Charlotte's First Print And Digital Prep Magazine - US Prep Athletes The Magazine Special Edition Of The 2018 Summer Circuit
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THE FUTURE Are Millennials Ready For The Work Place?
Williams IS A STAR ON AND OFF THE COURT
MCDONALD'S
All-Americans To Watch This Season
Bonus - NEXTUS RANKINGS Top 5
Plus Much More! NOVEMBER 2018
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FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 7
Feature Story
COX MILL'S WENDELL MOORE What the Duke commit said about meeting Coach K for the first time. Page
8 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
40
22
Contents
Features 14
College Tuition & Money
16
Local Restaurant Spotlight
18
Millennials In The Workplace
22
McDonald's All-Americans
38
Cover Story - Patrick Williams
46
Queen City Challenge
48
Big Shots / Team Charlotte
52
AJ Smith
53
DeAngelo Epps
55
NextUS Rankings
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 9
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US PREP ATHLETES - THE MAGAZINE THE CIRCUIT ISSUE - SUMMER 2018
#0011
It's been a busy year for US Prep Athletes - The Magazine as we covered some great events and saw plenty of student athletes in action. We also sponsored a super competitive camp and launched a podcast featuring US Prep Athletes on ESPN Charlotte 730AM The Game. Also a big congrats to Patrick Williams for making the cover and on his commitment to play hoops and study business at Florida State University. A bright future is ahead for this young man. During the summer we employed three highly intelligent interns and they all gained experience in broadcasting, journalism and sports management. Several of them wrote pieces for this issue and we encourage you to read them. We hope you enjoy this issue and again thank you for your support. Best Regards,
Tony Pearl Publisher US Prep Athletes - The Magazine
Editor and Publisher Of US Prep Athletes The Magazine - Tony Pearl For Ambassador Interactive Media *Photography – Kelcey Jones *US Prep Athletes The Magazine - Website – www.usprepathletes.com * Social Media – USPrepAthletes * Email – usprepmagazine@usprepathletes.com *Advertise Contact 980.980.9000 * Reproduction In Whole Or In Part Without Permission Is Prohibited. US Prep Athletes Magazine Is A Subsidiary Of Ambassador Interactive Media.
10 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
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CONTRIBUTORS
Jori Benton, Communications Major, Soccer Scholarship Beaufort College. Hometown: Fort Mill SC. ............................ ................................................. .................................................
Justin Whitner, Journalism Major, Writer Hampton Scripts Hampton University Hometown: Charlotte NC ........ .................................................
Jemal Horton, Award Winning Writer, Sports Editor Independent Tribune, Concord NC .......................................... ................................................. .................................................
Steve Crawford MBA, CEO Ford Insurance Group, Charlotte NC ...............................
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........................................................ ........................................................ ................
Justin Pearl, Writer-On Air Intern, Entrepreneur - Plano Senior High School, Plano Texas ..............................................
.......................................................... .......................................................
Shamika Satterthwaite, Graphic Designer, Charlotte NC ............................... ........................................................ ........................................................ ................
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 11
US Prep Athletes are standout leaders on the field and/or court and they strive for excellence within the classroom. They often demonstrate a strong yearning and keen interest towards their favorite sport by practicing longer and working much harder on their game than their peers and competition. As an organization we have built many age-specific programs that will help promote and cultivate their unique sports and academic talents and skill sets. Several of these top athletes will be featured in US Prep Athletes The Magazine. US Prep Athletes The Magazine is Charlotte’s and the surrounding area premier print and interactive digital magazine. We feature highlights and in depth stories of high school athletes who have risen to higher levels within their playing abilities and inside the classroom. In addition, US Prep Athletes The Magazine covers local coaches, business and community leaders who have dedicated themselves to a worthy cause. We publish full content, specialty issues and tournament guides through both print and digital platforms.
How To Use Our Interactive Digital Magazine: Each US Prep Digital Magazine issue will feature a plethora of media content on select pages throughout the publication. When a user loads certain pages the publication comes alive with video content and interactive media. These efforts offer the reader with a unique and one of a kind experience.
Advertisers: In addition to the athletes, coaches, and parents our advertisers are also hero’s because they have invested in our brand so that we can bring you this content. Overall our advertisers are meticulously selected and targeted because they have some level of products and/or services that fit nicely with the prep market and in which you can take immediate advantage. We encourage you to view their offerings and patronize their business as you are afforded the opportunity.
How To Purchase Individual Print Copies: Visit www.usprepathletes.com or contact us at info@usprepathletes.com to purchase individual print copies and inquire about US Prep Athletes magazine subscriptions.
12 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
US Prep Athletes The Magazine Special Edition Of The Fall 2017 US Prep Elite Camps - The Rankings Issue
TOP CAMPERS
RICKY COUNCIL IV SOARS TO MVP OF THE US PREP ELITE CAMP
*Bonus-Digital Online Magazine Including The US Prep Elite Allstar Game Plus Much More
MEET THE 2017 STANDOUTS
US PREP
ATHLETES IN THE PLAYOFFS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
ATHLETES BRING BASKETBALL DNA
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 13
COLLEGE TUITION
By Tony Pearl Publisher Of US Prep Athletes - The Magazine tonypearl@usprepathletes.com
“Many high school graduates are looking forward to starting their college careers, and are very optimistic about their futures but are often left beginning their careers with high student debt.”
I
n the last thirty years, the average college tuition cost at a public four-year institution has risen 213 percent and approximately 130 percent at private colleges. These increases have surpassed the rate of inflation during the same thirty year span. To put in perspective these rising cost let’s consider the impact of inflation. Inflation is defined as an increase in the overall price level of goods and services and represents a decline in the real purchasing power of the applicable currency. The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases a monthly report on these rising and falling prices through the Consumer Price Index, which is a monthly measurement of U.S. prices for most household goods and services. In order to achieve these findings, the bureau surveys the prices of over 75,000 consumer items purchased by 87 percent of the U.S. population to create the index. When we consider that the cost of attending college has superseded the rate of inflation of goods and services on the index for over 30 years, we should all be alarmed. In order to reign in student debt and control escalating college costs I agree with many writers on this subject that the following actions must be put in motion immediately.
