Poor Shooting Ends Lions' Season
March 4, 2009

In the state semi-final game against #1 Orlando Christian Prep, The Rock shot just 24% on 12-of-50 from the field and 3-of-20 from beyond the arc. The worst shooting of the season came in the biggest game as the lions fell 62-38.

The Prep Zone's Athlete-of-the-Week for the week of February 23 is Scottie Wilbekin of The Rock (Gainesville) boys basketball team.

The sophomore point guard scored a team-high 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and had four assists in the Lions' 63-52 Region 1-1A semifinal win over FAMU (Tallahassee) last Tuesday. He followed that up with 13 points, five rebounds and six assists in a 54-21 win over Graceville in Saturday’s regional championship game that clinched the Lions’ second state-semifinal berth in the last three years.

With its 54-21 win over Graceville, The Rock was crowned Regional Champs and now advances to Lakeland where it will face #1 Orlando Christian Prep in the second 1A semi-final on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

The Rock School is chartering two buses for fans who wish to attend the game. To reserve a space, please call the school office.

Read the articles from The Gainesville Sun about the team's trip to the Final Four by clicking "Articles" on the menu bar above.

Pregame festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with a cookout (hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages) and FREE inflatable rides for the kids. Plus, there'll be a tattoo station (lions and paw prints), and a t-shirt decorating station (bring a tee and we'll have the paint and supplies to make it into a spirited shirt.) We'll also be offering free screen printing of t-shirts. Bring a shirt and we'll print one of our cool designs on it while you wait. Or bring an existing TRS shirt, and we'll add "All the Way to State" on the back.

Admission to the game is $6. Advanced tickets can be purchased in the school office on Thursday or Friday or at the gym on Saturday morning, beginning at 10 a.m.

For directions to our campus, please click "gymnasium" on the menu bar above.

With its 63-52 win over FAMU High, The Rock advances to the regional championship where it will face Graceville at home on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. For a complete schedule of Saturday's pregame festivities, please check this site later today.

To read The Gainesville Sun's coverage of the game, click the "articles" link on the menu bar above.

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 23, Vlad Kondratyev - 14, Naglis Visinskis - , Jeremy Williams - , Patrick Konan - 18, Rey Velez - , Mitchell Wilbekin -
3-PTS:
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 12
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin -
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin -

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 12, Vlad Kondratyev - 19, Naglis Visinskis - 7, Jeremy Williams - 3, Patrick Konan - 5, Rey Velez - 8, Mitchell Wilbekin - 6
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 2, Mitchell Wilbekin, Naglis Visinskis, Vlad Kondratyev, Jeremy Williams - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 4
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 6
Steals: Naglis Visinskis, Rey Velez - 4

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 13, Vlad Kondratyev - 20, Naglis Visinskis - 13, Jeremy Williams - 1, Patrick Konan - 6, Mitchell Wilbekin - 5
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin, Scottie Wilbekin - 1
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev, Patrick Konan - 6
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 10
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 6

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 9, Vlad Kondratyev - 28, Rey Velez - 5, Naglis Visinskis - 10, Jeremy Williams - 3, Patrick Konan - 18, Jared Crane - 4, Jeremy Williams - 3, Austin Harrell - 1, Mitchell Wilbekin - 2
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 1, Patrick Konan - 3, Vlad Kondratyev - 4
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev - 6
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 8
Steals: Jeremy Williams - 3

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 8, Vlad Kondratyev - 10, Rey Velez - 8, Naglis Visinskis - 4, Jeremy Williams - 3, Patrick Konan - 13
3-PTS: Patrick Konan, Jeremy Williams - 1
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev - 6
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 6
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 4

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 23, Vlad Kondratyev - 11, Rey Velez - 3, Naglis Visinskis - 6, Patrick Konan - 12
3-PTS: Vlad Kondratyev - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 7
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 8
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 6

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 20, Vlad Kondratyev - 21, Rey Velez - 11, Naglis Visinskis - 11, Jeremy Williams - 4, Austin Harrell - 4, Mitchell Wilbekin - 4
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 2, Naglis Visinskis - 1
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev - 8
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 10
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 3

Read the full write-up of the game by The Gainesville Sun - click on the articles tab on the menu bar above.

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 10, Patrick Konan - 12, Vlad Kondratyev - 14, Rey Velez - 2, Naglis Visinskis - 4
3-PTS: Patrick Konan - 2, Vlad Kondratyev - 1
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev, Patrick Konan - 5
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 7
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin, Rey Velez - 2

A collection of photos taken during the three-day Kingdom of the Sun Tournament in Ocala in December have been posted to our Photo Gallery. Click the link on the menu bar to see great pics of the team in action.

