D1 Ambassadors 2013's Asserting Themselves

Most of the attention goes to the players on the 17U circuit, but one of the things that make the Texas D1 Ambassadors a sure bet for college coaches and their recruiting radar every year is the fact that there are always prospects waiting in the wings.  With four different sets of 16 U players working on their games and learning what it takes to compete at the highest levels this year's groups in waiting are no exception.  Quality coaching, mentoring and leadership from Tremaine Wingield, Reggie Bostic, Ron Morse & Earl Battley ensures that the Class of 2013 will emerge in the Austin area as one of quality.

Team Bostic shows off their hardware from the Houston Hoops Spring Showcase

Back Row: George Anthony, Wesley Brown, Ras Bach
Front Row: Darian Bostic, Dylan Larson, Napoleon Onyeje, Justin Moss


The Texas D1 Ambassadors-Team Bostic traveled to Houston to compete in the Houston Hoops Summer Prep Classic. The team, made up of all 2013 players, did very well finishing 2nd in the 17U Gold Bracket. They split pool play 1-1 but came back Sunday with a vengeance.


Team Bostic blew through Texas Extreme 72-66 and in the semi-finals Team Bostic didn't let up as they ran through Team TKO winning 60-43 to advance them to the championship. Their impressive win included everyone scoring, a perfect example of great team chemistry and hard work. G Napoleon Onyeje of Pflugerville High had 13 points 3 assists and 3 steals in the win. PG Darian Bostic of Pflugerville High was also strong with 8 points, 2 assists and 2 rebounds. WG Ras Bach of Austin Anderson had 4 points while F Justin Moss of Pflugerville came in with 15 points. PG Dylan Larsen of New Braunfels was equally as good with 8 points and 2 assists. The big men, PF 6'7 Wesley Brown out of Pflugerville High had 6 points, 5 boards and 3 blocks and PF 6'5 George Anthony of Austin Anderson had 6 points and 4 boards, again doing a great job controlling the paint.


Team Bostic is proving to be a force to be reckoned with as they continue to demonstrate they are quite capable of competing at the 17U level.  They’re working well together as a squad with everyone contributing to their success. Their chemistry and unselfish play will surely lead them to a successful season as they gear up for their Las Vegas Live debut in July.
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Austin Championship: Texas D-1 Ambassadors -Team Battley defeat Austin Wilcats 62-42

Team Battley continues in the tradition of the best prospects in Killeen playing with the D1 Ambassadors. Team Battley went 5-0 to win Austin Rising Stars Invitational 16U Division. They defeated the Rising Stars 16u, Austin Wilcats, Dallas Bad Boyz, as well as Austin and One. 2013 G Renard Thomas of Shoemaker (12 points 8 assists), 2013 G Tyler Brown of Harker Heights and 2013 G Julian Battley of Harker Heights provided Team Battley with much needed three point shooting throughout the tournament. 2013 F Darius James of Harker Heights, 2013 F Naashon Hughes of Harker Heights and 2013 F Jose Romain of Killeen Shoemaker each averaged double doubles throughout the tournament.

Elite 8 In The Desert Wrap Up

Sunday started out in disappointing fashion for the Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston as they laid an egg in their bracket game, losing 50-40 to the California Future.  After closing the gap to a 2 point game, texas D1 coiuld not finish around the rim missing countless layups.  Going 0-7 from the free throw line when it was a two point game with 4 minutes left sealed their fate. Nobody reached double figures, with Houston Yates 2012 F Maurice Letcher-Ellis leading the team with 8 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocks.

The good news is that I was freed up to watch the championship bracket play of the this top class event.  Along the way, several of the favorites tumbled.  In addition to the Texas D1 Ambassadors, Belmont Shore (CA) didn't even make bracket play and the highly touted Compton Magic lost the championship game.  The top performers that I observed over the weekend in no particular order were:

2012 Alex Caruso                     Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston (TX)
Caruso stubbed his toe in his last bracket game but continues to grow his national pub with his all around play.  At almost 6'6" he can run the 1, 2 or 3.
2012 Gabe York                        Compton Magic (CA)
Smooth, scoring machine.  York is a big time player who can get to the rim at will, and when there rise above it.  He's got deep range and will be a high major star/pro down the road.
2013 Cullen Neal                       Danny Granger Hurricanes (NM)
The son of New Mexico Coach Craig "Noodles" Neal is on his way to a national rep.  Just a baby, but he understands the game, competes hard, can shoot it from anywhere on the floor and makes team mates better.
2013 Jeremiah April                  Compton Magic
The young big (6'10") has his coming out party and oozes potential at the highest level.
2012 Jimmy Elder-Chapman     San Diego Warriors (CA)
An unfortunate concussion in the semi final landed Chapman in the hospital, missing his San Diego Warriors overtime win over Compton Magic 48-46.  That's the only thing which stopped the 6'7" Chapman all weekend as he scored inside and out. 

