H.S. Team Invitational Event

2007 ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL HOOP FESTIVAL

Presented by Southeast Basketball Academy (SEBA)

We would like to thank the 10 participating high schools, their coaches and players, media outlets, event sponsors, and Atlanta area basketball fans who helped make the 1st Annual SEBA Atlanta Hoop Festival a fantastic success!!!

Please check below for game results, outstanding performers, and links to Media coverage of the event.          

Event Overview: This one day High School Invitational will feature 10 Top Boys High school teams from throughout the Metro Atlanta area matching up in five highly competitive games. The field of teams for the event has been set (listed below) and we are looking forward to a tremendous display of high school basketball featuring some of Georgia's top teams, coaches, and players.   

Date:        Saturday - December 22, 2007

Venue:    Cobb County Civic Center 

                 528 South Marietta Parkway; Marietta, GA  30060

                 Click Here For Directions to Civic Center

Tickets:    On Sale day of event at the Civic Center Box Office

                  $8 for adults; $5 for students; children under 5 are free 

                 Note: Tickets are good for all 5 games throughout the day   

Game Schedule:

Time Away vs. Home
1:45 p.m. Morgan County (47)  vs. Osborne (67)
3:15 p.m. Blessed Trinity (60) vs. Etowah (57)
5:00 p.m. Central Gwinnett (67) vs. Walton (88)
6:30 p.m. Shiloh (50) vs. North Cobb (48)
8:00 p.m. Cherokee (37) vs. McEachern (40)

"Most Outstanding Players" For Each Game  

Morgan County vs. Osborne

DJ Calhoun (6' 6, Forward, Morgan County) - 11 pts.; 12 rebounds

Rico Spears (6' 3, Wing, Osborne) - 25 pts.; 6 rebounds

Blessed Trinity vs. Etowah

Arris Brundidge (6' 4, Wing, Blessed Trinity) -  20 Pts.; 8 rebounds

Tyler Cerone (5' 10, PG, Blessed Trinity) - 13 pts.; 5 assists

Tyler Blackwell (6' 6', Forward, Etowah) - 11 pts.; 10 rebounds

Central Gwinnett vs. Walton

Glen Rice Jr.(6' 4, SG, Walton) - 19 pts.; 8 rebounds, 7 assists

Kyle Putkonen (6' 3, SG, Walton) -  22 points

Devonta' White (5' 11, PG, Central Gwinnett) - 18 Pts.; 4 assists

Brian Williams (6' 0, Guard, Central Gwinnett) - 18 pts.; 3 steals

Shiloh vs. North Cobb

Delta Leonard (6' 4, Wing, Shiloh) - 12 points; 4 steals

Zach Lurry (5' 11, PG, Shiloh) - 13 points; 4 assists

Cameron Whigham (6' 3, Forward, Shiloh) - 13 points; 7 rebounds

Evan Snelling (6' 4, Wing, North Cobb) - 10 points; 9 rebounds

Cherokee vs. McEachern:

Trae Golden (6' 2, Guard, McEachern) - 21 pts; (10-10 FT); 3 steals

Darius Garrett (6' 8, Forward, McEachern) - 12 points; 8 rebounds

Chase Waters (5' 9, PG, Cherokee) - 11 Points; 4 steals

Mike Kvam (6' 3, SG, Cherokee) - 10 points

Media Coverage of the Event:

"County Teams Get Festive for Invite" (Dec. 22, Written by Carlton D. White, Marietta Daily Journal)

"Cherokee, Etowah part of 10-team festival of area high school programs" (Dec. 21, Carten Cordell, Cherokee Tribune)

"SEBA Hoop Festival To Tip-Off This Year" (Nov.8, Justin Young, Georgia Hoops)

"Central Gwinnett no match for Walton marksmen" (Dec. 23, Greg Oshust, Marietta Daily Journal)

"Lurry's basket gives Shiloh Overtime win" (Dec. 23, Gwinnett Daily Post)

"North Cobb falls to Shiloh in OT" (Dec. 23, Marietta Daily Journal)

