BREAKING NEWS: St. Vincent Pallotti; Karim Coulibly Is Signed, Sealed, Delivered He’s Yours

The last domino has finally fallen; one of the area’s premier players has officially selected a home and what an interesting situation it creates moving forward.  Karim Coulibly, the versatile 6’9 man-child will be taking his talents to St. Vincent Pallotti and play with the season veteran Coach Dennis Murphy.

Coach Murphy is one of the most experienced coaches and best teachers in the DMV; additionally the little school based out of Laurel, Md. may have the best location of any institution in the area sitting smack dab in the middle of PG, Howard, and Montgomery Country.  Now they have one of the area’s best player in Couliby and he is a big; expect a shift in power in the DMV and watch for Pallotti who has been one of the top teams in the MIAA to become a major A-Conference power in the next couple years as premier players move Pallotti up there list of considerations and wisely so; this school has long been and with Murphy and Karim in tow especially now the best kept secrets as far as academics and basketball powerhouse potential in the area.

The game has changed at Pallotti and in the DMV because Karim is one of the most athletic players in the class of 2019 and he uses that athleticism defensively to block shots, get deflections and gain offensive rebounds with a quick second jump. His post-up game against a set defense is developing as he can score with either hand in the paint. Love the way he finishes lob passes and drop off passes in the lane. His length and soft touch in close would make him a great weapon in the middle or short corners against a zone defense. He has added the pump fake at the rim which will keep help him balanced and create more free throw opportunities as he is smooth and solid from the line.

With a world of potential because of his size, wing span, advanced athletic ability and blossoming skill he owns all the markers to be a difference maker at the rim defensively and a legitimate offensive threat. He is more active and alert on the glass than ever before and is at the point where you expect him to dominate the game on both ends of the floor.  Offensively we compare him to a young Chris Bosh and we believe his impact will be very similar to the program as Bosh’s was to the league.

We congratulate Karim Coulibly, Coach Dennis Murphy, the Pallotti program for transcending the game in the DMV creating another major option for players to be seen and compete at the highest level.  This move is a program changer that is sure to make ripples for the next few years.  Finally we offer our condolences to the area as the effects of the move will be felt for years as the high major prospect who is already being sought by major D1 institutions and who wouldn’t want to play with someone of this stature on the front line.  Murphy has sent many players to school in his over 20+ years in the game and Karim Coulibly has a chance to be his and Pallotti’s best ever.  

DMV Impresses the Nation with Multiple NYBL All-Star Selections

The All-Star selections for the top middle school league in country; the NYBL was announced today and the DMV again has a heavy contingent of players in this year All-Star festivities.  Below is a list of all players selected and their associated game and team; congratulations to each players for their selection and phenomenal performances this year.  Each selection is well deserved and each player has done his family as well as the area proud!

Class of 2021

NYBL NATION GAME

Trevor Keels – Team Takeover

Jalen Hall – New World

Christian Winborne – Bmore’s Finest

TOP 20 GAME

Trevor Keels – Team Takeover

Jalen Hall – New World

Chris Winborne – Bmore’s Finest

Rodney Rice – Team Takeover

Brayon Freeman – New World

Kino Lilly – Team Takeover

Elijah Hawkins – New World

TOP 40 GAME

AJ Thomas – Team Melo

Julian Ellerby – New World

Quadir Pettaway – New World

EJ Speight  - Team Takeover

Ahmad Harrison – Bmore’s Finest

Jake Koverman – Team Melo

Malik Missouri – Bmore’s Finest

Delvin Johnson – Team Melo

Damieko Ross Jr. – Team Melo

Honorable Mention  

Trey Thomas – Team Takeover

Jalen Miller – Maryland Playmakers

Jalen Bryant – Bmore’s Finest

Class of 2020

NYBL NATION GAME

Cameron Byers – Team Melo

AJ Hoggard – Team Melo

Zion Harmon – Oakland Soldiers

Jordan Toles – Team Melo

TOP 20 GAME

Cameron Byers – Team Melo

Demon Clowney – Team IZOD

AJ Hoggard – Team Melo

Zion Harmon – Oakland Soldiers

Jeremy Roach – Team Melo

Jordan Toles – Team Melo

TOP 40 GAME

Tyler Brelsford – Team Melo

Chuck Harris – 023 Feet

Ishmael Leggett – Team Takeover

Honorable Mention

Josiah Freeman – 023 Feet

Austin Allison – Team IZOD

Class of 2019

NYBL NATION GAME

James Bishop – Bmore’s Finest

Mikhel Mitchell – DC Premier

Marvin Price – DC Premier

TOP 20 GAME

Mikhel Mitchell – DC Premier

James Bishop – Bmore’s Finest

Marvin Price – DC Premier

Jay Heath – New World

TOP 40 GAME

Che Evans – Team Melo

Karim Couliby – New World

Cole Mathieson – Maryland Playermakers

Honorable Mention

Malik Anderson – New World

Gerard Mungo – Bmore’s Finest

Logan Curtis – Bmore’s Finest

COACHES

*Bill Francis – Team Melo

John Perry – DC Premier

*Ray Hawkins – New World

Mookie Dobbins – Bmore’s Finest

Fred Standback – Team Takeover

*Will Coach in NYBL vs Nation Game Also 

 ONLY THE BEST PLAY HERE - WHERE WILL YOU BE (CLICK BELOW)

