Columbia Hoyas's Class of 2013 was one of my best teams that I have put together in my 8 years of doing AAU Basketball.  The team finished with a 28-8 record this past season.  My 2010 was the best team I have ever had, they finished with a record of 36-8.  I am going to give you a list of kids that are going to College to play basketball or for academics.  Listed Below:

Michael Williams - Lake Marion - Clemson University - Play Football

Khalil Halls - Lake Marion - Undecided - NJIT, CHARLESTON SOUTHERN, SC STATE, SAVANNAH STATE, USCA, MARS HILL, & SWU

Torrance Wright - Lake Marion - Undecided - UCF, SWU, WINGATE

Grant Hendrix - Lexington High - Auburn University - Academics (4.7 GPA & 33 SAT)

Maverick Bishop - Lexington High - Undecided - Bridgewater University, Coker College, Guilford College

Dante Dicks - Spring Valley - Undecided - JUCO ROUTE

Robb Alford - Dreher - Undecided - Washington & Lee, SWU, Mars Hill, North Greenville, Erskine College

Josh Council - Undecided - Football or Basketball

Carl Heyward Jr - Undecided -  Mars Hill, Coppin State

Steven Clark Jr - Undecided -

Alex Quillen - Undecided -

Christian Davis - Class of 2014

Devin Joint lead my 2011 Columbia Hoyas team to a 32-11 record that year.  The Biggest victory that season was winning the Kentucky Hoopfest Tournament.  Avery Johnson, Austin Davis, Jonathan Garrett, Owen Jacobs, and Dontell Riley were the cornerstone of my team.

Devin Joint - Darlington - SC State

Jonathan Garrett - Spring Valley - Belmont Abbey

Avery Johnson - Blythewood - Morris College

Austin Davis - North Augusta - Olivet Nazarene University

Owen Jacobs - Fox Creek - Newberry / USCA

Dontell Riley - Eau Claire - Orangeburg Calhoun Tech

Quinton Creed Jr - White Knoll - Allen University 

Jo Jo Pellegrino - Lugoff-Elgin - Orangeburg Calhoun Tech / Claflin University

Sammie Davis - Darlington - USC Salkehatchie

Class of 2011 was a big class, I had to make two teams.  I had so much talent that year and did not want to lose any of them.

Monte Hillard - Lake Marion - Morris College (Basketball) / SC State University

Sam White - Lake Marion - Orangeburg Calhoun Tech (Basketball)

Stephen Rembert - Ridgeview - Winthrop (Academics)

Blake Taylor - Ridgeview - Winthrop ( Academics)

Micah Morris - Ridgeview - Limestone (Basketball)

Christian Miller - Darlington - Coastal Carolina (Basketball)

Dj Wright - Darlington - Benedict (Academics)

Jonathan Vaughn - White Knoll - Winthrop (Basketball)

Lamont Butler - Dutch Fork - Midlands Techinal

Derek Snelgrove - White Knoll - Charleston University (Academics)

This team was the reason why I started "THE COLUMBIA HOYAS AAU BASKETBALL PROGRAM".  Some of my kids are not in this picture listed above.

Jacorey Baker - Greenville Senior High - Coastal Carolina University ( Engineering)

Mikel Trapp Jr - Fairfield Central - Bethune Cookman University ( Baketball)

D'Angelo Robinson - HKT - Morris College

Hunter Pope - Cardinal Newman - The Citadel

Mustafa Greene - Irmo - NC State ( Football)

Anthony Craig Jr - Fairfield Central - Benedict College / enroll into Army

Mitchell Deter - Ben Lippen - Charleston Southern University ( Basketball)

James Washington - White Knoll - United States Air Force

Jake Benton - Brookland Cayce - Allen Community College

Atrayl Williams - Greenville Senior High - Lander

Connor Sullivan - Greenville Senior High - Clemson University (Academics)

Marqutte Carr - Midland Valley - USCA / Aiken Technical

Schawn Jamison - HKT - SC State University ( Football)

This was my first graduating class.  I really enjoyed this team.  I wish I could have gotten them earlier in there careers.  We finished the season with an 18-10 record and all my players went to college to play basketball.

Spencer Johnson - Blythewood - USCA / Claflin University

Joshua Tweito - Dutch Fork - USCA / USC

Niles Drasites - Chapin - Erskine University

Michael Lowe - Greenwood - Spartanburg Methodist College

Kortez Scott - Greenwood - Limestone

Landerius Fuller - Greenwood - Morris College

Dexter Syrkett Jr - Greenwood - Lander

Harvin (Jay) Council - Camden - Belmont Abbey College

Jeremy Eidson - Emerald - North Greenville University

Trey Woolridge - Emerald - Clinton Junior College

Curtis Dunbar - Columbia - Denmark Tech

College Interest
The Columbia Hoyas 17u team participated in the NY Metropolitan Showdown in West Hempstead, NY on June 5-7, 2009. By far this was the best tournament money can buy. Greg Kristof, the tournament director is a man of his word. He said I would get alot of college attention, if my kids play well and they represented the state of South Carolina in a big way.

