Virginia Elite 14U Captured Big Shots Washington, D.C. Gold Division Championship

June 9, 2013

Coach Charlie Knight led by Tournament MVP Chandler Zavala Virginia Elite 14U team captured the Big Shots 14U Gold Division Championship Washington, D.C. Virginia Elite BIG 4 A. White, I. Worley, C. Zavala, and C. Knight are top 5 in scoring at BIG SHOTS DC June Jam in 14U Division.

Congrats and keeping the Youth tradition moving forward

Big Shots Washington, D.C. 14U Gold Division 

MVP -Chandler Zavala 

Virginia Elite

BIG SHOTS DC June Jam 14U Orange MVP with 12 ppg & 8.3 rpg. 

Teammates attend Princeton University Elite Camp

June 9, 2013

Virginia Elite 17U Teammate Paul Rowley (Loudoun Valley H.S.) and Cameron Smith (Miller School) have their share of opportunities to continue their basketball career beyond high school. This week the teammate attended Princeton University Elite Basketball Camp, Princeton, New Jersey. Both players are being recruited by other Ivy league school as well as other schools such as Rice University, Loyola University, Harvard University, Yale University, Boston University, Mount St Mary's University, William and Mary, Bucknell, George Mason University and others.

Paul Rowley, Coach Henderson and Cameron Smith

Announcement: Virginia Elite International Debut

June 1, 2013

During the 2014 Spring basketball season Virginia Elite 15U, 16U and 17U boys grassroots basketball teams will participate in its first international basketball event in Toronto, Canada. Plans are being finalized for the cultural exchange that will leverage basketball as the platform for international exposure.

continue....

In conjunction with a Canadian basketball Club, Virginia Elite coaches will have an opportunity to share their skills and experiences with some of the premier players in Toronto, Canada as well as Virginia Elite players will have an opportunity to experience competing with international players.  

Grant Golden on the rise 

May 30, 2013

The 2016 6-5 Wing is slowly making a name for himself. After an impressive showing in July Golden as maintained a great attitude for continued development of his skills. Look for big things in the future.

Big Shots Tournament Quotes:

Battle of the scorers in 15U Blue Division BWSL Elites Malik Moore (31) & VA Elites Grant Golden (27) lead all scorers at BIG SHOTS VCU.

Grant Golden 2016 va elite/Sherando HS sound foot work, midrange pull-up & post game, looks holy cross 

Virginia Elite 16U Captured Big Shots Richmond Silver Division Championship

May 26, 2013

Virginia Elite 16U team defeated Team Loaded in the Silver Bracket Championship. Tony Richardson and Derrick Perry played solid game while Austin Hall, Noah Gear and Oshea Gairey limited Team Loaded explosive guards to minimal points and most of all controlled the tempo of the game. 

Virginia Elite 15U runners-up Big Shots Richmond Silver Division Championship

Virginia Elite 15U team came up a little short in overtime in the Big Shots Richmond Silver Division Championship game. At the end of regulation Eddie Pinto connected on a 3 point shot that was called off that sent the gym into a frenzy. The 1 minute overtime was not enough time to make a run at the championship. 

Recruiting News

May 24, 2013

The 2013 Spring and Summer grassroots basketball season has provided a number of Virginia Elite players to showcase their basketball skills and abilities in front of many college coaches. Several of our players had and are scheduled to visit college that they are considering for their collegiate careers. Below are some of the interest that many of our 2014 players are receiving.

\

Recruiting Paul Rowley - George Mason University

May 31, 2013

Rowley is a rangey 6’7″ kid who is a heck of shooter and a fantastic student in the classroom. He has started to garner more attention from schools after his recent performance at the Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest where he led his AAU team to a strong showing. George Mason has offered after he visited and his father is an alum so this could be a recruit to keep on eye on. Read More

Austin Hall (2015, PG, Annandale H.S.) Standout at the Hoop Group Philly Jam Fest 

May 17, 2013

Austin Hall (5-11/Annandale HS/2015) sank two free throws late in the second overtime as Virginia Elite squeaked by Team Loaded 757 (Va.) 70-68 in 16U bracket action at Westtown High School. Hall finished with 12 points.
Team Loaded held off defeat at the buzzer twice in the game but had no such luck when an in-bound pass with 1.0 left in the second overtime was knocked away by Elite.