14 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
Put A Cap On The Amount Of Student Borrowing The simple fact is our student loan system makes it nearly impossible to get denied for a loan. Federal loans are freely available, and private loans are relatively easy to obtain. Because there are no checks and balances, colleges and universities have no direct accountability for skyrocketing costs. Limit The Amount Of Federal Aid That Universities Can Receive Based On Their Outstanding Student Federal Loan Debt This action will force universities to get involved with any outstanding student loan problems and will incent them to implement unique programs within the university to address the challenge.
Expand The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program To Include For-Profit Organizations In brief, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. The program is currently offered to students who work for a non-profit and/or government institution but should be provided to corporate, for-profit organizations who opt into the PSLF Program. The fact is most students begin their careers with corporations whose salaries and wages are often higher than non-profit institutions.
EDUCATION
The Rising Cost Of College
MONEY "People often asks when is the best time to start saving money and my answer is always the same, yesterday" By Steve Crawford Wealth Retirement Coach steven@figwealthadvisors.com
FINANCES
Smart Money Lessons to Teach Your Kids
E
very parent wants to raise their kids to be self-sufficient adults who feel empowered to achieve anything they want in life. One way to set children up for success is to be honest with them about financial topics and teach them money management skills starting at a young age. The Early Years When your kids are young, talk openly about money rather than painting it as a taboo subject. You may also choose to give them a weekly or monthly allowance so they have a hands-on way of learning about spending, budgeting and saving. Encouraging children to think carefully about their purchases can instill smart habits that will come in handy later on. Leaving the Nest College tuition is a major expense to plan for, so start discussing different strategies once your kids reach high school. Research scholarships together, learn about student loan options and be clear about what you will and won't help with. Graduating with as little debt as possible should be the goal, so if this means they'll need to choose an instate school or get a summer job, set those expectations early on.
Tackling Awkward Conversations Talking about money isn't always easy, especially when it comes to emotionally charged interactions like letting Gen Zers know it's time to start paying for their own cell phone or car insurance. You'll also need to discuss your retirement and estate plans with your kids, which can be another touchy but necessary topic. Mutual respect will help you navigate these conversations as smoothly as possible. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is financial confidence. By helping them learn the basics and setting a good example, you can prepare them for whatever the future holds. Go to www.figwealthadvisors.com for more information and practice tests.
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 15
HISTORIC
A Close Family With An Open Kitchen by Justin Whitner
In the year of 1952, Charlotte native Speros Kokenes opened up an American Burger restaurant in the streets of Freemore West. His brother Steve later joined in the restaurant as they co-owned the World’s Famous Open Kitchen. The name originated off of the idea to have the kitchen be opened to all who chose to eat in house. The kitchen is currently located in the back area of the restaurant. At first everyone could see the whole kitchen in view but now memorabilia and classic works are in its viewpoint. While The Open Kitchen later had a mix of Italian, Greek, and American cuisine in the 1960s, the idea of having an open choice of food groups for all ages to eat turned into a reality. Home to the area’s first ever “Pizza Pie “it was in no question that the restaurant was here to stay. Owning the small family business allowed for The Open Kitchen to stay amazingly appetizing for multiple decades. From generations down to now modern day owner Christina Kokens Skiouris (daughter of the late Steve Kokens), The Open Kitchen has found its way to stay as busy as it’s ever been. Running a family business is not easy, but it is something Christina has grown accustomed to. Holding down the fort for the business was taught to her by her father and uncles. “This restaurant is my life”, she said. “No 9-5. If the plumbing breaks, you leave church to meet the plumber. Unless the situation at hand is life or death, you are responsible."
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RESTAURANT
But Christina loves what she does. When going out and about in the community she often hear people say, “Yes the Open Kitchen, I love that restaurant!â€? that makes her feel ecstatic. She loves talking to other people, hearing positive things about the restaurant, and making sure everyone is putting their best foot forward. It is safe to say that working in a family business is something the entire Kokenes family can relate to. Working at the right pace and getting better day by day is essential, no matter how long a task may take to perform. It takes a group effort to truly have a successful working restaurant business. Her youngest son Stephanos is the manager of the restaurant and he was responsible with the idea of including online ordering because he felt it would be easier for their patrons. With the days of technology and modern day lifestyle changing by the minute, the millennial age group will soon draw the biggest crowd of them all. Across the street from the restaurant, Morehead West Luxury Apartments just opened up. This will lead to a stronger, younger base of customers ready for a hot meal served with a warm smile. When people dine with the Open Kitchen they love the idea that it is an old fashioned restaurant and due to its location and history Christina mentioned she receives as many as five emails a day about selling the business. With each reply she emphatically tells them no. Which is good news for Charlotteans and out of towners, as the rich legacy of the Open Kitchen will remain today as well as years to come. FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 17
Millennials In The Workplace. A Generation Of Weakness? By Tony Pearl, Justin Whitner, Jori Benton
Over the summer we asked our interns to watch a synopsis of a video that featured a lecture by Simon Sinek a professor at Columbia University. The synopsis of the video was created by AfterSkool a youtube program geared to bring fascinating topics with interesting answers. One particular video that caught our attention characterized millennials in the workplace as a generation of weakness. Simon suggested that millennials are a weakness in the workplace due to primarily four reasons; Parenting, technology, patience and environment. Millennials also referred to as Gen Y are children born in the early 80’s ending in the early 2000’s. US Prep interns Jori Benton and Justin Whitner expressed opposing views regarding this topic and not only wrote their opinions on the matter, they also debated this topic live on ESPN radio. Regardless of your viewpoint and in my estimate we all have to be extremely careful and mindful that we don't fall into the trap of creating an environment then in turn labeling an entire generation should they not respond to that environment in a way in which doesn't suit our ideals. Broad strokes only work well when painting an empty house and not in cultures where one's socioeconomics, gender and race has a strong impact on provided opportunities and personality traits. 18 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
