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Ingraham Boys' Head Coach Malcolm Mack
Rookie CJ Elleby Adjusts to NBA Life
December 27, 2020
CJ Elleby selected by Portland Trail Blazers in 2nd round of NBA Draft
November 18, 2020
CJ Elleby hoping to get a call on NBA Draft night
November 18, 2020
Washington State’s CJ Elleby to keep name in NBA draft, won’t return for junior season
July 31, 2020
C.J. Elleby and dad view NBA differently, Papa Elleby tells CF.C
April 22, 2020
Washington State's CJ Elleby declares for NBA draft while preserving eligibility
April 18, 2020
Washington State’s CJ Elleby signs with agent, schedules workouts with five NBA teams
April 30, 2019
The Spokesman-Review, February 15, 2019
Cleveland’s C.J. Elleby is latest in his family to make mark on Seattle basketball scene
Seattle Times, January 18, 2018
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SBS Top candidates HS Boys 2018 Mr. Basketball WA Head to Head:
Kevin Porter Jr. vs CJ Elleby
by Bill Elleby
October 13, 2017
Kevin Porter Jr. and CJ Elleby, childhood rivals(basketball/football),AAU teammates(Aplus/Seattle Rotary EYBL) for last 8 years and best friends, will battle for Washington High School player of the year 2018. Both players play in the Seattle 3A Metropolitan League, the most competitive and best league in the state of Washington.
Some consider the Seattle Metro league as one of the best high school basketball leagues in the nation. Many NBA players/prospects and Overseas Pros have come out of Metro, Greats like Brandon Roy, Jamal Crawford, Jason Terry, Nate Robinson, Doug Christie, DeJounte Murray(Baby Boy), Tony Wroten, Terrence Williams, Aaron Brooks, Spencer Hawes, Martell Webster, Will Conroy, Tre Simmons, Gap Smiley ,Antwine Williams, Peyton Siva, Venoy Overton, Marcus Williams, Kevin Burleson, Doug Wrenn, Clint Richardson ,Carl Ervin, James Edwards, Jawann Oldham, Keith Harrell, Alvin Vaughn,Tony Harris, Ryan Drew, Will Brantley, Bryant Boston, Tim Goodman, Erroll Knight, Lodrick Stewart, Rodrick Stewart, CJ Giles, Rosell Ellis, Damon Williams, Michael Johnson ,Jevon Green ,Lovell Brown, Lenard Jones.
Most recently, University of Missouri Frosh Michael Porter Jr. 6’10 G is projected #1 pick 2018 NBA Draft. Michael Porter Jr., along with brother Jontay Porter 6’10 PF (2018 ESPN Top 10 player,reclassified up 2017 University of Missouri) led Nathan Hale HS Seattle WA to a #1 HS national ranking in 2017.
Metro players currently in the PAC 12 Jaylen Nowell,Garfield HS-UW,Matisse Thybulle,Eastside Catholic HS-UW, Michael Carter III,O’Dea HS-UW,Daejon Davis,Garfield HS-Stanford, David Crisp,Rainier Beach HS-UW, Keith Smith Jr.,Rainier Beach HS-Oregon, Xavier Smith,O’DEA-Oregon State,Nate Pryor,West Seattle HS-UW, Seth Berger,Ballard HS-Oregon State University. Lastly, the top Seattle Native in PAC 12 is Allonzo Trier, 6’5 G, University of Arizona. Allonzo is slated to be drafted 1st Round 2018 NBA Draft.
Other current Notable DI Metro players include ESPN#40 2017 Sam Cunliffe, Rainier Beach HS-Kansas, Isiah Brown, Lakeside HS(Metro All Time leading Scorer)-Northwestern, Jashaun Agosto,Garfield HS-Long Island University, Eugene Artison, Franklin HS-University of Tulsa, Aaron Nettles ,Seattle Prep HS-Seattle University, Collin Welp, Seattle Prep HS-UC Irvine, Arell Hennings, Franklin HS-UC Davis, Tremaine Isabelle, Garfield HS-Drexel University, Brayon Blake, Garfield HS-University of Idaho, Ivey Smith, Rainier Beach HS-Grambling St. University.
The dark horse for 2018 WA Player of the year is Big East Recruit 2018 Emmitt Matthews Jr. 6’7 SG/SF Wilson HS Tacoma WA. Emmitt had a tremendous AAU spring/summer raising his stock to national prominence. Some consider Emmitt the best player in WA. Athletic lefty, high flyer, scores on all three levels and defends at a high level. Emmitt was the best player in the Tacoma vs Seattle HS All Star game (August 2017), featuring the top DI prospects in WA. Emmitt has officially committed to UCONN and Head Coach Kevin Ollie, Former UCONN Star/NBA Player. Emmitt Matthews also considered Big East schools West Virginia University, Georgetown, Seton Hall, as well PAC 12 offers Oregon State University and Washington State University.