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 10, Patrick Konan - 14, Vlad Kondratyev - 12, Jeremy Williams - 2, Rey Velez - 4, Mitchell Wilbekin - 5
3-PTS: Patrick Konan - 4 , Mitchell Wilbekin - 1
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev - 10 (5 Def / 5 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 8
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 2

The Rock played well at Jim Haley’s Kingdom of the Sun event over the holidays while West Orange's win over Winter Park had the Warriors feeling confident about themselves. The Rock opened the scoring with a tip slam by 6’5 junior Patrick Konan. West Orange’s highly touted sophomore Dwayne Gallimore responded with a quick transition basket to know the score at two apiece. At that point, The Rock broke out on a 9-0 run as 6’8 senior Vlad Kondratyev scored in transition, 6’2 sophomore Scottie Wilbekin hit a pull up jumper and Konan hit a driving layup and a three to make the score 11-2 with just under three and a half minutes left in the first. Sophomore guard Matt Hardy of West Orange stopped the drought with a stick back and 6’2 senior guard Aaron Richards scored on a drive to get the margin to five, 11-6 at the end of the quarter.

Konan once again opened the scoring for The Rock in the second quarter on an offensive rebound. Junior forward Darius Johnson responded with two free throws after being fouled on an offensive rebound. The Rock would maintain a three to six point lead for much of the quarter. When Wilbekin hit a three with 2:20 remaining in the half, The Rock had its biggest lead at 21-14. West Orange didn’t fold and rattled off six straight points. 6’8 freshman Owen Perez scored inside with at right handed jump hook, Richards scored on a drive, and Johnson knocked down two free throws with eight seconds remaining. At half-time, The Rock held a slim 21-20 advantage.

Wilbekin of The Rock scored the first basket in the third, using a nice head fake to get his man out of position and scoring a layup. Johnson of West Orange hit a floater in the lane and the back and forth affair continued. After another exchange of buckets, The Rock went on a 6-0 run to get some cushion. 6’5 senior Naglis Visinskis scored on a drive and then in transition while 6’5 junior Rey Velez cleaned up a miss for another bucket. Senior forward Malcolm Anderson got West Orange back on the board, first with a score inside and then a mid-range jumper. But Konan scored on a lob and at the end of three quarters The Rock led 35-28.

The Rock’s run continued into the fourth, opening up with an 11-2 run. Vlad scored twice inside, while Velez hit two free throws, Konan scored on the break and 5’9 seventh graded Mitchell Wilbekin knocked down a three. Gallimore of West Orange was the only Warrior to score during this run, blowing past a defender and finishing in traffic. With three minutes left in the contest, The Rock lead was 46-30. Hardy of West Orange hit a trio of threes in the final two minutes but the Warriors could never completely close the gap and The Rock headed back to Gainesville with a 53-40 victory.

Read the full write-up of the game by Florida Hoops - click on the articles tab on the menu bar above.

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 10, Patrick Konan - 17, Vlad Kondratyev - 8, Naglis Visinskis - 6, Austin Harrell - 2, Rey Velez - 4- , Mitchell Wilbekin - 6
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin - 2, Scottie Wilbekin, Patrick Konan - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 18 (10 Def / 8 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 5
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 2

Read the full write-up of the game by The Gainesville Sun - click on the articles tab on the menu bar above.

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 16, Patrick Konan - 19, Vlad Kondratyev - 18, Naglis Visinskis - 6, Jeremy Williams - 4, Rey Velez - 4- , Mitchell Wilbekin - 21
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin - 5, Scottie Wilbekin, Jeremy Williams - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 11 (6 Def / 5 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 5
Steals: Mitchell Wilbekin - 2

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 12, Patrick Konan - 12, Vlad Kondratyev - 8, Naglis Visinskis - 8, Jeremy Williams - 11, Alex Thompson - 2, Austin Harrell - 6
3-PTS: Jeremy Williams - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 5 (4 Def / 1 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 8
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 7

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 7, Patrick Konan - 21, Vlad Kondratyev - 9, Rey Velez - 6, Naglis Visinskis - 9, Jeremy Williams - 2, Austin Harrell - 11
3-PTS: Austin Harrell - 3, Scottie Wilbekin, Patrick Konan - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 10 (7 Def / 3 Off)
Assists Leader: Rey Velez - 6
Steals: Rey Velez - 5

