High School Basketball Showcase For The Elite 200
MADISON- Invitations have been issued to 100 boys and 100 girls basketball players who will participate in the inaugural Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (ASADCA) Basketball Showcase planned for Saturday, June 22.
The boy’s event will be held at Hoover High while the girl’s showcase will be hosted at Spain Park. Both gatherings will be held 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m.
Featured among the elite number of athletes selected to participate are players representing the four immediate high schools of Madison. Those include Jelen Myers and Jadan Coleman of Bob Jones, Trevon Ragland, Tyrese Elliott and Calen Lightford from Sparkman in the boy’s showcase and Sydney Rasberry of Bob Jones, Tamia Yancey of James Clemens and Nequoia Adams of Madison Academy in the girl’s.
“I was in no way expecting this honor, but was happy when I saw my name on the list of players who were chosen to participate,” said Elliott, a 6-foot sophomore at Sparkman. “I know I’ll be among some of the best players in the state, but I’m not nervous as I feel I can hold my own against anyone.”
“I’m thankful I’ll be able to show my talents to more people, especially college coaches who will be there,” said Yancey, who averaged 10 points per game for the Lady Jets last season as a sophomore. “I’ve been playing AAU this summer and have been working on my game as I plan on playing at the next level.”
“This showcase will bring our best basketball players together in one setting,” said Jamie Lee, Director of the ASADCA. “This is a great opportunity for our schools to get exposure for our high school basketball players.”
The special camp will feature upcoming seniors to sophomores as those attending players were nominated by their school coaches. Luther Tiggs, head coach at Bob Jones, said of the event, “I think it’s a great idea as it allow the state, as well as, high school coaches to have more control over their student-athletes in the summer without having their eligibility compromised.”
Jadan Coleman feels he was chosen due to his superb play last season for Bob Jones where he averaged 20 points per game. He added, “I have a good attitude on the court and show lots of leadership. “The past two years I’ve been on the Nike Summer Circuit playing against some very talented players. I’ve been working out six days a week and I feel I’m ready for the Showcase.”
Elliott, regarded as one of the top recruits in North Alabama, fought off a fractured ankle two years ago and is now being tabbed a possible great signee as he’s had interest from Auburn, Georgia Tach and USA.
“I have confidence on the court and feel anyone who guards me I can give them the bucket,” added Elliott.
Meanwhile, Coleman, the 6-4 guard is looking at a college that is the best fit for him as a student and player. He has contact with Temple, Troy, Samford, VCU, George Mason and Kansas State.
Yancey moved to the Madison area from Ohio in late 2014 and soon grew into the basketball talents she possess today. Her first experience in basketball came in a most unusual way while she was in kindergarten.
“My brother was playing on a recreational team and he suffered an injury and couldn’t play so they asked me to take his place,” said Yancey. “That was the first time I had ever picked up a basketball and played. It led me to dream about playing in college.”