Jori Benton Millennials Right Now Are A Weakness In The Workplace. Each generation wants to be better than the last. We want to leave our mark on history as the generation that “did that” or “fixed the problem” but we don’t need to wait as long as past generations did. As time has progressed, so has technology, which in a way has made us impatient and in turn has made us lazy. I agree with the video for the majority of the points Simon noted. Parenting, technology, and being impatient has made us lazy and unprepared for the workplace. Technology has been the root of all evil but also a saving grace. What used to be a trip to the library, you can now look up online, which takes away the important principle which is working for the information. I remember my mom printing driving directions from Mapquest. I had to pay attention and that taught me to be aware of my surroundings. Now you have Google Maps and while you still have to be an attentive driver, the app tells you exactly when and where to turn and will reroute you if you miss a turn! Although this small technical advance is beneficial, it has taken away from us. Simon said we rely on social media for praise from others but I think we need to learn to praise and reassure ourselves. We don’t want praise from our parents because they’re always going to praise us when we do good. We want strangers who know nothing about us to say, “Good job?” Which leads me to how we are impatient. We don’t really have to wait for anything, but is that our downfall? Since everything comes quickly and with an explanation, is that the reason we can’t cope in the real world? Yes! If we have a question we Google it and if we still don't understand it Google it again and a detailed resolution will come up. But if you are at work and your manager gives you an assignment and you don't understand it, you ask for clarification. If you still don’t understand, you don’t have Google to do the work for you so what often happens next? We get frustrated, upset, go to our phones, check social media, come back, listen to music, and check social media again. It’s a cycle. We aren’t prepared for this. Then our parents praised us but they never taught us to be hungry. As a kid, I got tons of trophies from various sports I tried. I got a trophy for basketball that I know I didn’t deserve. I sucked as soon as I got on the court and realized it wasn’t my sport at all. One kid on my team was great but at the end of the day, I got a trophy because I tried. I knew I sucked but to stand on the sidelines with someone who was better and be put on the same pedestal made me feel stupid. Parents praise us for the effort and reward us for the success but what happens when you don’t separate the two? You give one child who did half a job the same reward as another who successfully completed the task, then that child is going to feel slighted. In the workplace those who do their jobs completely are going to be rewarded. This generation reminds me of a fast food chain restaurant. We do a minimal amount of work in order to achieve a goal and once we learn that goal is easily achievable, we seek to find "easy" again and again. But once we enter the workforce where you start out as an internship or the ground floor then move up the ladder, it's hard to process that it's not easy. Then we often ask the question if we are doing the right thing and we go to social media for confirmation. Our generation isn’t lazy, we just don’t understand time. We grew up where one minute you have a VCR then next year you have a DVD player and now everything is online. We grew up with parents wanting better things for us so they gave us the technology and put us in the fancy classes that never want us to fail but never taught us how to succeed or prepare us to cope with stress. On the other hand, parents and teachers can only teach us so much and we have to be willing to open ourselves up to new experiences and take responsibility of our own actions. There are many factors that contribute to us becoming lazy in the workforce but we have to take responsibility for ourselves and think about all the times we ignored the advice or those learning opportunities because it wasn’t convenient at the moment.
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 19
Justin Whitner Millennials Are Just Fine In The Workplace. In the YouTube video by Simon Sinek "Millennials in The Workplace" -Simon Sinek made points about why the millennial age group cannot find their way in the real world. He brought up reasons which include; A failed parenting strategies, technology, impatience and environment. While some of these topics can be agreed upon, many statements made in the video made me wonder if he was right or wrong. Every child or teen grows up a different way. He mentioned a scenario on different ways the millennials of today use their phone. He spoke on how when we are in relations we text good morning at the start of conversation and goodnight at the end. He says, “Just like every addictiveness, over time it will destroy relationships and make matters worse”. I disagree with this statement simply because that is not near in the top five or ten reasons for relationships ending. This is an exaggerated claim in my eyes because it simply is just not always true. I was raised with the idea to do my best and I feel it didn’t hurt me in anyway. Simon Sinek made points about how parenting in today’s world includes teaching the child that they can have whatever they want, and that they are special. Speaking personally, in my eyes this is not a negative. I was born to two parents who always told me that I had to do my best and that is all that matters. There is nothing wrong with wanting to do what you want to do for a living. To me, having one life to live, if someone doesn’t want to waste their own time working on something they don’t want to do, or don’t enjoy, who is to tell them they are in the wrong to not want to be there? Doing whatever is not always what is right. Simon said on participation trophies that it’s teaching children that if they don’t work hard, they can still receive an award. When I was growing up, participation trophies were meant to make children feel good at a young age. The reason I quit playing basketball was because I didn’t love the game enough to go to practice every day. When you are young and experiencing different types of sports, you find out more and more what the sport includes. Each year is another step until you realize that in high school, there is no play time. You practice during the whole summer. When you get to college you practice early in the mornings or later in the evenings. Those are what draw the younger generation from playing the game with the right mindset. Lastly, he spoke on how sometimes the millennial parents can be a little too nice to children but who is to say that didn’t happen in the past? In total, Instagram has more positive effects on the millennial generation than negatives. We have become more creative. I do agree that Instagram has its highs and lows when it comes to how it can make us feel when people are or are not liking our photos or videos. But the opportunity to grow close with people through connections of social media is far greater than the lows it can bring when the likes or retweets are not as great as they should be. .
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FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 21
2018
MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN
athletes
US P REP COV ERAG E OF SOM E OF THE BEST BALL ERS I THE N N ATIO N
22 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
A L L
-
A M E R I
C A N S
2018 North Carolina McDonald's Athletes
Izabella Nicoletti
Devon Dotson
Coby White
Height: 5'10 Position: Guard
Height: 6'2 Position: PG
Height: 6'4 Position: Guard
College: Florida St.
College: Kansas
College: UNC Tarheels
High School: Neuse Christian Raleigh NC
High School: Providence Day Charlotte NC
High School: Greenfield School Wilson SC.
Fast Fact: Averaged 25pts, 7rebs and 6 assists per game in high school. Should make an immediate impact with the Seminoles.
Fast Fact: Averaged 28pts, 9rebs and 5 assists per game in high school. The entire nation will finally get to see what the east coast has enjoyed since his first year in high school.
Fast Fact: Averaged 31pts, 9rebs and 8 assists per game in high school. Finished HS career first in point totals. Could fill the void left by Joel Berry II.