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 15, Patrick Konan - 14, Vlad Kondratyev - 10, Rey Velez - 3, Naglis Visinskis - 9, Mitchell Wilbekin - 11, Jeremy Williams - 3, Alex Thompson - 5, Jared Crane - 2, Austin Harrell - 4
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin, Scottie Wilbekin - 3, Naglis Visinskis, Jeremy Williams - 1
Rebound Leader: Mitchell Wilbekin - 6 (4 Def / 2Off)
Assists Leader: Rey Velez - 3
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 6

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 16, Patrick Konan - 16, Vlad Kondratyev - 20, Rey Velez - 9, Naglis Visinskis - 6, Mitchell Wilbekin - 5, Jeremy Williams - 2
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin, Scottie Wilbekin, Patrick Konan - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 8 (5 Def / 3 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 8
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin, Patrick Konan, Rey Velez - 3

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 14, Patrick Konan - 7, Vlad Kondratyev - 15, Rey Velez - 6, Jeremy Williams - 2
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 2
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 14(10 Def / 4Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 3
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin, Patrick Konan, Naglis Visinskis - 1

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 14, Patrick Konan - 14, Vlad Kondratyev - 15, Rey Velez - 9, Naglis Visinskis - 11, Mitchell Wilbekin - 5, Austin Harrell - 2
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin, Naglis Visinskis - 1
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev - 7 (2 Def / 5 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 7
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin, Austin Harrell, Naglis Visinskis - 1

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 13, Patrick Konan - 11, Vlad Kondratyev - 12, Rey Velez - 2, Naglis Visinskis - 4, Mitchell Wilbekin - 4
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 1
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev - 9 (6 Def / 3 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 7
Steals: Naglis Visinskis - 2

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 7, Patrick Konan - 11, Vlad Kondratyev - 6, Rey Velez - 6, Naglis Visinskis - 5, Mitchell Wilbekin - 5, Alex Thompson - 2
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin, Mitchell Wilbekin, Vlad Kondratyev-1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 8 (6 Def / 2 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 8
Steals: Naglis Visinskis - 2

Only a sophomore, 6’2 Scottie Wilbekin of Gainesville (FL) The Rock School does a great job of controlling a basketball game. He understands how to effectively use his dribble to break the press, pushes the ball when needed and slows tempo when necessary, and keeps his teammates involved. Offensively, he sees the court very well, makes great decisions with the basketball and can create his own shot, pulling up off the dribble for mid-range jumpers and floaters when he gets into the lane. He had a great forty foot left-handed bounce pass on the break that brought the crowd to its feet. Wilbekin hits free throws and threes and on the defensive does an excellent job of moving his feet. He is certainly a strong candidate for top 100 player in the class of 2011.

6’5 junior wing Patrick Konan of The Rock School is an interesting case. He’s listed as a junior as he is playing his third year of high school basketball. However, age wise he will be ineligible in Florida next season so the future is a little cloudy on the academic front. Basketball-wise there is a lot to like about him. Konan has a strong frame, is very athletic, shoots it well from the arc and in and finishes great around the basket. He threw a really nice pass to a cutter for a basket and had an acrobatic finish with his left (off) hand in traffic. His dribbling could use improvement but he is certainly one for mid-majors to keep an eye on.

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 20, Patrick Konan - 30, Vlad Kondratyev - 2, Rey Velez - 8, Naglis Visinskis - 13, Mitchell Wilbekin - 4, Jeremy Williams - 2
3-PTS: Patrick Konan - 2, Scottie Wilbekin - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 14 (9 Def / 5 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 8
Steals: Patrick Konan - 2

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 4, Patrick Konan - 14, Vlad Kondratyev - 10, Rey Velez - 2, Naglis Visinskis - 6, Mitchell Wilbekin - 12, Jeremy Williams - 10, Austin Harrell - 6, Alex Thompson - 6, Jared Crane - 6
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin - 2, Jeremy Williams - 2
Rebound Leader: Austin Harrell - 7(2 Def / 5Off)
Assists Leader: Mitchell Wilbekin - 6
Steals: Jared Crane - 4

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 14, Patrick Konan - 19, Vlad Kondratyev - 19, Rey Velez - 9, Naglis Visinskis - 1
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 2, Patrick Konan - 3
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 12 (6 Def / 6 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 7
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 5

Scottie Wilbekin was named to the All-Tournament Team for his performance in leading The Rock to third place at the Good Counsel Tip-off Classic in Maryland.

Patrick Konan was named the Most Outstanding Player and Scottie Wilbekin was named to the All-Tournament Team at the GatorTown Hoops Classic on Thanksgiving Weekend.

