DC Premier guard Elijah Clarence dunks it home
The Under Armour Association kicked off it's 2016 campaign in New York , showcasing some of the most talented high school player's across the country. Two local program's, DC Blue Devil's and DC Premier both looked to get off to strong starts at the first session, let's recap what went down.
DC Blue Devils -
The Blue Devils started off strong, knocking off Atlanta Express in convincing fashion 71-54 behind the scoring of guards Matt Lewis (Bishop O'Connell) and Mike Speights (Wise). The Blue Devils jumped out to a 41-25 halftime lead and wouldn't look back cruising to victory. In fact, the only thing that kept the game respectable was the fact that the Express converted 25 of 38 free throws compared to the Blue Devils 9 of 13. Lewis finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Speights added 10 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assist respectively.
The second game against the Young Legends, it was the complete opposite. The Blue Devils held the Legends to 16 first half points as they led at halftime with 21 of their own. In the second half, the Blue Devils went cold on offense and the Legends led by guards Marco Pettinato (17 points) and Peter Blust (12 points) exploded, scoring 37 points and holding DC to 17 points to walk off victorious 53-38. Jared Bynum (Georgetown Prep/10 points and 3 rebounds), Darron Barnes (Wise/9 points) paced the Blue Devils.
DC in their final game against Oklahoma Run PWP, corrected their offensive woes, however defense would be an issue. Despite 20 points from point guard Jared Bynum, the Blue Devils would fall to Oklahoma Run 83-64. Oklahoma center Adrian Rodriquez-Estrada dominated inside, posting 16 points and 9 rebounds to lead the Run PWP. Oklahoma shot over 50% from the field for the game, 85% from the line and 43% from 3-point range in the victory. Stefon Fisher (IDEA Charter) finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds while Darron Barnes (Wise) added 12 points and 9 rebounds for the Blue Devils.
Jared Bynum (Georgetown Prep/ 2018) was impressive with his steady play running point guard
Darron Barnes (Wise/2017) shooting from mid range
Stefon Fisher (IDEA Charter/ 2017) shoots a jump hook over the defender
DC Blue Devils Head Coach Brian Inge
Blue Devils guard Mike Speights (Wise/ 2017)
DC Premier -
DC Premier Head Coach Torrey Farrington talks with guard Prentiss Hubb
Premier stood out all weekend long. Led by coveted local prospects like Nate Watson (O'Connell), Prentiss Hubb (Gonzaga) and Naji Marshall (Hargrave Military Academy), Premier would finish 2-1 in session one.
Against Canada Elite, Premier led from start to finish behind Marshall (17 points), guard Anwar Gill (Gonzaga/2019/13 points) and center Nate Watson (10 points), Premier wouldn't be threatened, running away with a 97-76 victory.
In their second game against the Florida Vipers, DC would get tested early an often,due to an explosive 21 point performance from Viper guard Anthony Polite, Premier would trail 30-26 at the half. However, Premier would adjust, pounding the Vipers inside with Watson (12 points and 7 rebounds), AJ Wilson (Elev8 Prep) 11 points and 6 rebounds, and on the outside with Naji Marshall (15 points and 3 rebounds) and Prentiss Hubb ( 14 points, 4 assist and 3 rebounds) to keep the game close. The Vipers simply wouldn't be denied, defeating Premier 71-61. 7 foot center Victor Uyaelunmo posted 13 points and 8 rebounds while guard Zackary Scott added 13 points and 5 rebounds for the Vipers.
In their third and final game of session one, Premier would bounce back beautifully, edging 1 Nation 70-63 behind the relentless attack of guards Naji Marshall (17 points and 6 rebounds) and Prentiss Hubb ( 16 points and 7 rebounds). 1 Nation point guard Mike Flowers ( 23 points , 5 rebounds and 4 assist) was a handful all game long, leading 1 Nation to a narrow 37-33 lead over Premier. In the second half, Marshall and Hubb took over. Hubb and Marshall both shot 50% from the field to blow open and close the game for Premier, outscoring 1Nation 37-26 to close out session one at 2-1 in impressive fashion.
Versatile forward Naji Marshall at the line
Prentiss Hubb at the stripe
Premier's high energy forward AJ Wilson