ToC Updates

The 2019 Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions was a great success!

Several individual records were shattered in this year’s event, great teams and players delivered memorable outings and KB Strong got a little bit stronger with the amazing donations received during this year’s event.

Here is a look at some of the tremendous highlights:

WASHINGTON INVITATIONAL

The Tupelo Golden Wave from Mississippi captured the Washington Invitational crown by knocking off Peoria Manual, 57-53 in the finale.

Dora’s junior guard Isaac Haney shattered the tournament scoring record and the event’s best scoring average record in this year’s event.  Haney scored 153 points in four games for an average of 38.3 points per game.  He broke KZ Okpala’s record for most points in a tourney and broke Nick Calathes’ record for Points Per Game.  Calathes’ record was established in the ToC’s inaugural event in 2006.  Haney was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Washington Invitational.

Tupelo’s Josh Mitchell broke the tournament rebound record with 67 boards in four games.  Mitchell was named the tournament’s MVP, after averaging 13 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks per outing.

Calhoun School, Alabama was led by 6’3″ Jr. J.D. Davison who soared to great heights throughout the event.  He finished the tourney with averages of:  33 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals, 5 blocked shots and 4 dunks per outing!

NATIONAL CLASSIC

The Woodward Academy War Eagles from College Park, Georgia defeated the Millennium Tigers of Goodyear, Arizona in the National Classic Championship Game, 67-62.

Woodward Academy’s Walker Kessler broke the ToC’s record for tournament Blocked Shots with 33 blocks in four games.  He also tied the record for most Blocked Shots in a game with 12 blocks against Lake Forest Academy.  Kessler averaged 18 points, 13 rebounds and blocked 8 shots per game and was named the tourney’s MVP.

Millennium’s DaRon Holmes was named the National Classic’s Most Outstanding Player after posting averages of 23 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocked shots per game.

ToC SHOOTOUT SERIES

The Morgan Park Mustangs defeated Gary West Side, Indiana by the score of 73-54.  Marcus Watson was named the Shootout MVP after he scored 31 points and passed out 7 assists.  Adam Miller finished with 18 points for the Mustangs. Quimari Peterson led the West Side Cougars with 18 points.  Super Soph Jalen Washington did not play in the event due to an injury.

The Culver Academies Eagles defeated Rock Island by the score of 63-53.  The Eagles were led by 6’5″ Sr. Trey Galloway who finished the night with 35 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.  Deontae Craig scored 14 points and yanked down 9 boards for the Eagles.  Galloway was named the Shootout Series’ Most Outstanding Player!

 

 

 

 

 

Official dates announced

Tuesday, November 26th thru Saturday, November 30th, 2019

Washington Invitational

National Classic

ToC Shootout Series

 

 

 2021 We’re Back!

The Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions returned on November 23rd, 2021 after a year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The crowd support for this year’s event was incredible and the talent on the floor was through the roof!  In case you missed this year’s event, here is a little rundown of some of the highlights at Torry Gymnasium.

CITY OF WASHINGTON INVITATIONAL- The St. Louis Vashon Wolverines became the first Missouri school to capture a ToC championship trophy!  Junior forward Kennard Davis was named the event’s MVP while St. Rita’s Morez Johnson (19 ppg- 11 rpg) and Yorkville Christian’s Jaden Schutt (29 ppg- 10 rpg- 4 apg) were named Co-Most Outstanding Players.  Keon of Richardson of Tinley Park tied the ToC record for most assists in a game with 12 against Urbana.  Yorkville Christian broke the event record for most 3-pointers in a game and in a tournament.  Chicago St. Rita and Yorkville Christian also broke a record for most points in a game by two teams when St. Rita knocked off Yorkville Christian by the score of 111 to 103.

NATIONAL CLASSIC- The Colorado Prep Pirates won the NC title with three dominating performances.  The Pirates 6’9″ Jr. Baye Ndongo (20 ppg- 13 rpg- 4 bpg) was named the event’s Most Valuable Player while 6’6″ Sr. Angel Montas (30 ppg- 9 rpg) of Life Christian was named the event’s Most Outstanding Player.  Life Christian’s Hansel-Emmanuel Donato was the talk of the event as he soared in for numerous dunks and found his teammates with incredible passes.  Hansel is the most inspirational player in the world!

SHOOTOUT SERIES– Ty Pence scored 38 points as he led his St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans to a hard earned victory over Denmark, WI.  The Pewaukee Pirates hit 17 3-pointers as they defeated Pattonville, MO.  Nick Janowski and Milan Momcilovic proved to be two of the top players from the state of Wisconsin and Kellen Thames proved he is one of the best from the state of Missouri.

KB STRONG- The KB Strong Foundation raised over $70,000 for Glioblastoma research!  This is the true highlight of the event!

ToC DEN OF HONOR- Six recipients were named to the ToC Den of Honor this year:  Tyler Herro, Whitnall HS-WI; Tristan Thompson, Findlay Prep- NV; Ben Ryan, Washington HS- IL; Jevon Carter, Proviso East, IL; Verdell Jones, jr., Urbana HS/Champaign Central HS Coach and Sherry Thurston, ToC Committee

 

2020 UPDATES

We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this difficult time!

The 2020 tournament field is set and ready to go for November 24-28!  The announcement of this year’s field will be made during the first week of July.

 

2019 HAPPENINGS

The 14th Annual Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions will begin Tuesday, November 26th and run through Saturday, November 30th, 2019.

The Washington Invitational is stacked with strong teams from Illinois, Mississippi, Alabama and Missouri.  The #1 seed in the event is the Tupelo Golden Wave from Mississippi.  The Golden Wave are ranked as the #1 team in Mississippi’s 5A class.  The Wave return four starters from last season’s final four team: 6’8″ Sr. Josh Mitchell, 5’11” Sr. Mason Gary, 5’10” So. Braxton Bishop and 5’9″ Jr. Keondra Hampton.  Mitchell is regarded as one of the top shot blockers and interior defenders in the South.  This is an explosive team that can shoot the basketball.

Tupelo will face the host school- Washington Panthers who return all five starters from a year ago.  The Panthers are led by 6’7″ Jr. Devon Vanderheydt, 6’3″ Jr. Rickey Woods and 6’5″ So. Gus Lucas.  Rounding out the pool will be Dora, MO and Petersburg PORTA.  Dora is led by 6’1″ Jr. Isaac Haney (28 ppg) and the Luna Triplets: Bryson, Auston and Mason.  PORTA is one of the top 2A teams from Illinois.  They are led by 6’8″ Sr. Mason Muller (22 ppg-10 rpg).