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 13, Patrick Konan - 16, Vlad Kondratyev - 4, Rey Velez - 2, Naglis Visinskis - 1, Mitchell Wilbekin - 4
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 2, Patrick Konan - 1
Rebound Leader: Vlad Kondratyev - 6 (6 Def / 0 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 5
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 2

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 14, Patrick Konan - 13, Vlad Kondratyev - 7, Rey Velez - 8, Naglis Visinskis - 4
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 2
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 6(5 Def / 1Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 3
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 2

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 22, Patrick Konan - 15, Vlad Kondratyev - 10, Rey Velez - 3, Naglis Visinskis - 4, Jared Crane - 2, Austin Harrell - 1
3-PTS: Scottie Wilbekin - 2
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 8 (5 Def / 3 Off)
Assists Leader: Patrick Konan - 5
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 4

Scorers: Patrick Konan - 13, Scottie Wilbekin - 12, Vlad Kondratyev - 12, Rey Velez - 10, Naglis Visinskis - 7, Mitchell Wilbekin - 6
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin - 2, Scottie Wilbekin - 1, Naglis Visinskis - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 10(9 Def / 1Off)
Assists Leader: Patrick Konan - 4
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 2

Scorers: Scottie Wilbekin - 15, Rey Velez - 15, Patrick Konan - 15, Vlad Kondratyev - 14, Mitchell Wilbekin - 7, Naglis Visinskis - 6, Jeremy Williams - 4
3-PTS: Mitchell Wilbekin - 2, Vlad Kondratyev - 2, Scottie Wilbekin - 1
Rebound Leader: Patrick Konan - 20 (15 Def / 5 Off)
Assists Leader: Scottie Wilbekin - 10
Steals: Scottie Wilbekin - 7

School: The Rock

Inside: Vlad Kondratyev, 6’8 Sr

Outside: Scottie Wilbekin, 6’0 So

Comments: Vlad is a rock solid interior player with good scoring moves around the basket and has the range to step out and knock down twelve to fifteen foot jump shots with consistency. Wilbekin has a high basketball IQ and an accurate jumper, particularly off the dribble from mid-range.

School: The Rock

Frontcourt: 6’5 Jr Patrick Konan; 6’8 Sr Vlad Kondratyev

Strengths: Power, scoring

Question marks: Depth

Comments: Konan could eventually play the two in college but at this level he is a three/four due to his strength, explosiveness, and ability to get things done around the basket. He has improved in all phases of the game as now he must be respected from deep and is a much better ball-handler. Koudratev has good scoring tools out to fifteen feet and is crafty when it comes to getting the ball in the basket when he is around the rim. He moves well up and down the court and works the glass hard on both ends.

Vlad is the third player from The Rock to sign a Division I scholarship in the past four years, joining Moussa Camara (Binghamton) and Vytas Sulskis (Youngstown State). He will be the 11th graduate from The Rock School to play collegiate basketball since 2000.

To see photos of the signing ceremony, click on the photo gallery in the menu bar. To watch a video recap of the event, click video on the main menu above.

excerpts from FloridaHoops.com

"The goal of taking Hoop Mountain to the front of the pack for Florida is quickly becoming a reality. This weekend's event at the Basketball Academy at IMG Academy makes an exclamation point on the word talent."

Rounding out the 2009 standouts is The Rock School's 6'8" center Vladyslav Kondratyev. Vlad has come a long way since last I saw him. His footwork has improved and he now displays a nice hook shot in the lane. He used both left and right hooks on separate occasions but seems more comfortable with his left. He worked hard down low and made some drop step moves and showed he can knock down some jump shots as he steps away from the basket. His foot speed is still a bit questionable if Division I is in his future. But, he could make the right team very happy playing the man in the middle or a power forward position. He has a strong, solid frame and does seem to like being in the post which is almost unusual in this day and age.

The Class of 2010 was well represented as there was a Barbarian in the house. A nickname that described this young man's play from an event last year, 6'5" Patrick Konan from The Rock School has moved his game outside. Yes, he can still play in the paint. Yes, he can still defend bigger, stronger players, well within reason anyway. But, Patrick has found a jumpshot that works from the three point line and he is not afraid to shoot it. He can handle the ball well in traffic and showed a good ability to make an assist or two to keep defenders guessing just what he was going to do. His game has improved immensely over the last year. It will be interesting to watch this young man over the next two years.

The Class of 2011 featured more guard oriented type play and The Rock School's 6'2" point guard Scottie Wilbekin directs a team well. He can setup an offense and make sure good things happen. He knocked some jump shots and workd his way inside and out as he hit some pull-up jumpers and finds the basket with ease. He is active on the defensive end and really makes the offense work. He did a nice job of making players uncomfortable and enabling a player come from the back side for an easy steal and layup on the other end quickly.

