BOWIE, MD – The DMVelite Media Series returned with the first session in this year’s three-event lineup with Memorial Day Weekend action at Bowie City Gym and Holy Trinity Episcopal School.

Session II will take place at DMVelite Rise At The Beach June 23-26 in Salisbury MD. REGISTRATION

RELATED: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DMVELITE MEDIA SERIES SESSION I CHAMPIONS

14U: DC Premier 2021

15U: Xpress United (NC)

16U: Uncommon Bulls

17U: Hoops Canada

BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE TEAMS WHO SUBMITTED ROSTERS AS WE REQUESTED!

Here’s a look at some of the standouts from the weekend:

DEION HAMMOND, FT. WASHINGTON ELITE 17U

Hammond was one of the event’s most consistent players, averaging 19.4 points per game to lead FWE to a 4-1 record and runner-up finish in the 17U Division.

Coming off of a strong junior season at Riverdale Baptist, Hammond has seen his recruit begin to pick up.


“Everything is going good,” he said. “Northeastern just called me. East Carolina, Robert Morris, JMU, those are recent schools that have contacted me in the past week or so.”

When asked to describe his primary strength, Hammond pointed to his scoring prowess, noting his ability to attack off the dribble knock down jumpers.

Indeed, Hammond’s full arsenal was on display, including a rapidly-improving outside stroke. He went for 19 points in an opening win against New Bern Storm, 22 and 16 in two victories against Baltimore United Red (hitting a combined 9 3-pointers in those), 17 against Maryland D-Fenders and 23 in the title game loss to Hoops Canada Elite.

CYRIL OGBUAGU, FT. WASHINGTON ELITE

Hammond’s Riverdale Baptist teammate enjoyed a strong weekend of his own, displaying a nice inside/outside offensive combo while contributing on the board and defensively.

Ogbuagu put up 22 points in the title game loss to Hoops Canada, and carried FWE early with 13 first-half points to give his team a one-point lead at the break. He also contributed nice performances against Baltimore United Red and Maryland D-Fenders.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pounder listed an offer from St. Francis (Pa.) and interest from Loyola and Quinnipiac.

OMAR SHIDDO, HOOPS CANADA ELITE 17U

A 2016 guard from Trinity International (NV), Shiddo was the catalyst in Hoops Canada’s thrilling come from behind win in the 17U title game, scoring a game-high 24 points and hitting four critical 3-pointers.

Hoops Canada trailed by 10 with 2:15 remaining to go, before D’Shawn Tyrell hit a 3 to close gap to 72-65. They kept chipping away until Kardon Edwards hit a floater to tie it at 75-75 with 16.8 seconds to go, and survived a point-blank missed lay-up that would have given FWE the lead.

Shiddo hit a 3 to open overtime scoring and give Hoops Canada the lead for good, with Dyrel Johnson adding another long range bomb to effectively seal the deal.


“We even had a chance to get a buzzer-beater [in regulation],” Shiddo said. “but we were being so unselfish and trying to get it to another guy. But we knew it, like, we had them. We came all this way and we knew it was right there – two minutes of hard basketball , that’s all you can ask for. That’s what you work for, right?”

Shiddo was consist from deep all weekend, hitting our 3’s in a win against New Bern Storm and five in a victory over Ruff Riders. He said he’s received interest from D-I schools, but no official offers yet. He plans to play in a few more events, and if he doesn’t get an opportunity in the states he’ll look to a school in Canada.

Shiddo said his team enjoyed the chance to go on the road and win a tournament in a tough environment.

“”We know its competitive; the state of Maryland has produced so many great players,” he said. “There’s a handful in the NBA right now. We knew these guys compete hard, and it’s a dogfight every time you come down here. They execute and you can’t take plays off. It’s just great basketball, so it’s good to be a part of it.”

D’SHAWN TYRELL, HOOPS CANADA 17U

Tyrell is a strong wing guard who contributed in a variety of ways, and was hard to stop in transition.