The opposing bracket will feature Belleville West, Peoria Manual and Springfield Lanphier from Illinois and The Calhoun School from Alabama.  Belleville West is young and only have one returning player from last season’s 4A state Championship team.  However, the Maroons are loaded with up and coming talent and a couple of transfers.  The Manual Rams return PJ Star POY- 6’2″ Sr. Rolando “Pee Wee” Brown as well as Myriece and Emaryon Byrd.  Lanphier is young, but very talented- 6’2″ So. Tye Banks and 6’1″ Fr. Tevonta Jackson will look to push the ball for the Lions.  The Calhoun School is led by All-America PG 6’2″ Jr. Jerdarrian “J.D.” Davison, who is ranked as one of the Top 20 players in the 2021 national recruiting class.

The National Classic is loaded with tremendous talent!  The top seed is Goodyear Millennium from Arizona.  The Tigers are led by 6’9″ Jr. All-America DaRon Holmes, 6’1″ Jr. Justus Jackson, 6’5″ Jr. Coleman Fields and 6’3″ Sr. Michael Batchelor.  The Tigers also received additional help from a pair of transfers- 6’4″ Sr. Robby DeVries and 6’4″ Sr. Justice Marmara.  The Tigers are in the same pool as Illinois’ schools- Urbana and Chicago Lincoln Park.  The McGill-Toolen Yellowjackets round out the four in this bracket.

Urbana returns 6’2″ Sr. Christopher Cross and 6’4″ Sr. Bryson Tatum from last season’s 20-win team.  Lincoln Park is loaded with big time talent- 6’8″ Sr. Romelle Howard, 6’7″ Sr. Nick Kennedy, 6’0″ Jr. Ismail Habib and 5’10” Jr. Julio Montes are DI talents!  McGill-Toolen is led by the sensational duo of 6’9″ Sr. Cole LaRue and 6’6″ So. Barry Dunning.  LaRue is committed to Kennesaw State.  Dunning is ranked as a Top 25 player in the 2022 national recruiting class.

The opposing bracket features Woodward Academy, GA; Fort Smith Northside, AR; St. Louis De Smet Jesuit, MO and Lake Forest Academy, Illinois.  Woodward Academy features 7’1″ Sr. Walker Kessler (Top 10 player) who has committed to North Carolina.  Northside is the defending state champions from Arkansas- and return 6’10” Sr. Jaylin Williams, 6’7″ Sr. Braylin McKinley and 6’1″ Jr. Jacob Joe.

DeSmet Jesuit returns four starters including- 6’9″ Jr. Yaya Keita and 6’10” Jr. Sekou Gassama.  Lake Forest Academy sports the best group of Sophs in the state of Illinois.  Nigel Hylton (6’8″ SF) is an elite performer who is rising up the rankings at a torrid pace.  Darius Duff, Danny Wolf, Shaedon Simpson and Michael Nowak are also highly ranked sophomores at LFA.

In the ToC shootout series- fans will be able to watch Illinois’ #1 team and player- Chicago Morgan Park’s 6’4″ Sr. Adam Miller.  The Mustangs will also feature- 6’0″ Sr. Marcus Watson (Wake Forest), 6’5″ Jr. Brandon Weston, 6’6″ Jr. Aneas Davenport and 6’5″ Sr. Isaiah Burrell.  The Mutangs will battle Gary West Side Leadership Academy from Indiana.  The Cougars are led by 6’9″ So. Jalen Washington and 6’1″ Jr. Quimari Peterson.  Both players are future High Major DI players.

The other shootout game will feature Culver Academies of Indiana against Rock Island.  Culver is led by 6’5″ Sr. Trey Galloway, who has already committed to the Indiana Hoosiers for next season.  Rock Island is led by 5’7″ Jr. Jordan Rice and 6’8″ Sr. Solomon Gustafson (Quincy University Commit).

 

 

 

2018 ToC Recap…

The ToC crowned two champions this past year- The Belleville West Maroons won the National Classic with a hard-fought 84-73 victory over top-ranked Louisiana small school power- Rayville.  E.J. Liddell was named the event’s MVP and Most Outstanding Player with averages of 29 points, 11 boards and 5 blocks per game.  Rayville’s Mylik Wilson was incredible throughout the event as he was named to the All-Tournament team.  Wilson averaged 21 points, 9 boards, 6 assists and 4 steals in the event.

Chicago Leo’s Fred Cleveland and DaChaun Anderson were hard to stop in the 2018 ToC.  Cleveland averaged 27 points a game, and finished as the 2nd all-time ToC career scoring leader with 226 points.  Anderson broke the ToC tournament record for rebounds with 65 in 4 games. Liddell became the 3rd all-time ToC career scoring leader with 224 points in 8 ToC games.

The Washington Invitational was won by the Pleasant Grove Vikings from Utah.  Casey Brown, Tyler Fairbanks, Kael Mikkelsen and 7’4″ Sr. Matthew Van Komen teamed up to destroy the competition in the WI.  Brown (18 ppg- 5 rpg- 4 apg) was named the event’s MVP and MOP for his efforts!  Van Komen was dominant down low and Fairbanks was deadly from beyond the 3-point stripe.  Kawika Akina broke his wrist in the 2nd game of the tournament, and was unable to perform through the rest of the event.  Akina passed out 9 assists in his team’s first win over Aurora Christian.

St. Louis Mehlville’s Davion Bradford and Pacifica Christian’s dynamic duo of Judah Brown and Solomon Davis played very well throughout the tournament.  Jaehshon Thomas of Aurora Christian averaged 18.5 points a game in the event, and was a pleasant surprise to ToC fans. Chicago Uplift’s Markese Jacobs scored 41 points and was named the MVP of the ToC Shootout Series.

COLLEGE PLAY…

Several former ToC stars are absolutely dominating in college play this season!  Leading the pack is Duke’s sensational freshman Zion Williamson who is averaging 22 points and 9 boards a game for the Blue Devils.  Williamson is projected as the first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft!  Williamson was an explosive star in the 2016 ToC!

