Ebanks Takes Home IS8 MVP

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Monday, October 22nd, 2007

Devin Ebanks scored 32 points in the championship game to lead his team past the Playaz (New Jersey) 92-83 to earn the championship crown.  Despite the fact that the Shooting Stars had a cast full of high-major players including Louisville bound big man Samardo Samuels (Co-MVP), future North Carolina forward Ed Davis, and Florida commit Erving Walker, they still turned to Ebanks down the stretch to bring home the title.  And he delivered in a big way scoring 22 of his points in the second half.  The Indiana bound swingman was virtually unstoppable off the dribble as he showed the versatility to get all the way to the rim and finish with his explosive athleticism or pull-up with a short jumper in the mid-range area.  Ebanks also showed the ability to knock down the three-ball in timely spots, most notably at the buzzer to end the third quarter. 

In addition to being named the Co-MVP of the finals, Ebanks was also named to All-Tournament second team.  Joining him on the All-Tournament team was Chris Prescott, who led the Connecticut Basketball Club to the semi-finals before barely falling to the Playaz 81-79. 

It isn’t often that a non-New York squad is able to go into the city’s most prestigious tournament and make it all the way to the final four, but that is exactly what CBC was able to do.  Zach Dugas provided a big lift in the team’s quarterfinals victory over Mount Vernon, scoring a team high 24 points.  B.J. Monteiro was also at his best late in the playoffs, as he showed his ability to flat out score the ball. 

But for CBC, the story of the tournament was clearly Prescott’s play.  The Northwest Catholic guard has been on a tear ever since committing to St. Joe’s early in July.  While no longer having the pressure of proving his worth to college coaches, Prescott has been letting the game come to him, and the results have been very impressive.  His smooth three-point stroke has always been the most well-known part of his arsenal, but now he is picking his spots well off the dribble and showing the opportunity to get to the rim and finish when the opportunity presents itself.  He has also had much better results running the point lately, as his improved patience and confidence have helped him to finally realize his full potential.  The coaching staff at St. Joe’s has to be happy with what they are seeing, as Prescott looks poised to be a major addition to their ball club next season.