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 23
A L L
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A M E R I
C A N S
2018 McDonald's Athletes To Watch This Season
Nassir Little
Romeo Langford
RJ Barrett
Height: 6'7 Position: G/F
Height: 6'6 Position: G/F
Height: 6'7 Position: G/F
College: UNC Tarheels
College: Indiana Hoosiers
College: Duke
High School: Orlando Christian Prep Orlando FL Fast Fact: Averaged 20pts,10 boards and 3 assists in high school. Was MVP of the McDonalds All-American game. Reminds you of Harrison Barnes but stronger. 24 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
High School: New Albany HS New Albany IN Fast Fact: Averaged 33pts, 7 boards and 4 assists in high school. Archie Miller landed an absolute gem in Romeo. Will be a big time star.
High School: Montverde Academy Montverde FL Fast Fact: Averaged 27pts, 8 boards and 5 assists in high school. Plays with a chip on his shoulder. Should fit right in at Duke.
A L L
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A M E R I
C A N S
2018 McDonald's Athletes To Watch This Season
EJ Montgomery
Keldon Johnson
Quentin Grimes
Height: 6'11 Position: F/C
Height: 6'6 Position: G/F
Height: 6'5 Position: Guard
College: Kentucky
College: Kentucky
College: Kansas
High School: Wheeler HS Marietta GA
High School: Oak Hill Mouth Of Wilson VA
High School: College Park HS Woodslands TX
Fast Fact: Averaged 25pts,13 boards and 4 assists in high school. Superb mid-range game, cleans up the glass. A potential one and done whose game is better suited at the pro level.
Fast Fact: Averaged 22pts, 7 boards and 4 assists in high school. Calipari influence and touch coupled with his plus side could make him a household name very soon.
Fast Fact: Averaged 30pts, 8 boards and 8 assists in high school. A bonafide star and incredible basketball athlete. Has great instincts for the game.
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 25
UNC RECRUIT NASSIR LITTLE HOLDS UP THE MVP TROPHY OF THE MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN GAME
26 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
UCONN RECRUIT CHRISTYN WILLIAMS HOLDS UP THE MVP TROPHY OF THE WOMENS MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN GAME
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 27
IZABELLA NICOLETTI (SEMINOLES) AND COBY WHITE (UNC) DRIVE BY DEFENDERS AT THE MCDONALD'S ALL AMERICAN GAMES
28 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
DEVON DOTSON (KANSAS) SCORING A LAYUP DURING THE MCDONALD'S ALL AMERICAN GAME
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 29
KELDON JOHNSON GIVING UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY FANS A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE
30 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
DARIUS BAZLEY (SYRACUSE) THROWING DOWN A TWO HAND SLAM AT THE MCDONALD'S ALL-AMERICAN GAME
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 31
IN GAME SPARRING SESSIONS BETWEEN DUKE'S RJ BARRETT AND CAM REDDISH
32 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
ZION (DUKE) DOING WHAT ZION DOES BEST
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 33
UCONN'S OLIVIA NELSON ODODA RISING ABOVE THE RIM
34 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
285LBS PLUS A 45' VERTICAL STANDING 6'7 EQUAL THE 10TH WONDER OF THE WORLD
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 35
DOTSON WITH ONE OF MANY ASSISTS FOR TEAMMATES AT THE MCDONALD'S ALL AMERICAN GAMES
36 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
QUENTIN GRIMES (KANSAS) AND NASSIR LITTLE (UNC) WITH THUNDEROUS DUNKS AT THE POWERADE SLAM DUNK COMPETITION
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 37
ESPN Rank: 25 Height: 6'7
High School: West Charlotte Circuit Squad: Team United Plays Like: Tracy McGrady
Patrick Williams, A Star On And Off The Court by Justin Whitner
P
atrick Williams is nothing short of elite. The hardworking class of 2019 ball player at West Charlotte High School has his eyes set on a “State Championship ring” and nothing less. While the ESPN 100 polls has the 6 foot 8 Patrick ranked as the number 46 player in the nation, he also sports a number two player ranking in the State of North Carolina. Patrick’s on and off the court IQ and mentality to be great is what makes him who he is.
FAMILY BALL Patrick has two older brothers (Sam and Kobie) who have extensive knowledge of the game of basketball. While growing up, Patrick and Kobie played basketball day in and day out. Kobie remembers pushing Patrick to the best of his abilities early as kids. “We use to play ball all the time and I would push him a lot” Kobie said, “I wouldn’t let him get no buckets. I would bully him sometimes and make him cry just to push him to make him a better basketball player”. His father, James Williams, and mother Janie Williams have been with Patrick each step along his journey and have watched him evolve into the player he is today. Patrick mentioned to us he realized how great he could become someday at the beginning of his high school career. “In the ninth grade, I started to see myself separating from some of my peers,” Patrick recalls. “So I started working a lot harder, I just started putting whatever I had into basketball.”
EXPOSURE Several years ago, Patrick received his first taste of real exposure after playing in a tournament in Washington D.C. Patrick mentioned, “We normally play in (tournaments) in D.C. sometimes two to three times a year and I can remember playing in a high school game Friday night and after the game heading on the bus going to play in D.C. for another tournament. It was at one of those tournaments in D.C. that a writer wrote an article on me about my skills."
38 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
"
“Person wise, character wise Patrick is one of the best kids I've ever coached. He's a real coachable kid a yes sir, no sir type situation. And once he got his head locked in, the sky is now the limit for him."
Coach Ed Cooke, Team United
While focusing on basketball and academics, Patrick Williams has made it a key point to excel in everything he does. After receiving over two dozen scholarship offers, Patrick says it's a “blessing” to be acknowledged by so many schools. “There are a lot of players out there just like me who may be better than me but they’re not getting recruited like me. I’m just taking it all in day by day.” Even though Patrick is lengthy, he believes he’s best at any guard position and even the small forward position for the next level. His ball game shows that he has
the full package. The ability to take it to the rack at any time, the quick jump off the floor, the awareness to stop on a dime and pull up for the mid-range jumper, he can do just about anything on the floor.
PRACTICE “Each summer at the beginning of the summer I just do everything. Shooting, dribbling, defense and I see what I’m good at and not good at. I work on it so when AAU season comes along I am above average at almost everything...my post game has to get better because I’m still growing and I know I can have a smaller guard on me and need to get in the post. And I just need to stay aggressive, I need to have that killer mentality.” says Patrick Williams. Patrick realizing what he needs to work on at an early age, and then showing the improvement during the games is highlighting how special he is as a top basketball recruit. Not only is he practicing every day to get better, but he acknowledges his least powerful areas and improves on it.
