SQUIRE basketball program to enter 3 team in the Southern Invitational Tournament, May 10-12, 2002 at the University of Virginia. SQUIRE will have two 15U teams and one 16U team. The 16U(Brooks) team is the defending 16U champion of the 2001 Southern Invitational Tournament.

The SQUIRE scholar athlete of the year: Darius Swinton, Junior, Thomas Dale High School. Congratulations to Darius and his family for such an outstanding achievement. This high school junior has a 4.1 cumulative grade point average and has already achieved a 1150 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Darius is interested in a career in medicine. He has
received numerous athletic awards. This past basketball season he was a 3rd team all-metro selection. Darius was also a member of the Thomas Dale football team that was the central region champion and went deep in the state play-offs. He is projected to be the starting quarterback for Thomas Dale this fall. Darius will have some hard decisions to make in the near
future, he is looking at academic scholarship offers and division I basketball and football offers. Good luck.

Latest rumor has John Gordon basketball coach of Armstrong High School taking the Meadowbrook High School job. John is a former SQUIRE player and was coach of the year in the Capital District.

• Final Virginia State AAU Division I standings of SQUIRE teams.
• 12U 2nd place state AAU qualifies for AAU National Tournament
• 13U 1st place state AAU qualifies for AAU National Tournament
• 16U (Exum) 2nd place state AAU qualifies for AAU National Tournament
• 16U (Brooks) 4th place state AAU qualifies for AAU National Tournament

SQUIRES 16U(Exum) team is still undefeated this season as they advance to the final round of play tomorrow. This team is Strong and deep, they are the team to beat in the State Division I AAU Championship. 16U Squires (Brooks) team took the long road to qualify for the nationals by loosing their second game in the first round. They did however, bounced back quickly with two impressive victories, playing a total of three games today. The talent will have to deliver to make it to the Nationals.

SQUIRES 16U teams each opened up Virginia State Division I AAU Championship with a first round victory. Key players have stepped up their play for the first round event.

John Beilen(Univ. of Richmond) accepts University of West Virginia coaching position.

SQUIRES 12U finishes 2nd in the Virginia State Division I AAU Championship and qualify for the AAU National Division I Championships. The SQUIRES 12U team was the only team from the Richmond, Virginia area that qualified for the 12U National Championships. Congratulations to coach Hanibal Tuck who did a masterful coaching job with this team.

Final notes from Adidas Texas Tournament. A very special thank you to Mr.John Eurey, President of the Houston Superstar Foundation for his gracious hospitality. We were provided with 1st class accommodations and transportation. Also, a special thank you to our bus drivers Jeff Harris and Otis, who were great.

Outstanding players who participated in the Adidas Texas Tournament, Walter Waters(Michigan Hurricanes) committed to Pitt. Olu Famutimi(Hurricanes) who is considering Duke, Michigan, Michigan State and Louisville. Rotary Select of Seattle, Washington featured a trio of division I prospects. We loved the play of 6'0" Aaron Brooks, who had one of the better performances in the 17U tournament. He was one of the quickest guards and he almost single handily beat LeBron James Oakland Slam and Jam team. It was a double overtime thriller with Brooks emerging as a major player. He will be featured again at the ABCD camp. Super sophomore Marvin Williams 6'8" played well and likes UNC and Kansas, he will be featured at ABCD. We also liked Rotary's 2 guard 6'3" Lyndale Burleson. Other outstanding players included Trevor Ariza and Mohamed Abukar of the Southern Calf. All Stars.

All the major travel teams participated in the Texas Tournament such as the New York Juice featuring some of the top young stars from the city. The Tim Thomas Playaz , DC Assault and the Houston Superstars also featured many D I prospects. A final kudos to the SQUIRE 16U team for finishing 1st place in the 4th Annual AdidasTexas Basketball Tournament. This was a big win for the SQUIRES program and puts us in the forefront of having one of the top programs in America. Look for news articles in Basketball America and Prep Stars on the SQUIRE program.

Latest information from the Adidas Texas Classic has 6'10" Kendrick Perkins, Beaumont (Ozen) TX joining forces with LeBron James on the Oakland Slam N Jam team. Perkins is ranked #7 player in the class of 2003 by Hoopscoop. He is also rumored to be bypassing college for the NBA. Also, joining Perkins and James is 6'8" Leon Powe, Oakland (Tech) CA, the #8 ranked player in the 2003 class.

Speaking of Hoopscoop, our friend and editor of this online publication Clark Francis has filed the following report on the Adidas Texas Classic:

Unlike the major all-stars that are scheduled for this weekend, the adidas Texas Classic 2002 at Clear Lake High School in Clear Lake, TX is sanctioned by the state of Texas and, as a result, this is place to be if you are a high school prospect and want to get seen this weekend. Games will tip-off beginning at 5:00 PM tomorrow and the tournament is divided into three divisions (17-Under Group A at Clear Lake High School, 17-Under Group B at Clear Lake Ninth Grade Campus, and 16-Under Group C at the Lobo's Athletic Facility). The teams in Group A will include the Houston Superstars, Belmont Shore, Southeast Texas All-Stars, and DC Assault in Pool 1; Branch West, Arkansas Hawks, Tim Thomas Playaz, and Seattle in Pool 2; Team Minnesota, Oakland Slam N Jam, Portland ICP, and Atlanta Celtics, in Pool 3; and IEBP, Michigan Hurricanes, Milwaukee DTA, and Dallas Slam n Jam in Pool 4. The teams in Group B will include Houston Superstars Elite, New Orleans Buccaneers, Northeast Texas All-Stars, and Mississippi Panthers in Pool 1; H-Squad, EBO, Katy Shotcellers, and Squires Richmond in Pool 2; Arizona Heat, Midland Hawkeyes, New York Juice, and Baltimore Select in Pool 3; and Southeast Pump N Run, Sports Academy, Illinois Fire, and Texas Blue Chip in Pool 4. The teams in Group C will include Pearland High School, Dallas Mustangs, Arizona Heat, and Beaumont Hoop Stars in Pool 1; Houston Superstars Blue/White, Clear Lake High School, CABC Waco, and Inner City Youth in Pool 2; and Squires Richmond, DC Assault, Memphis Wildcats, and Texas Blue Chip in Pool 3.

Notes from the Adidas Texas classic. The Michigan Hurricanes win the 17U division. The Hurricanes led by 17U tournament MVP Olumuyiwa Famutini beat H-Squad(CA). All tournament team: LeBron James, Frank Benson(Gulf Shores,TX), Tyrone Nelson(Houston Superstars), Lakeith Blanks(DC Assault) and Famutini.

Highlights: Lebron James is everything and more. He is by far the best amateur basketball player in America. He would be a lock for the number 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. He put on a real show in Texas and lived up to all the hype.

The 17U Squire team finished 1-2 in their pool. The 17U team had a serious case of jet lag. The college coaches followed the Squire 17U team very closely. U Va's Pete Guilian and his top assistant Walt Fuller were on hand evaluating our players. Other colleges who were paying particular attention to our players were NC State, Wake Forest, George Washington, Providence, Georgia Tech, Richmond, UT El Paso. These particular schools made serious inquires about our players.

Squires 16U team captures the 16U championship by defeating the Arkansas Hawks 69-60. Glen Dandridge 6'5"(Mt.Zion,NC) tournament MVP 16U division. Glen scored 17pts in the championship game. The college coaches were in awe of his 3 point shooting range.

Squire 16U and 17U teams getting ready for the,"ADIDAS 4th ANNUAL TEXAS SUPERSTAR CLASSIC", this weekend. Team leaves Friday morning and everyone appears ready to go. We will have updates and a diary of the trip. This NCAA sanctioned event will be a true classic. With the large contingent of major college coaches in attendance the tournament should generate many scholarship opportunities for our players. The SQUIRE motto is, "A Degree for Free", and our organization is determined to put all of our players in the position to get the maximum educational and athletic exposure to be considered for a scholarship.

Local NBC affiliate CH. 12 will preview the Squires program at 5:30PM today. Local CBS affiliate CH 6 will preview the Squires program at 6:00PM today.

The Adidas Texas Superstar Classic will feature LaBron James, the consensus #1 high school basketball player in the nation regardless of class. This superstar junior is getting plenty of attention from NBA scouts and representatives from all NBA teams are expected to be at the tournament. A prominent NBA scout stated that, "Labron would be the #1 pick in the 2002 NBA draft if he was eligible to declare for the draft". He will be playing for Oakland Slam N Jam and their first game will be Friday at 9:40PM against the Atlanta Celtics.

North Carolina Gators 17U upset Squires 17U in the finals of the SQUIRE RICHMOND SHOOT-OUT. In a down to the finish thriller, the NC Gators prevailed behind the play of Anthony "PJ" Tucker(Raleigh,NC / Enloe HS). He was one of the most outstanding players in the tournament. The Squire trio of Brad Byerson, Vern Hamilton and Dana Burns were also outstanding and members of the all-tournament team.

Other members of the all tournament were:

JamesOn Curry / 6'3" / E. Alamance HS(NC) / 2-A Player of the Year NC / All State NC 1st team / Soph / Offered by UNC in Dec.
Roy Bright / 6' 6" / N. Durham HS(NC) / All State NC 2nd team / Soph
Demario Anderson / 6'2" / Oxon Hill HS(MD) / Big time scorer / JR
Montez Doweny / 6'5" / Oxford Webb HS(NC) / Excellent inside game / Soph
Ronnie Spears / 6'4" / Steward HS(VA) / Excellent leaper / Jr
Mike Edwards / 5'11" / Steward HS(VA) 3pt shooter / Jr.
Willie McWilliams / 6'4 / S. Lakes HS(VA) Excellent inside game / Jr

SQUIRES 15U (Vaughan) defeat 17U N J Blazers 69-64. Squires were led by a trio of freshman with outstanding promise.
6'7" Dennis Ward 15pts,(George Wythe HS), 6'0" Devon Coley(Varina HS)11pts and 6'6" Laurynas Mikalauskas(Blue Ridge HS)16pts. Mikalauskas has all the skills to be a raising star. He runs, shoots and jumps very well. He is a lefty, but around the basket, he is very ambidextrous.