SBS other Top candidates for 2018 Mr. Basketball WA, ESPN#2018 J’raan Brooks 6’8 PF Garfield HS(USC De-Committ) has recently open his recruitment back up. DI Recruit 2019 Pierre Crockrell 6’1 PG Garfield HS, Star PG for Prolific Prep CA last year, DI Recruit 2019 Noah Williams 6’5 PG O’Dea HS, 2018 EJ Stevenson 6’4 PG/SG Timberline HS(Wichita State University Committ) who turned down PAC 12 Schools WSU/Utah, as well as LSU from the SEC. Rounding out SBS last top candidate is DI Recruit 2018 Nic Lynch 6’10 C Seattle Prep HS. Nic is the most skilled big man in Washington, played AAU for Seattle Rotary EYBL and received some DI offers and a lot of interest. Nic has official visits to Oregon State University and Princeton in October 2017.
Also of major note, PJ Fuller 6’4 PG/SG, an outstanding defender/athlete and one of the most exciting open court players in the country, often finishing plays high above the rim. PJ Fuller is currently ranked #31 by ESPN for the Class of 2019. PJ Played for Nathan hale HS last year with Porter Brothers leading Nathan Hale to 2017 WA State title and national #1 team ranking. PJ has since transferred to Mater Dei HS in CA. PJ Fuller mulling many offers from the PAC 12 and SEC. USC is one PJ favorite top choices but Kentucky is the goal for PJ Fuller, why not? PJ reminds me of Malik Monk long,athletic,super bounce and super stroke from the outside.
All these kids will have monster 2017-18 season, but for the sake of the article, we going to focus on Rainier Beach HS Star ESPN#65 2018 Kevin Porter Jr. 6’6 PG/SG USC Committ) and Cleveland HS Star 2018 CJ Elleby 6’7 SG/SF(Washington State University commit). While the 2017-18 WA HS player of the year candidates feature a number of High major DI signees, the main battle in the race will come down to these two Metro Rivals and Best Friends.
As a youth, Kevin Porter Jr. and CJ Elleby met playing against each other in South Seattle at Rainier Vista Boys & Girls club. Kevin Porter Jr. played for Seattle Kings and CJ Elleby played for RSB Rainier Select Basketball. They would collide for every tourney championship and league games with all the games going down to the wire.
In middle school, Kevin Porter,Jr. joined CJ Elleby and PJ Fuller at RSB. RSB was coached by Jerry Petty(Garfield HS Legend/University of Nevada-Reno),The Current head coach of Cleveland HS(2016 Metro Coach of the year). RSB was later changed to the Aplus program, bringing academic/mentoring component to the kids CJ,PJ and KP. The Big 3, would go on to win all the tourneys in Washington, even beating the great Seattle Rotary AAU team full of all stars. Furthermore, they won numerous tourneys out of state in Nevada, Oregon and California.
In High School, The Big 3 all went to different metro schools, CJ Elleby to Cleveland HS, Kevin Porter,Jr. to Rainier beach HS and PJ Fuller to Garfield HS/Nathan Hale HS. They quickly became rivals especially CJ vs PJ in the 2016 WA State 3A State Championships. CJ scored 28pts,10rebs vs Garfield in state, avg 21ppg,12rpg in the State Tournament. Kevin Porter,Jr. would win the 2016 State title gaining bragging rights over his boys, CJ and PJ only for a short time. The next year 2017, PJ Fuller would win state title at Nathan Hale HS and take a metro team all the way to National #1 Ranking in Nation. The trio continues playing together, including over the past two summers for the great Seattle Rotary EYBL, coached by Darryl Hennings, Adam Sedlik and Andro Benard. There the trio led the team in all three major statistical categories. Kevin Porter,Jr. led the team in scoring and was the alpha dog of the team. PJ fuller led team in assist and steals really improving his PG skills and CJ led team in rebounds and was a stat stuffer and glue for team, realizing when aggressive nobody can stop him.
Kevin Porter,Jr. has committed to USC and CJ Elleby has committed to Washington State University so the rivalry will continue in the PAC 12.
Size and Measurements
Both CJ and KP are lefty players that’s possess great versatility, athleticism and special skills. These qualities and more have made them the top two players in WA. Both big guards that have great size and measurements for High level PAC 12 basketball.
Based on his official visit to WSU September, CJ measured at 6’6 Shoes off, 6’8 Wing span. CJ length on the wing is his greatest physical trait, along with his versatility to play and guard multiple positions. CJ able to use his size to play at high level inside and out.
The measurements for Kevin Porter,Jr. 6’5 Shoes off,6’9 wing span. Kevin Porter greatest physical attribute is his wingspan. KP matches up against taller player cause of his freaky long arms and superior athleticism. KP looks over smaller guards and uses his length to shoot/pass over smaller players. KP has incredible strength as well.