Mikel Trapp Jr played well and the colleges came calling. Tommy Amaker, the Head Coach of Harvard University, Tim Sweeney - Asst. Coach of Elon University, Carmen Maciariello - Asst. Coach of Fairfield University, Kevin Tirone - Asst. Coach of NJIT, Luke Flockerzi - Head Coach of Skidmore College, Kenny Burr - Asst. Coach of Winthrop University, Eric Mckoy - Asst. Coach of Brandeis University, Ray Boucher - Asst. Coach of Western New England College, Damien Strayhorn - Asst. Coach of Columbia University, and Jonas Hayes - Asst. Coach of Belmont Abbey. Mikel has potential to big time D1 basketball player. I am so proud of him sticking with the program for 5 yrs. I made a promise to his parents that if he continues to work hard and believe in my system that I run, he will earn a full basketball scholarship.

Keep up the good work and look forward to a very busy July schedule!! GO HOYAS!!!

Jacobs' scholarship first for Fox Creek

4/13/2011 8:58 PM 0 comments on this story

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NORTH AUGUSTA ¬­-- It has been a season of firsts for Fox Creek High School boys' basketball player Owen Jacobs.

He became the first player in school history to eclipse the 1,000-point mark in his career as a four-year starter. He averaged more than 15 points and 11 rebounds per game, led the Predators to the playoffs for the first time and was selected to the Class A All-State team.

On Wednesday, Jacobs became the first Fox Creek basketball player to sign a scholarship to play at the college level. He was surrounded by family, coaches and school administration when he affixed his name to a letter of intent to play basketball at Newberry College next season on a full scholarship.

"This is bittersweet for me," said Fox Creek head coach Andre Baskett. "I've gotten used to having him for four years and have seen him grow and contribute. I think he'll be a wonderful player on the college level."

The full ride was a major factor in Jacobs' decision to select Newberry over other potential destinations, such as Erskine, Berry College, Gilford and Aiken Tech. Another reason the 6-foot-5, 215-pound player chose Newberry was because of its proximity to his home.

"It's close to home, and I want to stay around my family," the soft-spoken Jacobs said after a ceremony held at Fox Creek's Conference Room, before adding another key in his choice.

"I like the coach," he said of Newberry's Dave Davis. "The coach is down to Earth and tells it like it is."

According to Jacobs, one of the things Davis has been straight with him about is a chance to play immediately as a freshman. If he works hard, Jacobs expects to compete for playing time. He said his strengths in the fundamentals of the game and an ability to mesh well with teammates will help.

"He loves the game and will do what you ask of him," Baskett said, adding he expects Jacobs to become more of a perimeter player in college, where he won't be able to easily overpower opponents as he did in Class A. "He needs to keep working hard and work on improving his quickness and outside shot. They're going to shift him to a 3 or 4 on the wing. I think he'll be successful because he's got a good work ethic. ... I'm going to miss him."

"I'm going to improve and be the best player I can be," said Jacobs, who plans on majoring in Sports Medicine and possibly pursuing a career in coaching down the line. "For now, I just want to compete and see what happens."

Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.

College Interest
Mustafa Greene is one of my hardest working players I have ever had. I can't say enough about his leadership ability. He does everything for my team and program. I can always count on him to be there for me and his teammates. Okay, enough about my soap box about Mustafa. He had a great tournament in NY this past weekend. He did not shoot the basketball well(because of the weights), but he did the little things like lead the team in assists, steals, and rebounds.

With all that said, Mustafa had some college coaches call about him. Vince Alexander - Head Coach of USCA loves his hussle, Eric Mckoy - Asst. Coach of Brandeis University, Ray Boucher - Asst. Coach of Western New England University, and Luke Flockerzi - Head Coach of Skidmore College.

I am so proud of Mustafa hanging in there with me and the Columbia Hoyas over the years. I hope he makes up his mind about what school and sport he will play next year. I know it going to be football. Keep up the good work and stay grounded!!! GO HOYAS!!!

Devin Joint hopes his injuries are behind him.

That’s what South Carolina State is counting on, too.

On Thursday, Joint signed a letter of intent to play basketball at South Carolina State.

“That is what I wished for from the ninth grade and I can’t wait to go to college and play basketball,” Joint said. “They have a decent team and I just got to come and be ready to play.”