Recruiting News - Signings and Committments

May 24, 2013

C.J. Hill (Westfield H.S.) commits to  Northeastern University

May 5, 2013 - Last AAU season C.J. Hill (Westfield H.S.), Justin Hampton (South County H.S.) and Darren Hawkins (Freedom H.S.) was discussing where they wanted to attend college with the expectation of playing collegiate basketball. 

After a very successful AAU spring and summer the trio moved on to playing their final high school season for their respected high schools. As a result of hardwork and determination C.J. Hill will attend Division I Northeastern University (Boston, Mass). 

NU finished the 2012-13 season with a 20-13 record only missing the NCAA Division I tournament by falling to James Madison University in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tournament. Northeastern advanced to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) against SEC power Alabama.

Antonio Butler (South County H.S./Garrett Junior College) commits to Virginia State University

Antonio Butler will attend Virginia State University (Richmond, VA). Antonio Butler was 2nd in the region in scoring, 24th in the country, with a 19.7 average. He had 554 points total with 13/33 threes, and 119/224 shooting 58% from the free throw line. Antonio was selected 1st Team All Region XX, 2nd Team All Maryland JUCO.

He also received the honor of Men’s Basketball 2012 MVP and Garrett College Male Outstanding Athlete of the Year 2012 Awards. He scored 21 or more in 15 games, had 3 thirty plus games, and double figures in 25 of 28 games played  

Justin Hampton (South County H.S.) commits to Christopher Newport University

Justin Hampton will attend Christopher Newport University (Hampton, VA). CNU finished the 2012-13 season with a 22-6 record captured the USA South Tournament Championship and advanced to the NCAA DIII Tournament.

South County (Lorton, VA) 6-foot-4 wing Justin Hampton from the Class of 2013 has orally committed to play his College Basketball at the Division III level for Coach John Krikorian and Christopher Newport University.

A First Team All-Patriot District selection as a senior, Hampton averaged 18.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game for the Stallions. He was one of the top performers in the Northern Virginia area over the past couple years and had solid showings on the AAU circuit with Virginia Elite as well.

Hampton also considered Catholic University, Mary Washington, Virginia Wesleyan and some D-2 programs, such as Shepherd University and UVA-Wise. CNU turned out to be the favorite on his list of choices.

Darren Hawkins (Freedom H.S.) commits to Saint Vincent's College

Darren Hawkins will attend St Vincent College (Latrobe, PA). St Vincent finished the 2012-13 season with a 23-6 record capturing the PAC Championship and advanced to the NCAA DII Tournament.

Latest Recruiting Updates

May 24, 2013

The 2013 Spring and Summer grassroots basketball season has provided a number of Virginia Elite players to showcase their basketball skills and abilities in front of many college coaches. Several of our players had and are scheduled to visit college that they are considering for their collegiate careers. Below are some of the interest that many of our 2014 players are receiving.

Cameron Smith

Received offer from Loyola University 

Sam Berlin and A.J. Carr

Fairfield, Rider, Loyola and Bucknell University expressing interest 

Paul Rowley, Cameron Smith, Cameron Jackson and Jamison Glover

Rider, Loyola, Buffalo, Elon, Dartmouth University expressing interest in Paul 

Paul Rowley (Loudoun Valley H.S)

Interest: Harvard University and Lehigh University

William Gregorits (Lake Bradock H.S)

Pictured

Interest: University of Albany, Elon, Buffalo,  Radford

Jamison Glover (Battlefield H.S.)

Interest: North Carolina Central University

Dorian Johnson (Hendon H.S.)

Interest: Radford University

Matthew Kelly (Highland School)

Interest: Tufts University and Lynchburg University 

Amir Atkins (Hayfield High School)

Interest: East Stroudsburg University

More Virginia Elite Recruiting News 

Virginia Elite Coaching Staff Developing Undeniable Talent

April, 30 2013 - Coach Brandon Jones, Duval Simmonds (St Joes '98') and Thomas Gadson set the expectations for the teams leading into the Spring-Summer grassroots season. 

The season started out with DMV Elite attending our practice and taking a moment to talk with the players. A look at the 2013 Virginia Elite 17U squad, including interviews with founder/coach Thomas Gadson, Handley 2014 forward Cameron Jackson, Loudoun Valley 2014 forward Paul Rowley, Miller School 2-14 forward Cameron Smith, Lake Braddock 2014 forward Will Gregorits and Ad Fontes 2014 center Sam Berlin. Read More

Virginia Elite 17U continue their impressive play at Under Amour (UA) Hoop Group Philly Jam Fest (4-1)

April, 28 2013 (Philadelphia, PA) - VIRGINIA ELITE 17U ELITE GOLD arrived in Philadelphia, PA with expectations of continuing to showcasing their talents to a host of division 1 college basketball college coaches during the April NCAA Open period. After an impressive showing in Pittsburgh the team continued to do the same. 

