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Pennsylvania Boys Soccer POY: Evan Vare

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The Gatorade State Fall Boys Soccer Players of the Year were selected based on athletic production and impact in the 2015-16 fall season. Each winner also demonstrated high academic achievement and exemplary personal character, including volunteerism, sportsmanship and community leadership.

For the complete list of Gatorade State Fall Boys Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Evan Vare

THE BASICS

School: Central Bucks East (Doylestown, Pa.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 150 pounds

Athletic achievement: He led the Patriots to a 26-0 record and the Class AAA state championship this past season. Vare scored 42 goals and passed for 13 assists and recorded a goal and an assist in a 2-0 win over Seneca Valley in the state final. A two-time Philadelphia Inquirer Player of the Year, Vare is also the 2015 Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year and a two-time First Team All-State selection. He concluded his prep soccer career with 89 goals and 42 assists.

Academic excellence: Vare has maintained a weighted 3.88 GPA.

Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally as a youth soccer coach and as part of multiple community-service initiatives through the CB East National Honor Society.

THE PRAISE

“Evan was the best high school player I’ve seen in my 10-plus years of coaching,” said Kyle McGrath, head coach of Hatboro-Horsham High. “He was the clear-cut leader for his team this year not only in scoring goals and setting them up but also in his relentless work rate, which was what most impressed me.”

THE FUTURE: Vare will attend Lafayette College, where he will play soccer, beginning this fall.


Ground broken on America's most expensive high school football stadium

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The groundbreaking for the nation’s most expensive high school football stadium has taken place and now the construction begins on the new venue in Katy, Texas.

The $61 million price tag tops the $60 million spent by Allen to build Eagle Stadium.

The new stadium in Katy is scheduled to open in 2017 and will seat 12,000 people. The stadium was approved as part of a $748 million school bond package approved by voters in November.

Some highlights:

  • Design plans show the new stadium situated on a 58-acre tract north of Rhodes.
  • Two-story press box
  • Several training room
  • Jumbotron
  • Field house that is drawn to occupy 12,000 square feet of the complex.
  • The second floor will remain empty for future expansion and will include space for a high school football hall of fame.

VIDEO: Lincoln (N.Y.) junior Kclejuan Brown switches hands in midair on layup

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Watch as Lincoln High (Brooklyn, N.Y.) junior Kclejuan Brown switches hands for a layup in midair reminiscent of a certain famous move in the NBA Finals from 15 years ago.

Lincoln beat New Jersey power Roselle Catholic 84-74.

VIDEO: Bol Bol, Manute's son, dominates trampoline hoops too

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Bol Bol, the son of late NBA great and gentle giant Manute Bol, is in his sophomore season for Bishop Miege near Kansas City. He’s 6-foot-11, and he’s arguably already Bishop Miege’s best shooter, rebounder, shot-blocker, defender, passer and, yes, even ball handler.

And yes, he is even dominant at trampoline basketball, as this clip from our friends at Courtside Films shows.

If you’re looking for more conventional “highlights,” check this out.

Get 2 The Game - De'Aaron Fox

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Dreams don’t come easy. They take sweat, sacrifice and committed support from people who believe in you. Follow along as we meet top high school athletes and share their stories of inspiration, support and success. #Get2TheGame

RELATED: More #Get2TheGame videos

PLAYER PROFILE:

De’Aaron Fox
School: Cypress Lakes (Katy, Texas)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6-4/170
Class: 2016

“I HAVE A CLOSE BOND WITH MY FAMILY. I LIVE WITH MY MOM, DAD AND BROTHER, AND THEY KEEP ME GROUNDED AND HUMBLE. THAT’S WHAT I NEED.”

Born into an athletic family, there was never a doubt that De’Aaron Fox would follow in his parents’ footsteps. But this point guard for Cyprus Lakes High School exceeded all expectations as he grew from a young and enthusiastic beginner into one of the best in the game.

RELATED: De’Aaron Fox headlines ALL-USA Performances of the Week

RELATED: Kentucky has a lot to look forward with 2016’s current No. 1 class

PRE-GAME MEAL
“I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before every game.”

FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT
Math

FAVORITE PRO PLAYER
Russell Westbrook

BORN TO PLAY.
For De’Aaron Fox and his family, playing basketball has always been a tradition. Raised by parents who both played at the collegiate level, De’Aaron showed interest in following their example from a young age, but he carried on the family business in a way that no one could have predicted.