While both of these guards have the size to look over smaller guards/forwards in HS. They have the length to guard bigger players down low. CJ Elleby gets the nod here with 1-2 inch height advantage over Kevin Porter,Jr., allowing him to see over taller players.
EDGE: CJ Elleby
Athleticism
Both CJ and KP possess great jumping ability and the skills to create there own shot off the dribble and launch 3pt shots from all over the court.
KP plays above the rim with Super bounce. KP can jump really high off two feet often times doing wind mill dunks in games. KP does not need steps or much room to rise and dunk on any opponent. Kevin Porter,Jr. freakish athlete with major bounce jumping above the square. Many players refuse to jump with KP while guarding him, they don’t want to be posterized. KP main strength athletically is the ability to jump off either leg equally throwing down monster Dunks. KP can use either hand equally as well, whether left or right hand. KP is ambidextrous with both legs and hands making him unstoppable to stop when you add his freakish athleticism. KP finishes with either hand in traffic, drawing fouls, getting a lot of FTs. KP has really improved setting up teammates for open shots. KP is really good at hanging in the air waiting for the defender to fall and often times drawing contact. KP has great body control in the air.
CJ Elleby has shown ability to play above the rim, especially in transition finishing with monster dunks and getting rebounds above the crowd. CJ is a super high level transition player that has great court vision and High IQ. CJ needs more space than KP to elevate to the top of the square off 2 feet. CJ dunks in traffic off one leg and two feet, steadily improving his athleticism. CJ needs a few steps before elevation but has closed the gap on KP jumping quicker off the ground and improving agility.
Both Kevin Porter,Jr. and CJ Elleby have great size and athleticism on the perimeter. Both can rebound and push the ball up the court full speed creating for self or teammates.
Lateral quickness goes to KP, who is quicker guarding quicker/smaller perimeter players. KP can play shut down defense when he wants to. Both players will have to improve their defense intensity for PAC 12 play where every team has a 4-5 star wing to play against. CJ plays hard defense and gets in the chair, especially against top notch talent. CJ is excellent at anticipating the next pass and often gets steals for dunks in the crucial part of many games. Both need to be more consistent and play with more energy on defense to be successful on the next level.
KP lets his athleticism flow freely through his playing style, he plays above the rim on both sides of the court and dunks everything like a dunk machine. KP is quick twitch athlete and has explosiveness and agility that stand out way above his fellow basketball rivals in WA. KP has great footwork as well.
CJ Elleby is taller than KP, but more of a ground-level player. He does a lot of damage in isolation loves to work from the elbow off the mid post shooting fade away shots or driving to hoop for dunks. CJ has great foot work and more to his game than athleticism. CJ uses his length to make up for having less athletic ability getting steals and blocking shots.
KP gets the nod in the athleticism over CJ because of his high vertical bounce and quick burst of speed. KP is able to use his 1st step to create for himself and get in a space for a good shot. KP will often times hang in the air creating his shot on the move. When you combine all these unique skills KP has, it makes him the best one on one player in WA. CJ has super mid range skills, 3pt shot and finishes above the rim in the transition but sometimes struggled to get in the paint off the dribble, which is something KP does very well. KP has great footwork, high athleticism and ambidexterity to his game.
EDGE: Kevin Porter,Jr.
Scoring Ability
When it comes to being a pure scorer, no HS player in WA does it better then Kevin porter,Jr. He is ambidextrous, which makes him truly special and unique. Combine that with his power, quickness, feet and athleticism, and you get the best scorer in WA. KP is considered one of top wings on the westcoast, has a deadly pull up mid range jumper, and likes to drive into the paint getting to the rim finishing with dunks. KP is unstoppable in the paint, getting any shot he wants. KP can score in any situation vs tough defense in HS and will do the same in the PAC 12 at USC. His bounce allows him to play at another level and his basketball IQ is very high. You are just at his mercy when his game is on inside and outside, especially when his 3 ball is falling.
KP is not shy about crossing players up, spin moves, fancy footwork and herky jerky change of pace dribble to get his shot off. KP is known for putting players in a blender, especially if you reach, then you are cooked. KP gets to the basket and has major bounce allowing him to easily explode for dunks and circus lay ups above the rim. KP has crafty handles, able to dribble through the defense and put up floaters or pull up for jumpers. KP has improved his 3pt shot but that has been a weakness in his game. KP must get more consistent on his 3pt shot and watch his shot selection. KP is at his best attacking the basket where he is ultra-aggressive or in the open court where watching him is so exciting. The crowd often holds its breath when KP gets in transition and does a spectacular dunk or sick crossover. KP did a good job setting up teammates and pulling game back to get his teammates involved. KP really sees the court well, having height advantage over most guards, especially when he plays PG.