Seniors Ethan Happ of Wisconsin and Jordan Caroline of Nevada are destroying their competition this year.  Happ is averaging 19 points, 10 boards and 5 assists for the Badgers.  Caroline is averaging 19 points and 10 boards for the nationally ranked Wolfpack of Nevada.  Other top college players include:

6’8″ So. KZ Okpala, Stanford- 18 ppg, 7rpg;  6’5″ So. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech- 18 ppg- 5 rpg, 5 apg; 6’7″ Fr. Ignas Brazdeikis, Michigan- 15 ppg; 6’6″ Jr. Charles Matthews, Michigan 14 ppg; 6’7″ Sr. Vic Law, Northwestern- 16 ppg- 7 rpg- 4 apg; 6’4″ Fr. Luguentz Dort, Arizona State- 16 ppg;  6’0″ So. Jhivvan Jackson, UT-San Antonio- 21 ppg; 6’5″ Fr. Tyler Herro, Kentucky- 14 ppg; 6’11” So. Nic Claxton, Georgia- 13 ppg- 10 rpg; 6’11” Jr. Austin Wiley, Auburn- 12 ppg, 8 rpg; 6’5″ Sr. Vasa Pusica, Northeastern- 16 ppg, 5 apg and 6’10” Sr. James Thompson, Eastern Michigan- 12 ppg and 11 rpg.

Udoka Azubuike of Kansas injured his wrist and is out for the season.  Azubuike was averaging 14 points and 7 boards before his injury.

NBA…

Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans is on his way to becoming a 5-time NBA All-Star.  Davis is currently averaging 29 points, 13 boards and 3 blocks per game.  He is among the NBA leaders in all three categories.

Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers leads the League in blocked shots with 2.8 per outing.  DeAndre Jordan of the Dallas Mavericks is among the NBA leaders in rebounds, blocked shots and field goal percentage.

Buddy Hield of the Sacramento Kings is averaging 20 points a game!

 

ToC 2018

The 13th Annual Tournament of Champions begins Tuesday, November 20th and will run through Saturday evening, November 24th, 2018.

The event will once again feature some of the elite teams and players from Illinois and across the nation.  This year’s ToC is broken down between three separate events: The Washington Invitational, The National Classic and the ToC Shootout Series.

The Washington Invitational will feature five teams from Illinois and three teams from Missouri, California and Utah.  Pacifica Christian, CA will feature three DI prospects who can flat out play- 6’7″ Jr. Judah Brown, 6’7″ Sr. Solomon Davis and 6’4″ So. Houston Mallette.  Brown is quickly becoming a household name among basketball recruiters and college coaches.  He is an elite athlete who is just starting to come into his own as a player.  Pleasant Grove, UT is the first team from Utah to play in the ToC.  The Vikings are led by 7’4″ Sr. Matt Van Komen, 6’3″ Sr. Casey Brown and 5’9″ Sr. Kawika Akina.  Van Komen has committed to Utah, and Brown has made a commitment to the BYU Cougars.

The Mehlville Panthers from St. Louis will feature two DI prospects in 6’7″ Jr. Lamontay Daugherty and 6’5″ Jr. Dylan Branson.  Daugherty was considered a top five talent in the Illinois’ 2020 recruiting class, before moving to St. Louis and joining the Panthers of Mehlville.  The Aurora Christian Eagles will feature the dynamic duo of 6’6″ Jr. Will Wolfe and 6’1″ Jr. Taaj Davis.  Pekin will be one of the better shooting teams in this year’s event, with 6’0″ So. Adam Cash, 6’0″ Jr. Max Jones and 6’5″ Jr. Justin Taphorn draining perimeter jumpers.

The Washington Panthers will be a very young, but talented squad this year.  Sophomores Devon Vanderheydt and Rickey Woods will team with Freshman Sensation Gus Lucas on the WCHS floor this winter.  Six-Four junior Dane Nieukirk could be a sleeper player in this year’s tourney.  The Harlem backcourt duo of Treye Tucker and David Williams will spell trouble for teams in this year’s event, as will- the backcourt duo of Winchester West Central- 6’0″ Jr. Gabe Cox and 6’1″ Jr. Drew Evans.

The National Classic will feature Illinois’ defending 4A State Champions, the Belleville West Maroons.  All-America forward E.J. Liddell returns to the ToC with his teammates as they look to capture the National Classic crown in November.  Lawrence Brazil and Keith Randolph also return to the West lineup.  Last year, the Maroons lost in the ToC finals to Sam Houston, TX- 84-74.

Joining Belleville West in their division will be Sumter Lakewood-SC, Mobile Le Flore-AL and Urbana.  Lakewood has a high-octane offense led by 6’5″ Jr. Quentin Hodge and 6’7″ Sr. Juwan Perdue.  Le Flore has always been a basketball power in the great state of Alabama.  The Rattlers are led by 6’8″ Sr. DeAntoni Gordon (Wichita State), 6’6″ Jr. Tyler Lang and 6’7″ So. Jaylin Murray.  The Tigers of Urbana have a very balanced lineup of shooters and athletes.  Six-three senior Payton Sheen is a lights-out shooter from the perimeter, and 6’7″ So. Jaylen Bryson is an athletic wing for the Tigers.

The Rayville Hornets return four starters from last season’s Louisiana State Championship team, who went 35-0!  The Hornets are led by 6’3″ Sr. Mylik Wilson (20 ppg- 11 apg) and his twin cousins- 6’6″ Sr. Ja’Markus Wilson and 6’6″ Sr. Ja’Michael Wilson.  The sleeper star of this group is the highly athletic 6’4″ Jr. Jay Pleasant who possesses a 40+” vertical.

Joining Rayville in their division will be St. Louis CBC- MO, Cy-Fair LCHS- TX and Chicago Leo.  CBC is a very talented group of players led by 6’3″ Jr. All-America Caleb Love and a pair of exciting Freshmen guards- Larry Hughes, jr. and Robert Martin.  Cy-Fair is young, tall and extremely talented.  Cy-Fair’s interior is led by 6’11” So. All-America Chuks Isitua and 6’10” Jr. Allen Udemadu.  The Falcons will look to athletic 6’5″ Sr. Larenz Williams for scoring assistance from the wing.  The Leo Lions have a tremendous group of players, led by 5’8″ Sr. Fred Cleveland and 6’8″ Sr. DaChaun Anderson.  Cleveland is one of the ToC’s All-Time leaders in scoring and assists.

The ToC Shootout Series will feature Chicago Uplift and St. Louis Christian as they lock  horns on Wednesday, November 21st at 6:30 pm.  Uplift is led by their 6’0″ Sr. All-America- Markese Jacobs.  SLCA is led by 6’6″ So. Jordan Nesbitt and 6’9″ So. Jonathan Izemef.  The Cougars will also display AAU legend Ramone Woods (5’9″ Sr.) who exploded for 68 points in a Summer League game this past year.

