caught a put back off the rim on Markise Davis.

Austin Humphrey was a bright spot Saturday on the Baby Blue squad. He probably scored the most points at camp. Every time you looked up, he was putting it in the basket either in traffic or off steals. He may be only 5-foot-9 but there is a home for him somewhere.

Kory Gaines of Evangel Christian may have been the biggest kid in attendance and was surprisingly bouncy. He has lost a ton of weight and is

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continuing to trim down. He looks to be about 6-foot-7 270 lbs and moves very well. Tyler Millin was back for the second year and did not disappoint. South Georgia Tech extended an offer as he and Markise Davis both played well together. The improvement from last year to this year was evident. The 6foot-7 lefty handled the ball well in transition while displaying his athleticism.

Millin also knocked down the three ball occasionally. His upside is through the roof and has a chance to be pretty good on the next level.

Spanish Fort is returning a solid guard in Jeric Packer.

He has a good handle with sneaky athleticism. He got up and put one down with two hands off vert and surprised everyone. Packer was crafty around the rim and was able to finish with either hand.

He's another late bloomer who will put up major numbers this season.

SHOWCASE

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Darryl Bailey got to camp late, even though it was his gym, but was instant offense when he arrived. Surprisingly athletic and finished at the rim with craftiness. Has a smooth demeanor with a nice handle.

Rebounded well and will catch you slipping at the rim if you don't know him.

Demopolis has some ballers with some size. Taylor Herelle, Nelson Haskin and Shakari Williams all bring something to the table. Herelle is a 6'2 guard who is tough with athleticism. Haskin is the raw undersized big at 6-foot-5 who has big time springs while Williams is the all around 6foot-5 lefty wing who can do a little bit of everything. Williams wasn't very productive but he looks the part and has the tools and size.

Georgiana will probably make it back to the state finals behind Jamichael Stallworth.

He is so crafty and athletic. He was able to split defenders with his handle and finish at the rim with his athleticism.

Knocked down some outside jumpers as well. Stallworth is one of the kids that may put up good numbers this season.

Austin Brewer is a kid who plays the game the right way along with everyone else on his Navy squad. The Lawrence County product got hot in the first game and competed on both ends. He may not have division-I athleticism but he looks to be a solid guy on the next level. He has a nice frame and can shoot it at 6-foot-2.

Mark Wilcox wasn't as productive as he usually is but he played hard. He's usually a big time athlete finishing above the rim but he did show and improved handle and the will to become a true wing.

SHOWCASE

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ICONS SPORT TOP 50 BASKETBALL SHOWCASE IN DAPHNE, ALABAMA

BY K.T. THORNTON OF ICONSSPORT .COM CONTRIBUTOR WRITTER

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t was a nice Saturday afternoon in Daphne, Alabama in the month of September. You would think that the kids would be getting ready to watch some college football but on this particular day they were at the Icons Sport Top 50 Basketball Showcase.

We had kids from Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia as well. Who would have ever thought there would a basketball showcase of any kind in Daphne, Alabama? Daphne High School has 4 current NFL stars, including T.J. Yeldon of the Jacksonville Jaguars;

Michael Pierce, Jr. of the Baltimore Ravens; Ryan Anderson of the Washington Redskins; and Eric Lee of the Buffalo Bills.. Coach Fredrick Meeks of VMP Sports Academy was the lead trainer for the event.

Coach Meeks pushed the kids to new heights and saw some kids learn some things to take back to their respective schools. I saw some kids have a coming out party and struggle because they hadn’t been in an environment like this before. I was most impressed with the 2020 and 2021 kids. They weren’t intimidated by the

some of them had standout moments as well.

We had several of the top 2018 and 2019 players on the boys and girls side that showed why they will be playing on the next level.

This showcase was a dream of mine for years but with the help of Icons Sport it finally became a reality. Check out the Top Performers (2018 & 2019) and the Young Guns (2020 and Below). 2018 6’4 wing Oakley Coleman of McGill-Toolen Catholic, 2018 6’7 Cornius Griggs of Chickasaw High School, 2018 6’5 guard Tamarcus Sparks of Murphy High School, SHOWCASE

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2018 6’0 PG Drake Wright of Daphne High School, 2018 6’3 guard Jeffery Thompson of Vigor High School, 2018 6’4 forward Onree Jackson of Mary Montgomery High School, 2018 6’1 PG Kendrick Buskey of Daphne High School, 2018 6’3 SF Willie Taylor of Jackson HS, 2018 6’0 SG Wilfred LindseyHunter of Mary Montgomery HS; 2018 6’6 Quincy Scott of Daphne High School, 5’10 PG Jevin Graham of Mary Montgomery HS and 2018 5’11 PG Terrell Peoples of Murphy High School were the top 2018 performers at the showcase on the boys side.

2018 PG Ashley Daffin of Clarke County High School, Korvauria Brooks of Pine Forest High School, 2018 SG Destinee Edwards of Daphne High School, 2018 PG KenDauria Brooks of Pine Forest High School, 2018 PG Jaylin Yelding of Daphne High School

2020 Jenna Mogan of Fairhope HS; 2020 Jada Watkins of Sumter Central HS; 2020 Taylor Smith of Daphne HS; 2021 Kenya Gordon of Jackson HS; 2021 Diamond Edwards of Daphne HS; Kalyx Cole of Murphy HS; (BOYS) 2020 Trey Bonham of UMS-Wright Prep; 2020 6’5 Alfonso Hires of 2018 PG Brianna Hinton of Mary Montgomery HS; 2020 Baldwin County High School, 6’5 Tereance Fleming of and 2018 Jaylan Johnson of Daphne HS; 2020 Iahn Vigor High School were the Figerou of B.T. Washington top 2018 performers on the HS; 2020 Derrick Roberts of girls side. Here are the rest of Monroe County HS; 2020 the top performers at the Cameron Little of Upson-Lee showcase: 2019 Girls- 5’9 SF HS; 2020 6’6 Colby Daniel of LaBreya Brumfield of Moss Daphne HS; 2020 Dashawn Point HS; 5’2 PG Jasmine Palmore of Pine Forest HS; Cunningham of Choctaw 2020 Alvin Jarreau of Blount County HS; 5’9 SF Tytiana HS; 2020 Ronell Reed Jr. of Pickett of Daphne HS; 5’4 PG Murphy HS; 2020 Kedrick Avery Howell of Murphy HS; Atwater of Upson-Lee HS; 5’2 PG Jamira Pugh of Alma 2021 Kyle Kimble of Mary Bryant HS; 6’1 PF Aalayah Montgomery HS; 2021 6’5 Lucy of B. C. Rain HS; 5’9 PG Caleb Greenwood of Daphne Maliyah Henderson of HS; 2021 Damien Crayton Jr. Daphne HS; 5’11 SF Olivia of Clarke County HS; 2021 6’3 Howard of Spanish Fort HS; Jared Jones of Robertsdale YOUNG GUNS HS; 2021 Caleb McKinney of (GIRLS) 2020 Uriah Jackson St. Lukes Episcopal; 2021 of Jackson HS; 2021 Milique Smith of Upson-Lee Alexandria Caples of HS; 2021 Antryaun Chickasaw HS; 2022 Anderson of Wilcox-Central Chardai Watkins of Sumter HS; 2021 Zion Willis of Central HS; 2020 Aliyah Upson-Lee HS; 2021 Xiccaen Mauldin of Theodore HS; Cade of LeFlore HS; 2021 2021 Tyla Zellner of UpsonKeTavious Quiller of UpsonLee HS; Lee HS; SHOWCASE

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