By David Cordova
When school is almost over, a lot of players are preparing for the summer, traveling for their AAU teams or getting prepared for major camp invites. On Thursday night in White Plains, all of that took a backseat to the 7th annual Frankie Williams Charity Classic, which took place at Archbishop Stepinac High School.
The FWCC has had a long list of alums that have made it to college and the NBA such as Lance Stephenson (Los Angeles Clippers), Sean Kilpatrick (Brooklyn Nets), Chris McCullough (Brooklyn Nets) and current 2016 NBA draft hopeful Isaiah Whitehead (Seton Hall University).
The game starred plenty of players from the CHSAA and PSAL, as well as some players from the NEPSAC, which made it a very festive event. The FWCC is not an all-star game, but a charity event that raises money for cancer and other community programs, which made it fitting for a great night of hoops in Westchester County.
Team United dominated for most of the game and beat Team Gives Back 140-129. Former Christ the King star and Arizona commit Rawle Alkins won MVP honors with 22 points and Bishop Loughlin sophomore guard Markquis Nowell won Sportsmanship honors with 15 points.
Outstanding Players:
Markquis Nowell, Bishop Loughlin HS (NY), Class of 2018
Nowell may have a small frame, but he was one of the guards that had the biggest impact on the game with his heart and poise. He made some great shots and made some highlight-reel plays with the ball.
Rawle Alkins, Word of God Christian Academy (NC), Class of 2016
Alkins, in what may be his final game in New York as a high schooler, dominated and brought the fans to their feet with his scoring and powerful dunks. Catch his high-level act next year at Arizona, where he will start his collegiate career.
Shamorie Ponds, Thomas Jefferson HS (NY), Class of 2016
Ponds, a member of a team that won a city and state championship this past season, made moves to the basket and hit plenty of shots. The St. John’s-bound commit was a crowd favorite as he showed why he was worthy of his top-40 national ranking, with his crossover dribble and slick moves, as well shots from the outside.
Isaiah Washington, St. Raymond HS (NY), Class of 2017
Washington showed his competitive game in the early going by dueling with Ponds by going to the cup and using his moves to blow past defenders, as well as making nifty passes for assists.
Aaron Wheeler, St. Andrew’s School (DE), Class of 2017
Wheeler is a swingman that brought plenty of athleticism to the game with his dunks and smooth moves to the cup. He also displayed a nice shooting touch.
Bryce Wills, Iona Prepatory School (NY), Class of 2018
Wills, the local Westchester product, put on a show for the crowd by scoring at will and going to the basket.
Elijah Hughes, South Kent Prepatory School (CT), Class of 2016
Hughes, bound for East Carolina, was a scoring machine and made it his mission to tear down the rim with plenty of highlight-reel dunks.
Aundre Hyatt, Archbishop Stepinac HS (NY), Class of 2018
Hyatt, playing in his own gym, put on a great home performance with his hot shooting from long range and assaulted the rim plenty with plenty of aggressiveness.
Highlights courtesy of NJ Hoop Recruit:
davesjoint.net 