The ToC will kick-off at 4:15 pm on Tuesday, November 20th with Limestone and St. Louis Lindbergh-MO taking the floor.  The Lindbergh Flyers are led by 6’11” Sr. Erik Lahm.  Limestone will look to 6’4″ Sr. Mike Dunne for their offensive spark.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

There are plenty of former ToC stars suiting up at the college ranks this season.  Here is a quick list of the stars to watch this upcoming season:

Zion Williamson, Duke; Austin Wiley, Auburn; Ethan Happ, Wisconsin; Jordan Caroline, Nevada; Udoka Azubuike and Quentin Grimes, Kansas; Charles Matthews and Ignas Brazdeikis, Michigan; James Thompson, Eastern Michigan; Chris Clarke and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech; Xavier Sneed, Kansas State; Vasa Pusica, Northeastern; Tyler Herro, Kentucky; Kezie Okpala, Stanford; Travis Munnings, Louisiana-Monroe; Vic Law, Northwestern; George Conditt, Iowa State; Kendric Davis, TCU; Connor Vanover, California; Luguentz Dort, Arizona State plus Devin Whitelow, Winona State and  Lou Griffith, St. Thomas Aquinas College.

 

 

 

 

ToC End of the season report, 2018

The 2018 Basketball Season is coming to an end, and what a great year of hoops it was.

SIX ToC teams from the 2017 field won state, province and national affiliate championships!

• Belleville West won the Illinois 4A State Championship over Chicago Whitney Young, while ending the season as the 14th ranked team in the nation!  The Maroons 6’7″ Jr. E.J. Liddell was named Illinois’ Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year.  Malachi Smith, Keith Randolph, Lawrence Brazil and Justin Edwards played exceptionally well all season for Coach Joe Muniz.
• Chicago Orr won the Illinois 2A State Championship with a win over Winnebago.  Coach Lou Adams’ Spartans finished the season ranked as the 19th best team in the country.  Raekwon Drake, Dannie Smith, Ty Mosley, Chase Adams, Brian Hernandez and Emmanuel O’Neal played like a well-oiled machine for the Spartans.
• Montgomery Carver won the 6A Alabama State Championship behind the tremendous play of 6’6″ Jr. Jaykwon Walton (22 ppg), 6’1″ Sr. Jalen Gaston (19 ppg) and 6’1″ Sr. Darrell Bailey (12 ppg).  Coach James Jackson’s Wolverines have won three state titles after participating in the ToC that same season!!
• Winston-Salem Prep won the 1A North Carolina State Championship with great team work.  Daivien Williamson (23 ppg- 5 apg) was named MVP of the State Finals and was named to the NC All-State Team in March.  Chaz Gwyn, Corey Rutherford, Justice Goodloe, K.J. Watson and Zack Austin played huge roles for the Phoenix (27-3)  and Coach Andre Gould.
• The Rise Centre Academy won the OSBA (Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association) Title with a 74-72 victory over Ridley College Prep. The Wolfpack are loaded with DI talent, and were led throughout the season by 6’7″ Sr. Deon Ejim, 6’10” Sr. Adong Makuoi and 6’0″ Sr. Antoine Vernon.  Juniors Avan Nava and Adam Francolini were named to the ToC All-Tournament team.
• Tennessee Preparatory Academy won the NACA championship with a hard-earned victory over Our Savior New American, NY.  Antavion Collum proved that he is one of the elite players in the 2019 recruiting class.  Collum averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists per game for the Diplomat Lions.

BIG TIME ToC TALENT:

• Zion Williamson was named to the McDonald’s All-America Team after averaging 37 points and 17 rebounds a game for Spartanburg Day School.  He was the Slam Dunk Champion in the McDonald’s All-America Game Dunk Contest.  Williamson will be a freshman at Duke next season.
• Quentin Grimes was named to the McDonald’s All-America Team after averaging 31 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.  Grimes will be playing for Kansas next season.
• Tyler Herro was named to the Jordan Brand Classic All-America Team along with Williamson and Grimes.  Herro averaged 32 points and 5 assists for Whitnall this past season.  Herro will be playing for the Kentucky Wildcats next season.
• Ignas Brazdeikis was the top player in Canada this year after averaging 39 points and 11 rebounds per game.  Brazdeikis will be playing for Michigan next season.
• E.J. Liddell will be rising up the ranking lists after a stellar season for his HS Maroons.  Liddell will be a triple-double machine for BW next season.  We look forward to seeing him and his West teammates at the ToC next Thanksgiving.

COLLEGE REPORT

The ToC All-Collegiate team for 2018 is led by our Player of the Year- 6’2″ Sr. Jevon Carter of West Virginia.  Here is the complete list.

• Jevon Carter, West Virginia, 6’2″ Sr.     17 ppg- 7 apg- 5 rpg- 3 spg
• Trevon Bluiett, Xavier, 6’6″ Sr.              20 ppg- 6 rpg- 3 apg
• Ethan Happ, Wisconsin, 6’10” Jr.          18 ppg- 9 rpg- 4 apg
• Jordan Caroline, Nevada, 6’7″ Jr.          18 ppg- 9 rpg
• Mohamed Bamba, 7’0″ Fr.                    13 ppg- 11 rpg- 4 bpg

2nd Team:

• Udoka Azubuike, Kansas, 7’0″ So.         14 ppg- 7 rpg
• Charles Matthews, Michigan, 6’6″ So.   14 ppg- 6 rpg- 3 apg
• Vasa Pusica, Northeastern, 6’5″ Jr.        18 ppg- 5 apg
• James Thompson, EMU, 6’10” Jr.           15 ppg- 12 rpg
• James Batemon, LMU, 6’1″ Jr.                18 ppg- 5 apg

 

ToC END OF JANUARY REPORT, FEBRUARY 1, 2018

The High School Basketball season is coming to an end soon, and many ToC teams are primed for a deep state playoff run in 2018.  Let’s take a look at the teams and players that are trending today.