MINDSET The U17 head coach for Team United, Ed Cooke, mentioned to us that in their practices Patrick had to go up against other high caliber kids such as Juwan Gary (ESPN Top 100, Alabama commit.) He noted that those intense sparring sessions has helped Patrick bring out more of his competitive instincts. Coach Cooke also added, "You talking about a 6'8 kid whose skill set is crazy, now he got the mental with the skill set, it's going to be a tremendous asset for him." Ron Murphy remembers the time he realized how special Patrick really was. “Pat played an age group up for us one summer and I got a glimpse of his potential one game after yelling at him to rebound. As soon as I yelled at him, he looked me in the eye and said "yes sir, then he got the next six rebounds of the game.” He also spoke on a game where Patrick wasn’t being as aggressive as he could've been. “In the same tournament he was not very aggressive offensively and I let him know that it was ok for him to shoot." Ron also recalls, "In a ten possession stretch Patrick had two threes, a transition bucket and an offensive rebound stick-back.”
EDUCATION AND THE FUTURE “We want Patrick to go somewhere where he’s going to grow," Patrick’s father said with a serious tone, "Where his talent will be utilized and be needed to play basketball at the next level." Patrick’s father also added that it's more than just putting up numbers for the 6'8 do it all athlete. Patrick actually could've graduated in the eleventh grade if he wanted to. “That’s one of the things we've looked forward to in a school is academics, where he is going to get his degree where it’s going to have worth and means something. It’s going to be a stepping stone for the rest of his life because at some point the ball is going to stop bouncing”. Patrick says his major in college will be business and in ten years from now “God willing” he will be seen “in the league as a future hall of famer."
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LL E D S A EN W W , R A T S T HEN MOORE R S E P U J U 3S RED P E C D N M A O E T W D E L N P LS A O A L E L I D P E M X M MANY 'D E D O L H C O D '6 N G O 6 A 'S O E O E M H H G W H T T R S W TE S, RE O R A F L H A A E S IP RY H U JUST S O N N. D F AMPIO O R I T A S W E H R U C O Q E AY F T Y T W A R S T E E A S V H E T D F BE. F D TWO E O ER P E T W S S AN RY AN E V E T Y N E E D N R N AL U E P M O E J E J D , IS N I N H E E E G B TH IN S L R A C O I H F N R O O R T I H D C E E. S BY T N R U N B O E I P T TR IT ,S R N W O E T L C I T HOR R A D E UR Y. T G A I E D RO ST F MAL P R I L F L JE BA T THE E S K A S A W B S I E TH TH T U BO A N TO R O H
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CONCORD, N.C. – It takes a lot for Wendell Moore to be awestruck. Through the years, the Cox Mill boys basketball wunderkind has travelled the country, been in many big-time environments and gotten to meet his share of sports celebrities. But this was different It was Oct. 17 on a perfect night in Durham. All of a sudden, Moore was introduced to a legend. “We were just sitting there talking, and all of a sudden Coach K walks in,” Moore recalled, referring to Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 41
“That’s been the one time I was in awe.” In many ways, it’s understandable. At the time, Moore hadn’t been 14 years old for a full month, and he had never played in a high school game. Plus, he’d been a lifelong Duke fan. Yet there Moore was, standing and waiting for Krzyzewski to come talk to HIM, one of a handful of top prospects who had been invited to Cameron Indoor Stadium for Duke’s “Countdown to Craziness,” during which the Blue Devils unveiled their 2015 national championship banner. “That was kind of a ‘wow’ moment for me,” Moore said of meeting Krzyzewski. “It was crazy. I couldn’t even think.” These days, conversing with iconic coaches is a regular occurrence for Moore, the 6-foot-5 freshman who already performs at a level superior to players four or five years his senior. Moore is considered, by many longtime Cabarrus residents, to be the most celebrated ninth-grade player in county history. And it is believed that, before he graduates, he could wind up the most decorated high school player – at any grade level – Cabarrus has witnessed. Heading into this week’s Service Plumbing Holiday Classic at Cox Mill, Moore leads the Cream of Cabarrus No. 3-ranked Chargers in every significant category: scoring (17.8 points per game), rebounding (9.4), assists (3.2) steals (2.4) and blocked shots (1.0). “He can do what he wants with the basketball,” Cox Mill coach Jody Barbee said. “I’ve never seen a kid as talented as he is as young as he is.” No wonder Moore spent the fall making other trips similar to the one he took to Duke in October. That month, he also made preseason visits to Kentucky, North Carolina, N.C. State and Tennessee. The photos of Moore standing alongside the likes of Krzyzewski and Tar Heels coach Roy Williams during the “Late Night with Roy” festivities have dominated social media, and there doesn’t appear to be a major program that doesn’t know who he is. When Moore was still just 13 years old, he had scholarship offers from N.C. State, Wake Forest, Tennessee and the Charlotte 49ers. And with many anticipating Moore to grow an additional 2 to 3 inches -- his father stands nearly 6-7 and his mother, Marie, also is a 6-footer -- there is little doubt that there will be many more. “I think what you’ll find out is Wendell will be an elite player on a national level,” said North Carolina recruiting analyst Rick Lewis of Phenom Hoop Report. “(Moore) has the potential to be a top-10 player in the class. He’s already attracting interest from all the major schools. He’s one that’s going to be at the highest level.” Ahead of the curve Moore has always been precocious, and a ball began inspiring him shortly after he was born on Sept. 18, 2001. “A ball made him walk,” said Moore’s father, also named Wendell. Big Wendell tells the story of how his son had a Fisher-Price game that was played by dropping a ball through holes. If the ball went in the game’s center hole, lights flashed and noises blared. If the ball went through one of the holes on the side, it rolled onto the floor, with the sphere sometimes jetting across the family living room. “One day, he put the ball in the side that the ball rolled down, and he walked across the floor without thinking about it and picked it up and walked back and put it in the hole,” Big Wendell said. “I said, ‘Okay.’ That’s what he wanted to do – put the ball in the hole all the time.” He was 9 months old. When Moore got a little older, his father bought him a Little Tikes basketball goal. The boy was so tall, he dunked it with ease. Not wanting things to come easily for his son, Big Wendell began raising the rim. Wendell Jr. kept jumping and slamming the ball through the hoop. “Every time he dunked it, I moved it up a little higher,” Big Wendell said. “Once he got up to a 7-foot goal, I said, ‘You really can play basketball!’” Big Wendell knew what good basketball was all about. He played at Maggie L. Walker High School in his native Richmond, Virginia, where, as a 6-6 forward averaging a double-double, he teamed with former N.C. State great Clyde “The Glide” Austin.
