Ballin….
June 9, 2008 @ 9:35 a.m. by jlongBy J. Long
After showcasing his talents with his AAU team Speice Mo-Kan (WK) at Kansas State for the Manhattan Classic, Perry Ellis took his solo act to Lawrence this past weekend for Bill Self’s Elite Camp.
And after I talked with his AAU coach Steve Young this morning it seems that the high school freshman-to-be left a pretty lasting impression.
“They told him he had more potential than any of the other recruits there,” said Young.
PE will definitely be getting plenty of other exposure this summer as Speice Mo-Kan has a full plate this summer with a camp in Virginia this week and planned trips to Chicago, Denton (TX), Las Vegas, and Orlando.
June 9th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Good for him but let’s hope he doesn’t get a big head and turn out like Korleone.
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June 10th, 2008 at 9:10 am
I think that would be the concern for anyone in this area. But I do believe that Perry has a solid foundation that should ward off the majority of negatives. The wrong people got in the ears of Korleone and his mother. Myron Piggie was no joke and he definitely was a key factor in leading Korleone astray.
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June 10th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Who is Korleone?
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June 10th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Joanna perry also has a very talented team around him as well dreamius smith is a killer on that team also and there little PG reggie that whole starting 5 over there are going to be killers in the CL
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June 11th, 2008 at 9:29 am
You are right, Truth. Heights returns guards Dorian Roberts and Terry Webb, which will take pressure off Ellis. Throw in a forward like Austin Bahner and there are three seniors that teams have to be worried about, as well as the other players just coming in.
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June 11th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
They will have alot of talent at Heights, but Northwest still has the best incoming freshman class of all the CL schools. Some of the incoming kids there are in the same class as Ellis and invited to these big name camps and stuff. (Heard at the Northwest camp that when choosing up sides for 5 on 5 the incoming freshman were being picked ahead of most all the upperclassmen. And you talk to a couple of the kids and they don’t think Ellis is that tough. (most were teamates of his one time or another). They say he’s soft and wines when you put some defense on him, which are not good traits in the CL. It’s easy for kids to talk at this age but I have found that usually the kids know whos better than the so called expert adults do. I guess time will tell in high school and its to bad the two AAU teams try as hard as possible to keep from playing each other because of the dislike between the two of them. But will not be able to avoid it in high school at least. Should be one heck of a ride either way in city league basketball lnext four years. Because there is also Southeast, East and now I hear South is bringing in some players because of the new coach.
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June 11th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
bballfan, Who are some of the freshmen coming into Northwest? Truth gave us some from Heights, how about these guys? And I’m curious about South bringing in some new players because of the new coach — are there some kids transferring in? Thanks for the update.
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June 11th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I am like Joanna, give us some names - then assessments can be made about these players as well. Actually, some of PE’s soon to be HS and past MS teammates used to be on his team as well, I would really like to know who they would prefer to go to battle with??????????????????? and not go against! Some of these same players got toasted by PE in a little MAYB joint!!!!!
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June 12th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I agree with Joanna too, who are these players that “bbfan” is talking about? Brooks and Stucky Middle Schools were the best in Division one for the last two years. Brooks had an undefeated season back to back and Stucky’s only losses were to Brooks. Wilbur was beat by both teams for a total of 8 losses. A least 6 of the starters from Brooks and Stucky together are going to Heights so that to me tells you were the best freshman are in the CL. Can’t wait for BB season to begin.
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June 12th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Basketball season will be fun that is for sure. And no’ all the Brooks and Stucky kids are not going to Heights as everyone thinks. But some of the freshman at Northwest are: Craig Nicholson, June Johnson (he was the Brooks player that hurt Wilbur the most), Kevin Gunter (6′5 or 6′6″ didnt play Brooks), Spenser Gales (6′5 didnt play Brooks), Kimron Burris, Daunte Carter, Jordan Epps, and a couple other real good area players have still not decided which school they going to or at least I hadnt heard. And there are a few other pretty solid kids from Wilbur going there. Not that middle school wins and loses really matter, but Wilbur had no size at all and that is what hurt them with Stucky and Brooks. PE didn’t even have to play against either one of the big kids going to NW next year. And Coleman and Allison didn’t even play Stucky or Brooks. So you cant tell who the best freshman in the city league are by middle school scores if they are not even playing each other. And none of these kids AAU team got “toasted” in a MAYB like was said, as they have not even played in the MAYB events. They have only lost one time this spring/summer a close game to a real good team in Dallas. I think I’m giving out the wrong impression here, I think Heights will be great and Perry will be great’ Its just that a couple news stories and going to a few big name camps can really hype up a kid while in middle school. Some of these kids will be at the camps this summer as well. It will be a fun time over the next four years. Of course Heights has the immidiate advantage as they have some returning players as well, while NW returns almost noone and unless freshman are good right out of the gate (i doubt) they will take some lumps next year . but look out the next three after that. And Coach Collins will be a great CL coach. Of course East and Southeast will remain good but just watch and see the battles between NW and Heights over the next few years they should be good. Also keep a eye on South, looks like the new coach they have is gonna do well. There will be alot of talent all around the city and it will be fun