The team finished the tournament 4-1 defeating LVBR (PA), Adidas Team Loaded (VA), Connecticut Select and Jersey Shore Warriors. The only defeat was falling to Nike Team Takeover on last second halfcourt made shot.  Again, several of the players received division 1 offers that will be announced later this week.

VIRGINIA ELITE 17U (LEE)- The 17U Basketball team led by coach Robert Lee went into the tournament with the objective to compete and get on the winning track. Led my Treveon Walton (Westfield H.S), Matt Kelly (Highland School), Christian Hansen (Osborne Park H.S), and Randy Johnson (Westlake H.S) the team finished with a good win to finish the tournament.

VIRGINIA ELITE 16U - Having the same expectations as all the teams the 16U had a successful tournament run, the team got on the winning track by defeating Team Loaded 757 in a great game that went into overtime that resulted in Virginia Elite capturing the victory.

Virginia Elite 17U impressive finish at Under Amour (UA) Hoop Group Pitt Jam Fest (4-1)

April, 23 2013 (Pittsburgh, PA) - VIRGINIA ELITE 17U ELITE GOLD arrived in Pittsburgh, PA with expectations of showcasing their talented players to a host of division 1 college basketball college coaches during the April NCAA Open period.

The team finished the tournament 4-1 defeating Northern Kings (CAN), Team Melo, UA Team Philly and East Coast Fusion, and falling to UA Atlanta Express. Several of the players received offers that will be announced later this week.

VIRGINIA ELITE 17U BLACK - Having the same expectations as all the teams the 17U Black had a successful tournament run, the team was lead by tough play from Dylan Marshall, Matt Kelly, Amir Atkins, Rahji Johnson and Christian Hansen. 

VIRGINIA ELITE 15U GOLD - This weekend Virginia Elite 15U Gold had a successful tournament although the losses on Friday and Saturday were bitter pills to swallow the team made great strides going forward after their first time out in tourney play. With all members of the team contributing to the 20 point win on Saturday the Gold surely will be a force to reckon with once experience and familiarity with the level of play takes hold.  Key contributors this weekend were Grant Golden, Eric Washington, Darryl Myers, and Collin Parker.  With flash moments by Javier Silva, Rayvon Howard and Shuguar Carman.  The Gold will take to the floor again Saturday in Philly at the King of Prussia Jam fest.

VIRGINIA ELITE 15U BLACK - This weekend the player of Virginia Elite 15U Black was introduced to the expectations of playing for Virginia Elite. Coach Alex Wathen and his team battled each game from start to finish, each player getting priceless high level tournament experience that will become valuable lesson as they compete in more tournaments during the summer.

VIRGINIA ELITE CAPTURES FAIRFAX STARS 14U DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

Virginia Elite Youth Basketball

March 18, 2013 (Fairfax, VA) - The Virginia Elite 14U team lead by  Head Coach Charles Knight and Assistant Coach Robert Sanders captured the Fairfax Stars 14U Championship. The team started strong winning the first three games. 

Then as the team moved forward on Sunday the competition increased as well. The team suffered a heartbreaking  loss to Beyond the Hoop Group. The team didn't have very long to focus on the loss, because they would again face a Beyond the Hoop team  in the championship game who were high on confidence from the previous win. However, they would face a different VA Elite Team. Coach Knight and Coach Sanders reached deep into the coaching bag and pulled out a few tricks. The team responded by staying poised. Beyond the Hoop would not go away easy, but in the end Virginia Elite would be victorious.

VIRGINIA ELITE PLAYERS EXCELLED IN 2013 

No Looser just moving on to the next round

February 24, 2013 

John Handley High School - Cameron Jackson (Region Player of the Year)  and Solomon Finley

Virginia AA Northwest Region boys’ basketball Champions

Cameron Jackson has been a solid player all year for Handley High School, the Region Player of the Year  (POY) led his team into the Virginia State Basketball tournament as the #1 seed. 

