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.

NEW TEAM FOR 2010, 15U BOYS TEAM SILVER

Atlanta Select announces a new team for the 2010 youth basketball season, the 15u Boys Team SILVER. The head coach is Coach Clyde Copeland who has a track record as an advocate for kids and who has realized that there are many avenues to get involved in a positive manner. The Brooklyn, New York native from the Bedford-Stuyvesant area, has lived in Decatur, GA for over 18 years. He is involved in the county's school mentoring program plus the county's Judicial Citizen Panel Review (a program that finds good homes for foster children). He has coached basketball at Greenforest Community Baptist Church for several different age groups, for several years, successfully.

He believes we should lead and develop our young boys and girls in a positive manner utilizing the gifts God has blessed us with. His goal is to lead by example and develop all children whose lives he touches into the stars they are, on and off the court. He lives by the words: "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven". Atlanta Select is honored to have Coach Copeland to lead the Atlanta Select 15u Boys Team Silver. You may contact Coach Copeland at ckkbc@hotmail.com.

Most Valuable Players Back to School Hoopfest.

Atlanta Select had two teams that won championships in the Georgia Tar heel's "Back to School Hoop fest", held at Shiloh High School in Gwinnett County, August 7-9, 2009.

The MVP in the 13u Division was Demetrius "Meet" McNeal, a member of the 12u Atlanta Select Boys Black Team. Demetrius has been playing with the Atlanta Select for the last 5 years and is known as the shortest but one of the most dynamic point guards in the nation in his age group. But his height does not matter because he has the biggest heart, refined talent and natural leadership ability that has lead his team to 3 national championships. He has showcased his talent all over the United States in AAU, YBOA, USBA and Invitational tournaments. He is pictured above with his his coaches (Coach Stewart & Coach Gates) and his teammates of the mighty 12u Boys Black team.

The MVP in the 17u Division was Shaquille Johnson, a member of the Atlanta Select Boys Red Team. Shaquille is only 15 year old but was selected for a 17u team because of his talent, determination and drive. He is often called a "Man Child" among his peers because of his aggressive play. He attends Salem High School in Conyers and we are certain that he will be a major force for next couple years at that school. He is pictured with his Atlanta Select head coach, Coach Jarett Brown.

Congratulations to these talented student athletes. Go Select!