Memphis Roar

The 2nd annual River City Showdown concluded late Sunday afternoon with the 17U Championship game between the Memphis Magic Elite and the Memphis Magic Gold. The pairing was decided by Saturday’s bracket play in which the Memphis Magic Gold upset Team Alabama, led by Willy Kouassi and Bernard Morena.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Memphis Magic Elite vs. Memphis Magic Gold


The Memphis Magic Elite beat the Memphis Magic Gold 85-83 to take home the 17U Championship on a break-away dunk by 2011 C Ryan Rhoomes.

17U MVP & All-Tournament Team

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

#2 Andre Hollins

Andre Hollins (Memphis, TN / White Station)

6’1” G – Memphis Magic Elite


Hollins is a work-horse. He is smart, hard-working, and consistent. He’s a great defender and crazy athletic for his size. Consistent from the arc, Hollins is always a threat to blow by his man to make a play. If there is a school out there questioning whether or not he is good enough, we’ll end that debate. Hollins is good enough. While he may not play right away at an elite-level school, he would eventually and has the work ethic and smarts to ensure it would happen. He is an all around great kid with an infectious smile. If Hollins ever makes it to the NBA, you can bet he’ll be doing an Aquafresh commercial one day. Stanford had an assistant in the stands almost every time he played, but in the words of another coach in attendance, “Dawkins was no where to be seen.” Tony Barbee (and his assistants) made stops along with the Arkansas and Alabama staffs.

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

Jarekious Bradley (Memphis, TN / East)

6’4” SF – Memphis Magic Elite

Bradley man handled the competition all day Friday and Saturday. Named to the All-Tournament team, Bradley was the gasoline that fueled the Memphis Magic engine. Bradley is a class of 2010 player from East High School that didn’t quite make the grade and has plans to head to prep school. He already has a college ready body and had a ton of media and coaches buzzing after his tournament performance. He’s strong, can shoot it out to 20 feet, is a hard-nosed defender, and can get into the lane from the wing. When asked what schools are recruiting him, Bradley said, “Well, not really any right now.” That is certain to change. Bradley is a high-major talent.

#32 Willy Kouassi

Willy Kouassi (Birmingham, AL / Central Park Christian)
6’10” C – Team Alabama

Kouassi was a dominant interior presence almost every time he touched the floor. He has great timing when blocking shots and goes strong to the rim on the offensive end. In the second half of Saturday’s afternoon game alone, Kouassi had 5 dunks.  While the rest of his offensive repertoire is developing, he is one of few true centers in a weak crop of big men in 2011. Kouassi plays at Central Park Christian (which is only about 5 minutes from where I spend the majority of most days).


Darien Knox, Kouassi’s legal guardian, is the head coach for Team Alabama and an assistant coach over at CPC. Since Memphis may need a big man, for now, don’t be shocked to see the Tigers pop up on Kouassi’s list. Knox has a great relationship with people in Memphis, loves the city, and is only a short drive down Highway 78.


Kerrel Davis (Memphis, TN / Hillcrest)

5’10” PG – Memphis Magic Elite

Davis is a jitterbug point guard built like a wrecking ball. Davis is quick with and without the ball and is a pass first point guard. Setting up the Memphis Magic wings like Andre Hollins, Jarekious Bradley, and Joe Northington, Davis ran his team on the offensive end and was the key to the Magic’s frenetic pressure defense and fast-paced offense. While Davis does not need it much (since he penetrates so well), we would like to see him work on his jump shot. Davis has started to get interest from schools like Missouri, MTSU, and UAB.


Cordarius Johnson (Coushatta, LA / Red River)

6’5” SF – Louisiana

Johnson is an undecided senior who, according to some at the event, is set to qualify if picked up. After averaging 18.1 points and over 10 rebounds per game his senior season, it’s mind-boggling that Johnson has managed to slip through the cracks. Although he forced the issue early, Johnson settled down early and made his impact in almost every way on the offensive end. He’s a decent ball-handler, but not great and struggled at times with on-ball pressure in the backcourt. Johnson reminded some in attendance of local shooting guard Todd Mayo. With the way that he can score the ball, Johnson could end up being a solid late addition to a mid-level high major team.

#9 Nino Johnson

Nino Johnson (Memphis, TN / White Station)

6’8” PF – Memphis Magic Elite


Johnson started off the tournament at a torrid pace, making play after play for the Magic . As the weekend continued, he wasn’t nearly as dominant. While Johnson has improved his skill set, his intensity level can fluctuate to extremes even within games. When he lowers his intensity, he often misses open dunks or layups. Those things would cease to exist with consistent focus and effort. Johnson has such a great body and the potential to be a step out four that we would like to see him work on some go to moves when working from 10+ feet. Whether it be a two-dribble move or a consistent 15-foot jumper, Johnson could be a continuous force while on the floor with a few added moves. Johnson has some new names popping up on his list, including Ohio State.

16U MVP & All-Tournament Team

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER


Billy Rosenberg (Memphis, TN / Raleigh-Egypt) – 6′5″ F


ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM


Matthew Butler (Memphis, TN / East) – 6′1″ G

Cameron Golden (Memphis, TN / Ridgeway) – 5′11″ G

DeAndre Harper (Douglasville, GA / Alexander) – 6′6″  SG

McDarion Abrams (Ridgeland, MS / Canton) – 6′10″ C


SLAM DUNK CONTEST


Participants for the slam dunk contest included DeShun Watkins (Arkansas Heat), Andre Hollins (Memphis Magic Elite), Tim Allen (Memphis Magic Gold) and eventual winner Tyler Boyd (Memphis Elite). The judges of the contest were Amy Lunati, the Tigers’ own Will Coleman, and Congressman Steve Cohen. The entire Memphis Tigers team stopped by to take in the contest.