In the Region II AA Championship AAU teammates Paul Rowley, Cameron Jackson and Solomon Finely squared off in an anticipated matchup. Throughout the summer Jackson, Finely and Rowley talked about playing each other in the regional championships. From the beginning of the game Jackson, Finely and Rowley didn't disappoint the packed LVHS gym. End the end Jackson finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds, Finely 10 key points and Rowley finished with a game high 23 points, 12 rebounds and 5 block shots. The anticipated game was just was the doctor ordered. Although the game was played on Valleys home court the Handley faithful filled the gym to capacity and provided their team with must needed support against a very good opponent.  Both teams presented interesting  matchups that would test the abilities of the players and the coaches. 

Handley power forward and Mount St Mary's University commit Cameron Jackson was the first true skilled post player that Valley faced this year and having battled during practices last summer Paul Rowley and Cameron Jackson was up to the challenge. Not to be left out Solomon Finely was the unknown factor for  Handley and to many of the Valley fans but not to the Virginia Elite coaching staff in attendance. This was a very good, intense and well played game that neither team lost, but both will move on to the Virginia State playoffs this weekend. 

Loudoun Valley High School - Paul Rowley

Virginia AA Northwest Region boys’ basketball finalist

February 23, 2013 - Again Paul Rowley displayed his consistent game leading Loudoun Valley with 23 points against his Handley High School and his AAU teammates Cameron Jackson and Solomon Findley. 

(Washington Post) The Vikings banged metal lockers like percussion instruments while they howled away their excess emotion in the wake of their second straight AA Dulles District tournament championship. Read More

Battlefield High School - Terrell Walker and Jamison Glover

Virginia AAA Northwest Region boys’ basketball finalist

February 23, 2013 - When the Bobcats most needed those elements in the waning minutes of the region championship Saturday night at Mountain View, they were not to be found. One starter was on the bench with a bad ankle sprain and two others had fouled out, leaving senior guard Roman Hall and junior wing Trevor Blondin as the only starters on the court.

Mountain View, down 10 with four minutes left, was able to grind out a 68-64 victory, the Wildcats’ 24th win in a row, to snag the region title and earn their second state tournament berth.

Battlefield (19-9), which by reaching the region final also had locked up a state berth, lost starting sophomore swingman Kameron Hedgepath to an ankle injury late in the first quarter. Later, junior guard Jamison Glover and senior guard Terrell Walker (Pictured) fouled out..

(Washington Post) The Battlefield boys have won the first Virginia AAA Northwest Region playoff games in program history, beating two teams they had lost to early in the season. With a region semifinal victory Thursday night at George Washington-Danville, the Bobcats could qualify for the state tournament for the first time. 

VIRGINIA ELITE PLAYERS ALL-DISTRICT and ALL-REGION SELECTIONS

February 16, 2013     

All-Northwestern District - 1st Team:

Cameron Jackson - Handley High School - Jr.

Virginia AA Region Player of the Year

All-Dulles District - 1st Team:

Paul Rowley - Loudoun Valley High School - Jr.

Virginia AA 2nd Team All-Region 

All-Patriot District - 1st Team:
Justin Hampton - South County - Sr. 

Virginia AAA All-Region Honorable Mention

All-Independent-Parochial School League (IPSL)

Oshea Gairey - St John's Catholic Prep - Soph.

All-Delaney District - 1st Team:
Matthew Kelly - Highland - Jr.

All-Concorde District - 1st Team:
C.J. Hill - Westfield High School - Sr.

Virginia AAA All-Region Honorable Mention 

Chauncey Beckett - Honorable Mention

1st Team  Defense:

Treveon Walton - Westfield High School - Sr. 

All-Cedar Run District - 1st Team:
Roman Hall - Battlefield

1st Team All-Northwest Region AAA All-Region
Terrell Walker - Battlefield

2nd Team All-Northwest Region AAA All-Region
Mustafa Ali - Stonewall Jackson
Darren Hawkins - Freedom
Diandre Stubbs - Stonewall Jackson

2nd Team Selections:
Khiorie Stewart - Broad Run - Jr.
Jamison Glover – Battlefield - Jr.

GREAT START TO THE 2013 SEASON

Virginia Elite Youth Basketball

COACH SCOTT PERRY and DALE STEPHENS LEADS VIRGINIA ELITE 13U TO THE 1ST CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2013

Congratulations to the 2013 Virginia Elite 13U/7th Grade boys team for bringing home the championship of the 2013 EGA Winter League on Saturday February 2, 2013. Under the guidance of Coach Perry and Coach Stephens, the team finished 1st place in the regular season, and went 3-0 in the double-elimination playoffs to capture the Championship.

