By Stephen Spiewak
Special to MaxPreps.com
The Maroon team edged the White team 127-122 in overtime to win the Underclassman All-Star Game Sunday at the ABCD camp in Teaneck, N.J.
The rosters for each team were composed of standout underclassmen from the five-day camp. In all, 27 players were chosen to participate, representing 15 different states, as well as Canada. California led all states with six representatives in the game, while four of the players called New York home.
The White team jumped out to a 52-43 halftime lead, thanks to the nifty passing and slashing of Brandon Jennings, a California point guard who will be transferring to powerhouse Oak Hill Academy, Va., for his junior season. Jennings electrified the crowd with a fake pass between the legs on a fast break, as well as a highlight-reel alley-oop to Demar Derozen, a high flying California forward.
Renardo Sydney, widely regarded as one of the best freshmen in the country this past year, was a physical presence down low, but also displayed some range on his jump shot. Jennings and teammate Dante Anderson were awarded team MVP's for the game.
Kevin Ebanks led the second half charge for the Maroon team, displaying a versatile game which included strong penetration moves coupled with legitimate three-point range.
Big men Greg Echenique, from New Jersey by way of Venezuela, and Karron Johnson, from Virginia, each displayed nice post games and outstanding rebounding ability.
Another down low force, Chris Braswell (Md.) was named co-MVP of the Maroon team along with Ebanks.
Also seeing minutes for the Maroon team was Percy Miller, better known as Lil Romeo. His father, rapper Master P, was in attendance. The younger Miller attends Windward High School in Los Angeles.
After the game, underclassman player of the week awards were given to Drew Gordon, a center from California, and William Buford, an Ohio guard.