Thanks to Prep Stars.Com, The S.H.O.T. , PREPS PLUS SERVICES for covering the tournament. Also, a special thank you to the Richmond, Virginia CBS affiliate(Ch.6) for their TV coverage. Look for a special report on the Squires program this week on Ch.6(CBS).

Big week coming for the SQUIRES program. The 17U and 16U teams will be in Houston Texas, April-12-14 participating in the ,"ADIDAS 4th ANNUAL TEXAS SUPERSTAR CLASSIC". This is a NCAA sanctioned event, which means college coaches will be allowed to evaluate players during this tournament. From all indications, coaches from every major college in the US will be in attendance. In a effort to give Squire players the maximum opportunity for athletic scholarship exposure, we have chosen to participate in this tournament.

SQUIRES 12U AND 13U teams to participate in the Virginia AAU Division I State Tournament April 12-14. Both teams are favored to qualify for the AAU National Championships.

East beats West in annual McDonald's Classic. It was good to see former Squire player Amare Stoudemire play with such intensity. It was two years ago that he played with our 16U team in the Virginia AAU regional tournament. Two other big time performers in the McDonald's game, Jason Fraser and Carmelo Anthony participated in last years SQUIRES RICHMOND SHOOT-OUT, both looked outstanding. Speaking of the SQUIRES RICHMOND SHOOT-OUT, it begins tomorrow and 7 Adidas ABCD camp invites will be participating representing the SQUIRES 17U team. Also, the local CBS television affiliate will filming, look for a two-part news special on the SQUIRES program soon. SQUIRES 17U roster for SHOOT-OUT.

The Durham Panthers 16U team will feature 2 excellent sophomores and a freshman in the SQUIRES RICHMOND SHOOT-OUT. 6'6" Roy Bright, Northern Durham HS. Bob Gibbons rates him one of the top sophomores in North Carolina. They will also feature Montez Doweny 6'5'', Oxford Webb HS, all-conference and brother of Wake Forrest player Taron Doweny. Freshman point guard Montez Smith 6'1"', Word of God HS who was the Tar Hill Christian Player of the Year.

Congratulations to the University of Maryland for winning their first national championship. Speaking of Maryland, it is being reported that SQUIRE Brad Byerson(6'8"Thomas Dale HS) is being pursued by the Terps. Brad will be playing for the SQUIRES 17U team in this weekend's SQUIRE RICHMOND SHOOT-OUT.

SQUIRE teams dominate Virginia's 16U AAU regional play. 16U Squire(Exum) wins regional finishing 5-0. 16U Squire(Brooks) finishes 4th, 4-2. Next up for 16U teams, Virginia State AAU tournament, April 19-21.

Squire 15U team finishes 2nd in the Easter Roundball Classic.

SQUIRES 16U (Exum) begins it's defense of the Virginia State AAU Championship. The SQUIRES program will have two teams entered in the 16U tournament which begins regional play tomorrow at the Fort Lee Military Base, Colonial Heights, Virginia. SQUIRES 16U (Brooks) will also be participating in this tournament. It looks like both teams have a excellent chance of playing in the regional championship game.

SQUIRES 15U team will be in Chapel Hill, NC playing in the Easter Roundball Classic

SQUIRES 13U team will be playing in the Northern Virginia Tip-Off Tournament.

SQUIRE 14U team takes North Carolina tournament by storm with 4 victories over the weekend. The 14U team defeated the Carolina Wildcats 62-45, Team Richmond(VA) 60-47 and Garner Road Red 61-44 . Squires finish 4-0 and 1st place in their pool. All players played extremely well and this team looks very good. The 14U team should make a strong showing in state AAU competition.

SQUIRE coaches wore the green Adidas Signature Pro Model Basketball Shoe featuring the Squires insignia. They were the talk of the tournament. The Squire 16U team will be wearing the Signature Pro Model shoe this weekend in the regional state AAU tournament. They are the defending state champions.

Former Squire player Keenan Holmes(Hermitage HS) is the 6th man on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania team that has advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Div.II Tournament. Keenan is averaging 7.4 ppg. Good luck Keenan.

Also, advancing to the NCAA Div.II Elite Eight is Shaw University. Former Squire player Antonio Hargrove is a member of the Shaw University team.

Squire player to watch! Gordon Johnson, 6'9" Jr. Notre Dame Academy. Gordon had a great junior year and is ready to begin the spring and summer tournaments. He will display his talents the weekend of April 6-7 in Squires Tournament for 16U & 17U.

Congratulations to Squire players Brad Byerson(Jr.,Thomas Dale HS) and Chris Copeland (Sr.Hermitage HS) for making the 2002 All-Metro team. Copeland is a University of Colorado recruit. Current Squire players Vern Hamilton(Jr. Benedictine HS) and Darius Swinton (Jr. Thomas Dale HS) make all-metro team as well. Hamilton makes 2nd team and Swinton makes 3rd team.

Squire 12U and 13U teams invade North Carolina this weekend. Squire 12U team will participate in the Raleigh NC Garner Road Tournament. The 13U team will play in the Durham NC Flames tournament. The Squires 13U team has decided to play this tournament in the 14U division. Good luck to both teams.