“My strengths are attacking the rack, grabbing rebounds and playing defense – being a lockdown defender,” he said. “I’m trying to work on my mid-range shot and my 3-point shot.”

The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder said after a 16-point outing against Higher Level that he’s looking for a junior college fit.

“We want to finish strong and blow out every team we face,” he said. “We want to show them that Canadians do have hoopers and we can bang with you guys. We try to come out here and perform for everybody.”

TIM JONES, JR., FORT WASHINGTON ELITE 17U

Jones enjoyed a breakout junior season at Central (Md.), and has enjoyed a strong spring while seeing his recruitment begin to gather steam.

Jones listed Bowie State, Coker, Shephard, St. Thomas Aquinas and Virginia Union as schools who have reached out, with several saying they’d follow him during the live period. He said he’s focusing on adding strength this summer, as well as improving his leadership and working on his mid-range jumper.


Jones was steady all weekend, but really asserted himself with his team in a battle wit Hoops Canada, finishing with 14 points.

DEMARCUS DEMONIA, RUFF RIDERS 17U

Demonia was one of the most intriguing prospects in the event. The 2017 guard only began playing organized basketball last year at Friendly (Md.), and showed good instincts and skills while handling point guard duties at 6-4.

“Things I’m good at right now are getting to the basket when my team needs me scoring,” he said. “Things I need to improve are ball handling and making my game two-dimensional; going to the left and right and getting my teammates the ball.”

Demonia’s quietest scoring game was his best all-around, as he tallied 10 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 blocks in a Sunday morning win against Team Renegade. He showed his offensive range in 18 point and 17 point outings against OTF Elite and Hoops Canada, respectively.

“This was my first year playing basketball, so I didn’t play the point at Friendly.,” he said. “I just started playing the point, so I’m making the adjustment.”

LANGSTON GAITHER, UNCOMMON BULLS 16U

From the outset, Gaither (pictured) inserted himself up and down in the transition game and on both ends of the floor, using his athletic frame to get to the rim and operate in transition and a high level.

He opened with 23 points in a win over Maryland D-Fenders and followed it with 27 points in a victory against Randallstown Running Rebels.

“I love to get out and run (the floor),” Gaither said. “I definitely like to shoot jump shots when I can and playing defense, rebounding, and sharing the ball. I want to be the complete package.”

The Hayfield (Va.) standout averaged 16 points per game a season ago.

Gaither, who projects himself as a combo guard at the next level, recently visited VMI. He’s also received interest from George Mason, James Madison, Nebraska, and Quinnipiac.


ANTONIO COCKERELL, MARYLAND D-FENDERS 17U

A 2017 guard from Landon (Md.), Cockerell made big play after big play down the stretch in a nice Saturday win over Higher Level Elite.

“In the second half we locked down on defense, we got everybody involved,” he said. “In the first half we were kind of playing spaced out , but once we started getting our teammates involved and Kenyon [Stone] took over, it was a good game.”

Cockerell transferred into Landon and enjoyed a productive varsity debut, averaging 8.8 points per game. He said Division III Widener has expressed interest thus far, and added he’s focusing on moving his feet better on the defensive end and improving his mid-range pull up game.

“[The transfer] really helped me a lot,” he said, “because at Wise I was on JV my 10th grade year and I really didn’t have much exposure or anything like that. So the move to Landon, it helped me grow a lot as a player.”

KENYON STONE, MARYLAND D-FENDERS 17U

The DuVal (Md.) guard was nearly unguardable in a 26-point outburst against Higher Level Elite, getting to the basket consistently.

“Just getting out there and getting exposure,” he said. “I have a lot of things to work on in my game, because I want to be a great player. I’ve just got to get in the weight room and build up, tighten up my shot and just work on my handles.”

Stone said his strengths are attacking the basket, offensive rebounding, running the floor and being able to utilize his athleticism on both ends of the floor. Look for his recruitment to pick up if he continues his production this summer.