This championship experience will serve as a springboard into the 2013 AAU season. Congrats on a job well-done!

BATTLEFIELD JUNIOR GUARD HAVING A BREAKOUT YEAR

February 23, 2013 

Jamison Glover (2014, 6'0, PG) is having a stellar year at Battlefield High School (Gainesville, VA) in the classroom as on the hardwood. Last week in the Virginia AAA Northern Region semi final Glover score 27 point to upset the heavily favored  GW-Danville 93-89, which has led to Battlefield receiving first ever Virginia AAA State Basketball tournament bid.

As for Glover, after a great spring and summer playing for Virginia Elite the 6'0 athletic and powerful point guard made a big impression on his coaches and recruiters who watched many of the Virginia Elite games last summer in Pittsburgh, Hampton, Akron and Las Vegas. His play and contribution to the team during the Adidas Super 64 tournament against some division I level guards was absolutely fantastic. Glover propelled himself from 6 man to starting guard and never once mentioning PLAYING TIME. Jamison not only puts in work on the hardwood but excels in the classroom. With a stellar GPA that includes an AP academic curriculum, each time he steps on the basketball court his opportunities expand by his hard work and determination to be the best at what he does.

Recruitment Projection: Low DI - High DII

VIRGINIA ELITE ADDS DEPTH and EXPERIENCE TO COACHING STAFF - February 20, 2013 

NEW COACHES:

• Head Girls High School Division Coach Jemil Lambert and Megan McCartney

• Assistant Head Coach Duvall Simmons - St Josephs University (1994-98)

• Head Coach Rodney Carmichael - Norfolk State University (1994-1997)

• Assistant Coach Jason Evans II - Allegany College 

• Assistant Head Coach Russell Wheeler - Virginia Tech University (1996 to 2000)

VIRGINIA ELITE PLAYERS RECOGNIZE AMONG BEST IN THE STATE  

February 2013     

2013 Rank / Name / School / Hgt. / Pos. / College

67 - - - C.J. Hill Westfield 6'4" G/F

2014 Rank / Name / School / Hgt. / Pos. / College

14 - - Paul Rowley Loudoun Valley 6'7" F/G
21 - - Cameron Jackson Handley 6'8" F Mount St. Mary's
22 - - Cameron Smith Miller School 6'2" G
HM - - Jamison Glover Battlefield 6'0" G

FINISHING THE YEAR STRONG OSHEA GAIREY LED SAINT JOHNS CATHOLIC PREP TO MIAA CHAMPIONSHIP 

February 16, 2013  

When we talk about players who love the game, we always talk about the 2015 point guard Oshea Gairey, an outstanding point guard with Magic style vision and a true ability to play the game. Last summer was our first encounter with the smooth passing point guard from Canada now a resident of Virginia. Immediately we were impressed by his love of the game but more about his respect for others.  Now attending Saint Johns Catholic Prep and playing for Coach Silas Cheung Gairey is making a name for himself and maturing as a young man. Now leading his team to the MIAA Championship his future playing a game he love is even brighter. Virginia Elite AAU Assistant Head Coach Duvall Simmons who played at St Josephs University (1994-98) consistently talks about Oshea ability to play at the next level during coaches meeting.

"There's been a lot of historic moments here. (Future) NBA players have played here and its just a great feeling to finish the season here going for a repeat title," Oshea Gairey said.

The Vikings advance to Sunday's championship game rematch against Indian Creek and fell a few point short of a victory. Read More

Recruitment Projection: Low to Mid DI 

SOUTH COUNTY SENIOR JUSTIN HAMPTON EXCELS ON AND OFF THE COURT

February 2013 

Virginia Elite Justin Hampton (2013) is just what college program are looking for. His size, ability to score and over all intelligence and knowledge of the game has his name being mentioned as a college basketball player.

Selected All-Patriot District First Team, South County High School, 6'4 senior swingman Justin Hampton (19.6PPG) is one of the best scorers in the region, having drilled 64 three-pointers on the year. Hampton scored 36 vs. Robinson, 35 against T.C. Williams and had 27 in the last meeting with West Potomac. 