Three Squire players make all-tournament team and have great Virginia Prep League Tournament games. Marshall Tucker of St. Christopher's made all-tournament team and was tournament MVP. Jelani Lawrence and Jermone Day also made the all-tournament team.

Squire players Darius Swinton and Brad Byerson led Thomas Dale HS into the regionals of the VHSL playoffs. Squire super frosh Dennis Ward of George Wythe HS is playing an important role for the Bulldogs who are in a great position to win a state championship.

The big news in the State of Virginia is coaching changes. Norfolk State University fires Will Jones and will hire Joel Hopkins current coach at NCAA Div.II Shaw University. Hopkins is the former HS coach at Durham (NC)Mt. Zion Academy. He also has Shaw in the NCAA Div.II tournament. This is a very interesting move for Norfolk State Univ. Three former Squire players are on the roster of Norfolk State.

The other big coaching news in the state is the announcement of Jeff Capel as the new head coach at Virginia Commonwealth University. Capel at 27 is the youngest head coach at the Div.I level. The Rams made had a good run in the CAA tournament and should get a NIT bid. Former Squire player Dominic Jones made All-CAA and without a doubt is the best player on a good Rams team.

Congratulations to former Squire David Boyden of Western Kentucky who helped led the Hilltopers to a second straight NCAA tournament berth.

SQUIRES 12U team finishes second in the Piedmont YMCA tournament. Great job. Our 12U team is playing good basketball and is on the verge of being a force the state this year.

Congratulations to SQUIRE Brad Byerson for being the first Thomas Dale HS player to score 1000 points by his junior year.

Former SQUIRE player and current Armstrong HS head coach John Gordon directs the Wildcats to the Capital District regular season championship. He is our choice for coach of the year in the Capital District.

Squire freshman Tyrese Rice scored 14 points, giving L.C. Bird a 78-72 win.

Squire Joshua Vaughan has led his Collegiate Cougars to a 1-1 record in their last two games scoring 16 and 13 points respectively.

Squire 17U player Jamar Fleming(Highland Springs HS) pours in 30pts against Armstrong HS. Look for Jamar to be a key player for our 17U team.

The Squires 12U team came in 3rd place in the North Carolina Gators Invitational Tournament. Squire LaFael "CJ" Dortch made all tournament team and Terry Stinson was also outstanding in his play. Squires 12U team has a record of 6-2.

Jarhon Giddings, a 6'6" (we think he's taller) soph. forward at Blacksburg HS, is starting to open eyes in the Blue Ridge area. He has averaged double figures all year, but has picked up the pace over the past four games, averaging 19 pts a game. Giddings is active in the paint on both ends, but also sports a feathery touch from behind the arc. Giddings was a member of last year's 15U team that traveled to the Nationals last year.

Tuesday's matchup between the area's two hottest teams, Richmond T-D #4 Highland Springs HS and #6 Armstrong, presents several interesting matchups, but none moreso than that between the two pt. guards. Jamar Fleming, a jr. for Highland Springs, and L.C. Baker, a soph. for Armstrong are both Squires and have been on fire. Fleming, who plays on the talented 16U team, has averaged 20 PPG since his return to the team, including a 32 pt output against Kennedy. Baker has led the Wildcats in scoring 2 of the last 4 games while still continuing to set up his teammates and running the 'Cats offense.

15u Squire Dennis Ward led George Wythe with 26 points Friday night in a loss against Manchester, in which George Wythe was missing 4 starters. Wythe lost their first game of the season 84-58.

15U Squire Tyrese Rice lit up Midlothian for 27 points and 9 assists". L.C Bird won 85-72.

Collegiate edged Trinity in triple over time in what turned out to be a shooters night out. Although the upper classmen for each team played very big, it was squire sophomore player Antwon Vaughan that changed the game mood in Trinity's favor with a run late in the 4th quarter. With approximately two minutes left in the game, Vaughn hit two three's, grabbed a rebound, and made a big assist that was barried for three by teammate Greg Dew. On the other end of the court, Squire player Joshua Vaughan and Marcus Brooks for Collegiate hit a key basket each in overtime to keep their team from being eliminated in overtime. Although Squire Antwon Vaughn came out on top with 17 points 6 rebounds and 8 assist, freshmen Joshua Vaughan held his own with 7 points and great floor play. Teammate and fellow squire Marcus Brooks added 8 in the Collegiate win.

The Squire organization mourns the passing of long-time Squire coach and benefactor, Thomas "TC" Cunningham. TC gave his all to the Squire program and will be sorely missed. He helped guide many Squire players towards college and will always be remembered by the organization.

Thomas B. Cunningham Jr. of Chesterfield Co. departed this life Wednesday, February 6, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Tina Harris-Cunningham; five daughters, Torie, TeShawn and Iesha Cunningham, Tichaundra and Tiajuana Harris; one son, Tione Cunningham; one grandson, Teon Tiller; three brothers, Ronnie, Edwyn and Harry Cunningham; mother-in-law, Emma Johnson; five sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, several aunts, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; one godson, Jimaris Jennings; other relatives and friends. Remains rest at the Mimms Funeral Home, 19th and Hull Sts., where funeral services will be held Saturday, February 9, 2 p.m. Bishop James M. Miller Jr., officiating. Interment in Riverview Cemetery. Relatives and friends attending funeral services assemble at the funeral home Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Squire player and Armstrong HS sophomore Larry Baker is starting to draw a lot of attention. The 5'8' super quick guard led Armstrong with 18pts in their victory over Varina HS. He is the fastest player in the area and his jump shot is falling. Many people are saying he can't be stopped. Look for Larry on our 16U team this spring. Remember, he was the MVP in Johnny Newman summer classic.

