BCI tournament this weekend at SOAS off Turfway Road. Any word on who is playing?

 

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the Omega All-Stars are playing....:D

Here is the letter by Rob Taylor that I mentioned posting earlier.

Let me preface this letter. He wrote this 2 years ago concerning the class of 2010.

So this is a important summer for kids in the classes of 2012 & 2013.

Let me know your opinions on this. Thanks!

 

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 12:40 am Post subject: Letter From The Editor

 

What Really Matters?

Setting The BPR Record Straight

By Rob Taylor, Publisher

Buckeye Prep Report

 

I recently sat down at the computer with the intent to respond to a series of posts on the BuckeyePrepReport.com message board. By the time I had finished with my response, I had literally written what amounted to an article. Below are my thoughts about a number of hot button issues that continue to surface about youth basketball and what really matters.

 

I'm going to try and explain it one more time, 6TH, 7th & 8TH GRADE RANKINGS DO NOT PREDICT FUTURE SUCCESS. Ok, as some one who has ranked young kids, I have said it for everybody to see. With that said, everybody who visits this site, and others like it, is here for a reason. Some like what they see and some do not. In terms of this exposure thing everybody talks about, including this writer, as a parent with 2 sons in the game, like most people, if I'm going to error, I'm going to error on the side of getting my son developed and exposed.

 

With the current class of 2010, starting this summer, the mainstream high school scouts will be at the U-14 AAU Nationals watching kids and compiling their own lists and rankings for incoming freshmen. I think we can all agree that this is very important in terms of "real" camp invitations and future opportunities to play on top-level high school and travel teams. When those mainstream high school scouts arrive in Orlando, do you know what they will have with them? LISTS. Let me say it again, LISTS. Where do you think those LISTS come from? Better yet, how will those LISTS be used? I’ll tell you because I was in Orlando in August with my older son's team and I hung out with and dialoged with the scouts and we talked about the names on the LISTS.

 

The primary purpose of the LISTS is to get you a LOOK. If your game is not consistent with the LIST, you blew an opportunity to get ranked (at all or where you think you should be), or invited to the "real" camps where you do not pay to play. The number next to the name is less important than the fact that you are on the list. The mainstream high school scouts and colleges will place their own numbers next to the names on the LISTS. Don’t worry about it; just make sure your son’s game is developed enough so when they get their LOOK, somebody puts a check and makes complimentary notes by his name.

 

Bottom line, you have to be able to play or it does not matter what LIST(s) you are on, who your father is, or what shoe company you are rolling with. So again, weather you are ranked by the Hoop Scoop, BPR, U.S. Basketball Spotlight, Mike Duncan, Tim Miller, Elite 75, HPR, ect, you have to be able to play this game. Go to the camps or don't go to the camps, its up to you. As a parent you make the call. Just understand, there could be consequences if your kid can play and no one knows it, or the right people don't know it. There are a number of kids out there in low income situations that can't run the camp circuit that will be discovered and go on to do great things, but every kid on these LISTS will not disappear and never be heard of either.

 

To help illustrate the importance of the next AAU season, I will share a little something with you. I subscribe to Hoopmasters.com, a high school scouting and recruiting service. They currently have compiled a list of about 300 top players in the class of 2009, many of whom were the same kids who were in Orlando in August. Funny thing, 90 % of the names on that top player list can be found in the “Top Performers” section of the BPR U-14 AAU Nationals Report published a couple of months (FYI, the list has three 8th graders listed). With that said, I’m not saying that BPR had anything to do with that, but my point is simple, the class of 2010 is “up next,” and kids will be competing for “real” rankings and camp invitations in just a few more months. From those rankings, “real” decisions will be made.

 

People, telephone calls are being made everyday, even as you and me sit here and read this letter. Elite teams are being formed, and “real” camp invitations are being handed out. Is your phone ringing? In another year, it’s the real deal. For this upcoming AAU season, you as a parent need to ask your son’s coach where he or she intends to take the team. If you are staying close to home and playing in small house tournament with little competition so your coach can appear to be a super coach, your son is missing out on developmental and exposure opportunities. Your son’s team, if they are 7th & 8th grade teams, they need to get out on the circuit and play in the major tournaments against elite teams, win, loose, or draw.

 

On the real, there are already shoe company sponsored elite invitation only camps for 7th & 8th graders that are free, that an unknown kid from rural or urban Mississippi (just an example) who won't get an invitation because no one knows he is the next KG. Forget about Rob Taylor or BPR, if there is a LIST and my son is good enough to get on it, and I have the resources and the time to make it happen, he is there, and I don't care what anybody thinks about it. If you can't, or won't make it happen, your son can still rise to the level of his talent, he just may miss some important opportunities along the way until he is discovered. BPR is just helping kids get on a LIST. It’s up to the player to take it from there.