Kevin Porter,Jr. avg 22ppg,8rpg,6apg to lead rainier beach HS last year in every major statistical category. KP missed some games in the regular season but came on strong in the playoffs playing some of the best basketball in the state last year. The highlight of KP’s individual rise to national prominence was his great game against #1 Nathan Hale and #1 2017 ESPN Michael Porter 6’10/G and Jontay Porter 6’10/PF at Bellevue College District Playoffs. KP scored 35pts against Nathan Hale, scoring on all three levels and taking the 6’10 All American Porter brothers to school. Kevin Porter, Jr. was hitting his 3pt shot and when that’s happening he is one of the best players in the nation. KP then started skating around with the ball, making the Nathan Hale players look silly as they fell on the ground while kp started eating at will. On one play, KP took Michael Porter,Jr. to school, putting him in a blender with a series of moves, then hitting a cross over dribble before elevating into orbit and dunking the ball with 2 hands. To me it showed that KP deserves to be in the top 25 nation 2018 ESPN Rankings playing that well against the best players in the nation and proving himself able to score over two 6’10 HS All Americans and future NBA players.
CJ Elleby is a versatile offensive player that has great footwork and is able to score on all three levels of the game at a high level, driving, mid-range and long distance. CJ’s mid-range game and drives to the basket are well noted but he doesn’t get enough credit for being able to create his own shot of the dribble, especially from the 3pt line. CJ has a tight crossover step-back 3pt shot that’s he hits under pressure. CJ is able to create space or use his length to shoot over smaller players. CJ was built to score at the mid range due to his advanced development in his footwork and nice fade away shot. He unleashes moves that PAC 12 players can’t do. His mid range game is the best of any prospect from WA this year. CJ gets the nod over KP in 3pt shooting hitting 35% from 3pt line last year at Cleveland HS, but he should be over 40% this year. A knock on CJ is that his scoring game has been inconsistent at the FT Line and he has not been getting enough shots in the paint. He needs to get lower with his dribble and get in the paint to score.
CJ Elleby avg. 23.9ppg,13.5rpg,4.5apg and led Cleveland HS last year in every major statistical category. CJ went over 1,000 points in his career at Cleveland HS and could end as the all time leading scorer after his senior year. CJ had some magical games against the best in the metro league. CJ has avg 28ppg against Garfield over the last 2years, including in the state tournament in 2016. Garfield boasts multiple DI players and 2 of the Top 50 player in the country for 2017 Jaylen Nowell 6’5/G UW and 2017 Daejon Davis 6’3/PG Stanford University. CJ was able to use size down low scoring, shooting over them mid- range, rebound put backs and crossing them up off the dribble, draining 3pt shots. CJ also hit Buzzer Beater against Franklin HS to win playoff game in dramatic fashion. At the Franklin game, CJ hit a 3pt shot in the corner as the horn sounded sending the Cleveland fans into delirium. CJ could have avg even more than 24ppg but CJ unselfish player that cares about passing to open teammates and using his great court vision.
Kevin Porter gets the slight edge here by his ability to create off the dribble and by his sheer athleticism. KP is able to physically punish players and use his ambidexterity to keep defense off balance. KP national ranking is rising fast because the nation is finally seeing what Seattle fans have seen for years. KP is elite level scorer and athlete, one of the best players in the nation.
EDGE: Kevin Porter,Jr.
Defense Ability
This is going to be a work in progress for both CJ and KP since both players play little defense and use all their energy for offense. Both have the length and athleticism to be great defenders but have deferred all energy for offense in High School. The guards and small forwards in the PAC 12 are really skilled, so KP and CJ will need to lock down on defense.
While KP has the athleticism and better agility out of the two, kP was lazy at times at Rainier Beach as he jogged back on defense and didn’t contest enough shots. KP shows high athleticism, to block shots and shut down top players when he has to. KP has played in bigger games than CJ so he has shown he can be a high level defender against the top competition. Sometimes KP gambles to make the big steal, getting himself out of position, but he can recover because of his tremendous athleticism. KP’s long arms gets him a lot of a steals in the passing game and KP can keep anybody in front of him cause of his great agility.
KP plays for Coach Mike Bethea at Rainier Beach, the best defensive coach in the history of Washington High School basketball. Coach Mike Bethea has 9 state championships at Rainier Beach HS, whose main staple is defensive pressure full court man-to-man defense. KP plays in your face defense and physical defense when he wants to. The key for KP on defense will be consistent effort and not getting bored against inferior talent.
CJ is a long player that is versatile on the defensive end and able to guard multiple positions 1-4 on the basketball court. CJ is fast enough to guard wing players and long enough to guard big players. As an individual defender, CJ suffers from the same intensity issues as KP, as he has all the tools and athleticism but doesn’t play with maximum effort all the time. CJ needs to work on agility speed drills and keep the guards out of the paint. In transition, CJ loves to chase the play and fly through the air blocking shots. CJ gets steals in the passing lanes, finishing with dunks taking the air out the offense.