Another Squire player with big numbers this week was Darek Mitchell. The Patrick Henry HS sophomore scores 34 pts in a victory over John Marshall HS. He had six three pointers. Mitchell and Barker make up the Squires 16U backcourt. Watch them in action together this spring.

Virginia Tech head coach Ricky Stokes was in town yesterday taking in the basketball practices of Benedictine HS, Vern Hamilton and Thomas Dale HS, Brad Byerson.

Former Squire and Virginia Tech signee Shawn Harris (Fork Union) scores 30 pts in victory over Roanoke College. Harris goes 8-12 from the three point line. Great job Shawn. One of the all-time great Squire players.

Squire 15U players update: Josh Vaughan(Collegiate) went head to head against Squire Vern Hamilton(Benedictine). Hamilton 15pts and Vaughan 9pts. Tyreese Rice is starting shooting guard for L.C. Byrd HS (9 ppg). Dennis Ward is part-time center for #1 ranked George Wythe HS. Michael "MJ" Evan is starting small forward for Jamestown HS (8 ppg). Ryan Winston, Patrick Henry HS. Gregory Redford, Hermitage HS and Ashford Graves Mt. Zion HS. Squires welcome newcomer for our 15U team Terrance Evans 6'6", John Marshall HS.

Player to watch: Matthew Kittrell 6'8" starting center St. Christopher's HS (14 ppg). Matt is a freshman with outstanding potential. He participated with the Squire organization in a tournament last summer.

Former Squire player and Georgetown University freshman Harvey Thomas has arrived. This heralded small forward scored 14pts in 17 minutes in Georgetown's 75-60 rout of No.14 ranked Syracuse. Harvey will be starting at the small forward position for the rest of the season. He credits his father, Harvey Thomas Sr., long-time friend Anthony "Buttons" Poole and Tony Squire for his ascension as a possible candidate for the Big East Rookie of the Year. Harvey is particularly thankful to the Squire organization for the educational guidance and athletic development that the program provided for him during his high school years. He constantly refers to the Squire organization being responsible for putting him in the position to accept an athletic scholarship to Georgetown.

On Saturday February 2, 2002, there will be a Squire reunion at the MCI Center in Washington DC. The Georgetown Hoyas meet the West Virginia Mountaineers. Four former Squire players will be participating in this game. Harvey Thomas, Georgetown, Tyrone Sally, Chris Moss and Jonathan Hargett of West Virginia. Squire Board Member, Reginald"Coach Mac" McFarland will be on hand to represent the Squire organization on festive occasion.

Celebrity sighting. SQUIREBBALL.COM covered the Virginia Union University and Shaw University basketball game last evening and we happened to rub shoulders with the infamous Jerry Krause, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Chicago Bulls and his sidekick(Special Assistant), former Bull B.J. Armstrong who were in town to scout perspective players. Their main interest were Shaw's 6'4" point guard Ronald Murray and 6'10 center Steve Bynes. Murray did not have his best game, but you can tell his is a player and will definitely get a long look by the NBA. Anyone who saw him last year against Union, knows he can probably help the Bulls now. Steve Bynes on the other hand had a fantastic game scoring 23pts and was virtually unstoppable in the post. He can flat out play and threw down a number of dunks that would make any NBA scout take notice. Jerry Krause is always looking for players, especially sleepers and Murray and Bynes fall into that category unless they win the NCAA Div.II tittle which is a strong possibility. However, the sleeper of the evening was former Squire player and Virginia Union freshman Duane Crockett. Krause liked Crockett and made the point that he will follow his progress closely over the next three years.

Squire super sophomore Cameron Stanley of Millbrook HS(Raleigh,NC) holds Duke signee Shavlik Randolph to 8pts as Millbrook beats Broughton. Stanley scores 11pts in this victory. Look for Cameron Stanley to play a major role for the Squire's 16U and 17U teams this spring and summer

The upcoming 16U Squires basketball team is the defending two-time state champions in Virginia and boasts some of the best talent in the state at that age group. Every member of the team is making significant contributions to his Varsity or Prep School Squad, but three players are putting up some impressive numbers.