Joint, the Morning News Preseason Player of the Year, was riddled with injuries the past two seasons. In 2009, he broke his collarbone and missed part of the season.

Joint tore his meniscus in the fall during the second game of the season and never was at 100 percent during basketball season.

Still, Joint put together a solid season for the Falcons and helped them to their first state title game. The senior averaged 13.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals, despite missing seven games with injuries.

“He’s definitely a talented player,” Darlington coach Ken Howle said. “He struggled with injuries this past year and hadn’t been 100 percent. But he was so vital and important for everything on the floor for us. I’m excited about him getting opportunity to do this. It’s been something he has been working hard at.”

Joint said he thinks his injuries kept some schools from recruiting him.

Since the Falcons’ season ended, doctors told Joint to take two months off before resuming basketball activities. He will be released to do so next week, he said.

“I will just have to get back to work, get strong and get ready for the season,” Joint said.

The Bulldogs went 9-21 this season and are losing seven seniors from the team.

Dexter will walk on Lander University this year. He tore his ACL this past year and he has worked hard on his rehab. I look forward to Dexter coming back strong this year.

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Josh Tweito signed with USC-AIKEN. He is pictured on the left side of the team picture. Another former player that has signed with my wife and I former team. Coach Alexander is very pleased with having Josh be apart of his 6th ranked pacers. Josh will help there outside game.

LD will be playing at Morris College in Sumter, SC. Coach Houck is very pleased with LD work ethic. I am so happy for LD. He has really worked hard for my program. I look forward to this year's season.

Spencer Johnson signed with USC-Aiken. He made my wife and I proud to have one of our former players be a pacer. This is the college both my wife and I played for in the early 90's. Coach Alexander was very pleased with Spencer being apart of his 6th ranked pacers.

Jay had a real good AAU season for my (2008-09) 17U team. I am so proud of him and happy his parents gave me an opportunity to coach Jay. Here is the Article wrote about his great accomplishments in a few months.
Council takes spotlight, leads South to win
By Terry Massey


Jay Council finally got his moment in the spotlight.
After playing second fiddle to cousin Josh Council in the Class AAA state championship game earlier this month, the Camden High senior scored a game-high 26 points and took MVP honors in leading the South to a 111-89 victory in Saturday's North-South Senior All-Star Game at North Myrtle Beach High.
"I talked to my dad and my coach before the game about this being the last high school game," Council said. "I just wanted to do my best and make it a memorable one."

Kortez (Ramine) Scott was my enforcer for my (2008)17u team. He played the 4 different positions on the floor. He runs track and plays basketball as well. I am proud of the success my 17u team is having in college.

The Columbia Hoyas have another former player signed a full scholarship to Spartanburg Methodist College. Mike played for my 17u team last year. He had a some really good games for the Hoyas. The game I remember the best, is the game winning tip-in at the buzzer against the Carolina Bulldogs. We finished 2nd in the North Augusta Super Regional. I would like to thank the Lowe's for giving me an opportunity to coach Michael. I wish you well and look forward to watching you this year.

Niles is one of my former players, who is one of my hardest workers. He players 4 different positions on the court. He is a team player. I am so proud of him not given up on his dream of playing College Basketball. I look forward to see you play this upcoming season. Good Luck Niles!!!

Parents Comments: You told me over the phone that Jay Council signed with Belmont Abbey. Belmont Abbey and Erskine are in the same conference so Jay and Niles should see each other a couple of times a year for the next four years.

Again we would like to thank you for all that you have done for Niles and all of the boys.

Roy Drasites

Austin Davis, a multi-sport athlete at North Augusta High School, is heading for some familiar territory in a few months. On Wednesday, Davis confirmed his plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University on a basketball scholarship.

Olivet Nazarene, located about 50 miles southwest of Chicago, is the same school where Austin's dad, the Rev. Steve Davis, and Austin's uncle, Shane Davis, were basketball standouts. Austin signed the paperwork Wednesday afternoon at the high school.

"Right now, I think I'm going to do a double major with physical education and communications. I'm not quite sure ... I'd kind of like to be a coach or a broadcaster," he said, confirming a strong interest in sports media.

"Next year, probably I'll play in the backup point guard role, and then as a sophomore, hopefully, maybe move into that starting role."

Austin Davis was a three-year starter for North Augusta, playing guard and racking up an assortment of regional and state-level honors in the process. During his senior year, he averaged 18 points and four assists per game.

Austin Davis, at 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, has also been a two-year starter as a shortstop on the Yellow Jackets' baseball team and will be in action this afternoon in Summerville, in the first round of the AAAA playoffs.