WASHINGTON INVITATIONAL 

*The Sam Houston MSTC Tigers, 24-3.  Kendric Davis 23 ppg- 7 apg; Marlon Jackson 14 ppg; Henry Hampton 12 ppg

*Belleville West Maroons, 20-2.  EJ Liddell  22 ppg- 8 rpg- 6 bpg; Malachi Smith 16 ppg; Keith Randolph 10 ppg

*Montgomery Carver Wolverines, 21-6.  Jaykwon Walton 22 ppg;  Jalen Gaston 19 ppg

*St. Louis Confluence Prep, 21-4.  Brandon Fredrick 28 ppg- 5 apg- 5 spg;  Leon Perry  24 ppg- 12 rpg

*Greensboro Ben L. Smith, 20-3.  Isaiah Bigelow 21 ppg- 11 rpg; Jacob Crutchfield 11 ppg;  Camren Hayes  10 ppg- 7 apg

*College Park, 17-12.  Quentin Grimes 32 ppg- 8 rpg- 5 apg;  Shannon Scott 13 ppg;  Deon Blakemore 12 ppg

*Winston-Salem Prep, 18-3.  Daivien Williamson  23 ppg- 3 apg; Chaz Gwyn  15 ppg

*Chicago Leo Catholic, 18-5.  Fred Cleveland  20 ppg- 5 apg; DeChaun Anderson 12 ppg- 13 rpg; Malcolm Bell 14 ppg

*Chicago Uplift, 15-8.  Toraze Dobbs 22 ppg- 14 rpg; Markese Jacobs 20 ppg

NATIONAL CLASSIC

*Orangeville Prep Bears, 25-4.  Ignas Brazdeikis 30 ppg- 8 rpg;  Keshaun Saunders 17 ppg; Matthew Alexander-Moncrieffe 15 ppg

*The Rise Centre Academy, 24-6.  Adong Makuoi 17 ppg- 11 rpg; Deon Ejim 14 ppg; Avan Nava 13 ppg

*Tennessee Prep, 15-6.  Antavion Collum 25 ppg- 10 rpg- 4 apg

ToC SHOOTOUT SERIES

*DePue Little Giants, 22-1.  Eddie Moreno 17 ppg, Manny Winfert 14 ppg

*Chicago Orr Spartans, 19-3.  Raekwon Drake 17 ppg- 10 rpg; Dannie Smith 15 ppg; Chase Adams 12 ppg- 8 apg

*Chicago Corliss Trojans, 19-3.  George Conditt  17 ppg- 13 rpg- 7 bpg;  Dhashon Dyson 15 ppg

*Whitnall Falcons, 15-5.  Tyler Herro 32 ppg- 8 rpg- 4 apg

*St. Louis Whitfield School Warriors, 15-7.  Torrance Watson 32 ppg- 8 rpg

*Hillsboro Hawks, 19-3.  Gaven Pinkley 20 ppg- 10 rpg- 5 apg;  Michael Brewer 16 ppg

*Illini Bluffs Tigers, 19-5 and Indianapolis Howe Hornets 15-6.

Notes: 

*The Washington Panthers (11-10) are playing great basketball with some big wins of late.  Watch out for the Panthers in the playoffs!

*Former ToC Super-Star Zion Williamson of Spartanburg Day School signed with the Duke Blue Devils.

*Williamson and Quentin Grimes of College Park, TX were named to the McDonald’s All-America team for 2018.

*St. Louis Whitfield’s Torrence Watson is averaging 32 points for the season- with a high of 58 points in one game.

*Jamarr Williams of St. Louis Northwest is averaging 21 points and 21 rebounds a game this year for the Hornets.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

TOP 5 TOC SCORERS:

1. Trevon Bluiett, Xavier, sr.                               19.2 ppg      Indianapolis Park Tudor, 2011
2. Jhivvan Jackson, Texas-San Antonio, fr.        19.0 ppg      Euless Trinity, 2013
3. James Batemon, Loyola-Marymount, jr.        17.4 ppg      Milwaukee Riverside, 2012
4. Jordan Barnes, Indiana State, so.                   17.4 ppg      St. Louis CBC, 2013
5. Ethan Happ, Wisconsin, jr.                             17.4 ppg      Rockridge, 2013

NCAA Leaders

Field Goal Percentage%- Udoka Azubuike, Kansas, so.   76.2%-  1st in the nation

James Thompson, Eastern Michigan, jr.   68.0%- 7th in the nation

Steals- Jevon Carter, West Virginia, sr.                            3.2 spg- 2nd in the nation

Blocked Shots- Mohamed Bamba, Texas, fr.                   4.4 bpg- 2nd in the nation

Rebounds- James Thompson, Eastern Michigan, jr.       12.2 rpg- 2nd in the nation

Assists- Jevon Carter, West Virginia, sr.                           6.8 apg- 11th in the nation

TOP SMALL COLLEGE SCORERS!

1. Shea Feehan, Eureka College, jr.                             31.8 ppg
2. Martavian Payne, Lindenwood-Belleville, sr.          26.9
3. Edvinas Rupkus, Skidmore, jr.                                 22.4
4. Branden Jenkins, Texas Wesleyan, sr.                     21.6
5. Savon Goodman, Shaw, sr.                                     18.4

NBA NEWS

Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans was named to his 4th NBA All-Star Game!

NBA Leaders:

Points:  Anthony Davis, Pelicans                  27.0 ppg    4th in the League

Rebounds:  DeAndre Jordan, Clippers         14.9 rpg     2nd in the League

Anthony Davis, Pelicans            10.6 rpg     8th in the League

Blocked Shots:  Myles Turner, Pacers             2.2 bpg     2nd in the League

Anthony Davis, Pelicans              2.1 bpg     3rd in the League

FG %-  DeAndre Jordan, Clippers                 65.6%         2nd in the League

John Henson, Bucks                          58.9%         6th in the League

3-PT FG%- Reggie Bullock, Pistons               44.4%         4th in the League

Buddy Hield, Kings                      43.2%         9th in the League

Top Performers in NBA G-League:

Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Westchester; Alec Peters, Northern Arizona; Georges Niang and Naz Mitrou-Long, Salt Lake City; JeQuan Lewis, Wisconsin; Winston Shepard, Santa Cruz; Craig Sword, Erie; Nick Johnson, Austin; Anthony Bennett, Maine and Mangok Mathiang, Greensboro.

5 BEST 2018 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS

1. Mohamed Bamba, Texas, fr.
2. Austin Wiley, Auburn, so.
3. Ethan Happ, Wisconsin, jr.
4. Jevon Carter, West Virginia, sr.
5. Trevon Bluiett, Xavier, sr.

39 former ToC Players have now made their marks in the NBA!  

Who’s next to the NBA:  ToC Prediction- Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Westchester Knicks

 

ToC END OF THE SEASON REPORT, DECEMBER 31, 2017

It is the end of the year of 2017, and there are several stories and trending topics regarded to the ToC and its former players list.  Lets jump into the High School Scene.

