Darius Smith, South Lakes High School commits to the Appalachian State University (Football).

High School: South Lakes High School, Reston, VA 

February 4, 2011 - Darius Smith commits to Appalachian State University. Darius was a member of the VA Elite AAU program for two years and coached by Mike Desmond and Steve Sonnen. The versatile athlete played running back, wide receiver and defensive back as a prep ... as a senior, accounted for 845 yards (478 receiving, 367 rushing) and nine touchdowns (seven receiving, two rushing) on offense and was named an honorable-mention all-Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area selection as a defensive back ... was perhaps most dangerous as a kick returner, taking five of 16 kicks that he fielded back for touchdowns (four punts, one kickoff) ... While at South Lakes Darius was coached by Andy Hill

Jordan Elliott commits to the United States Army Academy at West Point.

January 7, 2011 -  Jordan Elliott was playing for South County High School in Lorton, VA  and now she is half way around the world still making a name for herself on the hardwood.  Jordan now attends, Seoul American High School in Seoul,Korea (Yongsan Garrison) , where her dreams are still becoming reality.  Now she as a story that will last a lifetime experiencing another culture and playing hoops.

Kevin McGaughey playing for the Dukes of James Madison University (JMU)

High School: Broad Run High School, Ashburn, VA 

Harrisonburg, VA -  The class of 2010 has delivered another VA Elite player to college basketball. 6"5 Kevin McGaughey played his high school basketball for coach John Costello at Broad Run High School where he was selected to the All-District, All-Region and All-State basket teams.  While playing for VA Elite Kevin was a member of the 2009 Myrtle Beach Big Shots Championship and Final Four teams.  During the 2008 and 2009 Reebok National Tournament in Las Vegas, NV the AAU team #1 in their pool and finished in the top 16. Read more

Kristopher "Smooth" McNeil playing for Widener University (WU)

High School: Oakton High School, Oakton, VA 

Chester, PA -  The class of 2010 has delivered another VA Elite player to college basketball. After capturing the 2010 Concorde District Title for Oakton High School 5"11 Kristopher McNeil will continue his basketball career at Widener University. While playing for VA Elite Kris was a member of the 2009 Myrtle Beach Big Shots Championship and Final Four teams.  During the 2008 and 2009 Reebok National Tournament in Las Vegas, NV the AAU team #1 in their pool and finished in the top #16 overall.

Will Simonton commits to the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC)

High School: Marshall High School, McLean, VA 

September 28, 2010 - (Waynesboro, VA) Newly-named University of Illinois-Chicago coach Howard Moore landed his first recruit with the commitment of 6-11 center Will Simonton.

Simonton, a Class of 2011 recruit, averaged 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks last season at Marshall High School in Falls Church, Va. He will play this season at Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro, Va.  Read more visit ESPN....

Rashad Gadson continue Hoops career at St. John's Northwest Military Academy (SJNMA) - Post Graduate

High School: Westfield High School, Chantilly, VA 

August 15, 2010 - Herndon, VA  -  After a great AAU with VA Elite and high school basketball career at Westfield High School, Chantilly, VA,  Rashad Gadson is continuing  his academic and athletic career at St John's Northwestern Military Academy (Post Graduate), Delafield, Wisconsin.

In addition to Rashads high school career the point guard was a key member of the 2009-10 17 and Under VA Elite AAU team that captured the Big Shots (Myrtle Beach, SC) Championship (BS I), finished in the top four (BSII) and  finished in the top 16 at the national Reebok Summer Championships (Las Vegas, NV). Teammates: Pat Kelly, Andrew Daniels, Kris McNeil (Widener University), Antonio Butler (Delaware State), P.J. Lockridge (University of Rhode Island), Kevin McGaughey (James Madison University) and Reggie Tate (JC).