“When he was around three years old, it came out in him. Just getting home from work he wanted to hit you with a basketball, hit you with a football – it was just a drive in him to be competitive, and I think it grew inside of him,” says his father, Aaron Fox.

De’Aaron’s competitive nature has always been a driving force behind his athletic success – but it’s his work ethic and commitment that has taken his natural athletic talent to the next level.

“From the time he was a freshman, if there was anything that he needed to work on, he added it to his game. He’s one of those kids that will ask to get here at 6:30 in the morning. He stays late and never shys away from working on something he’s not great at,” says Cyprus Lakes High School head coach, Emmanuel Olatunbosum.

Though many of De’Aaron’s successes can be attributed to his character and perseverance, he’ll be the first to acknowledge that he couldn’t be where he is without his family.

“He’s got parents who are phenomenal and they back him, they push him. His dad drives him. When he’s doing okay, his dad wants him to do better. It plays a big role in his success,” explains Emmanuel.

Family support, natural talent and work ethic aside, De’Aaron’s love and passion for the game is what keeps him on the path to greatness. No matter what, he’s focused on his goal to play the game he was born to play.

“Doing something I love, I don’t really see that as being a job. I’m really passionate about what I do, and at this point I feel like everything that’s coming to me is well deserved,” says De’Aaron.

VIDEO: No. 1 Chino Hills finishes perfect regular season with passes like this

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Chino Hills (Calif.) has earned the top spot in the Super 25 for boys basketball using a high-octane pace and scoring often on the fast break. And while the dunks often make the highlights, check out the baseball pass made in the video below off a missed shot that leads to the run out and jam by All-American Lonzo Ball.

With its 92-72 victory over Etiwanda on Thursday night, Chino Hills finished the regular season with a 27-0 mark. The game was a nine-point spread at halftime before the Huskies pulled away.

Pairings for the Southern Section Open Division playoffs come out Friday afternoon and Chino Hills figures to be the No. 1 seed.

Get 2 The Game - Malik Monk

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Dreams don’t come easy. They take sweat, sacrifice and committed support from people who believe in you. Follow along as we meet top high school athletes and share their stories of inspiration, support and success. #Get2TheGame

RELATED: More #Get2TheGame videos

PLAYER PROFILE:

Malik Monk
School: Bentonville (Ark.)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6-3/187
Class: 2016

Blessed with talent, work ethic and endless potential, Malik Monk is a young athlete to watch out for. The shooting guard at Bentonville High School has big dreams and the drive to achieve them.

“YOU CAN’T REALLY MEASURE HOW HARD I WORK. THE BEST ADVICE MY BROTHER’S GIVEN ME IS THAT HARD WORK PAYS OFF, AND WHAT PEOPLE DO NOT SEE WILL COME OUT TO SHOW WHEN THEY SEE YOU IN ACTION.”

INSPIRATION
“My biggest influence is my brother, because he’s been through all of this and he’s always been there for me.”

OTHER INTERESTS
Outdoors & wildlife

DREAM
“My dream is to become a professional basketball player and take care of my mom and brother.”

A DREAM IN MOTION
As a young athlete with a fierce dedication to his goals, Malik Monk has worked hard to make himself a force to reckon with on the court. Many factors have led to Malik’s status as one of the best young basketball players in the nation, but it’s his humble upbringing and close relationship with his family that keeps him focused on the pursuit of his dream.

One thing his mother has always instilled in him is the importance of staying grounded, no matter where the game takes him.

“Malik has been blessed with a lot of talent,” explains his mother, Jacaynlene Monk. “But I always tell him it’s important to be humble in life to succeed. To not make others think that you feel you’re the best.”

For Malik, these are words to live by, and he approaches each step in his journey with unwavering character. His dedication and hard work have really paid off, and that’s something he learned from watching his big brother, Marcus.

“Malik’s work ethic is second to none. We’re on the court at 6:30, three times a week. The gym is his safe haven, that’s what he loves to do and he puts a lot of energy and focus towards it,” Marcus says proudly.

From teaching him modesty and work ethic, Malik’s mother and brother have provided him with the framework and support he needs to succeed. But there’s a fire within him that can’t be taught. His fierce competitiveness, dedication, talent and perseverance are bound to take him far.