"McEachern staves off Cherokee’s bid" (Dec. 23, Carten Cordell, Marietta Daily Journal)

"Osborne wins romp over Morgan County" (Dec. 23, Adam Carrington, Marietta Journal)

"Etowah falls just short in upset bid" (Dec. 23, Cherokee Tribune)
 

Preview Information on participating teams:

Blessed Trinity Catholic

Central Gwinnett

Cherokee

Etowah

McEachern

Morgan County

North Cobb

Osborne

Shiloh

Walton 

Blessed Trinity Catholic

Mascot:

 Titans

Head Coach:

 Brian Marks

Assistant Coaches:

 Jamie Wagner, Tim Rountree, and Mark Moses

2006-07 Record:

 21-6

Top Players:

Jordan Callahan (5' 11, Guard, 2008); Tyler Cerone (5'10, Guard, 2008); Ryan Aquino (6' 7, Forward, 2008); Arris Brundidge (6' 3, Wing, 2009)

 

Team Overview:

The Titans have a talented and experienced team; returning four starters from team which went 21-6 last season and was ranked #6 in Class AAA. Coach Marks has a variety of weapons at his disposal. The talented backcourt duo of Jordan Callahan and Tyler Cerone will lead the attack. Callahan, who was an All-State Honorable mention pick as a junior, is a quick guard with the ability to hurt teams off the dribble. Cerone is a heady and tough floor leader who is an excellent set up man and three point shooter. The 6' 7 Aquino adds size and versatility up front. He is a good rebounder and has nice midrange shooting touch. Junior Arris Brundidge is a high potential junior with good athleticism. He plays with excellent energy and is very good in transition and on the offensive boards.           

Central Gwinnett

Mascot:

Black Knights

Head Coach:

David Allen

Assistant Coaches:

Adam Griffin and Roger Breda

2006-07 Record:

17-11

Top Players:

DeVonta' White (5' 11, PG, 2010); Prinz Barimah (6'0, SG, 2009); Azuibuke Ekwueme (6' 1, SG, 2008); Joe Jackson (6' 5, Forward, 2008)

Team Overview:

Central Gwinnett did graduate several of their top players from a season ago while also losing a key player to a transfer situation. However, the cupboard is not bare for Coach David Allen and his Black Knight squad. Sophomore DeVonta' White, who started and played well last year as a freshman, is one of the top Point Guards in Georgia's Class of 2010. Junior Prinz Barimah is ready to make his mark with an increased role and Seniors Azuibuke Ekwueme and Joe Jackson will add senior leadership and ability. Look for Central to be a tough matchup for opponents.     

Cherokee

Mascot:

 Warriors

Head Coach:

 Roger Kvam

Assistant Coaches:

 Gerald Sharpe, Andy Hall, and Chris Marcusky

2006-07 Record:

 25-4

Top Players:

 Ryan Fleming (5' 9, PG, 2009); Shawn Kemp (6' 9, Forward, 2009); Chase Waters (5' 10, PG, 2008)

Team Overview:

Over the past several seasons, Coach Roger Kvam has established the Cherokee Program as one of top overall programs in Georgia. This season's team will be no exception, as the Warriors are expected to be among the State's Elite Class AAAA teams. Ryan Fleming is a cat quick and smooth lead guard who has the dual ability to set up teammates and score on his own. Shawn Kemp (the son of the former NBA All-Star of the same name) is a young developing big man with strong upside potential.  Senior Chase Waters has excellent speed and plays with a non stop motor. He thrives in the open court and can cause havoc on defense. Look out for 6' 3 Sophomore Guard Michael Kvam to make an impact as well.