CJ plays for Jerry Petty at Cleveland HS. Jerry is a great defensive mind coach, groomed at Garfield HS where he won the 1998 state title before playing at University of Nevada-Reno. Coach Petty has coached CJ since youth AAU, has really pushed CJ to play harder on defense and play with higher motor. CJ has become a really good rebounder and anchor for defense in the zone using his length. CJ is able to block shots and play solid help side defense. CJ is one of the top returners in state on defensive rebounds.
Both CJ and KP will have a lot of work to do get ready to play defense in the PAC 12. Their discipline and intensity both need to improve. KP gets the slight nod because of his athletic profile and versatility to guard multiple positions. CJ can guard multiple positions as well, but will need to improve agility and strength. KP will come in ready to play defense at a higher level due to his sheer will and athleticism.
Defensive EDGE: Kevin Porter Jr.
Potential
CJ Elleby is 6’7 and still growing and filling out his frame. A high upside player still developing athleticism and getting stronger. CJ scores at a high level, rebounds and gets teammates into the game. Getting stronger and polishing his jumper will make him a valuable asset at Washington State University in the PAC 12. CJ will have opportunity to come in and contribute right away.
KP will come in right away at USC and be a high scoring player in an up and down system. KP will be playing with talented players at USC, but that won’t deter KP from being his aggressive self. KP will always find a way to score with the ball or coming off ball screens. KP has always been an alpha dog taking over games in the end and taking the big shots. KP will continue on the next level to not only contribute to USC, but be a big part of the offense. A ready made offensive machine.
CJ will thrive in the WSU basketball system under Coach Ernie Kent, shooting the 3-ball, playing up tempo and spreading the floor for players to make plays. CJ athleticism and skill set will enable CJ to create for himself and his teammates. CJ will add athleticism to WSU giving them another viable option in transition with athletic finishes. CJ will be a versatile wing able to score in multiple of ways and get a lot of rebounds. CJ has size and length over smaller players that he takes advantage of in the post, a mouse in the house. CJ will help WSU on the defensive end with his abilities to guard 1-4 position players and grow into his role.
KP’s ability to come in and play right away because of his athleticism and scoring ability gives him an edge over CJ coming into the PAC 12. KP has a ready made game for college with many tools in his tool box. KP is closer to the finish product than CJ.
CJ has a lot of room to develop and the opportunity to take his game to another level in the PAC 12. The best players in the PAC 12 are 2-way players, great on offense and defense. CJ with his length and skill set has the potential to be a High Level 2-way player in the PAC 12 under Coach kent’s system at WSU. CJ has a good 3pt shot and high level mid-range game. If CJ can play that lock down defense with his athleticism, he would reach that special potential as a 2-way player.
Potential EDGE: CJ Elleby
October 19, 2017
Elijah Jackson committed to Eastern Washington University and Head Coach Shantay Legans two weeks ago. There was no tweet, Instagram or Facebook post. This is not normal in this era of look-at-me-now on social media, but EJ is far from normal. EJ is not only a rare bird, he flies like a bird. EJ is humble young man who does not want the attention.
EJ is considered one of the top athletes in WA and the Metro league, EJ has major bounce, sporting a 44 inch vertical jump. SBS was in attendance, watching the best players in WA compete in the Tacoma/Seattle HS All Star Game and Dunk contest in August 2017. EJ played well in the game but his highlight was in the HS All Star dunk contest. EJ beat the top players in WA with a jaw dropping 360 two hand dunk. SBS caught up with Elijah Jackson at Chief Sealth International HS Library.
Seattle Basketball Services: To someone who never seen you before, how would you describe your game?
Elijah Jackson: I am a slasher, good mid range jump shot, high flyer.
SBS: It seems you are a quiet person and seem to not get emotional on or off the court. You didn’t post anything on social media about committing to Eastern Washington University. Where do you get your humility and gracias attitude from?
EJ: I am a humble person, I get that from my dad. He always taught me to let others talk about your accomplishments.
SBS: What influence did your dad and mom have on your decision to attend Eastern Washington University?
EJ: My mom and dad wanted me to explore all my options and see what college offers I would get. As time went on, they both began to like Eastern Washington University. My dad saw me going to Eastern Washington University when I was a kid. When EWU called, my dad knew it would be my destiny.
SBS: Why did you commit to Eastern Washington University?
EJ: EWU was the first school to contact me, and consistently recruited me the last four months. EWU really wanted me, telling me I was the best player in WA. I felt real comfortable on my visit there and felt like they wanted me there.
SBS: What did you like about Eastern Washington Head Coach Shantay Legans?
EJ: Coach Legans is a very enthusiastic and energetic coach. I love the way he treats all the players and it felt like a real family atmosphere. Coach just wants the best for his players and cares about them.
SBS: Did Coach Legans' system influence you?
EJ: Yes, I am excited to play for EWU and Coach Legans. Coach likes to play up tempo allowing his players to get up and down. My athleticism will flourish in his system. The players have freedom and Coach Legans puts his players in a good position to succeed. They shoot 3s and play as a team.