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June 12th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Bbfan! I am a little confused with your comments in many ways. In one breath you are saying who is good and who is not. Then at the same time, stating the kids probably know more than adults do b/c they play against the talent. So I guess, in essence you are not sending out the wrong message, just mixed messages!!!!!! Are you going on record and taking into account of a couple of players who “claim” PE isn’t tough. If so, I have seen PE be tough and strong to help out his team and I have seen occasions when perhaps his teammates have helped him out when he isn’t being as tough as he can be and/or should be. That is what a team is and does for one another. I am sure those same couple of players can tell you what happened to them when PE played against him in El Dorado when he played with another team! If Bill Self did really make that comment about PE, I bet you could ask Bill Self himself! I would have to say, he is an adult who has some knowledge about the game of BB and the talents of Players. I think you must admit, winning a national championship, places him in the category of knowing “something about talent and basketball!” I would hate to think you are a PLAYER hater and be like others who say, KU didn’t really win, Memphis lost the game. But I guess what is really bothering, is to single out what others have said about an individual or better yet, a “kid” as some keep saying. The bottom line is they are all kids, which is the reason why everyone is “so” concerned about PE’s head getting big, correct?! If people are so concerned about his feelings, why all the negativity???? If he really is what you truly say he is, “A KID!” I am not sure PE’s head is going to get big about something he has known most of his life. He is a great player and has skills. Yes, maybe he never won Mr. Biddy or Mr. World Biddy, but that doesn’t matter does it? That seems premature to give an award to kid who is very young at that age, kids are just developing. At that age, kids are just developing into becoming bigger and better athletes. They are all only kids, right! The cream always rises to the top. And that cream just doesn’t apply to PE. I pray that the cream rises to the top for all of these kids that you have mentioned and all the other kids whose names were not mentioned, the kids who practice in their driveways, who play in league games around the city, and who participate in numerous tournaments around the state and nation. I don’t wish any ill-will on any kid, the ultimate goal is for them to all graduate from HS, go on to college and have successful college years, and if it is in the future for some to play on the next level, what a blessing. This just doesn’t apply to PE, but for every kid who takes to the hardwood this winter season!!!!
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June 12th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
ok you to need to get each others phone number cause u guys are feelin it and just to put it out there dremius smith played with perry at brooks and plays with him now and he is there leading scorer he tore his acl or he would have been playin his freshmen year look out for him on the field as well
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June 13th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
The NW kids (at least incoming freshman) never played in Eldorado. I have no idea why but I guess for some reason it sounds good to say they got a beatdown there. They’re team only plays once or twice a year in Kansas. Because anytime they do play here they win by at least 40, even in championship games. Most didn’t play biddy except when they were real little (which I agree has become a joke of league for along time now). And don’t normally play MAYB. And this group has lost one game (in Texas) since around September.
I wasn’t trying to get anyone all riled up. I would have talked about grades and being good adults but I thought it was just about sports and having a little fun with it. But don’t worry the NW kids that I do know, are great in class. In fact I have always thought they should make you carry at least a 3.5 GPA to play in high school and get a 28 on SAT to even get to play in college! So I got a feeling they will do fine and go to college with or without basketball. Just thought since I watch A TON of games a year with all ages and levels. That I would put a little info (about this group) out there about the kids. Turns out “confusing” is probably right. And I also forgot Bill Self said it also, PE IS going to be unstopable and if this group of NW kids are lucky, maybe they will at least get 6th or 7th in CL by senior years, and it would really be a bonus if they could stay within 40 or 50 of Heights in a game at least once. (Assuming any of them even make varsity at any point while they are in high school). Even that I guess may not happen. But I still say it will be fun to watch. As we will still get to watch competative games with Heights VS East and Northwest VS West
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June 18th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
These are all kids, 14-15 years old and I dont care the best 15 year old is not going to beat the best 18 year olds. Im glad there are some talented kids coming into the CL at different schools. But the kids who are already at these schoolsare not going to just lay down and give up a jersey. All of these kids are very talented and are nice young men and are even friends with one another. Perry is very talented but so is Joe Mitchell, Jaln Williams, Marcus Williams, Terry Webb and many others. With an influx of young players coming in the CL and wichita basketball looks to be doing just fine. Good luck to all of them. I just wish they could get some kids to go to my old school North HS
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June 18th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Wow…what most folks (parents) don’t realize is 4 years is a long time from now. Many factors can come into play. Girls, grades, friends and talent level peaking out. Let’s just wait and see who becomes the the man in CL. I would bet it just might not be anyone that is being mention. Look at last year All-City team. I would bet there wasn’t to many people hyping any of the kids on the All-City team as freshmans….maybe Jordan. So, let’s just wait and see who is there in 4 years. Good luck to them all.
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June 19th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
so right hooplover!
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June 19th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Thanx…agree! Basketball and horse racing are hard sports to predict. Kids might peak out early…some grow faster then others. Some are having thier best years of basketball right now. How many Mr Biddy’s became the man? Others peak much later. So, you really never know. Think about all the “man” that have come out of the city league….who was great as a freshman. Only time not parents will tell who good and who wasn’t.
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