 

I have said a whole lot in this post (I should have written an article), but it needed to be said. If you don't want to follow the middle school basketball scene, don't visit the sites, don't buy the magazines, don't go to the elite camps, but don't keep crying about it. Some of us parents, their children, coaches and fans like to know what’s happening out there, what players are ballin, what camps and tournaments are available so they can make their decisions. Some parents like the rankings until Lil Johnny drops from # 5- #55, then all of a sudden nothing matters, and the ranker is "fishy" "biased," crooked, ect. You can't have it both ways people. Either you are in or you are out!

 

Wow!! You guys caught me at a time when I felt like venting. Let me try and end this thing on a positive note. I have met a lot of great people (kids and their parents) since I jumped into this youth basketball thing, and I would not trade that for anything. I love what I do and I love being able to help people try and reach their goals. For every NBA dreaming father who yells and screams at their child from the sidelines, screams at and belittles referees during games, moves their son to 5 teams in five years, talks about, and in some cases, fights with the coaches after games, and gets on messages boards complaining and trying to discredit honest evaluations, there are many parents who are well grounded in their approach to this game, and are good honest and decent people. Quite often, those people watch quietly in the crowd and root for their son’s team and support and appreciate the coaches. We tend to hear (on message boards) from parents who choose to spew negativity as they attempt to try and manipulate their way through the game.

 

For every 1 angry poster on this and other websites, I speak to 10 fathers or single mothers who are trying to figure this game out so their son can achieve his hoop dreams. You guys don't get those calls or see those emails, all you read is the negativity of a small majority of posters with attitudes and a hidden agenda. Regardless of what I read from these angry dads, I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing until I don't want to do it any more.

 

Although some, not very many, may question the motives of BPR, we will rest on our body of work. Tell me this, where else can you go on the Internet and for free, read so many positive things about kids, coaches and teams from across this country? Nowhere! Why get on this message board with all of the conspiracy allegations? It is what it is; information about young basketball players who, so far, have demonstrated advanced basketball skills.

 

In addition, if you see my son’s name or picture a little more than some other players on this website, allow me to do that, he can play I don’t have to lie about that. Also, it’s a lot of hard work sitting in a gym all day watching players, making notes, and preparing reports so others can read about their children. In every report I prepare, I try to highlight as many kids as I can. I can’t see and write about everybody, but I do my best. Surely most reasonable people can understand where I’m coming from.

 

While I’m on the subject, let me address the suggestion that BPR is about the money. Any money BPR generates from the magazine, or events, (its not as much as people would like to believe), I donate the money to basketball teams and programs, special causes, and I pay for my two son’s basketball activities. As we all know, travel costs, hotels, food, shoes, uniform, camps, and player fees are very expensive. The money is given back to the game of basketball. I have 2 degrees and a career, and basketball does not pay the mortgage. I don’t need your money. If I wake up in the morning and I don’t feel like doing the BPR thing any more, I won’t do it! From here on out, now that I have said most of what I feel, in response to the many negative posts that are sure to follow my ranting and raving, I will simply respond with four simple words; PLEASE SEE MY LETTER.

 

I’m having the time of my life with my sons and youth basketball. If they don’t play past high school, I will have enjoyed the ride! Many of you I have met and formed lasting relationships and I look forward to hanging out at one of the high school camps or NCAA tournament sites in about 4-5 years. When (not if) that happens, all of this madness would have been well worth the price! Hey, got to go, we are heading to the gym to get some work in, who will join us??

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the Omega All-Stars are playing....:D

 

Good luck, your boys might be playing against kids with hair under their arms .

 

BCI is fun though, not many fouls called and toughens the kids up.

NKY Warriors 13U (formerly Rockets) consisting of boys from Highlands/NCC take on the MBA Warriors of Cincinnati on Saturday in Evendale and then the Cincinnati Lakers at 3pm on Sunday at St. Thomas gym in Ft. Thomas. Good luck !

 

Any other AAU games this weekend, matchups across the state?

I was just wondering who are the better NKY AAU teams this year?

 

I like to follow as much as possible so any help is appreciated. I am interested in all divisions (4th through 8th). Which teams are good enough to play Div 1 this year down state?

 

First time poster, long time reader....

 

I wanted to add some clarity to the question at least 5th, 6th and 7th grade. In NKY, the teams that will compete at state are:

 

5th Grade: NKY Wolfpack (coached by Moeves, used to coach the NKY Nets) They have 3 good players in Moeves (strong guard), Noah Robinson (can play any position on the floor) and Brennan Stanley?? - This kid has turned in to a beast on the court. He reminds me of McGovney at this age. I have seen him play on the 6th grade Wolfpack team a couple of times as well.