Patrick Kelly commits to play for the Crusaders of Susquehanna University

High School: Highland School, Warrenton, VA 

July 20, 2010 - WARRENTON, VA  -  After a great summer and high school basketball season the Highland Schools Patrick "Pat" Kelly signed to continue his academic and athletic career at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA

Pat was member of VA Elite for his senior campaign in addition to attending the Highland School in Warrenton, Virginia. As for his many high school accomplishments  Pat was selected to the 2010 VISAA  District II All-State team to finish his basketball career at the Highland School.

In addition to his high school career Pat was a key member of the VA Elite AAU team that captured the Big Shots (Myrtle Beach, SC) Championship (BS I), finished in the top four (BSII) and  finished in the top 16 at the national Reebok Summer Championships (Las Vegas, NV).

Andrew Daniels commits to play for the Maroons of Roanoke College

High School: Oakton High School, Oakton, VA 

July 17, 2010 - OAKTON, VA  -  After capturing the Concorde District Title (Concorde District Tournament MVP and 1st Team All-District) for the 1st time for Oakton High School history Andrew "Drew" Daniels (VA Elite 17u Alum) signed to continue his academic and athletic endeavors at the Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.

Andrew was member of VA Elite for his junior and senior campaign while in addition to attending Oakton High School. As to his many high school accomplishments  Andrew was a member of the Big Shots Championship team, while playing in the 2009-10 Reebok Summer Championships (Las Vegas, NV) Andrew scored a tournament high 40 points to propel the team to finish in the top 16.

Patrick "PJ" Lockridge commits to play for University of Rhode Island

High School: Heat Academy, Southern, VA 

June 2, 2010 - KINGSTON, R.I. -  P.J. Lockridge (VA Elite 17u Alum) signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic endeavors at the University of Rhode Island, beginning with the 2010-11 academic year.

"We are elated to have P.J. join our basketball family," Coach Baron said. "He is a tremendously athletic player, who will complement our up-tempo style of play."

Lockridge, a 6-foot, 5-inch, 200-pound forward is a native of Racine Wis. and was a standout player at Heat Academy (Martinsville, Va.) where he played for the past two seasons under the direction of head coach Jason Niblett.     Click for complete story

PLAYER NEWS: Eric Zlatos commits to play for Ava Maria University

High School: Holy Family, Manassas, VA 

April 26, 2010 -VA Elite Alum Eric Zlatos (6-foot-7) forward signs letter of intent to player for Ava Maria University, Ava Maria, FL. Eric played for VA Elite last year and attended Holy Family Academy in Manassas.  

Ava Maria University: http://www.avemaria.edu/

Former VA Elite AAU Coach and St Francis Red Flash Student-Athlete/Coach Joey Goodson accepts coaching position at University of  Missouri Science & Tech (S&T) 

08.05.2009  

Former VA Elite 17U Coach Joey Goodson, a former player and assistant coach at Saint Francis University, has been selected as the new assistant coach for the Missouri S&T men’s basketball program. 

VA Elite along with Saint Francis men’s basketball family would like to extend congratulations to Joey Goodson on being hired as an assistant coach at Missouri S&T. 

Goodson spent three seasons on the Saint Francis staff after a four-year career as a player for the Red Flash. During his time as a player, he helped lead the program to winning seasons in three consecutive years – a first in the team’s history – and to three straight appearances in the Northeast Conference Tournament.  

While at  St. Francis  Coach Goodson assisted with the off-campus recruiting as well as on-court instruction and scouting at Saint Francis. 

During his playing career, Goodson served as a team captain for all four seasons and started in 62 of the 105 games he appeared in, making his mark as a top defensive player and playmaker. He finished with 73 career steals and 193 assists while averaging 4.5 points per game. He was third on the team in steals in his senior year despite missing a good portion of the season with an injury.  

In the 2004-05 campaign, Goodson was named as the Northeast Conference’s pre-season “Defensive Player of the Year” by Lindy’s Basketball magazine.

Articles: St. Francis University and University of Missouri Science and Technology