“When you marry together his incredible athleticism and ferocious competitive temperament, you really have a dynamic player,” says Jason McMahan, head coach at Bentonville High School. “I always hear him say he wants to be the greatest at whatever he does, and if that’s college basketball or professional basketball, he’ll be the greatest at those things.”

Malik has basketball on his mind for the future, but not only to help himself. He dreams of making a difference in the world using his unique set of characteristics and talents.

“It isn’t all about basketball with him. He has a rare opportunity to affect people in many different ways and I think he’s on the right path to do that,” says Marcus.

For Malik, the goal is clear, “My dream is to become a professional basketball player and take care of my mom and brother. They’ve been here for me throughout my life and they deserve this too.”

Get 2 The Game - Jayson Tatum

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Dreams don’t come easy. They take sweat, sacrifice and committed support from people who believe in you. Follow along as we meet top high school athletes and share their stories of inspiration, support and success. #Get2TheGame

RELATED: More #Get2TheGame videos

PLAYER PROFILE:

Jayson Tatum
School: Chaminade College Prep (St. Louis, Mo.)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6-8/195
Class: 2016

Jayson Tatum is committed to his dream. The small forward from Chaminade College Prep is working towards the day when he plays professional basketball with the greats.

PRE-GAME MEAL
“Turkey sandwiches from Jimmy John’s.”

FAVORITE SUBJECT
History

SOMEDAY I WILL
“Be able to make sure my mom doesn’t have to work anymore.”

“YOU CAN NEVER DREAM TOO BIG. NEVER PUT A LIMIT ON YOUR DREAMS OR WHAT YOU WANT TO BE IN LIFE.”

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
For Jayson Tatum, his love of basketball stems from the little things.

“It’s the feeling you get the morning of a big game, or the adrenaline you feel when you’re sitting in a locker room and you hear all the people talking outside,” Jayson says.

His focus on these small moments is what sets his athleticism apart. Jayson grew up watching the best players – not just their game-winning shots, but their grasp of fundamentals like footwork, passing, cutting to the rim, and their presence on the hardwood. This attention to detail has propelled him to become one of the top high school basketball players in the nation.

“When you watch Jayson play, you see his passion, his competitive drive, his work ethic – everything that has produced him on the court. You see that he loves his teammates when he high-fives them; he has extreme joy in not only scoring, but also in passing the ball and seeing one of his teammates knock down a shot or do something positive on the court,” says his coach, Frank Bennet.

Jayson’s mother, Brandi, attests to his extreme work ethic, revealing that Jayson’s day is eighteen hours long – from early morning workouts, to school, back to practice, working individually with a trainer, and finally back home to finish his homework.

“You know how the saying goes, as long as you’re doing something you love, it never feels like work,” his mother says.
This love of the game, coupled with his natural talent and fine-tuned skills has equipped Jayson with the ability to pursue his dream – to one day join the ranks of some of the best athletes to ever play the game.

“This is what I’ve strived to be since I was a kid and will forever keep striving to do this. I just want to be great; to be remembered from the city of St. Louis and all over the world.”


Get 2 The Game - Omari Spellman

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Dreams don’t come easy. They take sweat, sacrifice and committed support from people who believe in you. Follow along as we meet top high school athletes and share their stories of inspiration, support and success. #Get2TheGame

RELATED: More #Get2TheGame videos

PLAYER PROFILE:

Omari Spellman
School: St. Thomas More School (Oakdale, Ct.)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 6-9/269
Class: 2016

For Omari Spellman, playing basketball isn’t just about his talent; it’s about his love for the game. The power forward from St. Thomas More Preparatory School has been playing since he was two years old, and dreams of one day taking his love of the game to the next level.

PREGAME RITUAL
“Before every game I tell each teammate something positive. Then I get warmed up and listen to music.”

FAVORITE QUOTE
“A fool believes himself to be wise, but a wise man believes himself to be a fool.”

INSPIRATION
“My mother inspires me. She has done so much for me and I want to be able to reciprocate that.”

“THE THINGS THAT KEEP ME MOTIVATED? I WOULD SAY THE CONSTANT WANTING TO PROVE PEOPLE WRONG, THE CONSTANT WANTING TO GIVE BACK TO MY COMMUNITY, THE CONSTANT WANTING TO GIVE BACK TO MY MOTHER, AND THE CONSTANT WANTING A BETTER LIFE FOR MY LITTLE BROTHER, MY LITTLE SISTER, AND MY FAMILY.”