Recruitment Projection: Low DI

DMVELITE SPOTLIGHT PAUL ROWLEY

February 2013 DMVELITE.COM

by: Marcus Helton

In our latest DMV Elite Q&A, Paul Rowley discusses his athletic and academic life, his recruitment, this year’s success and more:

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A SCHOOL? “I definitely want to go somewhere that sets me up for later in life, but I also want to go somewhere with a competitive basketball program, ’cause my guess is I’m not going to do too much outside of basketball in college, and I’ve got to make sure I’m happy there.”

DO YOU HAVE A TIMETABLE FOR DECIDING? “I actually have no idea. Right now I’m just trying to take it game-by-game.”

DID YOU GROW UP PLAYING ANY OTHER SPORTS? “I was a soccer player for a long time; I started playing basketball in fourth or fifth grade. I was a tall, awkward kid and they shoved me in the post and it didn’t really work out, and I taught myself how to shoot and dribble.” | Read More.........

Offers: Mount St Mary's, Cornell

Interest: West Virginia, Maryland, Boston University, William and Mary, Cornell, Yale, Bucknell, Quinnipiac, St Francis (PA), 

HIGHLAND SCHOOL JUNIOR MATTHEW KELLY FOCUSED

The 6"3 junior guard  continues to excel for the Highland School (Warrenton, VA) Hawks. Ranked #10 in VISSA DII Matthew is leading the way for Hawks down the stretch as they are now in a great position to capture another state title for the school. Last summer Matthew played his second season with Virginia Elite and really sharpen his skills as the team competed against some of the premier teams and players in the country. During the spring and summer Matthew is back at his natural position guard. His play during the high school season has really benefited his play, as he consistently rebounded and scored from the guard position which excites many college recruiters. 

Matthew college recruiting is low DI and DII, look for Matt to have a breakout spring and summer season. 

HANDLEY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR CAMERON JACKSON CONTINUES TO IMPROVE 

The 6"7 junior first year with Virginia Elite started off with high expectation. Starting with making an impression on the coaching staff at the first day of tryouts, attending every practice, playing a high level during tournament games that resulted in a verbal commitment to a division 1 scholarship with Mount St Mary's University. 

Cameron and his high school teammate Solomon Finely became a mainstay for Coach Brandon Jones, Virginia Elite 16U team and never looked back. This summer Coach Brandon Jones and Coach Thomas Gadson will begin their quest for another great spring and summer season in 2013.

Offers: Mount St Mary's Interest: Jacksonville, Army, Marist, Oregon State

DARREN HAWKINS LEADING THE FREEDOM EAGLES TO NEW HEIGHTS

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Loudoun Times.com 

by: Alanna Dvorak

The first time in his four-year varsity basketball career, Freedom High School senior guard Darren Hawkins is experiencing a winning season. “It’s the best season I’ve experienced here at Freedom,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins, who is averaging more than 15 points a game and has posted eight games with 20 or more points, is a large part of his teams’ success. “I’ve asked a lot of him all four years and I’ve put a lot of pressure on him,” Freedom coach Derek Gaunt admitted. “I put a lot of pressure on him as a freshman and he used it to continually get better.”

“It’s rare that you get a kid that has coach ability and talent and when you got them both like I have in Darren, you’ve got a winner,” he added.  Read More...

Interest: DII and DIII Colleges

DMVELITE SPOTLIGHT C.J. HILL

January 2013 DMVELITE.COM

by: Marcus Helton

When it comes to basketball, Westfield High School (Va.) 2013 guard C.J. Hill is a bit of a late bloomer.

“I didn’t get serious about basketball until my junior year,” Hill said recently. “My first year of AAU was my sophomore going into my junior year, and it was my first experience seeing other athletes who could like, dunk and do all kinds of stuff. “

The explosive 6-foot-2, 185-pound Hill is blessed with an athletic bloodline; his brother is New York Giants defensive end Adrian Tracy, who played football and basketball at Potomac Falls High. Hill spent his freshman year at Centreville, where he split time between the varsity and junior varsity basketball squads before moving on to Westfield as a sophomore.

Hill spent last summer with Thomas Gadson's Virginia Elite 17U, which featured several other Virginia public school stars, including South County's Justin Hampton, Battlefield's Terrell Walker, Atlantic Shores' Brian Kelley and Loudoun Valley's Paul Rowley. Read More.... | Offers: NJIT and Adelphi Universities

DMVELITE SPOTLIGHT BRIAN KELLEY

August 2013 DMVELITE.COM

by: Marcus Helton

After a strong freshman season at Don Bosco Cristo Rey, point guard Brian Kelley transferred into DeMatha expecting to see similar results. When that playing time didn’t materialize, though, Kelley decided to look elsewhere, and as he heads into his final season at Atlantic Shores Christian School (Va.), the 5-foot-11, 183-pounder has worked his way onto the radar of several Division I programs.

