2010 Trophy Count up to 8

The Atlanta Select 11u Silver and 12u Silver entered the NAYBA Christmas Tournament held on December 21 -23. Both teams swept their brackets and played back-to-back finals on December 23.

The 11u team defeated the South Stars and were lead by Isaiah Gaddy's rebounding and court leadership.

The 12u team defeated the Georgia Rattlers and were lead by outstanding play by Wayne Jackson (rebounding), Jordan Early at point and Mike Hanson's precision jump shots.

Both teams are demonstrating growth from last season and are adding to the 2010 Atlanta Select trophy count. Go Select!

2010 Trophy Count Up to Six

Atlanta Select is en route to top the 77 trophies that were earned during the 2009 season. We started the 2010 season with the Atlanta Select Coaches team willing two trophies followed by trophies earned by the 12u Silver and the 13u Black. Recently, these same two teams entered the D1Spects Christmas Classic. Both teams made it to the finals and both finished second in their divisions.

However, we measure a successful weekend tournament based on who is playing in the finals on Sunday afternoon. These two teams played last Sunday afternoon and added to the trophy count. The count now is 6 trophies earned for the 2010 season. Cannot wait until the Lady Selects and the older boys teams start playing in March.

Congratulations to the 12u Silver and the 13u Black for a job well done.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF - JELANI ARCHER

Jelani Archer is a hard working student athlete. Last AAU season he fought for playing time on his 16u Atlanta Select Red team. His goal was to be ready when called, and when he was called he demonstrated that he was more than ready. He stated that playing with the best against the best improved his overall game.

Jelani is a starter on his high school (Heritage HS in Conyers) team. In the recent Henry County holiday tournament (Chuck Miller Holiday Classic) Jelani averaged more than 30 points per game, leading his team to the finals. His most deadly shot is the 3 pointer in which he hits approximately 50% of the time.

He is an excellent ball handler and leader on the court. But more so he gets his work done in the classroom. A true student athlete. In the off season he worked on his game at the Atlanta Select Skills Development practices. I am sure his high school coach is pleased with the development of Jelani's skills and to have such a well rounded hard working student athlete.

Jelani, Atlanta Select salutes you and wish you and your team at Heritage High, the mighty Patriots, a successful season.

2009 FALL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

The 2009 Fall Skills Development Training program ended on Sunday, December 13, 2009. Over 100 student athletes attended at least one session during the period. The trainees are now busy playing with their school and/or recreational teams and are displaying the skills that they have learned.

Coach Baskerville who coordinated the training at Butler Street YMCA and Coach Hill who coordinated the training at Carver Bible College are commended for conducting a sound, well coordinated program. A shout out goes to the many coaches that assisted in the training. All can be justifiably proud of the products that they produced.

The training will begin again on September 5, 2010. In the meantime Atlanta Select teams have begun organizing for the 2010 season. Tryouts will be posted on the web site's "Calendar" or interested student athletes may contact any Atlanta Select coach for information.

ATLANTA SELECT COACHES OF THE YEAR -2009

Atlanta Select Coaches of the Year for 2009 are Wallace Lanier, 14u Boys White and Tyrell McCrae, 16u Lady Select Red.

Top recognition was given to the Boy's and Lady Select coaches who made the most notable achievements in student athlete development, overall team SYNERGY, fundraising success, national exposure and overall implementation of the Atlanta Select's goals, programs and objectives.

Credit goes to the players and the players' parents of these two teams that supported the goals of these two dedicated and hard working coaches who outlined plans for their teams in February of 2009 and announced their ambitious schedules in March. The two teams were in more than a dozen tournaments each and earned trophies in more than half of them.

They traveled several times out of state supported by their aggressive fundraising efforts. Both teams members maintained a 3 point plus team average in school with several of the students earning 4.0 GPA's. The Lady Selects are being recruited by several of the top D-1 colleges in the nation.

Credit must be given to these coaches who assembled dynamic teams and was able to guide them through a successful season implementing the programs of the organization. Congratulations to Coach Wallace Lanier and Coach Tyrell McCrae and may you have a successful 2010 season.

Official announcement and presentations were made to these coaches at the Fall Coaches Meeting held on November 7, 2009.

BRANDON DAWSON - Moving to the Next Level

What does it takes to win a college basketball scholarship? Ask Brandon Dawson. First - Be a respectful citizen. Second - Be a student scholar. Third - Be a dynamic talented player. Brandon, a senior at Tucker High School, signed his "Letter of Intent" to attend Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA on Monday, November 16, 2009. In attendance were his proud parents and siblings, his high school basketball teammates, numerous teachers and classmates and his AAU coaches from throughout the years.

Atlanta Select supported his dreams as he played for the 14u, 15u and 16u Atlanta Select Black Team coached by Coaches St. Clair, Daniel and Dawson. During that time he traveled all over the nation, winning numerous championships and gaining maximum exposure. He participated in the Adidas 150 Phenom Camp in California twice and was rated/ranked in the top 20 of 150 student athletes, both times.

