PHARAOHS  TO  MEMPHIS
This Month we salute future NorCal Magic player Jason Hope and his teammates on Bobby Jackson’s Basketball Town Pharaohs of Sacramento, California .   The Pharaohs took 9th place at the National AAU Basketball Championships in Memphis, Tennessee last summer after qualifying at the regional tournament. This group of 2nd graders is not your average basketball team. This is an All Star Team and they play like it.  It’s very competitive and kids must try out. All of the kids attend different schools and the skill level is extremely high. Head Coach Rod Greene and Assistant Coach Mickey Hope are doing a great job. ESPN did an article on the team during the Nationals (click here to read). About the Team:  This was a very well balanced team as the scoring dictates. The Pharaohs had 4 players averaging between 7 and 11 points per game:  NOAH BLACKWELL, the leader, with DEVIN GREENE, JASON  HOPE, and  JUSTICE SHELTON-MOSLEY.  Also DONOVAN VERNON, ETHAN  PANGALININ  and  JAKE HALTOM.
HopeHouse Sports Scouting Report:  Noah Blackwell: Top scorer and rebounds very well.  Can play 1 thru 5 at  this age. Has total all around game . Can shoot off the dribble and is very adept at getting to the basket. Runs and see’s the court very well. Tough defensive stance. Major up side, could be best on team. Also has handles, another multi scorer. D1 Prospect
Jason Hope: A true point guard who can score.  Has a mean hesitation cross-over also no look passes.  Can push the ball up court in traffic and direct the team on offense and defense; possesses a cool on-court demeanor- doesn’t get rattled; understands the game and is an outstanding passer. Doesn’t turn the ball over and can hit the big shot.  D1 Prospect
Devin  Greene:  Another point with 2 guard skills . Fast as greased lightening. Very tough on defense, the teams designated stopper. Has got handles and can get to the basket in traffic to score or dish. Gets lots of steals  and  rebounds. Can hit the 3 pointer. Tough as nails, gets to the line frequently  .D1 Prospect
Justice Shelton-Mosley:  A  2 guard or wing with point guard skills, a prolific scorer, can shoot from anywhere - top of circle, baseline, mid or long-range pull-ups, penetration moves (also has cross over) w/ speed. He has a very fast on court presence . Can push in traffic, top rebounder, D 1 Prospect
Donovan Vernon : Game has really improved since returning from Memphis . Saw him a few weeks ago @ Nor Cal Tournament that they won. Donavan has developed into a force under the basket, becoming a good rebounder and learning how to rebound and score from offensive end, made a couple of nice shots.  Runs the court very well.  If you run the lanes good things will happen for you.  Potential D1 Prospect
I have not seen the other players. PS:  Bobby Jackson has been traded from Sacramento Kings to Memphis Grizzles  12/05