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EDDIE GRIFFIN CHALLENGE: CLASS OF 2010 GAME

Juniors from Philly outscore counterparts from Jersey to take contest

by Matt Whitfield

New Jersey would try and get revenge on Philadelphia in the junior game. The roster for this game was loaded with talented player such as Shaquille Thomas (NJ), Mike Poole (NJ), Derrick Williams (NJ), Cameron Ayers (Philly), Isaiah Epps and Marcus Kennedy (Philly).

After losing the first game (Class of 2011 Game), New Jersey came out to prove a point. Much of the game was a see-saw battle. In the 4th quarter there were many lead changes; and the game came down the game came down to the buzzer as Dominic Morris of Philadelphia would score to force overtime. In overtime it continues as a back and forth battle. With under a minute left though Rakeem Brookins, who was one of the more intense players, would be fouled on a layup to ice the victory for Philadelphia. The final score of the game was 98-93 Philadelphia.

This game which was competitive throughout had it’d great moments. In the 2nd quarter Jayon James (NJ) would dish it to Derrick Williams for a nice dunk. 6’8 Marcus Kennedy would also have a nice dunk with under a minute left in OT, which ended up help leading to the Philadelphia victory.

The respective big men for their teams were named MVP’s in this game. Derrick Williams received the award for New Jersey with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and a block. While Marcus Kennedy received the award for Philadelphia with 17 points, 14 rebounds, an assist, and a steal.

Some Player Notes:

New Jersey Juniors

Isaiah Epps, 6’2” PG. Plainfield HS:
Nice moves, crisp passes. Court presence wasn’t overly felt although games like this are similar to an all-star game atmosphere. Holds offers from Pittsburgh, Maryland, Rutgers and Seton Hall.

Mike Poole, 6”5” SF. St. Benedicts:
Slick moves, good court vision. Leader on the floor. Needs to bulk up slightly, you will hear this name again from Jay Bilas and Bill Raftery. Holds offers from Connecticut, UAB, Marquette, and St. Johns. Plans to visit USC, Florida, West Virginia, and Kansas.

Shaquille Thomas, 6’6” SF. Montclair HS:
Transfer from Patterson Catholic. Nephew of Tim Thomas. Good basketball player frame, needs to bulk up. Makes presence felt. Good defense can leap. Has offers from Syracuse, Fordham, Xavier, and Providence. Holds interest from Virginia Tech, Clemson, West Virginia, and St. Johns.

Fuquan Edwin, 6’5” SF. Paterson Catholic:
Good basketball player frame. Good ball handle. Moves up and down the court with ease.

Derrick Williams, 6’6” PF. St. Anthony’s:
For only a Junior this kid is huge. Looks like a football player in a basketball jersey. Williams is no oaf, he is aggressive and moves adequately for a man his size. Junior game MVP for New Jersey. Holds offers from Seton Hall, LaSalle, Fordham, and UVA.

Philadelphia Juniors

CJ Aiken, 6’10” C. Plymouth Whitemarsh:
Very lean; needs to bulk up greatly before he can become an impact college player.

Marcus Kennedy. 6’8” C. Apex Academy.
Has the size, needs to cut up a bit. Good basketball fundamentals and moves for a big man. Junior game MVP for Philadelphia. Also played in the Senior game. Holds offers from Villanova, Rutgers and Xavier, among others. Big time schools such as Arizona, Michigan State, and Ohio State are also said to be interested.

Cameron Ayers, 6’4” SG. Germantown Academy:
Descent size for only a junior. Wasn’t overly noticeable in this all-star type of game.

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