TRENDING- PLAYERS and TEAMS ON FIRE!

*E.J. Liddell, Belleville West was named MVP of the Centralia Holiday Tournament after the Maroons won the championship over Champaign Central.  Liddell is averaging 23 points, 9 boards and 5 blocks for the season.  Malachi Smith, Keith Randolph and Lawrence Brazil also continue their strong play for the Maroons.

*Quentin Grimes, College Park averaged 36 points a game in the Holiday Classic in San Diego.  He is currently averaging 32 pts, 9 rbs and 5 assists for the season.

*Chicago Orr (11-2) is on fire!  The Spartans won the Proviso West tournament with a 77-62 victory over Whtiney Young in the finals.  Raekwon Drake was named MVP and has had a tremendous season for Coach Lou Adams.  Chase Adams, Dannie Smith and Tyronn Mosley have had strong outings throughout the season!  Emmanuel O’Neil and Brian Hernandez continue to flourish as well.

*Hillsboro (12-0) won the Bob Sechrest Tournament in Park Hills, MO this past week.  Gaven Pinkley and Michael Brewer continue to slam their way past opponents this season!  Pinkley is currently averaging 19 pts, 10 rbs, 5 assists and 3 blocks a game for the Hawks.

*DePue (13-1) won the Princeville Tournament and Chicago Corliss (12-2) won the Teutopolis Christmas Tourney!

*Orangeville Prep (17-2) and The Rise Centre Academy (16-5) have faced tough competition all season, but both teams remain amongst the elite teams in Canada High School Basketball.

*Winston-Salem Prep (7-3) won the prestigious Frank Spencer Holiday Classic in NC.   Daivien Williamson was named MVP in the event, but he received great assistance from Zack Austin, Chaz Gwyn and Justice Goodloe.  Austin is on fire!

*St. Louis Confluence (10-4) is still playing great basketball.  Brandon Fredrick is averaging 29 pts a game and Leon Perry is averaging 24 pts and 11 boards per game.

*Other trending Players include:

Fred Cleveland, Chicago Leo  21 ppg, 5 apg

Isaiah Bigelow, Greensboro Smith  24 ppg, 10 rpg

Kendric Davis, Sam Houston MSTC  24 ppg, 7 apg

Ignas Brazdeikis, Orangeville Prep  27 ppg, 9 rpg

Antavion Collum, Tennessee Prep  24 ppg, 9 rpg, 5 apg

Torrence Watson, StL Whitfield  28 ppg, 8 rpg

Toraze Dobbs, Chicago Uplift  23 ppg- 14 rpg

Tony Hopkins, T.C. Howe  22 ppg, 10 rpg

Tyler Herro, Whitnall  27 ppg, 8 rpg, 5 apg  (Strained Calf- will miss 3 weeks with injury)

COLLEGE REPORT

NCAA TRENDING PLAYERS

Jevon Carter, West Virginia    18 ppg, 6 apg, 4 spg, 5 rpg  (Leads nation in Steals)

Udoka Azubuike, Kansas        15 ppg, 8 rpg  (leads nation in FG%)

Mohamed Bamba, Texas        12 ppg, 10 rpg, 4 bpg  (Top 5 in blocked shots)

James Thompson, EMU          16 ppg, 12 rpg  (Top 5 in rebounds)

Kezie Okpala, Stanford           8.5 ppg- Just cleared to play for the season

Vasa Pusica, Northeastern      16 ppg, 5 apg  (former Sunrise Guard starting to blow up!)

Trevon Bluiett, Xavier              20 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg

Ethan Happ, Wisconsin           16 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg  (1,000 pts, 700 rbs and 200 assists in career)

James Batemon, LMU              19 ppg, 5 apg

 

ToC NOTES AND TIDBITS- DECEMBER 1, 2017

The 12th Annual ToC has come and gone, but there were several big time memories created by the teams and players involved in this year’s event!

10 Best Performers:

Kendric Davis, Sam Houston MSTC- 28 ppg, 9 apg, 5 spg

E.J. Liddell, Belleville West- 27 ppg- 10 rpg- 6 bpg

Quentin Grimes, College Park- 23 ppg- 9 rpg- 7 apg

Ignas Brazdeikis, Orangeville Prep- 29 ppg- 10 rpg

Isaiah Bigelow, Greensboro Smith- 24 ppg- 8 rpg

Antavion Collum, Tennessee Prep- 25 ppg- 10 rpg

Jaykwon Walton, Montgomery Carver- 24 ppg- 6 rpg

George Conditt, Chicago Corliss- 19 pts, 18 rbs- 9 blks

Daivien Williamson, Winston-Salem Prep- 23 ppg- 3 apg

Brandon Fredrick, St. Louis Confluence- 27 ppg- 3 spg

10 Players you have never heard of- but now you know who they are!

Isaiah Bigelow, Greensboro Smith- Overall the most underrated player in the event.  Huge potential- will play at the highest levels.

Daivien Williamson, Winston-Salem Prep- Blow by speed with the dribble!

Brandon Fredrick, St. Louis Confluence- Quick on quick with a deep range jumper.

Avan Nava, The Rise Centre Academy:  Sweet stroke from deep!

Adam Cash, Pekin- Only a freshman!  Played very well throughout the event.

Lawrence Brazil, Belleville West- Came to play every day, excellent defender.

Camren Hayes, Greensboro Smith- An elite PG in the 2020 national recruiting class.

Leon Perry, St. Louis Confluence- An explosive wing who has great court sense.

Adam Francolini, The Rise Centre Academy- A pure shooter from deep range.

Chris Green, Sam Houston MSTC- Athletic wing who can get to the basket off the drive.

10+ Best Dunkers!

