Magic Runner-Up in Vegas

Magic Notes:

Anthony Turner was basically the glue that held us together, on and off the court. His court leadership inspired the other players to max output. Basically playing the 3/4, we haven’t had a player put up his stats since Eddie House in ’96, Ron Selleaze in ‘94 or Sean Williams in ‘93. Turner ave 21.0 per game in Las Vegas and 18.6 for the season. Turner is a prolific scorer, always around the ball and a very strong rebounder. 

Corey Douglas who averaged a double-double which sometimes seemed like a triple double as he scored, rebounded and blocked shots like a man on a mission to win the Championship (we almost did losing in the last 10 seconds). Corey played his best basketball this past AAU season. He can score inside or outside, hit the 3 pointer, rebound with the best and can block shots better than most and @ 6’9 he can guard a guard and runs the court extremely well. Actually he played some point-forward for us. 

Omari Evans, point guard extraordinaire, provided the excitement and tempo. Firstly, Omari is fast as greased lighting with handles to match. He has moves that maybe you haven’t seen yet. He put on a show in Vegas. No defender can stay in front of him; they will get beat. He can hit from anywhere but Omari, a true point with a pass first mentality is always breaking them down and pitching and dishing and dropping dimes. We think Omari is one of the top point guards in the State, but he gets no recognition……ask the kid’s in Vegas that rushed the court after a game in which Omari was just being Omari…..they wanted his autograph. We call it.….Sizzling Under the Radar……see Athlete of the Month. 

Victor Sandifer, considered one of the most intelligent players on the team, does not turn the ball over and always seems to make the right decision when handling the ball. A nice combo who can score and defend. We feel that the ball should always go thru Victor when he is on the court. He can hit the big shot and a top 3 point shooter. 

Kwamee Vaughn….. another top ranked combo. Sandifer and Kwamee were ranked among the top 5 in the Oakland Athletic League in 3 point shot’s made; scoring; and steals. Kwamee’s aggressiveness from the offensive end and always looking for a lane manages to put pressure on the defense. And he has a nice stroke. 

Greg Brizendine…..Our most improved player and resident enforcer, the 6’7 wide body was tough as nails, rebounding, scoring inside and just a tenacious defender. Greg backed down from no one, providing the spark that we sometimes needed. 

Denarrio Tatmon…..another 6’7 wide body that provided toughness, rebounding, and inside scoring. Like Brizendine, both were All-League performers. I mean these guys’s dominated; they will be hard to replace. Denarrio is a very dependable, solid player. Both should excel at the next level, Denarrio at Monterey Peninsula College and Greg at Contra Costa College. I expect big things from both.

Michael McGhee......Affectionately known as “Money Mike”, this young man has hit some big shots for us this season. Could be the best pure shooter on the team with a very quick first step. Another combo guard with outstanding shooting skills. We really missed him down the stretch because of injuries. Hopefully he will be injury free in the 2008 season. 

Kent Owens….Another most improved player. Very athletic, can run the court, very quick vertical and has major hops. Best “on ball” defender on the team, very strong rebounder. Really improved jump shot. Strong inside player. 

Bryse Pittman….Newest member of the team. Very athletic, can hit the 3 point shot with a very quick first step, can get to the basket.  Has handles and can play both guard positions.

October 2007