Brandon excelled at Tucker High School under the direction of Coach Hartry as the team consistently competed in the Georgia State Championship 6AAAA Division. Last season the team was rated as the fourth best team in the state for the 2008/2009 season. Be prepared to see Tucker HS as a top team again this season and we are confident that Brandon will play a key role.

Kennesaw State has recruited an outstanding basketball player but more so a fine, respectful, smart student athlete. Atlanta Select is extremely proud to have supported Brandon in his quest and is pleased that he has earned the opportunity to Move to the Next Level. Go BRANDON!

Congrats - You Made the Team

Congratulations to Bakari Copeland and Javan McBurrows, two dedicated Skills Developer Trainees, for making their high school basketball team. The new high school in Dekalb County, Arabia Mountain, will have two hard working, very talented student athletes. May they have a great season.

First Trophies for the 2009/10 Season

Atlanta Select begins the 2009/10 Youth Basketball season with a bang! Noteworthy, the Atlanta Select Adult team, made up by Atlanta Select coaches, earned two trophies on October 25 by winning the Metro Atlanta Men's Summer League tournament and by finishing the season undefeated. What a way for the coaches to lead the organization into the new season. The team consisted of Coach Hill as a player/coach with Coaches Brown, Hollis, Cooper, Anthony, Greer, Bray, Murphy, Martin and Cartwright as team members.

The 12u Boys Silver team and the 13u Boys Black team faced off in the championship game of the ATTP Boys Jamboree on Sunday, October 25. They destroyed all the other teams in their respective age groups, by defeating their opponents by 20 - 30 points per game. Thus, They were matched to play each other in the championship game. The 13u team coached by Coach G Stewart won the championship while their brother team the 12u boys finished as 'runner ups'.

Congratulations to all for leading the Atlanta Select into the new Youth Basketball Season.

Josh Caston - A Profile.

Josh Caston, from Springfield HS in Columbia, TN, is a senior, majoring in Biblical Studies, at Carver Bible College. He is a 6'7", 212 lbs, power forward on the school's basketball team. His hobbies are playing basketball, spending time with family and he loves learning new things. His goal is to be a Counselor and of course, playing professional basketball, possibly overseas.

Atlanta Select proudly presents Josh Caston, an outstanding student athlete from our partnership institution, Carver Bible College.

Skills Developers, Meeting the Requirements

Davy Fisher, Aaron Cathen and Dan McBryan are Skill Developers who have consistently perform well on the basketball court, not only during the training exercises, but also during the "Life Skills" sessions. Each week the Skill Developers are given an assignment to complete and to be prepared to discuss at the "Life Skills" sessions.

This past Sunday these three student athletes (pictured above)completed a report on the noted basketball coach (John Wooden), a Geometry problem (The Golden rectangle), a lateral Thinking Puzzle, an internal web site search and knowledge of current news events. Each earned a monetary reward for meeting the requirements and for their outstanding performances. They remembered "That nothing in life is Free".

Skills Development Training

Skills Development Training for this Fall season is going great. More than 80 student athletes have registered and average attendance is above 60 per Sunday. Participants from age 8 to 17 are attending the training at Butler Street YMCA or Carver Bible College. Training highlights and pictures are posted on the Atlanta Select "facebook" page each week. You are invited to attend.

Atlanta Select - Carver Bible College

Last Summer, Atlanta Select sealed a "partnership" with Carver Bible College. The college is headed by President Robert Crummie, with Coach Martin Carter as head basketball coach, assisted by Coach Jeremy Russell (pictured above). The Bible College is designated as a "Second Chance Ministry" giving young men a second chance with emphasis on religious studies.

The CEO of Atlanta Select, Coach Tony Hill, developed a relationship with the college through Coach Russell. Thus, a decision was made for the two organizations to support each other in kind. Atlanta Select provided uniform accessories and other supportive equipment and gear to support the basketball team and its program. The college basketball program is a member of the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I. The team plays other colleges and universities throughout the Southeast, playing Georgia State University for the first time on November 17.

Pictured above are several of the players, from left to right - Demetrius Maize, Freshman from Louisville, KY, James "JJ" Barbee, Sophomore from Durham, NC, Corey Evans, Sophomore from Durham, NC, Rashad Scott, Sophomore from The Bahamas and Nicholas Hood, Freshman from Atlanta, GA.

Atlanta Select conducts Skills Development training for boys and girls, ages 13 - 17, every Sunday during the Fall, from 3 - 5:30 PM, under the supervision of Coach Hill (pictured above with trainees). He is assisted by Coaches Jarett Brown, Hollis, Copeland, Harris, Anthony, Davis, Ross, Norman, Watson, Russell and Lanier. The public is invited. We are grateful for the relationship that has been established with the college and thank President Crummie and his staff for their untiring support.

Atlanta Select - Butler Street YMCA

In 2008, Atlanta Select formed a "partnership" with the Butler Street YMCA. The missions of both organizations are similar in that they both promote the healthy and structured development of our youth. Atlanta Select assisted in restarting the basketball program at the YMCA by providing a coaching staff for the Butler Street Rebels for their participation in the Atlanta YMCA Recreational league.

