Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam Pool Play

Future Spartans decide to team up in '08 commits Delvon Roe and Korie Lucious

May 5, 2007

By Van Coleman

CSTV & Hoopmasters.com


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The Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam got a fast start in Pool Play, as a number of the tourney's top talents showed off their game at the Spiece Fieldhouse in Fort Wayne.

There were some quality performances as expected from Willie Warren, Delvon Roe, J'Mison Morgan, and William Buford while we were in attendance last night. This morning, some underclassmen shined as well, but, it was the surprising play of some lesser known juniors coupled with a deep group of diaper dandies that really has made the Pool Play a hit in Fort Wayne.

The headline game from last night was of the tourney final variety as Mean Streets from Illinois matched up with a deep and talented Team Reebok Elite. It was close throughout as Mean Streets came from behind to win a thriller 63-60 over the talented laden Reebok squad. The difference in this one may have been the fact that Mean Streets has been playing together tournament-wise now for five weeks, while the Reebok squad was playing together for the first time, as they have all been with other teams this spring. But, there was no lack of talent!

Mean Streets was led by sweet shooting 6-foot 6 Matthew Humphrey, who finished with a game high 19 points, including 4-threes. He got solid support on the perimeter from 6-foot 1 point guard Kevin Dillard, but it might have been the inspired post play of Michael Dunigan with 15 points and unofficially 12 boards that proved a real difference maker for the squad from Illinois. 6-foot 8 Josh Crittle also kicked in on the glass and scored nine points.

Team Reebok was led by 6-foot 3 William Buford, who finished with 18 points, but we were immensely impressed with the low block play of 6-foot 11 J'Mison Morgan. He has really improved his foot quicks and explosion. Look for him to be rising in the charts this spring.

That was definitely the game of the night on Friday. This morning, Team Texas Select had a real battle with the Illinois Wolves before pulling away late in the fourth quarter to win a 75-63 decision over a hard nosed Wolves squad. Team Texas was led by sweet shooting 6-foot 1 guard Rotnei Clark, who finished with 28 points, including 6-threes. He got solid support from 6-foot 3 Willie Warren, who added 15 points in the win. The Illinois Wolves were led by 6-foot 1 John Moran, who finished with 18 points, while 6-foot 6 Nick Fruendt added 16 points in the loss.

The top teams that seem to be emerging as favorites to make a run at the Bill Hensley Memorial Classic crown include Mean Streets; Team Reebok Elite; The Family; D-Harris DTA All-Stars; Team Texas Select; CAPS All-Stars; Mac Irvin Fire; Spiece Indy Heat; Michigan Mustangs; along with dark horse candidates Martin Brothers Select; Illinois Bobcats; and Blessed IJN Elite all in the hunt in our eyes. We've seen 12 of the 16 pools so far, so there might be one or two teams we haven't seen that will emerge to challenge for the title on Sunday.

So with that in mind, here are some of the players who've caught our eye in Pool Play at the Bill Hensley Memorial Classic:

Delvon Roe 6-8 PF (D-Harris DTA All-Stars) - Was just getting into stride this morning scoring 21 points versus Spiece Northeast Stars. He looked to be getting comfortable with future Michigan State teammate Korie Lucious. He caught two big-time oops and flushed them, while adding a couple threes for good measure.

Korie Lucious 6-1 PG (D-Harris DTA All-Stars) - He's the other half of the Michigan State duo that D-Harris is sporting this weekend. He's shown the ability to stroke the three in both halves we watched them play. He sees the court well and delivers the rock, much to the satisfaction of Roe.

J'Mison Morgan 6-11 C (Team Reebok Select) - This active big man showed a much improved low block offensive game and swatted a couple on defense into the cheap seats. He is just starting to assert himself on the blocks. Stay tuned, he could be on the rise.

William Buford 6-3 SG (Team Reebok Select) - This Ohio State bound sweet shooting wing knocked down some long range twos, as well as a couple threes in scoring 18 points versus Mean Streets. He did a good job sharing the point spot with UCLA commit Malcolm Lee, so no one should doubt his versatility.

Matthew Humphrey 6-5 SG (Mean Streets) - Humphrey just seems to have a knack for killing rallies with his sweet left handed stroke from beyond the arc. He scored 19 points, including four from deep. He had four more treys in this morning's game. His stroke is for real!

Michael Dunigan 6-9 C (Mean Streets) - This athletic big man really met the challenge of Morgan & Co. last night and exploded for 22 points in the morning game today versus the Ohio Gators. He really crashed the glass and did good job finishing versus Team Reebok.

Jeremiah Kelly 6-2 PG (Mac Irvin Fire) - This fast rising point guard can score or deliver the rock in transition or off the dribble. He had 17 points in today's game while setting up 6-foot 5 Ryan Hare for a number of open shots on the wing. He could be rising in the rankings this spring.

DeShawn Thomas 6-8 (2010) PF (Indiana Elite-Fort Wayne) - Our No.1 prospect in the Class of 2010 showed why, dominating play down the stretch to bring his club back to win a hard fought victory over the All-Iowa Attack. He unofficially finished with 25 points. He definitely does need to play up as he dominates at his age group level and doesn't get pressed to display all of the things he can do. This is due mainly to the fact that his teammates can't join him at that level.

Harrison Barnes 6-5 (2010) SG (All-Iowa Attack) - He more than held his own inside and out versus Indiana Elite, hitting the three, pull-up jumper and finishing at the hoop to score 23 points unofficially. He was definitely a pleasant surprise as he showed a balance game that will attract D-1 interest down the road.

Paul Williams 6-4 SG (The Family) - Strong and physical guard showed he can knock down the three en route to 22 points versus Florida Elite squad this morning. He is a finisher who can find a way to score off the dribble or with the jumper.

Mike Shaw 6-8 (2011) PF (Mac Irvin Fire) - This talented young insider has skills to face hoop or get big down on the blocks. He has sweet touch on his 15-17 footer and is an excellent passer to the wing from the block. He will head to DeLasalle H.S. in Chicago next fall. Could and should be the next great one out of the Windy City!

Matt Gatens 6-4 SG (Martin Brothers Select) - Iowa commitment has really been a leader this weekend scoring 19 and 17 in his first two outings as Martin Bros. has looked as good as they've looked in some time. Has a lot of Adam Haluska & Jeff Horner in his game.

Grant Gibbs 6-4 CG (Martin Brothers Select) - This fast rising combo really did an excellent job hitting the open jumper, setting up his teammates with the pass, and finishing at the hoop in traffic. He is going to get some big looks if he continues to improve at the current rate.

Luke Fabrizus 6-8 PF (Illinois Warriors) - This long and lean combo forward went off for 22 points, including 6-threes versus Martin Brothers Select. He needs to add bulk, but can really score if left open. He has a solid handle so playing facing the hoop seems certain in college.

Willie Warren 6-3 PG (Team Texas Elite) - This strong and physical guard had 25 points versus Team Dickinson last night. He has one sweet stroke and the ball skills to create it all over the floor. He's playing with two other point guards, so he hasn't had to handle it as much this weekend as we'd like. He's even better when distributing the rock as well.

Rotnei Clark 6-1 PG (Team Texas Elite) - This long range bomber has no conscience when stroking the jumper. He had 28 points and 6-threes versus the Illinois Wolves this morning. He is improving as a floor leader, but still is more a scoring combo at this point.