 

NKY Hornets - With Hoge and McDonald, they have a solid 1 -2 punch. After those two players, it will be interesting to see this year how the other players step up.

 

6th Grade: NKY Wolfpack (there are 2 teams, the one coached by Geiman - he coached the Kings for the last couple of years, is pretty solid) They will have a tough time beating the Central KY Warriors or the Tarheels, but they are a solid #3 or #4 team in the state. They have 2 solid guards, Garrett Geiman and Tanner Moeves, who can score from 3 at will and get to the bucket with ease. They have beaten the Louisville Truth (quick and athletic) and the Scott Co. Wolfpack (They have a stud 5'10" post player). The Wolfpack lack a quality post player.

 

NKY Tarheels....what else is there to say? Brandon Hatton is a stud, along with McCormick and Jalen Avery they are tough. Beal is a strong presence on the court as well. It will be interesting to see how they perform without Pouncy on the bench.

 

7th Grade Wolfpack - One word - Stacked! McGovney (who is arguably the best player in NKY at U13 - probably in the top 5 at state), Michael Mallott and Nick Brown are tough. Add to that the new kid Meiman and they are quick, athletic and can put up 60 to 70 points per game. They lack a floor general. Ben Uebel is servicable in that role but size may be an issue.

 

I really don't see any other good teams in NKY. I haven't seen the Warriors (Rockets, Spurs, Chargers, Pirates) play this year. They typically are competitive and aggressive. Last year at U12 state DII, NKY had 4 teams in the final 8. It will be interesting to see if that holds true for this year. That will be tough to duplicate.

 

This year will be another fun and exciting year of AAU basketball. As I heard Qryche once say, I look forward to spending more time with my other woman as well - bluegrasspreps.

First time poster, long time reader....

 

I wanted to add some clarity to the question at least 5th, 6th and 7th grade. In NKY, the teams that will compete at state are:

 

5th Grade: NKY Wolfpack (coached by Moeves, used to coach the NKY Nets) They have 3 good players in Moeves (strong guard), Noah Robinson (can play any position on the floor) and Brennan Stanley?? - This kid has turned in to a beast on the court. He reminds me of McGovney at this age. I have seen him play on the 6th grade Wolfpack team a couple of times as well.

 

NKY Hornets - With Hoge and McDonald, they have a solid 1 -2 punch. After those two players, it will be interesting to see this year how the other players step up.

 

6th Grade: NKY Wolfpack (there are 2 teams, the one coached by Geiman - he coached the Kings for the last couple of years, is pretty solid) They will have a tough time beating the Central KY Warriors or the Tarheels, but they are a solid #3 or #4 team in the state. They have 2 solid guards, Garrett Geiman and Tanner Moeves, who can score from 3 at will and get to the bucket with ease. They have beaten the Louisville Truth (quick and athletic) and the Scott Co. Wolfpack (They have a stud 5'10" post player). The Wolfpack lack a quality post player.

 

NKY Tarheels....what else is there to say? Brandon Hatton is a stud, along with McCormick and Jalen Avery they are tough. Beal is a strong presence on the court as well. It will be interesting to see how they perform without Pouncy on the bench.

 

7th Grade Wolfpack - One word - Stacked! McGovney (who is arguably the best player in NKY at U13 - probably in the top 5 at state), Michael Mallott and Nick Brown are tough. Add to that the new kid Meiman and they are quick, athletic and can put up 60 to 70 points per game. They lack a floor general. Ben Uebel is servicable in that role but size may be an issue.

 

I really don't see any other good teams in NKY. I haven't seen the Warriors (Rockets, Spurs, Chargers, Pirates) play this year. They typically are competitive and aggressive. Last year at U12 state DII, NKY had 4 teams in the final 8. It will be interesting to see if that holds true for this year. That will be tough to duplicate.

 

This year will be another fun and exciting year of AAU basketball. As I heard Qryche once say, I look forward to spending more time with my other woman as well - bluegrasspreps.

 

Nice post, good breakdown. You hit it on the head with your last comment.

 

NKY Warriors13U(this year ) have very good guards, aggressive post players but lack overall size and a McGovney type player. Picked up a big kid this year who is solid and athletic and should help in the post. For a community team (Ft. Thomas), we feel the overall talent is pretty good and enough to compete at the Div 2 state level. These guys as Rockets made it to the Final Four at Div 2 not last year but the year before. If it wasnt for a kid on Richmond's team going off for 30pts in last year's state tourney, they could have gotten a better bracket draw and probably made it again to the Final Four.

 

Keep us posted throughout the year on these teams. :thumb:

Nice post, good breakdown. You hit it on the head with your last comment.