Larry "L.C." Baker is a 5'6" soph. PG at Armstrong HS where his 13.5ppg, 7apg, and 2spg have helped guide the Wildcats to a 9-4 (5-1) record and a share of first place in the Capital District. Baker is lightning quick and magic with the ball. He can also bury the three, as he displayed earlier this year by dropping 7 tre's against MLWGS and 6 against G. Wythe, the 2nd ranked AAA school in the state. He also sports a 4.4 GPA.
Darek "Skip" Mitchell is a 6'1" jr. SG at Patrick Henry HS in Ashland and the 2nd leading scorer in the Colonial District at 19.5ppg, his best output coming against JR Tucker with 37pts, with 6 three pointers. He also averages 5rpg and at times runs the PG in PH's three guard system (2.5apg). He is considered one of the area's best 3pt shooters. He also has a 3.0GPA.
Bambale Osby is a 6'7" soph. PF/C at Thomas Jefferson HS in Richmond where he averages 14ppg and 12rpg(both among district leaders). At 235lbs Osby presents a challenge to opponents on both ends of the floor. Osby's best output of the year was a 24 pt effort. His game is a mixture of power and finesse in the paint. He is not all braun sporting a 3.8GPA.

The 13U Squire team opened tournament play with a 44-14 victory over the Stafford Heat. Chris Smith 12pts, Robert Hembrick 8pts, Brandon Rozzell 6pts, Martiz Washington 6pts, Aaron Mitchell 5pts and Travis Jowers 4pts.

Game 2: Squires 42-39 over the Spotsy Spartans. Chris Smith 15pts, Brandon Rozzell 11pts, Ryan Davis 6pts (2 three's), Robert Hembrick and Martiz Washington 3pts each and Austin Lewis and Lawrence Farris 2 pts each.

Championship Game: Game 3. Squires Richmond 68-51 over Richmond Metro. Chris Smith 20pts, John "Madaris" Woods IV 13pts, Jordon Brown 12pts and 12 rebounds, Martiz Washington 10pts and Phillip Bagley 6pts and 8 rebounds.

Tournament MVP: Chris Smith(15.2ppg) All Tournament Team: Chris Smith, Brandon Rozzell, Martiz Washington. Most Improved: Travis Jowers Players To Watch: Jordon Brown and Phillip Bagley.

It was indeed a big game in Richmond on Saturday night as Benedictine defeated Blue Ridge 78-73. Squires' under classmen Brandon freeman, Jelani Lawrence, and Jerome Day fell short of what should have been a victory as they lost their 8 point lead late in the fourth period. The advantage changed in Benedictine's favor thanks to fellow squire Vern Hamilton who steped up his game scoring two quick baskets and forcing a turnover. Just as Squire Jelani Lawrence of Blue Ridge change the mood of the game by beating the buzzer at the end the third period with a Vince Carter like monster dunk. Sophomore Brandon Freeman scored 12 point in his match-up against Hamilton who scored 18 and fellow squires Jerome Day Top all squires with a 22 point effort as the injured Jelani Lawrence contributed 12 points as well.

Squire Guard Antwon Vaughn scores 15 points to help Trinity in its victory over Christchurch. The 6" 1' sophomore now starting for Trinity fell just short of his 16-point season high against ST. Christopher's. We'll keep our eyes on the new starter.

Squire players led John Rolf MS(Henrico, Co.,Virgina) to undefeated season 10-0. Austin Lewis, John Woods and Marvin White played key roles for this championship caliber team. A season highlight for this team was their preseason victory over the Varina HS 9th grade team. Lewis and Woods are members of the Squire 13U team and White is a member of the 14U team. These players displayed the sportsmanship and educational values that the Squire organization strives to instill in all young men who participate in our program.

Squire 6"9' Gordon Johnson hit four big three-pointers in a Notre Dame victory over National Christian. Number 1 Notre Dame Academy is now (15-0). Notre Dame host a big game Tuesday night January 22, 2002 against Blue Ridge. Come watch what should be a great game as eight Squires' match up against each other. Each team has four players from the Squiers.

Squire player Brandon Myles featured in Times-Dispatch article.

Former Squire and West Virginia University freshman guard Jonathan Hargett is expected to miss the next two weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee

Squire player Marcus Sikes makes big shoot to led Notre Dame Academy over Montrose Christian and gain #1 ranking.

Squire players Joe Posey, Gordon Johnson, Jarad Barrett, and Marcus Sikes led Notre Dame Academy to the #1 rating in the metro Washington DC area

Squires' Jamone Day scored 18 points as Blue Ridge handled Fork Union 55-33.

Squire players make early impact as freshman this high school season. Freshman Tyrese Rice(Byrd HS) scores 19pts in Byrd's victory over Meadowbrook HS. This crafty point guard has proven he can direct the offensive and nail the three pointer. His Squire teammate Dennis Ward is a member of the #1 ranked George Wythe Bulldogs. Dennis, the only freshman on the roster played significant minutes during Wythe's championship run in the Timesdispatch InSync Tournament. Both players have credited their experience with Squire Basketball as having played an important role in their basketball development. Dennis states, "Squire Basketball helped me make the transition from middle school basketball to high school varsity, I got the chance to play with and against excellent competition all summer long. My Squire coaches emphasized fundamentals and drills". Both of these freshman players are expected to play a big role for our 2002 15U team

Congratulations to Temonte "Tee" Rogers for being named, "The Times-Dispatch 2001 Football Player of The Year." Tee is an alumnus of the Squire Basketball Program. He played four years of Squire Basketball and is currently averaging 24pts per game for Varina HS. Tee will have to make that difficult decision of playing football or basketball in college.