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From there, he went on to play college ball at Christopher Newport in nearby Newport News, Virginia, where he turned into a 6-7 center and had a successful career. From 1977 to 1981, he averaged 12.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and earned all-conference accolades. He is one of 27 Captains to score at least 1,000 points in his career (1,041). Big Wendell passed along his love – and knowledge – of the game to his son. “I taught him his first drop step like dance step,” Big Wendell said. “I put him on my feet, and I said, ‘This is how you do it.’” Wendell Jr. was 3 years old. “He has learned the game of basketball,” Big Wendell said. “If you asked him to sit down and draw you a play out of the blue, he could do it -- and tell you how to run it. He doesn’t just play the game; he knows the game.” When the younger Moore began playing organized ball, he quickly stood out from the pack. Not only was he bigger, stronger and faster than everyone else; he was far more skilled. Big Wendell didn’t allow Moore to play against kids his own age. He played his first AAU game when he was 6 years old while competing in the 8-year-old division. A short time later, Big Wendell stopped being a father in the stands and became a coach on the bench. “They finally talked me into coaching my own team, so I brought (Wendell Jr.) back down one (age level),” Big Wendell said. “But I never let him play his age group. That was cheating.” Pretty soon, Wendell Jr. became the No. 1 player in the nation at each age level he reached. In elementary school, he could be found on YouTube.com, dominating the competition. Google searches of his name generated more results than most 20-point high school scorers. There were blogs and scouting reports touting his abilities. By the time he began playing at Harris Road Middle School, he was a bona fide superstar among teenagers. That’s around the time former Cox Mill star Matt Morgan really got to know Moore, who lives down the street from the Morgans. Moore played on the Harris Road team with Morgan’s younger brother, Malcolm, and hung out with the siblings and their father, former Georgetown University guard Lamont Morgan, to improve his game even more. “When (Moore) wasn't sleeping over my house with my brother and his friends playing basketball in the basement, he was in the gym with me, my brother and my dad working out,” said Matt Morgan, who now is a standout freshman for Cornell University. “That's when I knew he would be a top player in the country,” added Morgan, who is averaging 13.9 points per game for Cornell. “I knew when he got older that he would become the player he (is) today because of his work ethic. He works on his game a lot.” Ready for the limelight Moore has spent years competing against talented players, whether it’s pick-up games against high school stars like Morgan, who is Cox Mill’s all-time leading scorer, or highly regarded fellow phenoms he faced as a member of the Chris Paul-sponsored CP3 All-Stars teams coached by his father. So when it was finally time for Moore to make his much-anticipated official high school debut, he wasn’t nervous. He also wasn’t spectacular in that Nov. 20 game against Weddington, but he had a good all-around showing, registering 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, three assists and a block in a Charger victory. By the time his third high school game arrived, he was dazzling. In a victory over Hickory Ridge, Moore recorded his first double-double with 29 points and 11 rebounds. He was clearly the best player on the court, speeding past smaller guards with his dribble and getting to the rim to soar and score over big men. He hadn’t just found a place for himself on the high school level; he’d begun creating a niche Cabarrus County hadn’t seen in a while, as a broad-shouldered big man with big, fleshy wrenches for hands and point guard skills to boot. Lewis of Phenom Hoop Report said his organization hasn’t done its rankings for the Class of 2019 just yet. But there’s no doubting where Moore will rank.
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“We normally don’t do the rankings until after we’ve seen most of them play high school, but, by far, (Moore) would be at the top of the list,” Lewis said. What separates Moore from the crowd? “I think it’s a combination of many things,” Lewis said. “No. 1, I think it’s his maturity and his poise. Right now, he has good size, good strength, he’s athletic, and he has an advanced skill set. In addition, he has a really outstanding basketball I.Q. When you watch him play on the court, he looks like a seasoned veteran. He looks like a senior, rather than a freshman. He’s just beyond his years.” As can be expected, however, Moore has had moments when it seems as if he is trying to find his way as the youngest player on the court. In a game against Central Cabarrus earlier this month, he started off cold, going scoreless in the first quarter before giving the Chargers four points in the second quarter. In the third period, he again failed to score. But in the fourth quarter, with the game in the balance, Moore went to work. He put up 10 points in the final stanza, scoring on an array of mid-range jump shots and drives to the hoop to lead Cox Mill to victory. After the game, Barbee, the Cox Mill coach, sighed, shook his head and smiled. “He disappeared on me for two quarters, but when he decided it was game time, look what he gave me in the fourth quarter,” Barbee said. “It’s a mindset. He’s young, and I’ve got to understand that he’s still 14 years old and I’m asking a lot of a 14-year-old kid. “He can be unstoppable and unguardable when he wants to be, but Wendell Moore has to make that decision when he’s going to do that.” Central Cabarrus coach Kenyan Weaks marveled at the freshman. “Great basketball players make plays,” Weaks said. “(Moore) didn’t play great the whole game, but when they needed a basket in the fourth quarter or when they needed to get to the free-throw line, he made the play. As a freshman, that’s impressive. “He’s a great player, otherwise he wouldn’t be getting the spotlight like he’s getting it. And he’s proving he deserves it.” Growing pains The spotlight doesn’t always come with pleasantries. With all the fanfare surrounding Moore, opposing fans have tried to get under his skin during games. A common chant heard at almost every Cox Mill game is “overrated.” Other times, opposing team’s student sections have taken the personal route, using the catcall “Michael Strahan,” an apparent reference to the gap-toothed smile Moore has in common with the former NFL star and “Live! with Kelly and Michael” personality. None of it seems to negatively affect Moore. “This journey has been crazy,” Moore said, flashing his grin. “All the fans chanting ‘overrated’ and all the other comments, you get used to it. But it’s fun to me. I like it. It’s a dream come true, actually. I’ve always wanted to play at the high school level, be in front of those big crowds and the center of everything going on. It makes me better.” Barbee never seemed to doubt how Moore would handle those types of situations. “Nothing rattles him,” Barbee said. “He’s really even-keeled. He’s heard a lot of chants from the other team, but it doesn’t faze him, which is a good thing. Imagine what it’s going to be like in four more years.” But Moore admits to occasionally having struggles finding his way on the senior-laden Cox Mill team. At times, he doesn’t know exactly when to be a facilitator and when to be scorer. Because of his stature and because he appears to be a natural distributor of the basketball, some have likened Moore’s style of play to that of NBA great LeBron James. But as has been the case throughout the Cleveland Cavaliers star’s career, some have said Moore should take over more. He said he won’t dare fall into the trap of focusing entirely on himself.