Etowah

Mascot:

 Eagles

Head Coach:

 Don Hurlburt

Assistant Coaches:

 Trip Holton, Billy Hamilton, and Brett Pinckard

2006-07 Record:

 13-16

Top Players:

 Ben Stone (6' 5, Small Forward, 2008); Zach Okerblad (6' 6, Forward, 2008); Zach Moore (6'0, SG, 2008); Spencer Poer (6' 3, PG, 2008); Tyler Blackwell (6' 6, Forward, 2008)

Team Overview:

Since his arrival at Etowah, Head Coach Don Hurlburt has shaped the Eagles into one of the better programs in the Metro Atlanta area. Etowah has advanced to the State Playoffs the past 3 seasons while also producing an impressive number of players who have gone on to play at the college level. This year's squad will rely heavily on a strong core of experienced and skilled seniors. Ben Stone led the team in scoring last year at 13 PPG and was named 1st team All-County. 6' 6 Forward Zach Okerblad is a workhorse inside who rebounds and defends well. Shooting Guard Zach Moore is a tough and physical guard with the ability to light it up from beyond the 3-Point arc. Look for Spencer Poer to also be a key contributor on the perimeter and 6' 6' Tyler Blackwell to bring added strength down low.    

McEachern

Mascot:

 Indians

Head Coach:

 Nick Chaykowsky

Assistant Coaches:

 Mike Thompson, Michael Taylor, Joel White, Assamee Asad

2006-07 Record:

 23-4 

Top Players:

 Trae Golden (6' 3, CG, 2010); Darrius Garrett (6' 8, Forward, 2008); Kadeem Batts (6' 8, Forward, 2009); Josh Brown (5' 10, PG, 2008); Lazbri Akpuchukwu (6' 6, Forward, 2008); Aliounne Diouf (6' 5, Wing, 2009)

Team Overview:

McEachern has one of the most talented lineups in Georgia (and in the entire Southeastern Region for that matter). Despite graduating 4 seniors who signed college scholarships, the Indians have re-loaded and are expected to challenge for the Class AAAAA Georgia State Championship Title. Leading the way for Coach Chaykowsky's Indians will be Sophomore Guard Trae Golden, who is ranked as one of the Nation's Top 10 prospects in the Class of 2010. The super talented guard has already verbally committed to Ohio State and is expected to be among Georgia's top players this season regardless of class. Senior Guard Josh Brown will start at the other guard spot, giving McEachern one of the best backcourts in the State. Brown is extremely quick and has explosive leaping ability which he uses to attack the basket.

McEachern has two twin towers inside whom are excellent interior players. 6' 8 Darrius Garrett has committed to play next year at the University of Richmond while 6' 8 Kadeem Batts is one of Georgia's Top 2009  prospects and is receiving significant attention from Major College programs. 6' 6 Senior Lazbri Akpuchukwu will bring added size and rebounding strength to the frontcourt while the versatile talents of athletic 6' 5 Junior Alioune Diouf will be fun to watch.

Morgan County

Mascot:

 Bulldogs

Head Coach:

 Charlemagne Gibbons

Assistant Coaches:

 Jonathan Nelson

2006-07 Record:

 15-10

Top Players:

 DJ Calhoun (6' 5, Forward, 2008); CJ Benford (6' 1, Guard, 2008); Roy Smith (6' 4, Forward, 2011)

Team Overview:

Coach Charlemagne Gibbons returns 4 starters from last year's squad which advanced to the State Playoffs. The "Big Dog" for the Bulldogs will be 6' 5 Senior Forward DJ Calhoun. Calhoun was a Class AA All-State selection last season averaging 18 PPG, 11 rebounds, and 3 block per game. He is definitely an unsigned senior for college coaches to keep an eye on. Senior Guard CJ Benford hopes to build on the very solid Junior season he had last season, where he was named to the All Region team. Promising 2011 Prospect Roy Smith has played exceptionally well in the early season for a freshman; averaging close to a double-double. With continued development, the 6' 4 Smith has the potential to be a big time player in the future.            