SBS: How did the EWU players impact your decision to commit on visit?
EJ: EWU players made be be very welcome. Players like Sir Washington and Richard Polanco made me feel like I was part of the EWU family. I love the small town feel and the people around town were very nice and friendly to me.
SBS: Erroll Knight was the last player to go DI from Sealth in 2001? Do you know him? Has he inspired you?
EJ: I see his jersey retired in the gym and I know he played for Gonzaga. He coaches basketball in the community. I look up at his banner everyday. It inspires me to do big things and get my name up on the wall.
SBS: You have played for Sealth HS head coach Colin Slingsby for 4 years. That is rare in Metro today. What does coach Slingsby mean to you?
EJ: Coach helped me grow as a person and player. Coach helped shape me to the person I am today. I been going to his camps since the 2nd grade and being part of this program all my life. I consider Coach Slingsby family, he helped us contact Eastern Washington University.
SBS: to someone who never seen you play before, how would you describe your game?
EJ: I am a slasher, good mid-range jump shot, high flyer,aggressive on both ends, great transition player, finisher at the rim.
SBS: Who do you pattern your game behind?
EJ: I am a big Kobe Bryant fan and Russell Westbrook. I love there mentality and work ethic.
SBS: Who is the best player you played against in Metro last 3 years?
EJ: Michael Porter Jr. 6’10 G/F, the way he can just come down the court and do what he wants. I thought it was hype, but I knew he was special after we played him.
SBS: SBS has you projected 2nd Team Pre-Season All Metro team coming out in November 2017. How does that make you feel?
EJ: It motivates me to play even harder. I know I can be 1st Team All Metro. I been underrated my whole life.
SBS: Where do you see Sealth HS finishing Metro? In the State Tourney?
EJ: I see us as a top five team in Metro, If we play defense and run, we can make state.
SBS: Sealth will count on you to be the leader of the team. Have you been waiting for this opportunity?
EJ: I am ready to that guy on the floor for my team. I will always be positive and help my teammates.
SBS: Sealth lost starting PG 2018 Isiah Hart, who moved to Federal Way HS and Peyton Dickerson 6’6 F to Prep School. How do you guys replace them?
EJ: Those are big shoes to fill, but we have to step up as a team. I have to step up and be a leader but we have to it together. Sadique Calloway and jovan Jomes will come in and get buckets. Sadique can shoot ball really well and jones can handle and create.
SBS: What has is been like playing in the metro league? Most consider Metro League to be the toughest in WA and the NW. Some even say one of the most competitive HS leagues on the west coast.
EJ: There is always fierce competition. Every night is a tough game. You have to earn wins in Metro.
SBS: What are you going to major in at Eastern Washington University?
EJ: I like Business.
SBS: Where do you see yourself 4-5 years from now?
EJ: Graduate from Eastern Washington University, hopefully I can play in the League or Overseas. I want to get degree and get a good job.
4/1-2/2017 Seattle Rotary HTC Nets NW Elite Showcase Report
by Bill Elleby
The AAU Boys Seattle Rotary HTC NETS NW Elite NW Elite Showcase has been in existence for 5 years. The NTC Nets Tourney is the official 1st AAU tourney of the spring season in Seattle WA. This year HTC Nets 2017 Tourney had 115 teams(3rd grade-Open Division) from all over the Pacific Northwest region(along with teams from California) which participated in over 230 games in a 2 day period. The 17U/16U/15U AAU teams around the Pacific NW are tuning up for the College viewing period April 21-23 Bellevue WA NW Premiere Showcase and April 28-30 Portland Open Run. Hundreds of college Coaches from Division I,II,III,NAIA,JUCO,NWAC will be in attendance scouting the kids. The kids of the Pacific NW are a HOTBED of HS Talent, WA HS kids are representing the NW playing College basketball around the country.
The Buzz of the HTC Nets Tourney all weekend was the much anticipated Open Division Championship between Seattle Rotary EYBL vs Tacoma Avery Bradley NW panthers. Both teams play AAU on the National Stage Rotary NIKE EYBL and Avery Bradley Addidas Circuit.The best players from Washington and Oregon are on these teams year after year. The rivalry between these two teams is intense and each time they play the game it goes down to the wire.To add more fuel to the fire Tacoma kids vs Seattle kids creates a chippy game raising the temperature of both teams and the fans. This year the crowd was so hyped for the game it was standing room only in the 17U Championship between Rotary EYBL vs Avery Bradley NW Panthers. Nike and Addidas national circuit WA teams have ruled but another AAU 17U team has emerged. That 3rd wheel sort of speak is Washington Supreme out of Tacoma boast some of the top players from all over WA.WA Supreme has a team full of DI recruited players. WA Supreme gave a Rotary EYBL a great battle in the semifinals.