POWERING TOWARDS A DREAM
Omari Spellman is determined to be one of the best players to ever play the game of basketball.

Some might say that’s quite a lofty goal. But then again, not everyone has the same ambition as Omari.

“I feel the reason a lot of people don’t accomplish their dreams is because they write them off, and they say, ‘I can’t do that.’ When you say things like that, you limit your ability to be great,” says Omari. “Look at dreams as goals, and contribute every inch of your being to achieving that goal and that dream, and you can do it.”

The power forward is on the verge of something big. He has the potential to play ball at the next level, with the goal of eventually going pro. But even with his ambitions, he still takes every day at a time and focuses on the present. That means giving his all on the court and playing the game he loves.

“My favorite part about basketball would probably be the competitiveness – five guys on each side of the court, just going at it for 40 minutes,” says Omari, “I love how exciting the game can be when someone makes a big play, how loud the crowd gets.”

However, Omari’s focus isn’t limited to the basketball court. He lives at and attends St. Thomas More Preparatory School, which has instilled in him both a sense of independence and an appreciation for academics.

His mother, Teresita has seen Omari evolve firsthand, “We’ve always stressed academics in our household, we always stress the importance of studying, and we always stress the importance of life after basketball.”

“My dreams are more so goals than anything. I don’t dream just to say I have that dream. I want to make those dreams a reality.”

Omari says that he hopes his pursuit of his dream inspires others to achieve theirs.

“Anyone can achieve any dream, as long as they set their mind to it,” he says. His example? Himself. “I’m just a regular person I just happen to be a little bit taller than a regular person.”

Legendary coaches Gary McKnight, Steve Smith will have to wait for call to Hall of Fame

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Oak Hill Academy coach Steve Smith (Photo: (Gregory Payan, Associated Press)

Oak Hill Academy coach Steve Smith (Photo: (Gregory Payan, Associated Press)

Two of the nation’s best high school basketball coaches will have to wait a bit longer for the call to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Legendary coaches Steve Smith of Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) and Gary Knight of Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) were not among the 14 finalists named Friday at NBA All-Star Weekend festivities in Toronto.

MORE: Oak Hill names court after legendary coach

McKnight and Smith were named first-time nominees in early December on the final ballot by the North American Committee. Each coach has won more than 1,000 games.

The 14 finalists named are:

– Shaquille O’Neal
– Allen Iverson
– Kevin Johnson
– Sheryl Swoopes
– Eddie Sutton (coach)
– Bo Ryan (coach)
– Tom Izzo (coach)
– John McLendon (coach)
– Muffett McGraw (coach)
– Robert Hughes (coach)
– Darrell Garretson (official)
– Leta Andrews (coach)
– Charles “Lefty” Driesell (coach)
– 1954-58 Wayland Baptist University

The inductees will be announced at the Final Four in Houston in early April.

ALL-USA Watch: Elite guard Trae Young drops 60 points with 12 threes

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Trae Young has been scoring at a high pace over the last month, but nothing has topped Friday night’s performance.

The guard from Norman (Okla.) North scored a career-high 60 points — including 12 threes — in a 102-70 victory against Yukon (Okla.). The win was No. 17 in a row for North.

RELATED: Trae Young stakes claim to being best point guard in the nation

Young had an audience with assistant coaches from Oklahoma and Kansas in the stands. He released a list of 11 schools in December: Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Stanford, SMU, Texas Tech, Texas, Duke, Missouri, Virginia and Oklahoma State. He has taken unofficial visits to Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, SMU, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.

RELATED: ALL-USA Midseason Player of the Year candidates

How impressive was Young’s 60? Consider this from Scott Wright, the excellent high school writer for The Oklahoman:

Union (Okla.) player greeted by wheelchair-bound father battling cancer in Senior Night surprise

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What a beautiful story here.

Justin Harris from Union High in Tulsa was greeted with a surprise on Senior Night — his father at center court.

The event was captured by Fox 23 in the video above.

Steve Harris, a former star at the University of Tulsa who also played in the NBA, is battling Stage 4 colon cancer.

Justin was the last senior to be introduced and when he began to walk to the court, his dad was wheeled out to greet him.