Steve Davis noted that the school - "probably the premiere Christian college in the Midwest" - devotes plenty of resources to basketball. The team, during each Christmas break, travels to either Hawaii or California for tournament action.

Austin Davis is in line to play for the same coach who trained both his father and uncle. Ralph Hodge has coached the Tigers since the 1979-80 season and has been a part of most of the 1,401 games in the school's history of men's basketball (125 as a player, 30 as a graduate assistant and 1,048 as head coach), as noted on the Tigers' website.

Austin's arrangement, worth about $34,000 a year, will have him in the Chicagoland Athletic Conference, where the Tigers' rivals include such schools as Robert Morris University, University of St. Francis and St. Xavier University. Among schools that were looking to get Austin on board over the past few months, aside from Olivet Nazarene, have been Anderson University, Francis Marion University, Guilford College and Randolph-Macon College.

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Columbia Hoyas 13u Players

JonAntheny Washington is our only returning player from last year's 22-3 Team and we have added 8 new additional players.  Starting with Tyrik McDaniel, Khalil McDaniel, Darren Maharajh, Christian Jamison, Jarvis McClurkin, Jarell McCray, Elijah Lewis, and Justin Harts.  The coaching staff is lead by Stevan Bowden, 1st year coach Russell Lewis, and Bench Personnel Tami Washington.  I am looking forward to great season this year.

Columbia Hoyas 14u Players

This year's team has a lot of new players mixed with veteran players that can help get us over the hump this upcoming season.  My returning players are Isaiah Wright, Jonathan Hall, Thomas Tyler, Brandon Wilson, Joe Suber, Chris Gardner, Max Holland, and my new players are Miles Greene, Kameren Stewart, Zac Spain, Oka Emmanwori.  My coaching staff consist of Terry Wright, Carmen Wright, Chris Gardner, Robert Holland, and Bench Personnel Theresa Holland & Shonda Hall. 

14U Columbia Hoyas kicked off the season with a Runner-Up finish against the SC Heat.  We played well all weekend against some good competition.  Our first opponent was against CC Force n Friday night.  We won 60-33, were led by Jon Hall with 19pts & 6 asst, Thomas Tyler chipped in 18pts, and Bandon Wilson closed out the deal with 10pts & 9 reb.  The 2nd game we played against a upbeat Sumter Rockets team that kicked our butt 57-49.  We came out flat and could never catch up and make a game out of it.  Playoff run begin with a win over SC Hornets 51-47, were led by Brandon Wilson with 20pts & 12 rebs and Jon Hall chipped in with 11pts.  Championship Game was against SC Heat.  We lost 49-40, were lead by Brandon Wilson with 16pts & 11 rebs and Thomas Tyler chipped in with 9pts.

13U Columbia Hoyas had a great weekend as well.  The finished off the tournament with a 2-1 record.  The first game was against SC Hornets on Friday.  We won 55-31, were led by Tyrik McDaniel with 16pts & 8 rebs, Jarell McCray 12pts & 11 rebs, and Darren Maharajh chipped in with 9pts.  The 2nd opponent was against the host team CC Force on Saturday morning.  We led by Jarvis McClurkin with 15pts & 10 rebs, Jarell McCray 8pts & 24 rebs, Elijah Lewis 10pts, and Tyrik McDaniel chipped in with 9pts & 8 rebs.  That was a team effort win by the Hoyas.  That put them in to the payoffs against CBC Elite.  That was a tough lost for the Hoyas 65-51.  We led by Jarell McCray with 12pts & 17 rebs and Tyrik McDaniel 11pts.

I am so proud of the support from my Columbia Hoyas fans, coaches, players, and sponsors.  Thank you for a great weekend!  GO HOYAS!!!!!!!

College Interest
Jake Benton has really came along in a short time. I love his work ethic on the court. I believe Jake has a lot of potential to be a very good basketball player in the right situation. I glad to see that Kevin Tirone - Asst. Coach of NJIT show some interest in Jake. This is up and coming D1 program. The other schools are Skidmore College, Western New England University, and Brandeis University.

I am proud of his progress on the court and I looking forward to pushing him to be a major fixture in the post this July(live period).

GO HOYAS!!!!

College Interest
JaCorey Baker has finally started to believe in his ability to play College Basketball somewhere. He has really worked hard on his mid-range game. I always said he is the type of player that will fill your stat sheet up with rebounds, steals, assists, and points. He has a couple of colleges calling me after the Ny tournament in June. Eric Mckoy - Asst. Coach of Brandeis University, Luke Flockerzi - Head Coach of Skidmore College, and Ray Boucher - Asst. Coach of Western New England University.

I am proud of your hardwork and believing in my system. JaCorey keep on working hard and the skies are the limit for you on and off the basketball court. GO HOYAS!!!