Big props to his team mates who came into the event unheralded.  They suffered another injury in addition to Chapman's and played the championship game with no subs and not a single player over 6 foot to down the huge Compton squad.

San Antonio Churchill's Clark Lammert To Texas Tech

San Antonio Churchill & Texas D1 Ambassadors forward, 6'7" Clark Lammert has committed to play basketball for Texas Tech University.  Tech Coach Billy Gillispie has a reputation for giving his walk on players more than a fair chance to earn substantial playing time and to eventually earn a scholarship.  Lammert is extremely coachable, attentive to detail & a tireless worker who never complains.  He should fit in well with the Red Raiders as that will be their trademark.

He led Coach Tim Woods San Antonio Churchill Chargers to a 25 win season paired alongside his brother 2012 Connor Lammert.  He lists being able to share that experience with his sibling as one of the coolest things about his senior year.  He averaged 16 points & 7 rebounds for Churchill. Clark proved tough on the summer circuit as well, and led the Texas D1 Ambassadors-San Antonio to countless wins and a Great American Shootout title.

San Antonio Churchill & Texas D1 Ambassador Clark Lammert To Texas Tech

After this, his senior campaign, Lammert was named 1st Team All-District (26-5A), 1st Team All Area, & 1st Team All Region.  He was also named as All-City Super Team by the San Antonio Express-News.  Lammert runs the floor well, rebounds consistently, has a variety of nice moves close to the goal & can also step out to hit the three ball.  Congratulations to Clark, & the Lammert Family!-Coach Max Ivany

In addition to Lammert, Coach Gillispie has also added G Luke Adams to the roster.  The savvy guard from Big Spring, TX also played for the Texas D1 Ambassadors before finishing up with the New Mexico Force.  He is the son of Howard Coach Mark Adams who won a NJCAA National Championship last year.  Luke grew up under his dad's tutelage around the Howard College players and is wise beyond his years. Congratulations to the Adams Family!-Coach Max Ivany

Texas D1 Ambassadors Go 3-0 In adidas Elite 8 in the Desert

It has been a long, but productive day in the Phoenix heat for the Texas D1 Ambassadors. They wrapped up pool play against a couple of solid opponents, including a tough late game matchup over Orange County (CA).  They head to bracket play early Sunday morning against an opponent to be determined.  This was one of those days where everyone made contributions, yet nobody stood head and shoulders above anyone else, with all 10 players seeing significant & meaningful minutes.  This should have us fresh for the bracket play tomorrow which will require 4 wins to take home the 'ship.

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston  66  West Coast Elite (CA)  46
With 15 minutes left in the second half and only a one point lead, Texas D1 went on a big run and won going away.  2012 Alex Caruso had 13 points, 3 assists, 3 steals & 4 rebounds while 2012 Chase Brogna had 11 points & added 3 assists.  2011 G Jalen Washington  had 8 points & 8 rebounds.

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston  68  CTB All Stars (AZ)  41
CTB was made up mostly of players from Westwind Prep School located in Phoenix, AZ.  They shot the ball well, but had no answers for Texas D1's height and athleticism.  2012 G Devon Truk led with 14 points and 2013 F 6'8" Johnathan Motley one of Texas' top emerging big men had 12 points & 9 boards.  2011 Mark Nwakamma had 6 points & controlled the boards, snagging 11 of them.
Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston  54  Orange County (CA)  47
Falling beind 13-1, Texas D1 out on an amzing 5 niunte run to go into the half with a 26-24 lead.  2011 Keynan Willis blocked 3 shots in a row & followed that up by running the floor and finishing with 3 emphatic dunks.  The second half was nip and tuck as Orange County went up 45-43.  Texas D1 ended the game on a 11-2 run, including 4 straight free throws from 2012 Chase Brogna to seal the deal. Nwakamma had 10 points while 2012 F Maurice Letcher-Ellis had 10 points and 6 boards.

In other notes, San Antonio Brennan's Johnny Azzinarro, one of my favorite lead guards in the Class of 2013 was in uniform with the Arizona Dream Team, leading them to a 2-1 record in Day One.  Azzinarro's family has temporarily relocated to the Phoenix area but they expect to be back in the Alamo City come the school year.   Also moonlighting for CTB was Austin St. Stephen's Parth Vakil as his Ambassadors Austin team had the week off.

