Brooks, Grace, Harris, and Pittman lead East-West boys to Coliseum: Roster and bios

Julius Brooks(Page), Mike Grace(Mount Tabor), C.J. Harris(Mount Tabor) and Josh Pittman(Trinity) will lead the West boys into the Greensboro Coliseum on Monday night as they battle the East in the boy’s East-West All-Star basketball game.

We have the rosters for both teams listed along with the complete player bios so you can get to know these guys. David Willoughby has put together a nice information package for us and one kid we know like the front of the rim is Julius Brooks.

Julius is one our “home boys” from Guilford County and he is one of the finest young men to ever suit up for basketball in this city. Good luck to Julius in the East-West game and as he goes on to college up in Maryland this fall.

2009 NCCA East-West All-Star Games

Men’s Basketball Rosters

East Team

# Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown School
5 Marcellous Perez G 5-10 170 Jacksonville Northside (JAX)
11 Zach Faircloth G 6-2 175 Fayetteville Terry Sanford
15 Ricky Krainiak G 6-1 180 Camden Camden County
21 Harrison George P 6-5 205 Raleigh Leesville Road
23 Jaron Lane W 6-5 178 Greenville DH Conley
25 Stan Okoye W 6-5 200 Raleigh Knightdale
31 Trey Sumler G 6-2 170 Rocky Mount Nash Central
33 DaMetrius Upchurch P 6-6 210 Raleigh Garner Magnet
35 Candon Rusin W 6-3 185 Surf City Topsail
41 Alex Tucker 6-8 205 Sanford Lee County

Head Coach: David Dewey (South Johnston HS)
Assistant Coach: Todd Edge (Douglas Byrd HS)

West Team

# Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown School
3 Drew Absher G 5-10 162 Mocksville Davie County
5 Josh Pittman G 6-1 160 Archdale Trinity
23 Michael Grace G 6-0 179 Winston-Salem Mount Tabor
25 C.J. Harris G 6-3 180 Winston-Salem Mount Tabor
33 Eric Mayo F 6-4 200 Shelby Shelby
41 Wakefield Ellison G 6-5 – Asheville Asheville
43 Julius Brooks C 6-9 220 Greensboro Page
45 Kyle Gaillard G 6-7 195 Huntersville North Mecklenburg
51 Keith Rendleman F 6-7 205 Iron Station East Lincoln
53 K. J. Sherrill F 6-7 220 Cleveland West Rowan

Head Coach: Howard West (Reagan HS)
Assistant Coach: Greg McKenzie (East Rowan HS)

2009 Men’s Basketball

East Team

Zach Faircloth
Zach…Terry Sanford High…6-2, 175…guard…coached by Bill Boyette…as senior named NCPreps All-State, All-Region, Region Player of the Year…District Player of the Year…regional championship MVP…averaged18.7 points, 2.3 steals, 5.1 rebounds, 2 assists…as junior, named All-District, All-Region, conference tournament MVP…as sophomore, named Sampson County Player of the Year…averaged 18 points…also played baseball and football…member of Key Club, 12th Man Club, County Junior Leadership, Beta Club…Scholar Athlete Award recipient…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with Presbyterian College where he will major in pre-pharmacy…wants to pursue a career as a clinical pharmacist…his mother is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Ty Lawson…favorite pro athlete is LeBron James…says “It is an honor to be selected from so many talented North Carolina seniors. Playing with and against top competition will challenge me to prepare even harder for the next level.”

Harrison George
Harrison…Leesville Road High…6-5, 205…post…coached by Roderic Brewington…as senior, named NCPreps All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, team MVP…averaged 25.8 points, 11 rebounds, 1.5 blocked shots, 4 assists…as junior, named team MVP…averaged 17.2 points, 10 rebounds, 8 blocked shots, 7 assists…as sophomore, averaged 5 points, 4.5 rebounds…Eagle Scout…band member…honor roll…plans to attend Hampden-Sydney College where he will major in communications…wants to pursue a career in journalism…his mother is his role model…favorite pro player is LeBron James…says “I feel honored even to have been mentioned to attend, let alone to attend this event. I just want to have fun and win this game.”