The gymnasium is used routinely for basketball practices for age groups 10 and 11.
Safety padding was installed by the Atlanta Select organization on both ends of the basketball court to absorb impact and prevent injury of players. Additionally, the organization is working with the Butler Street staff to recruit participants from the inner city neighborhoods to join the programs offered by both organizations.

Basketball Skills Development training is conducted every Sunday in the Fall from 2 - 4 PM for boys and girls, ages 8 - 12, under the supervision of Coach Jesse Baskerville, the DCEO of Atlanta Select. He is assisted by coaches Powell, G. Stewart, James, Gaddy and Lottie. The public is invited.

Atlanta Select is extremely appreciative of the relationship with the Butler Street YMCA and owes thanks to the Center Director, Mrs. Brett Cave-Lewis.

Knock-Knock

Listen Carefully! Recommend all young people listen to this message. What do you think? Please post your thoughts/comments on this page or in the "Guest Book". Thank you from Atlanta Select.

The Spotlight is on...

The Spotlight shines brightly on two student athletes attending Skills Development Camp at Carver Bible College. They are demonstrating their excellence as athletes at camp but moreover that they are excellent students in the classroom.

David (Davy) J. Fisher (pictured on left) is an eighth grader at Model Middle School in Rome, GA. On his first progress report this school year he earned all "A" with his lowest grade being 95%. In his other subjects he earned four 100% and one 99%, a noteworthy achievement. He works hard at Skills Development camp and his skills were on display at the "True Hoops Elite Showcase" last weekend at Norcross HS whereas his team won the championship. He is scheduled to participate in the "Adidas Junior Phenom Camp" this coming weekend. Davy's goal is to be the best at whatever he does and it appears he is reaching that goal on the court and in the classroom. Go Davy.

Surmon Neal (pictured on right) is in the eighth grade at Roberts Middle School in Jonesboro, GA. His first progress report this school year reflects a GPA of 3.83 having all "A" and one high "B" this period. His primary goal is to major in Criminal Justice at LSU or UGA. He has not ruled out becoming a professional athlete or a school principal. But at this time he is working hard in school and at his extra activities of playing basketball, baseball and cooking. Observing Surmon work ethic, I am confident that his goals and dreams will be achieved. Go Surmon.

YOU ONLY HAVE ONE TIME!

You only have one time to make a first impression!

Within the first three seconds of a new encounter, you are evaluated - even if it just a glance. Once a first impression is made, it is virtually impossible to change it. But you can change it.

It is said that what you wear on the outside is a reflection of who you are on the inside. The best thing we can do is to dress for ourselves. So if what you are wearing is giving a "false' impression of the true you, then it is time to make a change. You are meeting new people each and every day and they are willing to accept the new and "changed" you.

Atlanta Select believes we can change, and that we all can make an excellent "First Impression". Let's just do it!

Skills Development Training, Sunday, Sept 6, 2009

Atlanta Select began the Fall Skills Development Training on Sunday, September 6, 2009. There were over 40 student athletes participating at the two locations, Butler Street YMCA and Carver Bible College. The participants went through a series of basketball drills and ended with a "Life Skills" session on health, education and responsibilities.

The training will be conducted every Sunday through December 13 with the exception of Sunday November 29, Thanksgiving Day weekend. Boys and girls ages 8 - 17 from any youth basketball program are invited. Registration details are posted on this site or you may call 770-808-4444. Atlanta Select thanks all that are supporting this effort.

AJC 2009 SUPER 11, ATLANTA SELECT SALUTES.

Atlanta Select proudly salutes two of its former players that have been highlighted by the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC)as 2009 Super 11 Football Players, T.J. Stripling (Southwest Dekalb HS) and Garrison Smith (Douglass HS). T.J. played for the 14u, 15u, 16u Boys Black Team under Coach Collier St. Clair and Garrison played for the 15u Boys Red Team Under Coach Tony Hill.

These two outstanding all-a-round student athletes excelled on the basketball court and the football field, plus they both were excellent students in the classroom. Above all they are both great citizens who we feel comfortable will make a significant impact on their college football teams. Congratulations and we wish them both the best of luck and thanks for being part of and supporting Atlanta Select.

NEW TEAM FOR 2010, 15U BOYS TEAM PLATINUM

Atlanta Select announces a new team for the 2010 Youth basketball season, the 15u Boys Team Platinum. The head coach is Coach John Hardy who comes with a vast amount of experience supervising and playing basketball, but more importantly, with a dedication of working with young people. He played high school basketball in Germany while living with his family on a military assignment. He played college basketball for four years and earned a degree in Sports Science. He served as an Athletic Trainer at the college level, Youth Director for middle school students and most recently(for the last three years) as a Morale, Welfare and Recreational (MWR) Specialist for the military community at Balad Air Base in Iraq.

His goal is to assist in the maturation process of young boys who will soon be men, and provide them with the necessary tools to become the best basketball player, teammate, student athlete and productive citizen they can be. His team will serve the North Cobb area to include the city of Kennesaw. With Coach Hardy's leadership, look for an exciting season from the Atlanta Select 15u Boys Team Platinum. You may contact Coach Hardy at johnhardy41@hotmail.com.