North Cobb

Mascot:

 Warriors

Head Coach:

 Terry Gorsuch

Assistant Coaches:

 Ray Tucker, Van Jacobs, David Welch, and Cam Fitch

2006-07 Record:

 19-10

Top Players:

 Evan Snelling (6' 3, Wing, 2008); Tiek Fields (6' 3, Wing, 2008); Brian Mayr (5' 10, Guard, 2008); Matt Roark (6' 6, Forward, 2008); Jordan Jones (6' 3, Wing, 2010)

Team Overview:

While the year and personnel may change from season to season; it is pretty much a given that North Cobb's Boys team is going to be well coached, disciplined, and successful under Head Coach Terry Gorsuch. Over the past several seasons North Cobb hasn't had a collection of high profile players nor tremendous size. However the have utilized excellent team defense and team chemistry to become a perennial State Playoff Team. This year's squad returns three talented starters who were main ingrediants in the Warrior's advancement to the Sweet Sixteen round of last season's Class AAAAA State Tournament. 6' 3 Senior Evan Snelling, who was named 1st Team All-County by the Cobb County Tip Off Club last season, is the Warrior's top player. Snelling plays with tremendous intensity, athleticism, and is very versatile, allowing him to play and guard all five positions on the floor well. He is one of the top unsigned seniors in Georgia's Class of 2008. Tiek Fields and Brian Mayr are ready to step into leading roles as seniors. 6' 6 Matt Roark is a very good rebounder and runs the floors extremely well for his size. Roark is also a blue chip quarterback on the football gridiron. Young 6' 3 sophomore Jordan Jones is also expected to be a major contributor.

Osborne

Mascot:

Cardinals

Head Coach:

John Jenkins

Assistant Coaches:

 

2006-07 Record:

 

Top Players:

 

Team Overview:

 

 

Shiloh

Mascot:

 Generals

Head Coach:

 Don Einolf

Assistant Coaches:

 

2006-07 Record:

 

Top Players:

 

Team Overview:

 

 

Walton

Mascot:

 Raiders

Head Coach:

 Joe Goydish

Assistant Coaches:

 Ben Kitzrow, Jim Satalin, and Richard Stapleton

2006-07 Record:

 17-10

Top Players:

 Glen Rice Jr. (6' 4, SG, 2009); Marcus Fondon (5' 9, PG, 2008); Kyle Putkonen (6' 3, Wing, 2008); Gmitri Rice (6' 2, CG, 2010)

Team Overview:

 Coach Joe Goydish's club has several key players returning from squad which won 17 games a year ago and just narrowly missed the State Tournament while competing in the very tough Region 6-AAAAA. 6' 4 Glen Rice Jr. will lead the way for the Raiders. Rice averaged 19PPG, 5 Assists, and 7 Boards per game in a terrific sophomore campaign last season which earned him 2nd Team All-Cobb County honors. Rice, who has tremendous upside potential, has added some physical strength in the off-season and will be a multi-faceted threat to all opponents. Senior Point Guard Marcus Fondon brings steady floor leadership as evidenced by his 4.7 assists per game and 3/1 assist to turnover ratio. Kyle Putkonen is a very good outside shooter from the beyond the arc. Be on the lookout for sophomore Gmitri Rice to make some noise. The younger Rice is an excellent athlete and has the ability to be a lock down defender for the Raiders.

Event Sponsors

We would like to recognize and thank our valued sponsors for supporting the 2007 SEBA Atlanta Hoop Festival:

Texas Roadhouse Restaurant   

2475 Barrett Creek Parkway · Marietta, GA 30066 Ph: (770) 429-9019

Website: www.TexasRoadhouse.com 

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Ph: (404) 250-KIDS

Website: www.choa.org

Mike's Trophies and Awards

3073 Cherokee Street Kennesaw, GA 30144 Ph: (770) 428-3081

Chick-Fil-A

Barrett Pkwy Location and Town Center Mall in Kennesaw  

Managing Partner: Ralph Stephens

Website: www.ChickFila.com

McEachern High School Booster Club

An extra Special Thanks goes out to McEachern High School and their Head Boys Coach Nick Chaykowski for his outstanding support of the event.

Contact Info

All questions regarding the event, including media requests, should be directed to:

Event Director: William LoPresti
Phone: (404) 435-6819
Email: WLoPresti@southeastbasketballacademy.com


Georgia Office P.O. Box 440312 Kennesaw, GA 30160 Ph: 404-435-6819 Fax: 770-795-1342

Florida Office P.O. Box 260264 Tampa, FL 33685 Ph: 813-785-6878

 

 
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