Ricky Krainiak
Ricky…Camden County High…6-1, 180…guard…coached by Mark Harnly…as senior, named NCPreps All-State, All- District, All-Area, All-Conference, District Player of the Year, Area Player of the Year, Conference Player of the Year…averaged 22 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists…made 89 3-pointers…as junior, named NCPreps All-State, All-Area, All-District, All-Conference…averaged 18.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists…as sophomore, named All-Conference, All-Area…averaged 17.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists…also played football where he was named All-Conference Player of the Year and All-Area Player of the Year as a quarterback, passing for 1,504 yards and rushing for 1,089 yards…member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with Campbell University…his father Randy Krainiak is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Pat White…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I’m honored to play in this all-star game and to represent Camden County. Playing with and against this type of talent will help prepare me for the college level.”

Jaron Lane
Jaron…D.H. Conely High…6-5, 178…wing…coached by Rob Maloney…as senior, named NCPreps All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, District Player of the Year…averaged 23 points, 9 rebounds…as junior, named All-Conference, All-District…averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds…as sophomore, averaged 9 points, 6 rebounds…scored 1,305 career points…twice named school’s Male Athlete of the Year, Conference Player of the Year…member of National Honor Society, Who’s Who…Honor Award recipient…plans to attend UNC Asheville where he will major in business management…wants to pursue a career playing pro ball…his mother Bridgette Jenkins is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Wayne Ellington…his favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I feel very good about playing in the all-star game. I’m looking to connect with my teammates and coaches.”

Stan Okoye
Stan…Knightdale High…6-5, 200…wing…coached by Battle Watkins…as senior, named All-Conference, All-Conference Academic, All-District, Glaxo All-Tournament Team…broke school record for most points scored in a game with 42 points…school’s career leading scorer…averaged 19.9 points, 8 rebounds…as junior, named All-Conference Academic…averaged 17 points…as sophomore, named All-Conference, All-Conference Academic, Glaxo All-Tournament Team…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with Virginia Military Institute…his brother Colin is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Gerald Henderson…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I feel honored to play in this game. I understand that it isn’t a reward, but it is a privilege to play in this game. I want to learn new skills and gain respect from other players and coaches.”

Marcellous Perez
Marcellous…Northside High…5-10, 170…guard …coached by Tony Marshburn…named NCPreps All-State, Conference Player of the Year, Jacksonville Daily News Player of the Year, All-District…averaged 21.8 points, 5.7 assists, 1.3 steals…as junior, named All-Conference…averaged 10.8 points, 7.8 assists…as sophomore, averaged 8.3 points, 4.5 assists…technical sergeant and flight commander of the Northside Air Force JROTC program…undecided about which college he will attend…plans to major in forensics and sports management…wants to pursue a career in professional basketball…his father is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Jeff Teague…favorite pro athlete is Chris Paul…says “I feel blessed and honored to play in the all-star game.”

Candon Rusin
Candon…Topsail High…6-3, 185…wing…coached by Rodney Orr…as senior, named NCPreps All-State, All-Star News, All-Conference, Conference MVP…as junior, named (VT.) Coaches’s Player of the Year…averaged 28 points…led state (VT.) in scoring…as sophomore, voted Top 10 Player in the state of Vermont…scored 2,039 career points…also played soccer where he played on the state championship team…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with Marist College…wants to pursue a career in the NBA…his parents are his role models…his favorite college athlete is Stephen Curry…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I think it is an honor to be selected to represent the eastern part of our state. I hope to meet some new friends and acquaintances and compete in a challenging basketball game.”

Trey Sumler
Trey…Nash Central High…6-2, 170…guard…coached by Michael Mosley…as senior, named NCPreps All-State…averaged 23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals…as junior, averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists…as sophomore, averaged 18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists…plans to attend Western Carolina University where he will major in accounting…his pastor is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Jeff Teague…his favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I feel honored to play in this game. I expect a good game with high quality skill level from every player.”

Alex Tucker
Alex…Lee County High…6-8, 205…post…coached by Reggie Peace…as senior, named All-Conference, team MVP…averaged 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists…as junior, averaged 8 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists…as sophomore, averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists…also competed in golf…member of NTHS, DECA, FBLA…undecided where he will attend college…plans to major in business management…his mother is his role model…his favorite college athlete is A.J. Price…favorite pro athlete is Dwight Howard…says “I feel honored to have been selected to play in the all-star game. I hope to improve my skills and knowledge of the game.”

DaMetrius Upchurch
Dametrius…Garner Magnet High…6-6, 210…post…coached by Eddie Gray…as senior, averaged 19.3 points, 8.9 rebounds…as junior, averaged 12.5 points, 8.4 rebounds…as sophomore, averaged 10.3 points, 7.5 rebounds…twice named All-Conference…named Conference Player of the Year…homecoming king…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with North Carolina A & T State University where he will major in accounting…his father is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Blake Griffin…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I am very excited and honored on my selection. I am expecting to gain nothing more than the recognition from all the coaches I am honoring.”