“I’ve got a lot of interest, no offers yet, though,” Kelley said recently. “I have Virginia Tech, George Mason, Hampton, Radford, Loyola. I don’t really want to leave anybody out, but that’s all I can think of right now.”

The 18-year-old Kelley – who played his AAU ball with Virginia Elite this summer – is a strong and athletic guard with a college-ready build. The Lanham, MD native initially attended Jericho Christian Academy in Landover, and repeated his freshman year at Don Bosco. After transferring to DeMatha, Kelley fell behind James Robinson (now a freshman at Pitt) and Johnnie Shuler (who has since transferred to Theodore Roosevelt) in the Stags’ rotation, and left last January to go to Atlantic Shores. Read More.....

ST JOHN'S CATHOLIC (MD) SUPER SOPHOMORE OSHEA GAIREY 

St John's Catholic Prep has gone through an up and down season as the young Vikings have had to overcome key player injuries in two starters, 6'2 sophomore guard Elijah Boyd & 6'5 sophomore G/F MJ Ambers. A team filled with practically all sophomore's, SJCP has still been able to hold on to bragging rights in the MIAA 'C' Conference with last night's huge victory over rival Indian Creek 69-60.

The engine all year for Coach Silas Cheung's team as been talented 6'1 sophomore point guard, Oshea Gairey, who for the year is averaging, 17 ppg along with a county tops, 7 apg. Gairey who plays for Virginia Elite during the Spring and Summer is blessed with extraordinary basketball skills that enables him to compete against some of the premier players in the country.

Gairey, along with sophomore guards Grant Austin, who chipped in 17 pts and has been a deadly 3-pt specialist all season, and last year's Honorable Mention All-County sophomore guard Trevor Lacouna, who tallied with 13 pts, have been a 3 headed monster coming into the New Year. After losing they're key post player in MJ Ambers, who was averaging 16 ppg along with 9 rebs per contest, the Vikings have overcome some bumps, and Gairey has accepted the captain role faithfully from the jump, igniting his young squad, to focus on the goal, repeating as MIAA.

LOUDOUN VALLEY PAUL ROWLEY (2014) PICKS UP OFFER FROM MOUNT ST MARY'S

August 2013 Loudoun Sports and News.com 

Loudoun Valley High School junior Paul Rowley, a 6-foot-7 inside-outside player who can play point guard, has picked up his first college offer as new Mount St. Mary's coach Jamion Christian has put the Viking on The Mount's recruiting radar.

Rowley picked up the offer according to Loudoun Valley coach Chad Dawson after a great summer season while playing for Virginia Elite, that included invites to the Mount St. Mary's elite camp as well as West Virginia University's elite camp.

"He deserves it as he has worked real hard," said Dawson. "Paul is very versatile, very athletic and great student of the game." Read More.....

VIRGINIA ELITE PLAYERS continue to make a difference Cameron Jackson (Committed to Mount St. Mary's), CJ Hill (Interest: NJIT and Offer: Adelphi Universities), Brian Kelly (Interest: Jacksonville and American Universities), Paul Rowley (Offer: Mount St Mary's INTEREST: West Virginia, Yale, Bucknell, Cornell, American, St Francis (PA)), AJ Carr (Interest: Bucknell) and Cameron Smith (Offer: Boston University INTEREST: Cornell, Mount St. Mary's, George Mason University, Radford University).

VIRGINIA ELITE PLAYERS Clash at the 2012 Westfield Bulldog Bash

#23 C.J. Hill (Westfield H.S.-White) and #23 Jamison Glover (Battlefield H.S.-Purple) 

Although AAU organization teammates C.J. Hill and Jamison Glover battled each other along with other Virginia Elite players Treveon Walton, Chauncey Beckett and Terrell Walker. All selected to the All-Tournament Team.

The Elite Basketball Training Academy (EBTA) features core basketball patterns that are created to accelerate individual player development and on-court production.  Our coaching staff has many years of basketball teaching and instruction experience which has resulted in positive production from players who have participated in our program. As actual coaches we are able to leverage our player development, game and practice experiences as resources for our program.  Read more.....