 

NKY Warriors13U(this year ) have very good guards, aggressive post players but lack overall size and a McGovney type player. Picked up a big kid this year who is solid and athletic and should help in the post. For a community team (Ft. Thomas), we feel the overall talent is pretty good and enough to compete at the Div 2 state level. These guys as Rockets made it to the Final Four at Div 2 not last year but the year before. If it wasnt for a kid on Richmond's team going off for 30pts in last year's state tourney, they could have gotten a better bracket draw and probably made it again to the Final Four.

 

Keep us posted throughout the year on these teams. :thumb:

 

The BCI tournament this weekend should be a bloodbath - in more ways than one. I should be there all weekend. I will keep you posted on the teams and the games.

 

The kid from Richmond is deceptive. That whole team is deceptive. I can't believe that they are that decent. You would never guess it by looking at them.

The BCI tournament this weekend should be a bloodbath - in more ways than one. I should be there all weekend. I will keep you posted on the teams and the games.

 

The kid from Richmond is deceptive. That whole team is deceptive. I can't believe that they are that decent. You would never guess it by looking at them.

 

Im guessing that kid in Richmond will be playing at Madison Central one day. That team is deceptive and they have pretty good coaches who are very nice guys.

Im guessing that kid in Richmond will be playing at Madison Central one day. That team is deceptive and they have pretty good coaches who are very nice guys.

 

 

The kid you are speaking of is a very nice player (first name is Dominique, don't know the last name). He leads a very good Madison Middle 7th grade team. Played a few games for the Lexington Trotters last year as well as the Richmond Stars. Not sure if the Stars will still play this year, but I believe the Trotters are gone, since I hear their best player and their point guard have moved to The Ville.

 

By the way, should be a real good game tomorrow. Madison Middle vs. Scott County, the top 2 teams in the Bluegrass Conference. Both teams are led by 7th grade AAU players. Madison Middle has kids from both the Richmond Stars and Madison Colonels, while four of Scott County's starters play for the Georgetown Thunder.

The kid you are speaking of is a very nice player (first name is Dominique, don't know the last name). He leads a very good Madison Middle 7th grade team. Played a few games for the Lexington Trotters last year as well as the Richmond Stars. Not sure if the Stars will still play this year, but I believe the Trotters are gone, since I hear their best player and their point guard have moved to The Ville.

 

By the way, should be a real good game tomorrow. Madison Middle vs. Scott County, the top 2 teams in the Bluegrass Conference. Both teams are led by 7th grade AAU players. Madison Middle has kids from both the Richmond Stars and Madison Colonels, while four of Scott County's starters play for the Georgetown Thunder.

 

Sounds like a battle in Central Ky tomorrow. Keep us posted.

First time poster, long time reader....

 

7th Grade Wolfpack - One word - Stacked! McGovney (who is arguably the best player in NKY at U13 - probably in the top 5 at state), Michael Mallott and Nick Brown are tough. Add to that the new kid Meiman and they are quick, athletic and can put up 60 to 70 points per game. They lack a floor general. Ben Uebel is servicable in that role but size may be an issue.

 

I really don't see any other good teams in NKY. QUOTE]

 

Really?

McGovney best player in NKY??? He is a very nice player but I am

not sure he is even the best player on the Wolfpack. The probably top 5 in the state comment is way out there. I would like to see your state "top" list in 13U.

First time poster, long time reader....

 

7th Grade Wolfpack - One word - Stacked! McGovney (who is arguably the best player in NKY at U13 - probably in the top 5 at state), Michael Mallott and Nick Brown are tough. Add to that the new kid Meiman and they are quick, athletic and can put up 60 to 70 points per game. They lack a floor general. Ben Uebel is servicable in that role but size may be an issue.

 

I really don't see any other good teams in NKY. QUOTE]

 

Really?

McGovney best player in NKY??? He is a very nice player but I am

not sure he is even the best player on the Wolfpack. The probably top 5 in the state comment is way out there. I would like to see your state "top" list in 13U.

 

 

I think McGovney is a top player in NKY but as far as the state he may be in the top 25, Im not so sure Top 5. Check out teams like The Ville, The Georgetown Thunder, Tar Heels, Rising Stars and you will get your Top 10. Outside of that, it doesnt take anything away from McGovney because he has been a very fine player for the past 3-4 yrs. He has potential if he grows to be 6'4 or 6'5 as one of the top players in NKY when he gets to High School.

I agree he is "a" top player in NKY but not "the" top player.

Sounds like a battle in Central Ky tomorrow. Keep us posted.

 

Scott County dominated the battle of the top two teams in the Bluegrass Conference, led by its Georgetown Thunder contingent. The Thunder kids combined for 64 points as Scott County won 67-46. Dominique Hawkins did his best to keep Madison in the game, but Scott County was simply too much. I believe this was Madison's first loss in two years with this group of kids.

Who looked good for Scott Co? Portwood? transfer from New Hampshire?