Rotary EYBL vs WA Supreme HTC Nets NW Elite Open Division Semifinals
by Bill Elleby
WA Supreme played without star player 2018 Pac 12 Recruit Emmitt Matthews 6’7 G Wilson HS. Coach Carl Howell and Coach Chris Spivey have a great team. Other players absent were 2018 Max Rice 6’5 G Bishop Kelly HS Boise ID,2018 Naje Smith 6’7 F Lewis & Clark HS and 2018 Matt Poquette 6’6 F Morton-White Pass HS.
SBS and most people I talked to before the game felt Rotary would run off with game over WA Supreme from the tip. We were wrong on that assumption. WA Supreme came out hot from outside and played with high energy. This game was very entertaining up and down game. The stars of both teams lived up to the billing early. WA Supreme Star 2018 Erik Stevenson 6’4 G Timberline HS vs Rotary Star 2018 CJ Elleby 6’7 G Cleveland had a great battle as usual. These two have battled over the years in big games and each time it’s a physical battle no blood no foul. Both players defend each other hard and contest each shot.
The 1st half belonged to DI recruit Erik Stevenson 6’4 G WA Supreme. EJ scored 18pts in the 1st half hitting 2 NBA 3s,dunks,crafty and one drives.2018 Star Tre Anderson 6’2 PG Lincoln HS chipped in 8pts for Supreme and ran the show. Tre emerged last year as the best 2018 Lead guard in WA according to SBS. CJ Elleby led Rotary 8pts,6rebs. Rotary was cold from outside missing shots. Rotary starters DI Recruits Phillip Pepple 6’9 C 6pts and 2018 Kevin Porter 6’5 G 6pts,4rebs. 2019 Star Noah Williams 6’5 G sparked Rotary off bench with energy,defense and timely buckets. WA Supreme led 37-28 at Half.
The 2nd half belong to Pac 12 Recruit 2018 CJ Elleby 6’7 G leading the Rotary charge hitting back to back 3s and 2018 Franklin HS Star Maurice Barnett came off bench for 6pts late in 3rdQ hitting mid range jumpers highlighted by vertical jump sideways transition slam dunk. WA Supreme 2018 Brack Mackenzie 6’2 G started getting hot in the 4th but it was too late finished with 13pts. EJ Stevenson was double teamed by Rotary most of the 3rdQ scoring 2pts had 20pts after 3 quarters. WA Supreme 50 Rotary 47 end 3rd. The 4th Q Rotary Star 2018 Kevin Porter Jr. 6’5 G 4 quick points and CJ Elleby putback then rotary started getting transition baskets. Rotary got into showtime mode espn#23 2019 PJ Fuller 6’3 G most exciting open court player in WA had a nasty dunk. Rotary made WA Supreme looked like there feet was stuck in mud. WA Supreme ran out of gas with thin bench and not having 2018 Star Emmitt Matthews available to get clutch baskets hurt them. Rotary scored 26pts in the 4th running away with the game 73-62. Leading Scorers for Rotary EYBL 2018 CJ Elleby 18pts,10rebs,2018 kevin porter 11pts,2018 Phillip Pepple 8pts,2018 Maurice Barnett 8pts
WA Supreme added the biggest big in WA 2018 7’3 Riley Sorn Richland HS, Every AAU team on both sides of the mountains wanted Riley Sorn to join there team. Riley changes the game on both sides of the court immensely. He rebounds,blocks shots and alters even more shots on the defensive end. On offense Riley gets dunks under hoop,5-10ft chippy shots displaying nice touch and has solid post moves with both hands. A player that big and versatile that is mobile makes him the top big in WA. Riley avg 6bpg in the WA State Tourney. Riley has so much upside the whole state buzzing about his potential. All eyes on Riley Sorn and Richland HS this year the SBS favorite to win 4A WA State Boys 2018 Championship.
Rotary EYBL vs Avery Bradley NW Panthers HTC Nets NW Elite Open Division Championship
by Bill Elleby
The Open Division Championship featured Avery Bradley NW Panthers vs Rotary EYBL. The most anticipated game of the tourney Seattle vs Tacoma,Nike vs Addidas,206 vs 253. Both crowds come in numbers to Bellevue College to see the Seattle Tacoma showdown. Last year Rotary came storming back to beat Avery Bradley NW Panthers after being down 20pts. This year Avery Bradley came out storming ahead again and NWP Coach Gary Ward coached a masterful game. In front of a standing room only crowd at Bellevue College 2018 Eddie Turner III 6’2 PG Avery Bradley NW Avery Bradley was the star of stars.
