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.