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“Right now, I’m trying to learn what my teammates can do well, and they’re trying to learn what I can do well,” Moore said. “I know I have some shooters on the outside that I can drive and kick to, and my big men can finish well. It’ll come together. We’ll get it. “The best thing about all this has been experiencing this journey with all my teammates. I couldn’t ask for any better teammates than I have now. They push me through adversity, and they help me when things are going well.” Moore to come One thing appears certain: Largely because of Moore’s ballyhooed reputation, the Chargers will be playing in front of packed houses, and plenty of college scouts will be there. When Cox Mill faced Concord on Dec. 11, the Spiders’ sauna-like gym was filled to capacity. Not only did the game feature Moore, but Concord 6-7 sophomore point guard Rechon “Leaky” Black, who had just gotten an offer from North Carolina, was on the floor with Wake Forest head coach Danny Manning and N.C. State assistant Bobby Lutz in attendance. Four nights later, the Chargers played host to Cream of Cabarrus No. 1-ranked Jay M. Robinson, which features highly regarded junior guard Lavar Batts Jr. A crowd of 1,727 watched the game, but 300 others were turned away because there was no more room. Once again, a bevy of college coaches was at the game, during which Moore showed he was human. He finished with seven turnovers and missed six of his nine field-goal attempts. Things didn’t work out so badly for Moore, though. Within hours, Georgia coach Mark Fox, who was in the crowd that night, offered him a scholarship. “There might be more college coaches coming to see us play, so hopefully I’ll get a few more offers by the time the season’s over,” Moore said. That should happen. But that doesn’t mean Moore plans to quickly make a college choice. “I’ve always wanted to (announce my college choice) on a big stage, on ESPN or something like that, like all the big players do,” Moore said. “I’m going to wait to maybe the beginning of my senior year before I make a decision.” The scary part? Moore’s father said his son is barely scratching the surface of his immense talents. For one thing, Big Wendell said Junior is a much better shooter than he has shown so far, and he believes the freshman still can improve his ball-handling. “I think things are going well, but some things I know that he should be doing, he’s not,” Big Wendell said. “But it’s all in the team spirit. He’s working with the team, passing the ball, getting everybody involved. He’s still learning, but he’s here to play.” And if that continues, the next time Moore meets Krzyzewski, or any other famous coach, there indeed might be awe. But not from Wendell Moore.
Coach Jody Barbee, Wendell Moore & Jemal Horton
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US Prep Athletes The Magazine Circuit Coverage
April 15, 2018 U17 Championship Game
Team Charlotte: 74 Team United: 69
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hen the final buzzer sounded you wouldn't know it from Team Charlotte's Head Coach Jeff McInnis that his team was in a close contest as he turned and looked at Phenom's Rick Lewis and said, "We run your tournaments Rick, we run them."
And who can blame Coach McInnis for his confidence because as we far as we can remember Team Charlotte has dominated the U17 local competition. With under one minute left in the contest Team United's Juwan Gary hammered down a thunderous dunk to tie the game at 69 all. It would be the final buckets the squad would see. Team Charlotte executed down the stetch with the guard play of Chico Carter Jr. (Murray State commit) coupled with the inside and outside play of DeAngelo Epps (College Of Charleston commit) and Donovan Gregory (Appalachian State commit.) Those players kept Team Charlotte in the game with huge buckets that staved Team United's chance for an upset. Donovan finished the game with 25 points and game MVP. Other Tournament Notes: US Prep Elite standouts; Tony Waters (Team Charlotte c/o 2021), Amare Haynie (Team Charlotte c/o 2021), Demar Anderson and Seth Smith (Team Synergy c/o 2020), Christian Rudisell (Charlotte Royals - 2021) and rising star Cam Gates (Charlotte Dragons c/o 2021) excelled at the showcase.`
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Team Charlotte's Donovan Gregory
TEAM CHARLOTTE'S RAEQUAN BROWN, A NEW ORLEANS COMMIT AND RANKED #4 iN THE NEXTUS RANKINGS, DRIVES BY A DEFENDER AT THE QUEEN CITY SHOWCASE
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US Prep Athletes The Magazine Circuit Coverage
TEAM CHARLOTTE LIVE (NCAA CERTIFIED ) with ESPN High School Recruiting Director Paul Biancardi
U
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c/o 2020 Nolan Dorsey
Ford Cooper
Height: 6'4
c/o 2019 Jaden Frazier
Big Shots Elite NC
Team Loaded 804
Millbrook High
Blue Ridge School
c/o 2020
c/o 2020
Height: 6'3
Nick Farrar
Big Shots Elite NC
Carmel Christian
Apex Friendship HS
c/o 2019
Height: 6'0
Efosa UEdosomwan
Height: 6'2
CEBA
Charlotte Dragons
Durham Academy
Charlotte Christians
c/o 2019
c/o 2019 Myles Pierre
Height: 6'7
Team Charlotte
c/o 2019 Michael Savarino
Height: 6'9
Height: 6'2
Ashton Parker
Height: 6'4
Team Charlotte
Charlottte Dragons
Carmel Christian
Northwestern Rock Hill
FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 49
Stock Rising - AJ Smith By: TPearl
I
n the fall of 2017, 6’3 – AJ Smith came to the US Prep Elite Exposure camp relatively unknown outside of his ninth grade peer group. But during the camp, he impressed our team with his relentless attacks to the basket and finishes in the paint. Couple that with his tenacious defense, earned him an all US Prep Elite Camp selection and a #1 NextUS ranking in the class of 2021. After observing his freshman season at Hickory Grove where he saw major minutes on varsity, it was clear we got it right and AJ Smith was set to have a breakout summer and sophomore season.