Last Saturday, two former SQUIRE players squared off against each other in a major college basketball game. The former SQUIRES 16U backcourt duo of Jonathan Hargett(WVU) and Maurice Carter(Robert Morris College,PA) dueled to a drew. Carter shot 4-12 for 14 points and Hargett went 4-14 for 11 points. WVU defeated Robert Morris. Just think, four years ago these two young men made up the best freshman backcourt in Highland Springs High School history. Matter of fact, they were the best backcourt tandem in the entire region as freshman.

The other game of the night will feature #1 George Wythe going against #2 Hermitage. This will be the first big test for Wythe this season. Wythe is led by super sophomore Tyree Evans. It will be interesting to see how Hermitage handles Wythe's full court pressing style of play. Hermitage is deep but will they have the tenacity to hold off a tough bulldog team. Hermitage has been tested twice so far this season, beating Benedictine but falling to Henrico. They need this game, a loss might have them really wondering if they can compete for a district championship. We like George Wythe.

We also got the opportunity to take in the championship of the Fork Union Invitational. We fell in love with the play of 5'5", 180lb pt guard Louis Ford of Bridgton Academy. He proved without a doubt that the little guys can play with the big guys. He was great in leading Bridgton over Fork Union. He has the complete package. This young man was athletic, quick, strong, excellent floor leader, good shooter and he can jump. His size is his only liability but this weekend, no one could stop him. Fork Union's guards were 6'1 and 6'2 and he handled them with no problem. We like Louis and he can play on the D1 level.

Hargrave Military Academy is loaded but they lost in the championship game to the New Hampton School that was led by Rashad McCants(UNC). McCants was solid and could easily be starting for UNC now. Stanley Asumnu(UTenn) was great and appears to have a nice NBA future. Robert Strickland and Renardo Dixon both headed for Marshall will be impact players. We also were impressed with the play of Cameron Bennerman.

Blue Ridge 78 Trinity 46. Squire players play big role in Blue Ridge's victory. Four Squire players dot the roster of this powerful high school team. Big, athletic, quick and tenacious are just a few of the superlatives that described the play of this team last evening. Featuring no starter under 6 ft and four them bonafide division I prospects, Blue Ridge was in control throughout the game. Employing a fierce full court man to man trapping press, which led to many easy baskets, they coasted to victory. Blue Ridge was led by Squire Dana Burns 20pts and 6'10" Minnesota signee
Alou Kane with 15pts. Squire players Jermone Day had 8pts, Jelani Lawrence played big under the boards and Brandon Freeman displayed excellent leadership at point guard. Recruiting update: U Conn, NC State and Clemson have inquired about junior Dana Burns, Delaware and Clemson have inquired about junior Jelani Lawrence, UVA
football has expressed interest in Jermone Day. Freeman is just a sophomore but is considered a major prospect in both football and basketball.

Big game tonight. SQUIREBBALL.COM will be courtside at the Hermitage-Benedictine game tonight.

New arena and everything you need to know about University of Maryland Basketball.

New arena for the University of South Carolina

The only thing to report from the Virginia / Michigan ST. game is disappointment. It is not often top college basketball programs come to Richmond to play. It was a major disappointment to a sellout crowd that the game was cancelled. However, we did get a chance to renew some old friendships. It was good to talk with Michael Kruse of Basketball America ( http://www.basketballamerica.com/ ). It is a good web site. We also got a chance to talk with one of the Indiana Pacers scouts who was in attendance.

Timesdispatch boys basketball preseason top ten.

Next stop, Mt. Zion Christian Academy. We checked in with Goochland native Glen Dandridge who is shooting the lights out for this nationally ranked school. We also got some scoop from his Mt. Zion teammate Roscoe Biggers on his possible college choices, Louisville, NC State, Auburn.

Third stop of the night, Chappell Hill, the Dean Dome. Hampton rolls over UNC. Hampton is for real. We were impressed with Hampton's Devin Green, Isaac Jefferson and Tommy Adams. You also can't overlook the fine coachong job of Steve Merfeld. This Hampton team is good but next year they will be loaded. Check out our College News section.

We left North Carolina and arrived in Richmond about 2am Saturday. At 1pm we were on the road again, this time to Charlottesville to see the game. Tech vs UVA in football. We slipped out at half with Tech up 31-0 and headed back to Richmond. Great atmosphere for college football.

Congratulations to SQUIRE Vern Hamilton for 3 TD receptions in the State championship game. Benedictine wins a state football tittle with their victory over Hargrave. Hamilton without a doubt ended the season as the areas best wide receiver. His football stock is raising fast. He might be another Charlie Ward. Rumor has it that he might play quarterback next year.

SQUIRE Alumnus David Boyden(Hermitage,HS) leads Western Kentucky over Kentucky.

Three former SQUIRE players lead West Virginia University in season opener win. Chris Moss 22pts, Jonathan Hargett 16pts, and Tyrone Sally 2pts. See complete recap.

SQUIREBBALL.COM was in Chapel Hill on Saturday taking in the UNC exhibition game against Nike Elite. We will be back in Tar Heel land on Friday to check out the season opener against Hampton University. UNC will
be fine this year and might surprise some people in the ACC. Look for Curry and Peppers to return to the basketball court.