Silas Mason, Greensboro Smith

Quentin Grimes, College Park

Matthew Alexander-Moncrieffe, Orangeville Prep

Marlon Jackson, Sam Houston MSTC

Markese Jacobs, Chicago Uplift

E.J. Liddell, Belleville West

Mike Flenory, Chicago Uplift

Jaykwon Walton, Montgomery Carver

Raekwon Drake, Chicago Orr

Gaven Pinkley and Michael Brewer, Hillsboro

10 Best Perimeter Shooters!

Isaiah Bigelow, Greensboro Smith

Jaykwon Walton, Montgomery Carver

Chaz Gwyn, Winston-Salem Prep

Brandon Fredrick, St. Louis Confluence

Tyler Herro, Whitnall

Fred Cleveland, Chicago Leo

Quentin Grimes, College Park

Jalen Gaston, Montgomery Carver

Corez Anderson, Urbana

Brian Hernandez, Chicago Orr

10 Best Scorers

Quentin Grimes, College Park

E.J. Liddell, Belleville West

Ignas Brazdeikis, Orangeville Prep

Kendric Davis, Sam Houston MSTC

Isaiah Bigelow, Greensboro Smith

Jaykwon Walton, Montgomery Carver

Daivien Williamson, Winston-Salem Prep

Brandon Fredrick, St. Louis Confluence

Antavion Collum, Tennessee Prep

Tyler Herro, Whitnall

10 Best Backcourt Distributors!

Quentin Grimes, College Park

Kendric Davis, Sam Houston MSTC

Chase Adams, Chicago Orr

Antavion Collum, Tennesee Prep

Camren Hayes, Greensboro Smith

Avan Nava, The Rise Centre Academy

Fred Cleveland, Chicago Leo

Daivien Williamson, Winston-Salem Prep

Malachi Smith, Belleville West

Henry Hampton, Sam Houston MSTC

10 Best Contributors in the Paint:  (Scoring/ Defense/ Rebounding/ Blocking Shots)

E.J. Liddell, Belleville West

George Conditt, Chicago Corliss

Adong Makuoi, The Rise Centre Academy

Toraze Dobbs, Chicago Uplift

Raekwon Drake, Chicago Orr

Leon Perry, St. Louis Confluence

Jaylan Gainey, Greensboro Smith

Joe Jones, Orangeville Prep

Keith Randolph, Belleville West

Dannie Smith, Chicago Orr

November 8, 2017

The ToC is less than 2 weeks away!  Here are a few things to watch for in this year’s event!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21st GAME DAY BREAKDOWN

Illini Bluffs returns 4 starters from last season’s team as they prepare for one of the elite small school teams in Indiana- Indy Howe.  Howe is led by 6’5″ Sr. Tony Hopkins (New Orleans).

Chicago Corliss and St. Louis Whitfield School will be a great matchup as Corliss’ 6’11” Sr. George Conditt will look to stop the slashing guard play of Whitfield and their Star-Guard Torrence Watson.

Washington kicks off their season with a tough matchup, St. Louis Confluence Prep.  The Panthers will look to push the ball against the Titans, while attempting to stop Confluence’s super scorer, Leon Perry.  The 6’7″ Sr. Perry averaged 28 points a game last season.

Belleville West will be playing in their first ToC game against pesky Pekin.  The Maroons are led by 6’7″ Jr. E.J. Liddell and 6’4″ Sr. Malachi Smith.  Pekin has several heady ball players who can score the ball from deep range.  Keep an eye on 6’4″ Sr. Jace Link and 6’5″ So. Justin Taphorn for the Dragons.

ToC Collegiate Commitments for the Fall

From the ToC Shootout Series:  

George Conditt, Chicago Corliss, 6’11” C – committed to Iowa State

Torrence Watson, St. Louis Whitfield School, 6’5″ SG- committed to Missouri

Tyronn Mosley, Chicago Orr, 6’5″ CG- committed to UW-Milwaukee

Tony Hopkins, Indianapolis Howe  6’5″ SF- committed to New Orleans

From the Washington Invitational:

Kendric Davis, Sam Houston MSTC, 5’10” PG- committed to TCU

Isaiah Bigelow, Greensboro  Smith, 6’6″ SF- committed to Charlotte

Daivien Williamson, Winston-Salem Prep, 6’1″ PG- committed to East Tennessee State

Malachi Smith, Belleville West, 6’4″ PG- committed to Wright State

Jaylan Gainey, Greensboro Smith, 6’10” C- committed to Brown

Jacob Crutchfield (6’0″ PG) and Jaylin Gamble (6’8″ PF), Greensboro Smith- committed to Fayetteville State (DII)

Shannon Scott, College Park- committed to Labette Community College

From the National Classic:  USA v. CANADA

Ignas Brazdeikis, Orangeville Prep, 6’8″ SF- committed to Michigan

Liam Courtney, The Rise Centre Academy, 7’0″ C- committed to Colgate

 

ToC NOTES AND TIDBITS- AUGUST 29, 2017

The 12th Annual Tournament of Champions is excited to announce a new format to this year’s tremendous field.  The National Classic has been changed to an “International Classic” as two teams from the United States challenge two of the top teams from Canada!  

The Orangeville Prep Bears and the Rise Centre Academy Wolfpack will feature elite talent that includes numerous future Division I stars, including Orangeville’s 6’8″ Sr. Ignas Brazdeikis and 6’7″ So. Matthew Alexander-Moncrieffe who are both Top 50 players in their respective national recruiting classes.  TRC Academy will feature one of the elite dunkers in North America- 6’9″ Sr. Adong Makuoi.

Tennessee Prep and St. Louis Christian from the World Prep Association will tangle with these two mega-powers from Canada.  TPA’s 6’8″ Jr. Antavion Collum is one of the most versatile players in America.  Collum will run the point for a team that will feature a boat-load of DI talent.  The SLCA Cougars return to the ToC and will feature several young, budding stars including 6’9″ 8th grader Teke Musaka!

The WASHINGTON INVITATIONAL will feature 12 outstanding high school teams from around the nation.  

The #1 seed in the event is the Sam Houston Math & Science Tigers who finished 34-3, last season.  The Tigers are led by 5’10” Sr. Kendric Davis who has already committed to TCU for next season.  Davis led the Tigers in scoring, assists and steals last season.  A second Texas team to watch is the College Park Cavaliers who features Top 10 talent- 6’5″ Sr. Quentin Grimes.  The Cavs High-Major PG Grimes averaged 28 points a game last season for College Park.

Two teams from North Carolina will also be vying for  the WI crown.  Greensboro Smith and Winston-Salem Prep will feature several future DI performers.  The Smith Golden Eagles will feature 6’7″ So. Silas Mason (Top 50) and 6’6″ Sr. Isaiah Bigelow.  The W-S Prep Phoenix will feature a super quick backcourt led by 6’1″ Sr. Daivien Williamson, 6’1″ Sr. Justice Goodloe and 6’2″ Jr. Chaz Gwyn.

The Montgomery Carver Wolverines make a return visit to the ToC.  The Wolverines were the 2014 WI Champions when they defeated Chicago Kenwood.  Carver is led by 6’6″ Jr. Jaykwon Walton and 6’4″ So. Antwan Burnett, who are both rated as the top players in the Alabama 2019 and 2020 classes.  St. Louis Confluence Prep Academy makes their first appearance in the ToC.  The Titans are led by 6’7″ Sr. Leon Perry (28 ppg) and 5’10” Sr. Brandon Fredrick.