When AJ’s previous travel team decided not to take his age bracket on a summer travel circuit, Team Charlotte became a destination for his talents. After successfully making tryouts, the coaching staff presented AJ with an opportunity to move up to the U16 team rather than play with his normal age bracket of U15. “We felt like the U15 team would’ve been too easy for him” mentioned Coach Johnson, a former Pembroke University standout athlete and Team Charlotte U16 Head Coach…We informed him that other players such as Devon Dotson (Kansas) and Tyshon Alexander (Creighton) took a similar route with moving up an age group.” Johnson added, “He is so much physically stronger than everyone in his class that we felt it was our job to develop him and teach him about the nuisances of the game.”
“We felt like the U15 team would’ve been too easy for him” mentioned Coach Johnson, a former Pembroke University standout athlete and Team Charlotte U16 Head Coach…We informed him that other players such as Devon Dotson (Kansas) and Tyshon Alexander (Creighton) took a similar route with moving up an age group.” Johnson added, “He is so much physically stronger than everyone in his class that we felt it was our job to develop him and teach him about the nuisances of the game.” Team Charlotte’s Under Armour National schedule includes stops in Indiana, Florida, Atlanta and New York but it was here in North Carolina during the summer that we noticed AJ really separated himself from the pack. During CP3's live event in Greensboro he was one if not the best player on the floor during a single game match up against the CP3 – U16 squad finishing with 36 points.
"AJ was recently inducted into the National Honor's Society and brings his intelligence and natural feel for the game to each contest. He is indeed a player to watch in the years to come." TPearl
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Ten Questions with DeAngelo Epps By: TPearl Team Charlotte’s DeAngelo Epps was explosive at the Big Shots summer basketball tournament held at Carolina Courts. And, the 6’5 wing forward is equally as good in the open or half court. During the 2018-19 winter basketball season he will be displaying his talents with the Carmel Christian Cougar's who are seeking to repeat as NCISAA private school state champs. Epps, a College of Charleston commit and new transfer into the Cougar's program, will bring his high rising abilities and basketball IQ to a team whose starting five now boast D1 commitments. Carmel Christian will be a team to watch this year! We caught up with DeAngelo for a quick Q&A. Tony P: Nickname growing up? DeAngelo Epps: My main nickname growing up was DeLo. Tony P: Favorite pre-game meal? DeAngelo Epps: Probably some pasta like chicken alfredo. Tony P: Best hip hop artist out right now? DeAngelo Epps: NBA Young Boy hands down. Tony P: Best song out right now? DeAngelo Epps: NBA Young Boy - "I am who you say I am." Tony P: Favorite NBA Team? DeAngelo Epps: Oklahoma City Thunder Tony P: Favorite NBA Player? DeAngelo Epps: Russell Westbrook Tony P: Your Major in college will be? DeAngelo Epps: Physical Therapy. Tony P: Dream car? DeAngelo Epps: Probably a corvette. Tony P: Favorite movie of all-time? DeAngelo Epps: National Security. Tony P: In 10 years from now DeLo will be? DeAngelo Epps: A great father, a great husband and one that provides for his family.
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UPCOMING EVENTS C
Extravaganza Classic featuring OAK HILL VS. NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN
FRI NOV.16 2018 TIP OFF - 7PM ROCKY RIVER HIGH SCHOOL CHARLOTTE NC. COST - $10.00
52 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes
US PREP EXPOSURE CAMPS: BASKETBALL
NEXTUS RANKINGS Fall High School Exposure Composite Rankings
John Wright
Rank Name 1 2 3 4 5
C/O 2019 COMPOSITE Rankings Height High School
John Wright Marcus Henderson Shaman Alston RaeQuan Brown Carlos Fletcher
6’0 6’2 6’4 6’4 6’5
C/O 2020 COMPOSITE Rankings Rank Name 1 2 3 4 5
Ricky Council IV Tristan Maxwell Demar Anderson Josh Banks Josh Rubio
AJ Smith
Height High School 6’5 6'1 6'1 6'4 6’5
Rank Name 1 2 3 4 5
Fayetteville Academy Statesville Christian Nationford High School Butler High School Bunker Hill High School
Ricky Council IV
Southern Durham High School Northmeck High School Northmeck High School Olympic High School Comenius High School
C/O 2021 COMPOSITE Rankings
AJ Smith Chris Ford Omarion Bodrick Glenn Bynum Jr. Justin Taylor
Height High School 6’4 6’4 6’5 6’3 6’0
Hickory Grove Christian School North Mecklenburg High School Independence High School Northside Christian Academy Mallard Creek High School
COMPOSITE RANKINGS INCLUDING 2022 WILL BE UPDATED IN THE MARCH 2019 US PREP MAG ISSUE
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FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes 57
Elite Prep Qualifiers! Your One Sourc
Thank you for your interest in the Elite Prep Qualifiers system, your one source for college recruitment. Elite Prep Qualifiers is an approved college scouting and recruiting service and Division 1 coaches are permitted to subscribe to this service. We help to showcase your athletic and academic talents to college coaches, administrators and scholarship funding sources at the D1, D2, D3, NAIA and Jr. College levels as well as to the NCCAA and USCAA conferences. We cover the following sports: Football, Basketball (Men & Women) Baseball, Track & Field, Softball, Soccer (Men & Women), Volleyball Lacrosse (Men & Women), Golf (Men & Women). We market our services to athletes and colleges in all states and in select international countries. Once registered your profile information is fed directly into our online secure digital database in which college coaches and administrators can sort your profile by particular sport and graduating class. Recruiters will also have the option of accessing your parents or guardians contact information for the sole purpose of introducing and recruiting you into their college institution. “Unlike many other recruiting agencies we never display your profile to be seen by the public. It is our philosophy that your recruiting process with us should be accomplish based on a high degree of privacy and integrity. Only a coach, administrator or funding source from a verified institution will be able to view your profile for the purpose of offering you a scholarship.”
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60 FEBRUARY 2018 • US Prep Athletes