AAU Stepping Over High Schools

AAU Photo

AAU has been criticized for playing too many games, not teaching the fundamentals, and taking away the importance of high school basketball. Today, many people believe that the only way young athletes can get a scholarship, is by having success in AAU. With these beliefs that some people have, this devalues the importance of high school basketball. As a former high school and AAU basketball player, I knew that AAU was very important with trying to earn looks for scholarships. However, I loved playing for my high school and representing the school I attended. This was back in 2009, when AAU wasn't as strong as it is now in 2016.

Today, shoe companies such as Under Armour, Nike, and Adidas, run and sponsor AAU teams. They give certain AAU teams free shoes and gear, which attracts athletes to their program. Athletes get excited for AAU season during their high school season, because they know that their AAU team will travel, get free gear from shoe companies, and play in front of the scouts. With this in mind for young athletes, AAU has devalued high school basketball. High School basketball has become more of a pride thing, versus something that kids get exciting about playing. AAU has the power over these young athletes, and it makes you think how much more power can AAU gain over the next few years.


-Brandon Bracy

Team Rampage Varsity Goes 5-0 to Win Captial Classic

The Team Rampage Varsity team, went 5-0 this weekend in the Capital Classic Tournament in Sacramento, defeating the Reno Ballers 60-56, in the championship. American Canyon Junior Gamon Howard, won MVP of the tournament, as he led the team in scoring and steals. Team Rampage is now 7-1 in 8 games, and is currently on a 6 game winning streak. Coach Bracy was very happy with the way his team played, as they played unselfish and everybody contributed to the tournament victory.

Trey Pugh, Malcolm Bracy, Kade Lockrem, and Thomas McDonald, all provided scoring from the perimeter. They were able to knock down outside perimeter shots, as well as control the tempo of the offense. Forwards Deangelo Gomez, Joee Gantan, and Jonathon Rice, controlled the paint for Rampage, as they rebounded the ball well and also scored inside. Nik Keydeniers ran point guard, and was the assist leader for the team. Keydeniers also hit three 3point shots in the last 6 minutes of the championship game, to seal off the victory. Zarrion Walton, Carl Barnes, and Tayvon Jones played hard defense in key minutes for Rampage, and brought a lot of energy and scrappiness to the group.

Team Rampage will look to continue their success throughout the summer!

-Brandon Bracy

Team Rampage Varsity Preview

Due to the growth of the Team Rampage program, many new faces from different cities, will shape up this year's 17 and under team. With Jesse Bethel Seniors Malcolm Bracy and DeAngelo Gomez being the only two returners, the 2016 Rampage team will be different than last year's team. This year's roster will feature, four seniors, four sophomores and, five juniors. Team Rampage Head Coach and Trainer Brandon Bracy, decided to step outside of Vallejo to recruit players, and make up his team this spring and summer.

Junior Trey Pugh and, Sophomore Kade Lockrem, both come from Benicia High School. Trey is a good scorer who can shoot the ball from the outside really well, while Kade provides solid point guard skills, and can also shoot the three. Coming from across the Martinez bridge, comes a 6'2 Junior shooting guard named Thomas McDonald. McDonald, who moved to California last fall from Texas to stay with his family, provides additional shooting and scoring from the perimeter for Team Rampage.

From American Canyon High School, comes Junior Forward Gamon Howard, and sophomores Joee Gantan and, Malik Ghiden. Howard will bring a lot of athleticism from the wing, and will also be a great defender. Ghiden will also be a great athlete for rampage, as he will also play some Shooting Guard for the team. Gantan will help on the boards, and will also score from the low block. Junior Forward Will Klotz, comes from College Park High School in Concord. Standing at 6'5, Klotz's height and long frame, will definitely help Team Rampage this spring and summer.

Coach Bracy would also pick up  Seniors Nik Keydeniers, from Riverbank High School in Modesto, CA, and would also pick up Jonathon Rice from St. Mary's High School in Berkeley. These two pickups would give Team Rampage's 17 and under an edge due to the strength that these two players have.

Jesse Bethel's Malcolm Bracy, DeAngelo Gomez, and Nigel Robinson, all will be playing Team Rampage. With Bracy and Gomez being seniors and, the only returnees, Coach Bracy will look for them to provide leadership for the team. Junior Wing Nigel Robinson, is very athletic and plays good defense, but is battling a hip injury that could keep him out for 2-3 more weeks. Lastly comes Vallejo High Sophomore Forward Carl Barnes, who will be looking to gain a lot of experience playing up with the 17 and under team. These players round up the 2016 Team Rampage roster.


-Brandon Bracy

Play Hard Play Smart Kicks Off AAU Season

The Play Hard Play Smart 17 and under team, kicked off their AAU Season by winning their "Tournament Tune-Up" tournament at Natomas High School(Sacramento, CA). They would win the championship against Under Armour's newest addition to their circuit, Splash City. Play Hard Play Smart, would win this game by 2 in Overtime.


-Brandon Bracy