EUGENE MATTHEWS, PRYME TIME 17U


Matthews registered the highest scoring performance on Saturday, dropping 34 points in a win against Unfinished Business. He also turned in performances of 14 and 18 points in the victories over BU Red and Maryland Tigers.


Usually a pass first lead guard, Matthews can also operate at high-level when getting to the rim and exploiting pick-and-rolls.

“I’m a pass first point guard,” Matthews said. “If they need me to score, then I’ll score.”

During his senior season, Matthews averaged 10 points and nearly seven assists per game for Bladensburg.

“This gives me a lot of competition,” he said. “Other teams out here have quick point guards, so it allows me to raise my game.”


JOE DAVIS, HIGHER LEVEL ELITE 17U


The Battlefield (Va.) product is a versatile small forward who has a knack for scoring and getting to the rim.

He showed the ability to do damage from the outside as well in a 24-point performance in a tough loss against Maryland D-Fenders.

“You have to build off of each game and move on from it, even if it didn't go the way you'd like to,” Davis said. “You have to let the game come to you.”

Davis is receiving majority D2 and D3 interest including Chicago University, Shenandoah University and Randolph Macon.


CHRISTIAN EVANS, BALTIMORE UNITED RED 17U

A 2017 guard from Mt. Carmel (Md.), Evans is a smooth and efficient scorer with a nice perimeter touch.

Evans can heat up in a hurry, as he showed by dropping 21 points in the first half of a lopsided victory over Pryme Time (he barely played in the second half and finished with 21). He scored 20 against Germantown Heat and 15 and 12 in a pair of matchups with Ft. Washington Elite.

Evans has yet to receive his first scholarship offer but has a long list of interested D-I schools, including American, Coppin State, Davidson, Denver, George Mason, Loyola and Robert Morris. D-II power Lincoln Memorial has also reached out.

KOLLIN MITCHELL, FORT WASHINGTON ELITE 17U


Mitchell procuced three 13-point performances, working effectively in transition, and with fearless drives to the rim.

The Gwynn Park standout excelled at providing his team a burst of energy when they needed it most. He wasn't asked to be the primary ball handler at GP, but will be given the oppotunity to run the point at Capitol Christian Prep next season.


TREVOR WILLIS, NEW BERN STORM 17U


Willis, the Cape Fear Community College commit (Wilmington, N.C.), was a fearless rim-attacker all day long, including a 19 point performance against Fort Washington Elite.

When asked to describe his skillset, Willis claimed he would contribute anyway possible. Throughout the day, he asserted himself on the offensive end with hard drives to the rim and muscle layups, while defensively he had a knack for playing passing and stifling on-ball defense.

“I just want to get it done,” Willis said on his style of play. “No matter how it looks, as long as we get the W, that’s all that matters.”

In 2014 as a sophomore, Willis played a key role on East Carteret’s state championship team. He projects as a combo guard at the next level.


SEAN FASOYIRO, HOOPS CANADA 16U

Fasoyiro was on of the most electrifying players in attendance, displaying big-play athleticism all weekend.

He turned that athleticism into consistent production, dropping 28 points in a 63-60 loss to Higher Level; 31 against Baltimore United Black, 24 against vs Maryland D-Fenders, 14 against Uncommon Bulls and 19 vs. Randallstown Running Rebels.

DAUD AVAZOVA, HIGHER LEVEL 16U

Avazova (right) impressed with his motor and leadership; often taking it upon himself to make the play when his team needed it.

“I try to give my team some energy and get some shots up,” he said, “and whenever I do that I feel like when we have energy we play a lot better.”

Avazova averaged 9.8 points per game as a sophomore at St. John Paul The Great, and showed his scoring prowess with 17 in a 63-60 win over Hoops Canada Elite.

JORDAN SMITH-GUERRERO, RANDALLSTOWN RUNNING REBELS 15U

Smith-Guerrero enjoyed a strong weekend, highlighted by a 32-point performance against Hoops Canada in the 15U semifinals.

