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.

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!

ATLANTA SELECT NEWEST TEAM

A New Beginning-- Atlanta Select newest team is the 16u Boys Team Silver. Head Coach Payton has begun recruiting members for his 16u team for the 2009-10 season. The first two players are Jalen Javers, 6'2", 220 lbs Guard from Meadow Creek High School and Ramonte Butler, 6'3", 240 lbs Forward from Douglas High School. These two outstanding high school players form the core of the new team. The team has started already planning for the 2010 season as they are raising funds to travel all over the nation to the major "Showcase" tournaments next Spring and Summer. For more information about this team please contact Head Coach Dajaun Payton, 770-866-4418, email:dajuanp2000@yahoo.com. Go Atlanta Select 16u Silver.

11u Boys Silver at the YBOA Nationals

The Atlanta Select 11u Boys Team Silver provided outstanding representation with a stellar performance at the YBOA 11u Division II tournament in Polk County Florida, June 28-July 4. With only 6 players, they were thoroughly tested during 6 hotly contested tournament games against teams from Georgia, Louisiana, Virginia and Tennessee. The six players demonstrated what the Atlanta Select motto was all about. They were confident, aggressive and relentless in each contest. Their "never give up attitude" was recognized by the referees, opposing coaches and the fans. We salute Isaiah Gaddy for his "All Tournament Selection". The other dedicated players consisted of Derrick Lottie, Ronald Williams, Bennett Fahsel, Marcus Woodard and Jaylen Clement. Congratulations to Coach Baskerville and his six dedicated players for their outstanding performance, bringing back their National Trophy and most of all representing Atlanta Select extremely well. SYNERGY!