Philly USA 8th Grade Tournament
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REPORT BY JON "DUCK" GRAY

Philly USA 8th Grade Tournament Report
Sept. 1st
This tournament was held from August 27th thru August 31st at the Salvation
Army Gymnasium on Broad and Brown streets in Philadelphia. This event
featured the top rising ninth grade talent around. Emerging from the dust
with the championship and Most Valuable Player trophies in both hands was
Philly MJC's Reggie Redding. The 6-2 "do-everything type" was phenomenal on
Saturday as he carried MJC to victory. The St. Joseph's Prep bound Redding
main playmates were forward Nate Edwards (Central) and Tim Clancy (North
Catholic) Redding ripped the nets for 21 points in a semifinal win over
Peacemakers which featured Reading Pa.'s Wayne Ellington who was at times
"unbelievable". In fact despite, the stacked Peacemakers loss to MJC, do not
be surprised if Ellington becomes the top ranked player in the "Class of
2006" in our area.
All Tournament Team
MVP - Reggie Redding, Philadelphia MJC
Played equally well inside and outside in leading team to championship.  He
displayed a penchant for taking and making big shots, as well as making key
free throws and playing within the team concept. Played a team game never
gunned, and always took good shots. Will be a welcome addition to the "Prep."
Wayne Ellington, Peacemakers
Has a sweet jump shot, plays with grace. His game's maturity belies his age.
One to watch, to say the least. A lockdown defender, who plays great off the
ball defense. Twice outscored other teams, once he had 17 in a half and the
other team registered just 14 points -total.
Jawaan Carter, Runnin' Rebels
The most highly regarded  local player in this class. The Wilmington Delware
resident took games over, dribbling through pressure and "big guarding" foes
for key baskets. Carter's ability to pass and makes teammates better cannot
be overstated. Still needs work on the jumper.
Malik Alvin, Olney Eagles
A small (5-8) but dangerous scoring guard went off for the tournament's high
scoring game when he dropped 28 points in Saturday's win over Sam Rines. A
major league master of breaking down defenders, he also plays as if his life
depends on victory. Heading for Abraham Lincoln High.
Eugene Moss, G Child
Of the players on the All Tournament Team, this guy is by far the least
physically mature. But he gets buckets, knows how to get his shot off. Has a
sweet touch from three.  Could have played better defense, in key situations.
That aspect should come with age. Heading to Public League Champion -
Strawberry Mansion.
Jermaine Pierce, Montgomery Defenders
The most athletic player in the tournament jumps out of the gym. 6-2 with a
strong build. This kid is the most talked about player in Norristown.
Sean Joynes, Runnin' Rebels
Made a huge impact. At 6-4 and 1/2, with long arms that suggest he could grow
to 6-9/6-10. He led the tournament in blocked shots. Runs the floor very
well, a rebounder and a prospect. Heading to the third floor gymnasium at
Broad and Vine.
Other Notables
Patrick Kelly 5-8 G Archbishop Wood (Salvation Army Holy Flames)
Nate Edwards 5-10 F Central (MJC)
Aaron Hester 6-1 F Roman Catholic (Runnin' Rebels)
Antonio "Scoop" Jordine 5-11 G St. John Neumann (Team Redrum)
Derrick Rivera 6-0 G-F St. John Neumann (Philly Hoops Airborn)
Matthew "Moo-Moo" Johnson 5-6 G Strawberry Mansion (G Child)
Thomas Teagues 5-4 G Prep Charter (Runnin' Rebels)
Sean Gilbert 6-2 F University City (Peacemakers)
Derrick White 6-3 C Frankford (Salvation Army Holy Flames)
Karl Howard 5-6 G Simon Gratz (Philly Hoops Airborn)