The New Town (Md.) 2019 wing was lethal from long-range, hitting three or more 3-pointers in four different games.

DARRETT JUSTICE, HIGHER LEVEL 15U

Justice flashed an impressive combo of speed, strength and body control to get to the basket all weekend.

The Highland (Va.) 2018 guard was especially impressive in a narrow loss to eventual 15U champ Xpress United, using his quick first step to tally 19 points and keep his team within striking distance.

“I like driving to the basket, and I can finish with both hands and make the pass.”


17U STANDOUTS

Shiloh Beale, Team Hustle
Nacion Bell, Team Hustle
Ryan Byars, Maryland Tigers
Jarius Carroll, Team Renegade
Neco Campbell, Pryme Time
Braxton Cherry, New Bern Storm

Brian Chittum, Higher Level Elite
Rashawn Clowney, OTF Elite
Rashawd Clowney, OTF Elite
Tyran Crawford Germantown Heat
Kardon Edwards, Hoops Canada Elite
Dylan Gregory, Hoops Canada Elite
Trey Gross, Team Renegade
Dyrel Johnson, Hoops Canada Elite
Raquan McCain, Team Renegade
Ty McKissett, OTF Elite
Derreck Orr, OTF Elite
Zachary Powell Higher Level Elite
Lamont Sanders, Baltimore United Red
Sydnor, Unfinished Business
Ryan Tillery, Ruff Riders
White, Unfinished Business
Maurice Whitsett, Germantown Heat
Trevor Willis, New Bern Storm

16U STANDOUTS

Justen Anderson, Team Hustle
Merlon Devine, Team Hustle
Emmanuel Doby, Washington Warriors
Ardie Dorsey, Maryland D-Fenders
Dre Anderson, Maryland D-Fenders
Malik Bellamy, Ruff Riders
Donovan Breeding, Higher Level Premier
Shyheim Gilkerson, Uncommon Bulls
Myles Jones, Uncommon Bulls
Tyree Lucas, Maryland D-Fenders
Joshua Moore, Washington Warriors
Jalen Morant, Maryland Tigers
Jakele Norman, Ruff Riders
Nijelh Redd, Baltimore United Black
Qudus Wahab, Uncommon Bulls
Antonio Warner, Higher Level Premier
Demauri Warren, Randallstown Running Rebels

15U STANDOUTS


LaTrell Campbell, Xpress United
LaQueze Campbell, Xpress United
Julian Cumba, Higher Level
Rondell Felder, Maryland Supreme
Donald Green, Team Silk
Suleymane Gueye, DC Blue Devils
Jaquan Harris, Xpress United
Jordan Harris, Maryland Supreme
Bemi Joseph, Maryland Supreme
Kevon Lewis, Team Silk
Lowe, Higher Level (MD)
Emmanuel Ludd, Team Silk
Quran Mastori, Germantown Heat
T.J. McDonald, Baltimore United Black
Will Reed, Baltimore United Black
David Rodas, Higher Level
Keisuan Robertson, Hoops Canada
Emery Simmons, Xpress United
Charles Sommerville, Unfinished Business-Zinaich
Ayan Teel, Maryland Supreme
Tim Townsend, Unfinished Business-Gavin
Kiaeem White, Unfinished Business-Zinaich


14U STANDOUTS

#21 Brooks, DMV Hunting Dogs
Terrence Butler, DC Premier 2021
Malik Carroll, Bork To Ball
JayShaun Freeman, Bayside HOYAS
Thomas Goldsboro, Bayside HOYAS
Declan McCarthy, VA Hokies 2020
Jaden McKenzie, VA Hokies 2020
Wes Peterson, DC Premier 2021
Isaiah Rhodes, VA Hokies 2020
Zion Russell, DC Premier 2021
Khiyon Washington, Born To Ball

ALL PHOTOS BY RON BAILEY OF I95BALLERZ.COM