Our final candidate for player of the day was 6’1 sophomore point guard Scottie Wilbekin of The Rock School in Gainesville. He may have had the most complete game of any backcourt player on Sunday. His mastery of the fundamentals, court vision, and ability to see plays as they are about to happen set him apart from nearly all of the kids his age. Wilbekin also has the ability to create for himself as well as others, whether it is getting to the basket and finishing in traffic or pulling up from mid-range off the bounce. Some may question his overall athleticism but he certainly is at least above average in that category.

Maybe the most fundamentally sound post player on Saturday was Vlad Kondratyev from The Rock in Gainesville. The 6’8 senior has a nice turn-around jumper from both sides of the line, uses his body well on post moves inside, and has the skill to step out to mid-range and knock down shots. One move that especially stood out was a spin move that left him under the basket but he was able to muscle his defender away and power up for a bucket. He’s only a little above average at best athletically but he runs the court hard and rebounds well within his area.

Maybe the most consistent player on his team over the three games played today was Patrick Konan. The 6’5 junior wing from The Rock in Gainesville has done a real good job of moving his game to the perimeter. He has an explosive first step to the basket, explodes off the floor and finishes with contact. Konan gets high on his jumper and while not always consistent, it does have good form and is just a matter of repetition to reach consistency. Maybe one his most under-rated attributes is his ability to grab rebounds on the offensive end and convert over bigger players.

FSU, Bryant University, University of Tampa, and University of North Florida are also expected to visit in the days ahead.

Scottie Wilbekin and Patrick Konan recently attended the FSU campus for the football game against Wake Forest courtesy of the basketball staff. They had a great time tailgating and getting to know the current FSU basketball players.

September 27 - Juniors & Seniors
September 28 - Freshmen & Sophomores
(Limited to 80 players per session)

Download an application and camp flyer at www.teamfloridabball.com.

Registration deadline is September 12, 2008.

Also, a big congratulations to Mitchell Wilbekin, a rising 7th grader, whose Team Breakdown won the 13U AAU National Championships in July! It was Mitchell's second national championship in three years. (His team won the 11U title in 2006 and finished as runner-up for the 12U title last summer.)

Patrick Konan, Class of 2010, attended Elite Camp at FSU and has an invitation to attend at the University of Florida as well.

Vlad Kondratyev, Class of 2009, attended Elite Camp at FSU.

TRS Rising Senior Receives Scholarship Offer
July 21, 2008

Vlad Kondratyev received a scholarship offer from D-I Morehead State University in Kentucky. MSU is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. Other schools of interest include Western Kentucky, Baylor, Phode Island, Davidson, and Embry Riddle.

The Rock finished 3-1 in the tournament round of Florida Team Camp, advancing to the Elite Eight. The Rock defeated Melbourne HS, Boyd Anderson HS, and Martin County HS, before falling to Gainesville High.

Vlad Kondratyev, Class of 2009 - ranked #19
Patrick Konan, Class of 2010 - ranked #5
Scottie Wilbekin, Class of 2011 - ranked #7

College Scholarship Signees
June 01, 2008

The following seniors signed letters of intent to play basketball for these colleges next fall.

Anton Tuz - Tusculum College, TN
Borgia M'Bala - Bluefield College, VA
Trae Mayberry - St. John's River Community College, FL
Saule Kontautaite - Weatherford College, TX

A year younger than his NTF 16U teammates, 6'1 point guard Scottie Wilbekin of The Rock more than fit in. A solid, fundamental player, Wilbekin does a great job of protecting the ball against aggressive defenders and traps, makes smart passes, and knocks down open shots. Maybe the best part is he doesn't force the action or try to do things he isn't capable of. While very athletic and quick point guards can give him trouble on the defensive end, he more than makes up for it with his high basketball IQ and ability to run a team.

"The most skilled inside player for the Lee Bulls 17U this weekend was Vladyslav Kondratyev, a 2009 6'8 big forward from The Rock School in Gainesville. "Vlad" has some very nice scoring tools: a jump hook inside, a mid-range jumper that he'll kiss off the glass from the wing, and range to the arc given time to set his feet. He's got a fairly solid frame and battles hard inside for rebounds on both ends. He struggles a bit guarding players out on the perimeter and can be over-powered inside but as he gets stronger the latter won't be much of an issue."

"Another underclassman in Class of 2009 6'8" Vladyslav Kondratyev from The Rock School. Vladyslav was one of those players that continued to get better as the day got longer. He had quite a repetorie with outside shots, inside shots, and just a good overall showing."