Illinois schools- Washington, Urbana, Chicago Leo, Belleville West, Pekin and defending Washington Invitational Champion Chicago Uplift will battle for the title in this year’s event.  Belleville West is the #1 Illinois seed in the tournament and are led by Top 100 talent 6’7″ Jr. E.J. Liddell and 6’4″ Sr. Malachi Smith.  Five-six Jr. Fred Cleveland (Leo), 5’11” Sr. Adrian Ware (Washington) and 6’5″ Sr. Toraze Dobbs (Uplift) return for another ToC appearance.

The ToC will also feature four exciting shootout games which will include:

Illini Bluffs challenging Indianapolis Howe on Tuesday, November 21st.  Howe is led by the slick combo of 5’11” Jr. Kycia Washington and 6’5″ Sr. Tony Hopkins.  St. Louis Whitfield School, MO will tangle with Chicago Corliss on the same night.  Whitfield School is led by 6’5″ Sr. All-America Torrence Watson (28 ppg).  Corliss is led by 6’11” Sr. George Conditt.

On Wednesday, November 22nd- De Pue H.S. will meet a big challenge when they face the Hillsboro Hawks of Missouri.  De Pue has an enrollment of 114 students while Hillsboro comes in with an enrollment of 1,100.  This is the David v. Goliath matchup!  De Pue returns all five starters from last season’s 26-4 campaign.  The Hawks are led by the strong duo of 6’8″ Sr. Gaven Pinkley and 6’5″ Jr. Michael Brewer.

THEE top Shootout game will be played on Friday, November 24th, when Whitnall, WI faces defending Illinois 2A champions, Chicago Orr.  The Falcons are led by 6’5″ Sr. All-America Tyler Herro who averaged 28 points per game last season.  Orr is led by four DI seniors: 6’5″ Tyronn Mosley, 6’5″ Dannie Smith, 6’6″ Raekwon Drake and 5’4″ Chase Adams.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The ToC Pre-Season All-Collegiate Team has been announced:  You can go to the NEWS Section and click on Where are they NOW? to find out more information about the top ToC collegiate players of the upcoming season.

Top players to watch in 2017-2018

6’6″ Sr. Trevon Bluiett, Xavier

6’10” Jr.  Ethan Happ, Wisconsin

6’11” So.  Austin Wiley, Auburn

6’2″  Sr.  Jevon Carter, West Virginia

6’7″  Jr.  Jordan Caroline, Nevada

7’0″  Fr.  Mohamed Bamba, Texas

7’0″  So.  Udoka Azubuike, Kansas

6’6″  So.  Charles Matthews, Michigan

6’6″  Sr.  Jaron Hopkins, Fresno State

6’6″ Jr. Chris Clarke, Virginia Tech

6’7″  Sr.  Vic Law, Northwestern

6’8″  Fr.  Kezie Okpala, Stanford

6’7″  Fr.  Brian Bowen, Louisville

6’5″  So.  Xavier Sneed, Kansas State

6’10” Jr.  James Thompson, Eastern Michigan

6’6″  Fr.  Nickeill Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech

 

ToC NOTES AND TIDBITS

The 2017 Tournament of Champions is right around the corner!  This year’s event will feature the Washington Invitational, National Classic and ToC Shootout Series.  The 24-team field will be announced on July 15^th with all games being held at Washington Community High School.

NBA DRAFT

The 2017 NBA Draft was held last week and four former ToC performers were amongst the group of 60 hoops stars selected.   D.J. Wilson of the University of Michigan was chosen in the first round of the draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.  Wilson played in the 2013 ToC for Sacramento Capital Christian and earned MVP honors after leading his team to the Super Showdown championship crown.

Sterling Brown of SMU and Nigel Williams-Goss of Gonzaga were both taken in the 2^nd round of the draft.  Brown was an All-ToC performer for Proviso East in 2011.  Williams-Goss was the starting PG for Findlay Prep in 2010.  Brown was taken by the Philadelphia 76’ers, but was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, at the conclusion, of the draft.  Williams-Goss was selected by the Utah Jazz.

The fourth and final player selected in the NBA Draft was a special talent that graced the floor of Washington Community High School from 2009 through 2013.  ALEC PETERS was the best player in the 2012 ToC, and now that he has been drafted by the Phoenix Suns, he is an authentic Basketball Legend of Tazewell County.

Another former ToC star was also signed by a NBA team moments after the draft.  JeQuan Lewis of VCU was signed to a free agent contract by the Milwaukee Bucks.  Lewis was MVP of the 2012 Super Showdown event after scoring 50 points in a single game for Dickson County, TN against Grandview, Missouri.  Lewis becomes the 38^th NBA player from the ToC!

The ToC would like to wish continued success to these five young men and the best of luck to six other ToC alums who are fighting for NBA roster spots as free agents.  The list of former ToC players who will be playing in the NBA Summer League include:

*Malcolm Hill, University of Illinois/ Belleville East HS, 2011

Oklahoma City Thunder

*Mangok Mathiang, University of Louisville/ Brehm Prep Academy, 2010

Charlotte Hornets

*Landen Lucas, Kansas University/ Findlay Prep, 2010

Boston Celtics

*Naz Mitrou-Long, Iowa State University/ Findlay Prep, 2010

Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers

*Dylan Ennis, University of Oregon/ Lake Forest Academy, 2009

Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder

*Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Florida State University/ Huntington Prep, 2011

New York Knicks

WATCH OUT FOR CAMERON CLARK

There are several free agent ball players who have great chances of finding a NBA roster spot for the upcoming season.  Former ToC star Cameron Clark of Oklahoma University and Sherman, TX (2009) put up huge numbers in France this past season.  2007 ToC stars D.J. Cooper (Hales Franciscan) and Xavier Gibson (Dothan Northview) both had super seasons abroad as well.

Three NBDL (now referred to as the G-League) players will continue chasing their NBA dreams this Summer and Fall.   Patrick Miller (Hales Franciscan- 2008), Roosevelt Jones (O’Fallon- 2010) and Stefan Jankovic (Huntington Prep- 2011) look to find a spot with a NBA franchise.

MALCOLM BROGDON was named the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year!  Brogdon was the first 2^nd round draft choice to ever be named Rookie of the Year.  Brogdon was an All-Tournament performer in the Tournament of Champions in 2008.