2013 Johnny Azzinaro

There was a Brandon Webster sighting in the desert as the 6'10" post was attending the predraft camp at Grand Canyon University when I dropped by to see the workouts and take our guys on a campus visit.

Brandon Webster (Fresno State) goes strong to tbe cup vs Boise State in a game in 2009.

When I walked in to Grand Canyon University yesterday to watch some of the predraft workouts, I hear a "What's up Coach Max?" from Texas D1 Ambassadors & Bryan High alum Brandon Webster.  Big Webb has lost weight and looks good as he looks to continue his pro career.  He was in El Salvador most recently.  Best of luck, Webb from the D1 Ambassadors Family!-Coach Max

Texas D1 Arrives In Phoenix For The "adidas Elite 8 In The Desert"

The Texas D1 Ambassadors-Houston arrived in Phoenix this morning for the adidas Elite 8 in the Desert to compete against some of the West's best talent in AAU powerhouses Belmont Shores (CA) & Compton Magic (CA).  The first stop was to stop by Grand Canyon University which is currently a top notch D2 program. The Head Coach at GCU is my friend, Russ Pennell one of the classiest guys in the business. (He was also Head Coach at Arizona, & Assistant at Oklahoma State, Arizona State & Ole Miss).

GCU is set to open it's beautiful new 5000 seat arena in August, and have applied to be accepted to the Western Athletic Conference in the next year or two.

Coach Max & Russ Pennell @ Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ

The event is organized by Chad Groth of Area Codes Basketball & Etop Udoma of the Compton Magic.  Texas D1 has already received some great advance publicity from Jeff Meadow's http://www.hoopsreport.com/ .

Chad Groth of http://www.areacodesbasketball.com/ & Coach Max Ivany @ The D1 Nation College Coaches Mixer in Houston, TX during the Final Four.

Texas D1 Ambassadors Roster For The adidas Elite 8 in the Desert

2012   Chase Brogna                   PG        6'0"            Houston St. Thomas

2012   Michael Hardge                PG        6'0"            Georgetown

2012   Alex Caruso                      CG        6'6"            College Station A&M Consolidated

2012   Devon Turk                       SG        6'3"            Houston St. Pius

2012   Maurice Letcher-Ellis       F           6'7"            Houston Yates

2013   Johnathan Motley             F           6'8"            Houston Northshore

2011   Mark Nwakamma             F           6'6"            Leander

2013   Parker Callender               F           6'7"            Houston Clear Springs

2011   Keynan Willis                    F           6'9"            Crosby 

2011   Jalen Washington              SG        6'4"           Pflugerville Hendrickson

Austin St. Michael's Adam Whitlock to Maryville University (MO)

One of Austin's most dangerous perimeter shooters has decided to head to Maryville University (D2).  The Austin St. Michael's & Texas D1 Ambassadors sharpshooter is an excellent student who played two seasons for St. Michael's Coach Mackey Smith & then two seasons playing with the Texas D1 Ambassadors-Hardge.

We wish him and his family all the best as he heads to the next level.-Coach Max Ivany & The D1 Ambassadors Family.

Adam Whitlock is flanked by his parents, Steven & Laura Whitlock as he signs his scholarship papers with Maryville University, in St. Louis Missouri

Texas Hoops Interviews Jalen Washington

Reprinted from http://www.texashoops.com/   These guys do a great job, visit their site. This interview was conducted by Damon Sayles
CARROLLTON, Texas - The May Great American Shoot-Out, to some extent, serves as a last-chance effort for many unsigned seniors. Jalen Washington, an unsigned senior from Pflugerville Hendrickson High School, took full advantage of the opportunity to play in the tournament and get additional exposure.


Washington played with the Texas D-1 Ambassadors-Houston over the weekend. A 6-foot-5, 190-pound wing, Washington is a product of the D-1 Ambassadors system, as he was one of the top players of the GASO last summer. Washington was once committed to play at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Md. Washington, however, de-committed to explore his other options.

TexasHoops.com Senior Writer Damon Sayles had a chance to sit down with Washington to discuss his college basketball future and rejoining the D-1 Ambassadors as he finalizes his college plans.

Jalen Washington


2 MINUTES WITH JALEN WASHINGTON


You decided against Mount St. Mary's. Why?


"I took the visit, and I liked the campus, but when I got home, I just realized I couldn't stay there all four years."


Was there something about the school that just rubbed you the wrong way?


"It's a nice place, but I thought about the visit and just couldn't see myself there the whole time."


How has recruiting been since then?


