UPPER MARLBORO, MD - The 3rd annual DMVelite 80 attracted 94 of the area’s best players to Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, Md. on September 5, giving them an opportunity to get some high-level work in in front of media and college coaches.
The 2017 Class produced the event’s Most Valuable Player in Bullis wing Chyree Walker, and a host of other standout performances.
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Here’s a look at some of the event’s Class of 2017 standouts:
Luka Garza, Maret (D.C.) Center
The Maret big man (PICTURED, TOP) is regaining his movement following summer ankle surgery, and looked good getting up and down the floor. He averaged 11.5 points and an event-leading 6.5 rebounds per game, displaying great hands, balance and footwork in the paint. He’s developed a nice jump hook and showed his range by going 3-of-4 from behind the 3-point line. Garza currently lists offers from Binghamton, DePaul, George Washington, Iowa and St. Joseph's. (MH)
Chyree Walker, Bullis (Md.) Wing
The DMVelite 80 Most Valuable Player turned in an outstanding two-way performance, leading the 2017 Player Efficiency Ratings* at 38.68. He averaged 13 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, and saved his best for when it counted, delivering the game-tying and game-winning baskets - both on big dunks - in Team 8’s championship game victory. Walker has enjoyed a breakout summer, and currently lists offers from Central Florida, Georgia Tech, James Madison, Old Dominion, St. Francis (Pa.), Towson and VCU. (MH)
Elijah Clarance, St. Maria Goretti (Md.) Guard
Clarance has been on Division I radars since arriving from Sweden last summer, and put together a solid first season for the Gaels last season. Now fully adjusted to the American game, he’s been able to show a multitude of offensive tools. He averaged 10 points per game on 12-of-22 shooting from the field, attacking the rim in both transition and the half court. Clarance has yet to earn an offer, but has heavy interest from several high and mid-major programs. (MH)
Jelani Williams, Sidwell Friends (D.C.) Guard
One of the more consistent players at the event, Williams played a key role as his team advanced to the championship game. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 10 points per game on 67 percent shooting, and shot 15-of-16 (93.8 percent) from the free throw line. He was among the best on-ball defenders at the event, displaying quick hands and great instincts, finishing among the event leaders in steals. So far Williams lists offers from Hofstra, Delaware, Old Dominion and Pennsylvania. (AF)
Ejike Obinna, Virginia Academy (Va.) Center
Obinna holds over a dozen scholarship offers, and it’s easy to see why. 6-foot-10 and very long with a college-ready body, Obinna has one of the highest ceilings of anyone at the event. He’s still rather raw offensively and struggles with consistency, but he showed flashes of being unstoppable at times, averaging 8.3 points per game. He shines on the defensive end where his length and athleticism make him a force to be reckoned with. Obinna was among the event-leaders in both blocks and rebounds, and he changed nearly every shot taken in the paint. So far he has attracted offers from Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, LSU and Xavier, among others. (AF)
Jahlil Jenkins, Virginia Academy (Va.) Guard
Jenkins, who transferred from Jefferson (W.Va.) to Virginia Academy, continued his breakout summer, standing out among the DMV’s best. His ability to lead his team was apparent from the first tip, as he displayed tremendous court vision and an innate ability to find open teammates, leading the event with 5.3 assists per game. Though he always looked for teammates first, he also was able to create his own shot off the dribble, and showed nice touch from long range, shooting 57 percent from beyond the arc. Defensively, Jenkins athleticism and smart play was on display as he harassed the opponent's’ lead guard on his way to an event-high 2.3 steals per game. So far Jenkins has received offers from Howard, LIU-Brooklyn and St. Peter’s, but expect to see him attract many more playing alongside Obinna at Virginia Academy. (AF)
Naji Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt (Md.) Wing
Marshall (PICTURED, MIDDLE) has emerged as one of the top wing scorers in the area, and his full offensive repertoire was on display at the DMVelite 80. He exploded for 20 points in a loss to Team 2, producing nearly half of his team’s 41 points while also pulling down 5 rebounds. For the day he averaged 9.7 points and 4 rebounds per game. The day after the event Marshall picked up an offer from Virginia Tech, adding to a list that currently includes Manhattan, Rhode Island, Rutgers and Towson. (MH)
Darron Barnes, Wise (Md.) Forward
Barnes had a solid all-around day while averaging 8.8 points per game on his home floor. He’s added an inch or two and continues to refine his wing skills. Barnes broke out at last year’s DMVelite 80 and has seen his stock rise considerably since then, picking up scholarship offers from High Point, James Madison, Monmouth, Sam Houston State and Towson. (EW)
Keleaf Tate, Cesar Chavez (D.C.) Guard
One of DC’s sleepers, Tate showed his scoring talent in a 16-point outing against Team 2, going 6-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 on 3-pointers. He averaged 8.3 points per game for the day, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and 4-of-7 from deep while dishing out 5 assists. (MH)
Ryan Allen, DeMatha (Md.) Guard
The 6-foot 1-inch guard put on a prominent shooting performance, going 6-12 from beyond the arc. But, he showed he is more than just a shooter - running the lead guard position efficiently with outlet passes while pushing the pace, but didn’t press the issue. He’s competitive and uses his length on the perimeter to cause havoc against opposing guards. Allen also offered a good rebounding presence, ranking first on his team with 11 in that category. (KM)
Eddie Scott, Gonzaga (D.C.) Guard
Scott enjoyed a good all-around day, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. He averaged 7.7 points per game on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting line, including 4-for-7 from 3-point range. He currently holds offers from George Mason, Hofstra, James Madison and Rice, and should attract many more as his role expands for the Purple Eagles this upcoming season. (MH)
Tairik Johnson, St. Frances (Md.) Forward
The 6-7 Johnson (PICTURED, BOTTOM) is an intriguing combo forward with a nice frame and good athleticism. He showed a nice face-up game and even stepped outside to knock down two 3-pointers. He finished with averages of 6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game and built on what has been a breakout summer. Following the graduation of SFA bigs Josh Ayeni and Eric Cobb, Johnson will be counted on heavily to provide production in the post this year. (MH)
DaJour Dickens, Miller School (Va.) Forward
The lanky 6-foot-11 big from the Tidewater area had one of the longest wingspans in the showcase. With that being said, he translated his length into emphatic blocks and offered a nice offensive presence with a variety of moves on the low block. (KM)
Jihar Williams, Friends (Md.) Guard
The 6-foot 5-inch guard has superb form on his shot and showcased one of the smoothest strokes in the gym, converting five of his seven shot attempts from beyond the arc. Williams can generate instant offense when he gets going, and showed the capability of being an efficient rebounder as well. (KM)
MORE STANDOUTS
Kobby Ayetey, Capitol Christian (Md.) Wing
Melo Eggleston, Clinton Christian (Md.) Wing
Stefon Fisher, IDEA (D.C.) Forward
Jalen Gibbs, North Point (Md.) Guard
Cameron Norman, Good Counsel (Md.) Guard
Dre Perry, Poly (Md.) Wing
Nate Watson, Bishop O’Connell (Va.) Forward/Center
Will Vedder, Coolidge (D.C.) Forward
* Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a rating of a player's per-minute productivity (More Info)