 

DMV Domination Continues in Hot-Lanta at Exclusive Under Armour Best of the Best Camp

From Left to Right (Che Evans, Karim Couliby, Jason Murphy, Tyler Brelsford, Isaiah Todd, Marvin Price, Terrance Williams)

Atlanta, Ga. -  In an impressive show of power this past weekend the DMV loaded up a van and headed to Atlanta, Ga. to compete in the Under Amour Best of Best Camp – the invitation only event consisted of a virtual whose of who in the area.  The common theme for those receiving invites?  Their games translate and they look to be next level ready either physically and/or mentally.

 

The size and length rolling out of the DMV was phenomenal and consisted of what has previously been documented as the area’s top up and coming high school prospects.  This exclusive event  attracted 125 of the top middle school players not only from this area but from across the country; as they battled for a spot in the UA Middle School Elite 24 game to be held under the Brooklyn Bridge on August 22, 2015. 

Six of the seven players in attendance made the events Top 20 game and Karim Couliby received the dual honor or being name as the camps and the All-Star games  M.V.P.  In attendance at the event where the following players from the DMV:

*Karim Coulibly, (6’8, New World): Did yeoman’s work on the low block, showed an exceptional motor; no one played harder, rebounded well against like size.  Showed he wasn’t afraid to get physical – finished well and displayed a phenomenal skill set even putting the ball the floor on several occasion but was at his very best finding and hitting the outlet man and then filling the lane.  Above average passing skills also highlighted his dual MVP weekend.

*Marvin Price, (6’4, Team Melo)  –  Price had a great weekend and continued to solidify his national stock; he easily could have walked away with M.V.P honors, he too was one of the hardest workers in the camp, finished almost everything , and was unstoppable getting to the tin.  His jump shot was falling all weekend long and he did it at all levels as a man amongst boys.  As an added bonus Price showed some serious bounce competing in the camp slam dunk contest were he finished second in a controversial decision.  When the jumper is falling he is one of the toughest covers in the 2019 class.

*Terrance Williams, (6’6, Team Takeover) – Williams as always saves his best performance for the big game; while he was solid all weekend he  lit up the All-Star game, where he may not have missed a single shot going for a double-double in the contest.  He knocked the trey-ball down consistently during the weekend, as well as hitting the mid-range shot, and even threw down a dunk with authority.  Williams as always showed he is an excellent passer whose best attribute as a player may be his patience and IQ.  You are beginning to see the wing skills start to develop and they look true to his nickname “Big Smooth” as he shook a few people on his way to the basket.

*Che Evans, (6’5, Team Melo)  - Knocked the socks off everyone in the gym on day one with his versatility, got to the spots he wanted at will, the jump shot looked vastly improved and scouts say he is a jumper away from being unstoppable.  He is very creative with the ball and showed a strong handle, made the right pass and the right play and made an impact in multiple categories.  He rebounded his position and showed a great motor.  He walked away from the event as clearly one of the top 2020 wings in the country his defensive ability and shot blocking skills were also impressive – a special note was given that the dunk package was also impressive.

*Jason Murphy, (6’8, Team Melo) – Didn’t give up on a single play the entire weekend – plays the game 94-feet and buzzer to buzzer – not a skill that can be taught. Murphy tries to dunk everything and you can see the long term benefit of this mindset in his play.  Dominated both glasses, kept the ball high, and played a true post game playing to his strengths and looked good doing it - he is tough as nails and plays with passion – is an excellent shot blocker and lane filler.  Scored exceptionally well around the basket and you can see future stardom with this kid easily.

*Isaiah Todd, (6’8, Team Silk) – His catch and shoot game looked excellent from all over the floor, showed solid mechanics – needs very little adjustments and simply requires reps to what is already becoming an exceptional strength.  He is now pushing 6’8/6’9 and his versatility is very apparent; a young 13, he can guard any front court position on the floor and made impact on the defensive end and on the boards.  The handle only requires confidence but showed tools and a complete package in the drill sessions.

Tyler Brelsford, (5’8, Team Melo) – Showed great awareness and court vision, knocked down the mid-range pull-up throughout; played the game the right way making the right pass and decision.  Finished well in the paint against size and competed on the defensive end using positional defense to stymie his opponent – made the players around him better and went to the floater when necessary.  Didn’t shoot many threes in game situations but knocked them down during skills and drills showing the shooting prowess he is becoming known for.  

DMV Preps - NYBL Session II (2019) Weekend Update

NEW WORLD (9-1)

The New World basketball program continues to represent the DMV well in its travels; bringing a winning tradition to their name and the area.  New World 2019 returned from a solid weekend in the NYBL’s second session in Richmond, Va.  going 4-1 bringing their overall record to 9-1 placing the team in a tie for first place in the league.   