Steve and family members were wearing T-shirts that read “Like Father, Like Son.”

“I just wanted to see my son,” Steve said.

RELATED: Army specialist returns from overseas for Senior Night surprise for brother

Union won the game — and all of Justin’s eight points came in the first quarter when his dad was still there — but the emotional moment will create a lifetime of memories.

Read this epic list of reasons Cleveland teen was kicked out of rec soccer league

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A Cleveland area teen was kicked out of a rec soccer league for a lengthy — and often hilarious — list of violations.

Brian Garruto, a senior at Westlake High, received an email from a league official of the North Side Co Ed Soccer League explaining the reason for his ban in great detail. He was a member of the Cleveland Steamers.

The email went viral Friday night when it was spotted by GQ as noted by our colleagues at For The Win.

Apparently, the breaking point came Jan. 31, when he gave birth to a soccer ball on the field after a goal, altered the scoreboard, and wore a Natural Light beer shirt as his uniform. Among the other offenses, changing his jersey after he got a red card and entering the game by pretending to by another player, running into the goal while hiding the ball in his shirt and eating a banana on the field.

Garruto also played high school soccer for Westlake as noted by this photo. Westlake finished 15-2-3 last fall and was ranked among the top 10 teams in Ohio.

No points for sportsmanship, but give him credit for creativity.

 

12 players ejected in girls basketball brawl in South Carolina

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The South Carolina High School League will review game tape from Friday night’s brawl involving the girls basketball teams for Timberland (St. Stephen) and Andrews.

The fourth-quarter brawl, which included the involvement of spectators, led to the ejection of 12 players — six from each team — according to multiple reports. It is likely the players will face suspensions in the postseason which begins next week.

According to Andrews coaching staff, via the South Strand News, one of their players was hit by a Timberland player and the Andrews player responded. From there, other players got involved, including players off the bench.

Andrews was leading 28-25 at the time of the fight. The game resumed once order was restored and Timberland came back to win 42-38.

Here are some tweets from reporters on the scene:

 

ALL-USA softball alum Alyssa Palomino named USA Softball Junior Athlete of the Year

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Alyssa Palomino Photo: ASA/USA Softball

Alyssa Palomino Photo: ASA/USA Softball

Alyssa Palomino, a member of the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Softball First Team last spring, was named the USA Softball Junior Female Athlete of the Year, ASA/USA Softball announced on Friday.

Palomino was one of the most feared power hitters in the country last season at Mission Viejo (Calif.) where she finished her career No. 2 in California history with 58 home runs, second only to fellow ALL-USA first-teamer Tannon Snow. Palomino hit .532 with 16 homers and an on-base percentage of .619.

RELATED: American Family Insurance ALL-USA Softball Teams

After her high school season, she led the Junior Women’s National Team to gold medla at the WBSC Junior Women’s World Championship and a fifth-place finish at the World Cup of Softball X.

She tied the record for most home runs at junior worlds with with five and drove in a tournament-record 28 RBI. She also batted .396 (19 for 48) with a .483 on-base percentage.

Palomino is now a freshman at Arizona.

 

“It is such an honor to be named the USA Softball Junior Female Athlete of the Year,” Palomino said in a statement. “The summer this team had was incredible and it was the best experience of my life! I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that was given to me and I will cherish every memory that was made! Being able to play with USA across my chest is something I have always dreamed of and just being able to play was a dream come true. I would like to thank the ASA/USA Softball staff for this honor and the team and coaches for an amazing summer. Without them, this summer would have never been possible.”


Ben Topp's amazing perfect night lands him in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crowd

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Ben Topp had a perfect night and his performance has landed him in Sports Illustrated’s iconic Faces in the Crowd.

Topp, a 6-7 junior forward at Hough High in North Carolina, set the state record for field goal perfection by going 19-for-19 from the field in a 68-51 victory against Kannapolis A.L. Brown on Feb. 2. He scored a school-record 39 points, well more than his average of about 10 per game.

Topp was also 1-for-1 from the free throw line for good measure.

The previous record was 18-for-18 by Wake Forest Rolesville’s Eric Williams in 2001.

Spartanburg's Kionna Jeter passes 3,000-point milestone

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Kionna Jeter from Spartanburg High in South Carolina has joined an elite club as she passed 3,000 career points.