"Recruiting has been cool. After de-committing, a bunch of coaches called. I heard from UNLV, Northeastern, South Alabama and USF [San Francisco]. I'm just weighing my options right now."


What's life been like back with the Ambassadors?


"It's been nice. Some of the guys played up with my group last year. For me, it's helping me stay in shape and get some work in. It feels good to get back into game flow."


What's the goal playing with the Ambassadors for the rest of the spring and summer?


"I'm just trying to go out, have a good time and win a championship. We're going to Phoenix and Chicago. Our goals are to win them both."

Jalen is referring to our schedule for the remainder of the month of May as the Texas D1 Ambassadors travel to Phoenix next week for the aidas Elite 8 in the Desert and then on to Chicago for Memorial Day Weekend for the Best Buy Chicago Classic which is being hosted by Indiana Elite.
 
You can also read more about Jalen & the D1 Ambassadors results in the Great American Shootout by going to http://www.d1nation.com/ and clicking on the D1Nation-Houston Prep Report

San Antonio Central Catholic & Texas D1 Ambassador Cole Martinez To Air Force

2011 G Cole Martinez of San Antonio Central Catholic is flanked by his parents, Mr & Mrs. Reuben Martinez as he signs his scholarship papers to the United States Air Force Prep School

The folks over at Central Catholic had a classy news conference set up for Buttons star Cole Martinez as he confirmed his college commitment to Air Force.  My old friend, & Central Catholic Head Coach Romy Vela summed it up best when he said that "Cole was not only a great basketball player, but was on his way to serve his country and to be an officer & a gentleman".

Martinez (shown below in the Black & orange of the Texas D1 Ambassadors) is one of the most prolific scorers & classiest young men to ever wear the uniform.  He's a pure shooter who is also adding breadth to his repertoire with improved ball handling ability to create his own shot off the bounce.  His resume' includes leading the City of San Antonio in scoring & being named the Express News Player of the Year. He'll have a great career with the Falcons.

Congratulations to Cole & His Family as he continues to fly high!'Coach Max Ivany

15U & 16U Cen Tex Prospects Shine

Next Level Ballers Recap   15U Silver Division: Frisco, TX   

The Texas D-1 Ambassadors 2014 went 4-2 this weekend playing against top 15u teams in the country. They lost in the Silver Championship in overtime to a very well coached and talented team from St. Louis who were 11 deep.  Team 2014 had only 6 players and just flat ran out of energy with 3 minutes to go in regulation with a 7 pt lead . It was like somebody letting air out of the tire.  The kids were exhausted with so few of players for their 6th game in 2 days but not short on heart or talent.

Round Rock McNeil's Trey Dilworth averaged 24 points a game, Austin Westlake's Chase Carlton & Marble Falls' Garrett Gray averaged 16 points a game. Pflugerville's Abrian Edwards averaged 14 points a game.  Dilworth and Gray also averaged double digits in rebounds while Carlton and Edwards were dishing out assists. Mumford's Aubrie King (who was recently named to the Max Preps All Texas Teams & Pflugerville Connally's Joseph Mitchell did all the intangibles for the team to aid in their success.  A remarkable tournament considering they only had 6 core players while playing some of the best in the country.

Dilworth (left) & Carlton (right) make for a dynamic backcourt duo



Silver Bracket Championship  16U Division

D-1 Ambassadors Team Morse 72-58 over D-1 Ambassador -Team Battley

Team Battley went 4-2 overall, losing once in pool play to the Gold Bracket runner-up Memphis Wildcats. They lost to their brothers in the Silver Championship, 58-72 Texas D1 Ambassadors-Team Morse . 2013 G Renard Thomas of Shoemaker (12 points 8 assists), 2013 G David Hernadez of Hendrickson (14 points 6 assists), and 2013 F Andre Hughes of Harker Heights (14 points 6 Rebs) led the team to 2 exciting wins in Sundays bracket play beating the Kansas City Gametime and Oklahoma Spirits. 2013 C Darius James of Harker Heights and 2013 F Nashoon Hughes of Harker Heights led the teams inside attack throughout the tournament averaging 15ppg and 12 reb ppg.  (It was Team Morse's second straight title game appearance in a major event, piggy backing the Pearland Classic.)

Texas D1 Ambassadors-Team Battley

D1Nation Live-Houston...... Results & Sweet 16 Top Prospects

Champions were crowned in 6 divisions of the D1 Nation Live-Houston event this past weekend. 