The coaching staff at New World has done a phenomenal job in regards to player development over the last year and the improvement of the individual players is clear and apparent.  The initial roster without question boasted immense talent and vast potential in specific players.  Watching the players improve and other come into their own as they prepare for the next level is what is right with youth basketball in the DC Metropolitan area – this is a group that is doing things the right way and it is reflective on the court and the results therein program at multiple age groups.

Jay Heath

Malik Anderson

Malik Anderson and Jay Heath operated with fluidity and have formed one of the most talented wing combinations in the NYBL – Anderson has played next level lock down defense, while showing creativity in the paint finishing with both hands.  He scored from all 3 levels and brought a high level of intensity to each possession on both ends of the court.  Jay Heath continued to put up some very impressive scoring totals in Session II – and has done so in impressive fashion.  We like his ability to allow his defense to dictate his offense and to get off within the flow of the offense without isolation sets.  We see him thinking the game, using the various cuts to establish consistent looks which he is taking advantage when given the opportunity.    He is playing the game unselfishly yet is still one of the top scorers in the league.  

Karim Couliby continues to impress; no longer a surprise teams are game planning and gearing up to stop him – what does he do?  He shows the ability to hit cutters and spot-up shooters off the post catch even on the weak and backside.  With guards like Anderson and Heath and a contingent of spot up shooters this skill set is invaluable and frankly skills that many post players haven’t developed even at the highest level.  Karim still put up solid numbers as was able to step outside and knockdown shots forcing the defense to respond to him even on the perimeter.  

BMORE’S FINEST (8-2)

James Bishop

James Bishop is taking this team to a whole other stratosphere; his scoring ability is quickly reaching legendary status.  Battling one of the top point guards in the country EJ ‘The Nasty Truth’ Jackson, Bishop took over the game and the stage in a 32-point performance and victory over the current #2 ranked team in the country.  The Finest who find themselves in contention for the regular season title returning to the DMV 8-2 and in 2^nd place in the league with a guard like “Buckets” Bishop they cannot be counted out of any game or title.

His running mate Logan Curtis has also impressed and continues to make an impact for the team and the league; he has put up solid numbers and has been very efficient with his looks while also making big time contributions  on the defensive end.

MARYLAND PLAYMAKERS (7-3)

Quietly flying under the radar the Montgomery County based group has amassed a 7-3 record and remain in contention.  6’7 CJ Amsellum is the guy for this group, he can catch and shoot, shows very soft hands, as well operate of the block with the ability to score over either shoulder; he may have one of the most intriguing upsides in the area  and they have surrounded him with shooters Christopher Margarites who continues to prove he is much more than a shooter as he is putting the ball on the floor with confidence - add slashers Albert Jackson who can also knock it down from distance and Jordan Miller who is also easily one of the most intense defenders anywhere.  After a close 5-point win in their first game, the Playmakers put together two dominating performances before falling to a very tough Butler Elite team 38-23.  

TEAM MELO (NA) 

Che Evans

Taking the floor for the first time as a group; the Baltimore outfit jumped right into the fire and responded well.  Led by 6’5 WF Che Evans scored in every way imaginable while facilitating and setting up his teammates for easy baskets.  Any question regarding Evans ability to play on the highest level where asked and answered as he proved to be a bigtime talent and game changer.  Showed triple double potential and all the scouting services in the building took notice.  

 

Zion Harmon

Zion Harmon, who officially answered any questions confirming his alliance with the Melo organization; looked great in the backcourt and made the game easier for his teammates.  Was just as effective at this level; possibly more as his IQ and generalship were more apparent battled with EJ Jackson and no one in the gym would have known that he was 2-years his junior dropping 15-points and 7 helpers.

Mahki Long

Mahki Long who competed in the league last year returned and didn’t miss a beat, the 6’4 Guard knocked down jumpers from all over the court and was especially impressive in the mid-range and in transition.  Long’s scoring versatility is impressive both in the half-court and in transition and he plays the game on both ends – he defended and he boarded against the nation’s best teams and players. 

Nate Lemons

Nate Lemons 6’7 center/forward blocked multiple shots and controlled the backboards in debut with the program.  A dedicated defender he was excellent both on the ball and on help side.  Look excellent in transition and moved very well for a man hi size.  Huge hands and a size 16 shoe makes him and his upside huge, combine that with an exceptional frame Lemon’s ceiling is high.  He made the most of his opportunity as you saw improvement with each passing quarter and game.  











Bobby Carson, also came out for the first time and contributed in many facets – his potential is clear and he showed the ability to do numerous things around the basket and in the mid-range. Rahim Dante Ali (Rah-Rah) played a solid floor game, scored when needed, and showed the leadership and generalship required to be an elite lead guard.

Cam Byers

Cam Byers gave a little double duty playing both 2019 & 2020 and is quickly becoming a dominant force at both 2019 & 2020; having added a very impressive face up game to his power skill set.  Byers is doing if from all over the front court and this includes being effective with the jumper from 12-15 feet; putting the ball on the floor and finishing, while still making a strong impact on the back board.  The finesse aspect that Byers has added has him on the verge of being almost impossible stop he now has the ability to carry a team for extended stretches.