Jeter, a senior who is heading to LIU-Brooklyn, is third in state history in scoring with 3,069 points following 33 points in her Senior Night on Friday. She trails only Ivory Latta (4,319) and Allison Feaster (3,427) in state history.

A 5-6 guard, she was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year and the South Carolina Coaches Association AAAA Player of the Year as a junior. She also was nominated for the McDonald’s All American Game this season.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Jeter told GoUpstate.com. “I’m blessed to have the accomplishments that I have and it’s thanks to my coaches, teammates and community and my family and the fans.”

Amelia Green tore her ACL, but her teammates wanted her to score a basket on Senior Night

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Amelia Green figured her senior season was over when she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a mid-December game.

She was in her fifth season on the varsity at Hammond (Columbia, S.C.) and had been a key player as a struggling program grew into a state championship contender. Her goal for her senior season was to win an elusive state title.

Instead, she was a spectator, remained a team captain and leader, almost taking on the role of an assistant coach after her Jan. 6 surgery.

That was until Friday’s Senior Night when her school, coaches and teammates wanted to honor her.

With the help of Hammond’s opponent, Ben Lippen High (Columbia, S.C.), Green was back on the court and scored the game’s first points before coming out.

Her teammates wore T-shirts before the game that said “Play for 4,” Green’s number.

Below is a video from midlandhssports.com shortly after her surgery.

VIDEO: Watch freshman Cassius Stanley's insane between-the-legs reverse dunk

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Cassius Stanley is only a freshman at Harvard-Westlake in California, but he doesn’t look like it when you watch his highlights.

Stanley’s between-the-legs reverse dunk during a 57-53 victory against Loyola (Los Angeles) was the No. 1 highlight on ESPN “SportsCenter.” And it adds more fuel to the conversation that Stanley might be the best freshman in the nation.

If you listen closely to the audio, you can hear that the whistle was blown just before and the dunk did not count, but it’s still amazing.

 

Super 25 Game of the Day: Paul VI at No. 10 DeMatha Catholic

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DeMatha Catholic’s Markelle Fultz #20 in action against Chaminade during a high school basketball game in the Hoophall Classic at Springfield College on Monday, January 18, 2016 in Springfield, MA. (Gregory Payan, AP)

The Matchup: Paul VI (Fairfax, Va.) at No. 10 DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Md.) at 4:30 p.m. ET

Paul VI player(s) to watch: Start with Louisville-bound guard VJ King, a McDonald’s and Jordan Brand Classic All-American. King is averaging 22.9 points per game. Corey Manigault, a 6-7 power forward, signed with Pitt in the fall. He had a season-high 29 points last week against DeMatha Catholic, fueled by 11 for 15 from the free throw line. Paul VI is 16-9 overall and comes in having won three of its last four games.

Louisville coach Rick Pitino greeted signee V.J. King, after his Paul VI Catholic High School squad defeated the North Bullitt High School in the King of the Bluegrass Tournament (Photo: Sam Upshaw Jr., Courier-Journal)

Louisville coach Rick Pitino greeted signee V.J. King, after his Paul VI Catholic High School squad defeated the North Bullitt High School in the King of the Bluegrass Tournament (Photo: Sam Upshaw Jr., Courier-Journal)

DeMatha Catholic player(s) to watch: Like King for Paul VI, the Stags are led by their own dual All-American in Washington signee Markelle Fultz. “Our first goal is to win the WCAC championship and the second goal is to get the national championship,” said Fultz, averaging 18.3 points per game. “We’re on the right path.” Fultz was a midseason candidate for American Family Insurance ALL-USA Player of the Year. He is joined by 6-6 shooting guard DJ Harvey, who is ranked as the No. 1 player in Maryland and the No. 3 shooting guard in the nation in the Class of 2017, according to 247Sports.com, and sharpshooter Nate Darling, who signed with Alabama-Birmingham.

What to expect: These schools have had some great games in WCAC play over the last few years and added another chapter just four days ago. DeMatha won 71-67 in overtime on the road on Thursday. Likely teammates in both All American games, King and Fultz again will be on opposite sides. King posted just nine points with five coming from the free throw line in his team’s loss last week while Fultz had 15. DeMatha (22-4 overall) enters the week a half-game behind Super 25 No. 7 St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) in the WCAC standings so this game has implications as the homestretch nears. St. John’s is scheduled to play Bishop McNamara on Monday.

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