Leslie McDonald

Bright, bright future for the rising juniors from Memphis.

A special group of rising juniors paired with a couple of the best up and coming seniors to form one of the summer circuits top teams. High profile names, national recognition and big time competition were all part of the equation for the Memphis YOMCA formerly called the War Eagles.

Playing up an age group the YOMCA had moments where they were overpowered by their older bretheran, they had times where the lack of experience cost them in a close contest and then there were episodes of unmitigated greatness with extremely high level effort from some of not only the state's but the countrys best.

Leslie McDonald (Braircrest Christian) etched his name on most national top ten lists and furthered his reputation as one of the best to ever grace the courts of the Bluff City. Smooth as silk off the dribble with a good outside shot; as well as, above average court awareness. McDonald had some of his best efforts against top level competition including the 24 he dropped at Peach Jam on Team Texas and Willie Warren.

With McDonald able to run the two or three the YOMCA backcourt had it's ups and downs thorughout the summer. Gentry Hines (Raleigh-Egypt) is a fearles competitor with an improving outside shot but his decision making will determine how far he advances this season. Gregg Wooten (Briarcrest Christian) has the ability to run a ballclub and is a good leader. His offensive skills must become a weapon for him. Justin Blake (Dyer County) one of the teams' few rising seniors proved to be one of the country's top deep threats. His ability to knock down the outside shot put him on many coaches short lists. He will need to rely less on the outside bomb and use this weapon to create a bit more off the dribble or head fake and step inside the line for the mid-range jumper. A few tourney's late in the season the YOMCA had the services of Tim Ware (BTW). The playmaker can be dynamic and is tough to match one on one but has to seriously work on his decision making, especially if he is to run the show for someone. He is spectacularly skilled with the ball and could be special if he wants.

On the wing joining McDonald was one of the biggest risers of the suimmer season Jason Jones (Ridgeway). Finally putting together an injury free summer, Jones showed he could ball wiht the best of them. His outside shooting has dramatically improved and he is dangerous filling the lanes and finishing off the dribble. A bright future for the Roadrunner. Another inside/outisde talent who grabbed some headlines was the inspired play of Marlon Brown (Harding Academy). Tough and relentless, Brown was a monster on the glass and scored inside with ease.

Another big surprise for the upcoming season was the emergence of Reginald Buckner (Manassas). Playing under the radar in Class A, Buckner proved he belonged playing both the three and four and running the floor like a gazelle and showing his improved offensive skills. Another potential big timer who made the most of his summer experience was Johnny Williams (Braircrest Christian). Williams is right on the verge of becoming a household name with his ability to score inside and finish with either hand around the bucket. Strong and determined Williams has a chance to emerge in the Wayne Chism mold if he continues his hard work.

Ferrakohn Hall (White Station) had to battle some injuries throughout the summer but is still one of the best players in the state and is a top 50 national player on almost everyones list. Hall showed his ability to shoot the outside jumper and is mobile enough to take a bigger man off the dribble and has the back to the basket skills to finish and dominate his opponent. Word out of Memphis is that Hall has moved his skills to the Station where he will be paired with the ultimate baller Joe Jackson.

The YOMCA will be one of the top draws on the circuit next season and will command the attention of every major college coach in the nation.