The Mississippi D-1 Ambassadors were quiet during the first week of the live period because of a peculiar quirk in the great State of Mississippi. For some reason they have their State All Star Game during the live period where the kids spend several days practicing, attend a dinner and then ultimately play the game. From all I'm told it's a wonderful event BUT it eliminates top level Mississippi kids fom a portion of the recruiting period. Five of our players were selected to play in this prestigious event. I'm certainly not trying to offend anyone, but it seems like it would be so much more productive if this event was moved to a date a week earlier. Just a suggestion to my friends in one of the most talent rich states in the country. :-)
Coach Ted Hutchins was nice enough to send me the below encapsulation of the team's recent success in the Peach State Tournament. The Mississippi D-1 Ambassadors will be heading to Orlando, FL for the AAU National Showcase. Good luck to this talented group. Coach Max
========================================================================
The MS D1 Ambassadors competed in the Peach State Tournament in Aiken, SC on July 12-15. The team finished 4-2 overall and impressed a large number of college coaches with their play. They defeated Pasadena Stars by 26, Georgia Thunder by 31, SW Florida Elite by 19, and South Carolina Kings by 29. Their two losses were 62-60 to the Southern Phenoms (MS) and to the Georgia Future Elite 73-62 in the first round of bracket play. 40 teams entered and only 16 teams qualified for bracket play.
2011 Donovon Ross, 6'5 F (Ridgeland) (below right) garnered a lot of attention from Mid Majors such as SW Missouri State, Steven F Austin, Murray State, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee- Martin and Arkansas-Little Rock. He averaged 17 pts and 13 rebounds a game during the tournament. Nobody played harder than Ross, always going after the ball on both ends. He finished SEVEN "allys" with dunks during the tournament.
2011 LeAntwan Luckett, 6'4 G (Ridgeland) (top left) maintained his top 100 national status with an outstanding performance He averaged 21 pts, 8 rebounds and 6 assists per game! Despite playing with a sore knee, he was able to play 27 minutes per game. He's receiving attention from Missouri State, Murray State, UTEP, Baylor, and has offers from Mississippi State & Arkansas among others. (Luckett also pictured below) Twan is ranked in the Top 100 Nationally by both Rivals.com and Scout.com
2012 Corey Cox, 6'4 G(Yazoo City) had a great tournament as well, scoring 18 points off the bench in the first game. Will be high major recruit next year, excellent shooting and intense defensive player.
2012 McDarion Abron, 6'9 center, 2011 (Canton) logged limited minutes but made a huge impact. Was already offered a scholarship from a mid major! Big (280 lbs) and quick on his feet, he led the D-1 Ambassadors with 3 blk shots a game. Intimidator on the block, and a great finisher under basket.
2011 Jarron Mallory, 6'2 G (Provine) averaged 8 pts a game, with consistent 3 pt shooting. Steven F Austin among mid majors giving him a look.
2011 Troy Ambreau, 5'7 G (LA) Quickest player on team! He's a game changer with his speed, solid scorer and good defender. Was having a great tournament until knee injury sidelined him after 3rd game.
2012 G Khari Melton, 5'9" (East St John, LA) has a bright future. Although he played limited minutes, he showed flashes of a smooth game and did not get intimidated by the older and stronger players.
A special thanks go to Jarvis Summers, 6'3 guard (Provine High), and Xavier Rimmer, 6'4 guard(Piney Woods) who played great with us this tournament. These 2 young men normally play with the Jackson Tigers, but blended in great with the D-1 Ambassadors! Jarvis received a lot of attention from high majors such as Baylor, UTEP, MS State among others.
Coach Ted Hutchins
2012 McDarion Abron, 6'9 center, 2011 (Canton) logged limited minutes but made a huge impact. Was already offered a scholarship from a mid major! Big (280 lbs) and quick on his feet, he led the D-1 Ambassadors with 3 blk shots a game. Intimidator on the block, and a great finisher under basket.
2011 Jarron Mallory, 6'2 G (Provine) averaged 8 pts a game, with consistent 3 pt shooting. Steven F Austin among mid majors giving him a look.
2011 Troy Ambreau, 5'7 G (LA) Quickest player on team! He's a game changer with his speed, solid scorer and good defender. Was having a great tournament until knee injury sidelined him after 3rd game.
2012 G Khari Melton, 5'9" (East St John, LA) has a bright future. Although he played limited minutes, he showed flashes of a smooth game and did not get intimidated by the older and stronger players.
A special thanks go to Jarvis Summers, 6'3 guard (Provine High), and Xavier Rimmer, 6'4 guard(Piney Woods) who played great with us this tournament. These 2 young men normally play with the Jackson Tigers, but blended in great with the D-1 Ambassadors! Jarvis received a lot of attention from high majors such as Baylor, UTEP, MS State among others.
Coach Ted Hutchins
Mississippi D-1 Ambassadors