SQUIREBBALL.COM will be at Fork Union Military Academy on Friday to bring you a Shawn Harris update.

Temple gets major recruit. http://dailynews.philly.com/content/daily_news/2001/11/09/sports/TEMS09S.htm

Jason Fraser is a lock for Villanova and Omar Cook is still searching. http://www.nypost.com/sports/5178.htm

Amarie Stoudemire update. http://theinsidershoops.theinsiders.com/2/24822.html

On Tuesday nite we were on the campus of Virginia Union University taking in the Panthers against the Johnny Newman All-Stars. The Panthers won with former SQUIRE Duan Crockett leading the way.

These two teams will meet Saturday at VCU's Siegel Center in what should be a close game. We will give the edge to VCU. This game should be a sell out.

Former SQUIRE Herbert Jones(Petersburg,HS) had 12pts and 5 rebounds in the home opener for Allegheny(MD) CC.

Former SQUIRE John Waller(Highland Springs,HS) scored 10pts. in ODU's victory against EA Sports.

Former SQUIRE coach John Siers named the head basketball coach at Hugenot HS. Congratulations John. He also was the coordinator for the Virginia 5 Star Camps. In 1998 John coach a SQUIRE 15U team that was the #1 AAU team in the state of Virginia. That same team finished 13th in the 1998 National AAU Tournament.

Virginia High Schools begin practicing today. Good luck to all SQUIRE players. Hermitage High School appears to be the team to beat in the Central Region. Many feel they will make a strong run for the AAA state tittle.

Terrance Whittier (Laurinburg NC) has committed to Loyola-Chicago University. Terrance played in a number of summer tournaments for the SQUIRE organization. He also was a long time member of the Baltimore Select team. Former UCLA great and coach Larry Farmer is the current coach at Loyola-Chicago. This a big step for Larry in building a winning program.

6-10 Alou Kane (Blue Ridge, VA) has committed to the University of Minnesota.

Insiders believe that 6-6 Lenny Cooke (NJ) will sign a letter of intent with St. John's or opt to enter the 2002 NBA draft.

Richmond native and former Highland Springs HS star Tim Harget(Barber-Scotia College,NC) has been invited to the tryout camp for the Roanoke Dazzle of the National Basketball Developmental League(NBDL).

Big East coaches tab former SQUIRE Jonathan Hargett(West Virginia) as preseason rookie of the year

SQUIRE News: Prep Stars.com features article on SQUIRE players Harris and Calloway. Virginia Tech has done things in waves this fall. The Hokies added three players from the Class of 2002 within a one week span, and now they've jumped back into the news with two more, Shawn Harris and Allen Calloway. Harris is the bigger name of the two. He's a native of Ettrick, Va., prepping this year at Fork Union (VA) Military. The 6-4 WG/WF has a stocky build, and a competitive streak that coaches love. As a senior, he struggled to earn the attention from good basketball programs he believed he deserved, so he decided to attend Fork Union for a year for increased exposure. The plan worked. In addition to overtures from Tech, he received serious interest from George Washington, East Carolina and others. Harris is a very hard worker with a nice jumpshot from medium-range that extends to beyond the three-point stripe. He dribbles the ball surprisingly well, even playing point guard at the ABCD camp (!). Perhaps most notable is his toughness. Shawn knows he's strong and wide, and he uses his body to overpower weaker defenders in the post. Harris is the nation's No. 129 senior. Calloway, a 6-9 big guy, doesn't enjoy as national a reputation. He actually committed to the Hokies last year, but instead is attending Coastal Christian Academy ( See what the TIMES DISPATCH and THE ROANOKE TIMES had to say).

National Recruiting News: Shavlik Randolph 6'10"(Raliegh,NC) should announce his college choice of Duke at a Wednesday afternoon press conference. This will cap a super recruiting class for Duke. Many rank Duke as having the #1 class of incoming recruits. Michigan lands two big men. They are 6'11" Chris Hunter(Gary,IN) and 6'10" Amadou Ba from North Bridgton(ME). Georgia Tech continues to get big time players. Theodis Tarver 6'9" C/PF from Monore,LA is the latest. Paul Hewitt and his staff have done an outstanding job. It will be very interesting to compare the Ga.Tech. class and the Duke class two years from now. The Ga. Tech. class might just surprise a lot of people. North Carolina State gets commitment from 6'11" Adam Simons(Burlington,NC). He choose the pack over Univ. of Richmond. Justin Albrecht a 6'6'' wing forward from Iowa Western CC has chosen Tennessee.

Terrance Whittier (Laurinburg NC) has committed to Loyola-Chicago University. Terrance played in a number of summer tournaments for the SQUIRE organization. He also was a long time member of the Baltimore Select team. Former UCLA great and coach Larry Farmer is the current coach at Loyola-Chicago. This a big step for Larry in building a winning program.

6-10 Alou Kane (Blue Ridge, VA) has committed to the University of Minnesota.

Insiders believe that 6-6 Lenny Cooke (NJ) will sign a letter of intent with St. John's or opt to enter the 2002 NBA draft.

Richmond native and former Highland Springs HS star Tim Harget(Barber-Scotia College,NC) has been invited to the tryout camp for the