Girls Junior "WNBA"                 Lady Phenom

Girls "WNBA"                             Go Hard

Boys 13U                                      Sheldon Panthers

Boys 14U                                      Sheldon Panthers
Boys Junior Varsity                     Beaumont Hoop Stars
Boys Varsity                                Mississippi D1 Ambassadors

2012 Akilah Johnson            Fort Bend Hightower   (TX)                       Just Us
Johnson, an undersized post went hard all weekend long, averaging a double double. Great motor, she now has to concentrate on face up skills for next level play.  Older sister is a G at Sam Houston State, so she's one to watch as she develops.

2011 Mykia Jackson            Baytown Sterling          (TX)                       Boom City Hornets
Jackson was clearly the best PG in the gym this past weekend on the ladies side. Never in a hurry, but always on time in running the offense, getting her team mates a shot or choosing her spots to get her own points really caught my eye.  An unsigned senior with quality grades, someone needs to scoop her up at the JuCo or D-3 level.  She also defends well and gets more than her share of steals.

2016 Derrick Alston             Fort Bend                      (TX)                                 Houston Defenders
This razor thin, but skilled youngster can shoot the three, get to the basket and generally makes the right basketball plays.  Pops played in The League with the 76ers so Alston has good genes.  Could end up being 6'8"-6'10" before it's all said and done.

2016 Colbie Barnes              Fort Bend                      (TX)                          Houston Defenders
Barnes is a nice looking prospect.  At 6'3" and with a long, solid body he controlled the boards.  More than that though, he has a nice feel for the game and is in the right place at the right time.

2012 Ryshinique Ball           Clear Springs                (TX)                             Diva Storm
Ball, at 5'7" is a lanky prospect who has a knack for rebounding the ball, a nice face up game & the ability to alter shots. She had a game high 19 in one contest.

2013 Donte' Butler               Dexter                          (MS)                     Mississippi D1 Ambassadors

Butler was one of two super sophs in my Sweet 16.  He handles the ball well, gets to the rim and finishes once he gets there. 

2012 Albert Driver               Baytown Sterling          (TX)                      Gulf Coast Phenoms
Driver, at almost 6'4" has the body to be a college guard.  He has a nice skill set and playes above the rim.

2012 Ashley Adams              South Houston             (TX)                                          W.A.R.
Adams was the key to her team's success.  She shot the three ball, was extremely physical on the boards and defended hard on the perimeter.

2012 Domonique Criddle      Pearland Dawson        (TX)                                   Go Hard
Criddle was the regulator in the paint all weekend, as she led her Go Hard squad to the title.  She scored 20 in one game, and was almost scoreless in the championship contest but she affected the game in other ways.  Her rebounding and the way she altered shots made her an asset even when she wasn't scoring down low.

2013 Darrion Martin            Houston Yates             (TX)                                 Houston Battle
Martin was a scoring machine, including having 20 in the title game loss.  He can get to the rim with the best of them.  Just what Houston Yates needs, another cat that can flat get after it!

2012 Jarvous Hickey           Houston Yates              (TX)                     Houston Battle
Hickey had 26 in the title game loss.  He has a smooth & deadly stroke, which he can hit while pulling up off the bounce.
2012 Bryant Magee              West Marion                (MS)                  Mississippi D1 Ambassadors
Hands down the most explosive player in the gym.  Magee got to the rim most anytime he wanted, showed he also had a jumper when necessary & had a handful of highlight reel dunks where he was WAY ABOVE the rim.  At 6'2" Magee was also a tough defender and as good a shot blocker as I've seen.

2012 Avery Woodson          Wayne County              (MS)                   Mississippi D1 Ambassadors
It's not hard to see how Wayne County won the Mississippi State 6A Championship game over powerhouse Jackson Lanier with a backcourt of Woodson & Alex Lacey (see below).  Woodson showed DEEP range, and a picturte perfect jumper off the catch and shoot or the bounce.  He was unconscious, and also got to the rim when he chose that route.  Easy to see why he was at Memphis last week on an unofficial visit.  He's that caliber of player.

2013 Seth Moore                 Beaumont Ozen           (TX)                         Beaumont Hoop Stars
Moore was a scoring machine. He was a threat from any place on the floor; three point line, mid range or at the cup.

2012 Alex Lacey                  Wayne County             (MS)               Mississippi D1 Ambassadors
Lacey is a powerfully built guard who regularly got to the rim, took contact and finished in traffic for "And 1" buckets.  He showed deep range on his three as well and was a very physical defender.

2012 Darnell Theriot                   Houston St. Thomas                      All 4 Sports Dream Team

Theriot is a well built, physical guard who can score or look to get penetration then kick to get his team mates looks so they can finish.