The Tribune

By AMAJAHL KNOWLES

THE CTJBA Elites, led by coach John Todd, are set to compete at the AAU basketball tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida, July 26 to August 2.

The team of 14 players made up of primarily 7th and 8th graders are feverishly preparing for the trip over at Orlando Magic’s RDV Sportsplex August 2.

Additionally, prior to the tournament, the teams will have workout sessions with elite Nike trainer Barry Mestel for about a week in the Orlando area.

The trip will also serve as a way to expose students to life after high school as players will visit four schools in the Orlando area - The University of Central Florida, Rollins University, Florida Polytechnic University and the University of South Florida.

Outside of the basketball training, the academy is designed to give players the opportunity to school abroad and further their education through international tournaments like these, according to coach and academy founder John Todd.

He says that, as far as the preparation and training back home is concerned, he is just trying to get the players to mesh. “We’re trying to emphasise team play, trying to get the team to be cohesive. We’re letting them run up and down the court just letting them get familiar with the game and how their teammates play,” said Todd.

Todd mentioned that he feels the team will be prepared for the international competition thanks in part to returning players from last year.

“Last year we took two teams that both won silver medals in the competition and we have a few guys returning from those teams, guys like Winston Davis who played well last year so I’m confident they will perform well on the AAU circuit,” he said.

The 7th grade team players are Zion Walkine, Raymond Rolle, Kyhle Allen, Nathaniel Woodside and Brandon Duncanson, while the 8th grade team consists of Deangelo Clarke, Keano Roberts,  Terran Walkine, Brando Bain, Sean Riley, Daunte Stuart, Ahmad Young and Winston Davis.

The team practices 8-11am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at St Augustine’s College and plans to leave for Orlando on July 19.