Pictured : Mike Poole, Maurice Harkless, and Rudy Collins (Saya All-Stars)
Written BY: Nathan Blue aka Real Scout
I'm sorry, I've been gone for a while. I told you guys when the start of my school year was closer, i was going to be extremely busy. Here is a Breakdown of what's been going on in my basketball life.
Friday Sept 4th
Hoffman Park where most of my Real Scout Youtubes are filmed was the place to be. The tournament was sponsored by the Queens Library and Wise-dome. Its, a neighborhood tournament all the way through. The only game I attended was Saya All-Stars vs Pioneers (Newtown).
The game was close early as Newtown, mostly from the neighborhood and none standing over 5'10. Tried to battle the talented Saya All-Stars that's roster includes Mike Poole, Maurice Harkless, and Rudy Collins.
The game got out of control after the second half, as the crowded started to enjoy the highlight dunks and no look passes by these three, as Saya All-Stars went on to a blowout victory.
Saturday the 5th, was pretty much the same for the Saya All-Stars vs Team Lefrak. Nicholas Padgett and Sonny Kadisha tried there hardest to beat Saya, but without star David "Pepe" Joseph who returned to school in florida. Saturday was a 20point victory for a team, that was looking more and more like a tough out for anybody.
Saturday ended with a great BBQ, and a lot of needed sleep.
Sunday Sept 6th was a complicated day. I had to attend the "Thelma Smith Back to School Classic" on 139th and lenox in Harlem. Who's organizers told me started at 11am. But, the Wise-dome Championship game was at 6pm. Seems simple, but when you're depending on the MTA, anything can happen.
Traveling with Poole and Collins, we noticed the event was running late as soon as we stepped in the park. So, we headed to Jimbo's which was on 137th. But, it was so packed we had to choices. Go to the 145th restaurant or go to the 125th restaurant. So, knowing that the 145th is always packed, we headed down by Rice HS.
After eating and feeling good, we jetted back up to the park. There was only a girls game going on. So after watching the girls play. I had a chance to watch the 7th and 8th grade game. I'm not going to lie to you, there were some real good players in it.
Every year, there are always good players in these events that you never hear of. Some players turn into the next Ashraf Yacabou's (Top rated 2011 player), Devin Ebanks (2010 Top NBA Pick), or the next high school star.
The Two players who really impressed was a 5'7 guard named Shaakir Lindsey (Yellow Shirt) and a 5'8 combo guard Francisco Infante (Blue Shirt).
Both will be entering the 9th grade this week. Both have serious game. A natural point guard, who can score and find the open man, Lindsey will be at Teaneck High School in New Jersey.
Infante looks to be a big-time player for Rice HS with D-1 dreams and can mature into something serious down the road. I don't want to jinx it, but he's simlar to former St. Ray's star Jose Rodriguez.
"Thelma Smith Back to School 2009" also had Ron Harper (Chicago Bulls, LA Lakers, Clippers) was in attendance.
Gerald Colds (Drexel University), Ms. Sweets, Marissa Flagg (Iona College), and Jerrel Joye (LaSalle Academy) all supported the event. Which is named after Alexis Smith's mother, two mink coats, t-shirts, Laptops, and school supplies were either given away to kids in attendance.
A free style buffet for the neighborhood that included Turkey, chicken, Macaroni salad, jerk chicken, drinks and everything got me full. I was so full, I forgot we had to leave, so as we headed to Hoffman Park for the 6pm chip.
Everything that can go wrong, was going wrong. Trains especially, missed connections and I'm getting calls on my phone, while I'm underground.lol
After waiting 40mins for a Freaking E train, we walked back threw the tunnel and hopped on the 7train. Which was packed from all the US Open people. Got off at 46th street and was told, it was half-time of the game. Saya All-Stars was holding down the LES Boyz by 8 pts. Arriving immediately the trio in front of 200 watchers, put on a show. The game was decided by 16pts. Keyvien who's headed to CJEOTO prep got the MVP.
It was a great weekend. Time flies when you're having fun, shouts to all the people who make these events go down. Unikko, Wise, Mr, Padgett, Abded, and the kids of Lefrak make the wise-dome pop.
Lexus, Trey, and Turtle are the Kings of Harlem. Hands down, can't be denied. They've been doing it since, "before I was born." -----I love that line.lol
Holla at me ya.
SG-Charles (CJ) Davis 5'10 Scholars Academy
SG-Isiah Whitehead 6'2 MSCI CLASS OF 2014
SG-Isiah Lewis 6'1 Christ the King
PF Jordan Washington 6'7 Pathway HS
Taylor's Boys & Girls team lost in the semi's to the Rising Stars. In thegame, Taylor and Conti went head to head for most of the contest. 