Our core basketball training includes:

• Coaches with actual player development capabilities

• Program specific training

• Program level training

• Position-specific fundamental and advanced drill sequences for all phases of the game, 

• Game-simulation drills and scrimmages closely monitored by coaches, 

• Basketball-specific physical conditioning and mental conditioning.

THE BEGINNING OF THE 2013 ELITE SHOWCASE BASKETBALL CLASSIC (ESBC) 2013

By Thomas Gadson

Chesapeake, VA (September 1, 2012) - On August 18, 2012 the the New York Times told the story about Jonathan Hargett a true Phenom and some will say a wizard on the hardwood from Richmond, Virginia. After reading the New York Times and Slam Magazine articles Bernaldo Ormond, Director of Communications for the Elite Showcase Basketball Classic (ESBC) brought the article to my attention. I was immediately interested in finding out more about the legend and the story of Jonathan Hargett.

"A starter from jump at Highland Springs, Hargett averaged 18 ppg and earned a spot on the ’98 Richmond Times Dispatch All-Metro First-Team. After dominating on the AAU circuit the ensuing summer, Hargett was considered one of the top sophomores in the country".

Look forward to more about the Youngman, his game, his life and his future. After a good Saturday the ESBC spoke with John Lucas, more to come.

VIRGINIA ELITE 17U COACH JOSEPHINE MCLANE MOVES ON TO BECOME GRAD ASSISTANT AT MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE (Marshall, MO)

Josephine McLane will serve as a graduate assistant for the Women's Basketball team during the 2012-2013 season. Coach McLane is originally from California, but comes to Missouri Valley from Chantilly, Va.. Coach McLane, has played basketball since the age of five, and played four years of college basketball. Two season at Division One University of Maryland Eastern-Shore, and two seasons at Division Two American International College, serving as team captain in the 2010-2011 season.

Coaching wise, Coach McLane has spent two seasons as an assistant coach on the Virginia Elite AAU team, and served as a student assistant coach at American International College for one season.  Coach McLane graduated with a B.A. in Sociology from American International College, and is working toward a Master's in Sports Managment at the University of Central Missouri.

THE INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY FROM SHANGHAI CHINA TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIA ELITE

Photo: Coach Brandon Jones, Ray Shou and Coach Thomas Gadson 

August 2, 2012 - This year Virginia Elite team roster included 6"4 Shooting Guard Ray Shou (2014) from Atlantic Shore Christian, Chesapeake Virginia via Shanghai, China.  Ray came to Virginia Elite as a player recommendation to participate with the Virginia Elite AAU Basketball program from his Head Coach at Atlantic Shores Christian Coach Walter Webb. 

Now his transition included playing with another team, meeting new teammates and getting direction from new coaches. With all these factors no one knew how this would work especially with a player from another country. 

But, just as basketball has become a global game the bridge that formed the bound with the Virginia Elite family and the player from Shanghai was nothing more than basketball. 

Ray Shou first day at practice know one knew his strengths and abilities on the basketball court but his personality and sharp skills gained him immediate respect from the coaching staff and from his teammates. 

THE INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY FROM SHANGHAI CHINA TO NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND VIRGINIA ELITE..continue

Ray first tournament with Virginia Elite was the King James Tournament in Akron, Ohio where he displayed his consistent ability to score the long ball from NBA range. Against tough competition Ray continued to adjust to the new coaching style from Coach Gadson, Coach Bearyman and Jones to make a lasting impact on the team.

Fast forward to July, Ray continued to deliver and embrace the team with open arms. As with many AAU programs, players leave with most staying, with that Ray became a mainstay with the team and a favorite team member of the coaching staff. Off the court his international presence and personality became an influence with the parents and siblings of many of the players. 

At the Adidas Super 64 in Las Vegas, NV Ray performance has been recognized by college recruiters who came to watch the 16 year old international player compete in competition. Ray basketball abilities have caught the attention of college recruiter and his ability to consistently score the long range ball and his high character will grant him the ability to continue playing at the next level.

Next season it is anticipated that Ray will rejoin the Virginia Elite 17U team for the 2013 summer season and team up with Mount Saint Mary's commit Cameron Jackson, D1 prospects Paul Rowley, A.J. Carr (Saint James H.S.), Terrell Walker (Evangel Christian H.S.), Tony Richardson (Dominion H.S.) and Justice Nasah (Stonewall Jackson H.S.).