Eddie Turner came out on a mission running through rotary defense as if they were not there. NWP came out hitting 1st 5 five shots. Avery Bradley NW Panthers jumped out to a 10-2 run led by 2018 Eddie Turner III pushing the ball for easy lay up and setting up teammates for easy buckets dishing out 4 assist. The beneficiary early of ET dimes in the 1st Half was 2018 Sharp Shooter Cameron Tyson 6’3 G who hit 2-3pt shots and 2017 Khalil Thomas 6’8 F versatile forward from Oregon who was scoring inside/out for the panthers. Khalil has DI talent and may end up at prep school. The 1st H E controlled tempo and could not be stopped by Rotary EYBL. Rotary EYBL countered with DI Recruits 2018 CJ Elleby 6’7 and 2018 Kevin Porter Jr. 6’5 G holding it down for Rotary in the 1st H, Cj Elleby had 10pts,5rebs and Kevin Porter Jr. 7pts,3assist. Avery Bradley NW Panthers took the lead at Half 30-25. NW Panthers leaders 2018 Eddie Turner 6’2 PG 8pts,8assist,0 turnovers,2018 Cameron Tyson 6’3 G 9pts,2017 Khalid Thomas 6’8 F 8pts,5rebs
The 2nd half began with Rotary starting 2019 Noah Williams 6’5 G for defensive purposes at the PG to slow down 2018 Star Eddie Turner III. DI recruit Noah Williams did a good job and scored the ball in the transition highlighted with high soaring dunk. Noah special talent that can play either guard position at a high level. 2018 CJ Elleby 6’7 G Cleveland HS continued to play at high level scoring on all three levels for Rotary hitting 3s,mid range jumpers and getting putbacks. When CJ Elleby is rebounding like that it takes his game to another level. The game was close throughout but Eddie Turner III controlled the tempo and continued to rack up assist after assist as Avery Bradley NW panthers shot the ball very well from outside. Pac 12 Recruit 2018 kevin Porter jr. started driving to the basket drawing fouls getting Avery Bradley NW Panthers big men in foul trouble. Kevin Porter 7/12 FTs unstoppable one on one going to the basket with his strength and ability to hang in the air creating contact. Rotary won the FT battle 23 attempts to Avery Bradley NWP 13 attempts but Rotary shot 12/23 which was the difference in the game. Avery Bradley NWP shot the 3 ball better as well making 6-3pt shots while Rotary made 3-3pt shots all by 2018 Cj Elleby 6’7 G who finished game with 20pts,10rebs. The game went back and forth but Avery Bradley held on to win 68-65 to capture the 2017 Seattle Rotary HTC Nets NW Elite Showcase Open Division Championship. Avery Bradley NWP played a more efficient floor game and was able to execute on offense. SBS Open Division MVP 2018 Eddie Turner III 6’2 PG Avery Bradley NW Panthers played a masterful game controlling tempo but was able to create easy shots for teammates dishing out 11 assist while scoring 14pts.Other Avery Bradley NW Panthers stats 2018 Cameron Tyson 6’3 G 15pts 2-3pt shots,2017 Khalid Thomas 6’8 F 14pts 2-3pt shots,10rebs,2018 Jalen Green 6’6 G 6pts 2-3pt shots. super stroke and upside. Jalen is athletic player with really long freakish arms, Jalen just received 1st DI offer from University of Portland.
SBS Top Prospects Rotary Nets NW Elite Showcase
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SBS MVP 2018 Eddie Turner III 6’2 PG Garfield HS/Team Bradley NW Panthers
SBS 1st Team All Tourney Team Rotary Nets NW Elite Showcase
2018 CJ Elleby 6’7 G/F Cleveland HS/EYBL Rotary
2018 Kevin Porter Jr. 6’5 G Rainier Beach HS/EYBL Rotary
2018 Erik Stevenson 6’4 PG/SG Timberline HS/WA Supreme
2018 Trevante Anderson 6’1 PG Lincoln HS/WA Supreme
2017 Khalid Thomas 6’8 PF Grant HS OR/Team Bradley NW Panthers
SBS 2nd Team All Tourney Team Rotary Nets NW Elite Showcase
2019 PJ Fuller 6’3 PG/SG Nathan Hale HS/Rotary EYBL
2017 Londrell Hamilton 6’0 PG Wilson HS/Tacoma Swish Cotton 17U
2018 Cameron Tyson 6’3 PG/SG Bothell HS/Team Bradley NW Panthers
2017 Tijohn Rodde 6’4 SG Rainier HS/SBS Seniors
2018 Nic Lynch 6’10 C Seattle Prep HS/Rotary EYBL
SBS 3rd Team All Tourney Team Rotary Nets NW Elite Showcase
2018 Jaxon Woodard 6’0 PG Seattle Prep HS/EBC Elite
2017 Khalil Shabazz 5’11 PG Rainier Beach HS/SBS Seniors
2018 Casson Rouse 6’3 PG/SG Olympia HS/Rotary Elite FBJ
2019 Jaden McDaniels 6’8 SF/PF Federal Way HS/Team Bradley NW Panthers
2018 Phillip Pepple 6’10 C Shorecrest HS/Rotary EYBL
Seattle Basketball Services | Contact: Bill Elleby | 253.951.6653 | seattlebasketballservices@gmail.com
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