West Team

Drew Absher
Drew…Davie County High…5-10, 162…guard…coached by Mike Absher…as senior, named All-Conference, All-District, All-Northwest, NCHSAA Heart of the Champion… became school’s 3rd all-time leading scorer with 1,452 career points…averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 assists…as junior, named All-Conference, All-District, All-Northwest…averaged 19.2 points, 3.4 assists…as sophomore, named All-Northwest, Sam Moir All-Tournament…averaged 18.7 points, 3.2 assists… broke school’s record for 3-pointers with 271…also competed in golf where he was a 3-time letterman…2-time NC Scholar Athlete Award winner…named school’s 2009 Most Outstanding Senior Athlete…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with The Gunnery Prep School where he will major in education…wants to pursue a career as a college basketball coach…his father is his role model…favorite college athlete is John Scheyer…favorite pro athlete is J.J. Redick…says “It is truly an honor to be selected to play in such a prestigious game and to represent my family, school, community, team, and coaches. I hope to gain confidence as I compete against some of the best players in the state.”

Julius Brooks
Julius…Page High…6-9, 220…center…coached by Robert Kent…as senior, named All-Conference, All-District, Greensboro News and Record All-Area, M.L.King Scholastic Classic MVP…averaged 14 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks…as junior, named All-Conference, All-District, Greensboro News and Record All-Area…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with Loyola College where he will major in biology and minor in art…wants to pursue a career in science, research, or art…Rodney Westmoreland, Jr. is his role model…his favorite pro athlete is Steve Nash…says “It’s an honor to be chosen to play. I look forward to meeting athletes from all areas of North Carolina as we come together as one team. I expect to gain new friendships and teammates.”

Wakefield Ellison
Wake…Asheville High…6-5…guard…coached by James Norman…as senior, named NCPreps All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year…scored career high 46 points in one game…averaged 25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks…as junior, named NCPreps All-State, All-Conference…averaged 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block…as sophomore, named All-Conference…averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists…scored 2,000+ career points…member of National Honor Society…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with East Carolina University where he will major in business/sports management…wants to pursue a career as a pro basketball player…his father is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Crezdon Butler…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I’m very excited about participating in the all-star game. I’m expecting to gain a tremendous life experience as well as a good basketball experience by participating.”

Kyle Gaillard
Kyle…North Mecklenburg High…6-7, 195…guard…coached by Duane Lewis…as senior, named All-Conference, team captain and MVP…Viking Award recipient…averaged 16 points…as junior, named All-Conference, All-Region…averaged 17 points…as sophomore, Most Improved Player Award recipient…averaged 11 points…also played baseball…member of honor roll…Junior Marshall…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with the College of William and Mary where he will major in business…wants to pursue a career as a basketball player…his father is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Stephen Curry…favorite pro athlete is Ray Allen…says “I’m honored to be selected. I’m expecting a great experience and a high level of competition.”

Michael Grace, Jr.
Michael…Mount Tabor High…6-0, 179…guard…coached by Andy Muse…as senior, named All-Conference, All-County, All-District, All-Northwest, Spencer MVP…played on state championship team…averaged 19.6 points, 8 assists, 4 steals…as junior, named All-Conference, All-County, All-District, All-Northwest…averaged 17 points, 6.8 assists…member of National Honor Society, DECA, Young Democrats, FBLA…National Merit Scholar…plans to attend Yale University where he will major in political science and business…wants to pursue a career in law and own his own law practice…his favorite pro athlete is Michael Jordan…says “It is a great honor and privilege to be selected to play in this all-star game. I expect to meet a great group of guys and see how my game compares to the best players North Carolina has to offer.”

Calvin Harris
C.J….Mount Tabor High…6-3, 180…guard…coached by Andy Muse…as senior, named AP All-State, NCPreps All-State, All-Conference, Conference MVP, Sports Triad News Player of the Year, All-District, District MVP, All-Northwest, Capital Classic All-Star, NC All-Star… Journal Frank Spencer Award recipient…3-point Shooter Champion…played on state championship team…averaged 23 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals…as junior, named AP All-State, NCPreps All-State, All-Northwest, All-Conference, Conference MVP, sectionals championship MVP, All-District, Frank Spencer MVP, NCCA Player of the Year…played on state championship team…as sophomore, named All-Northwest, team MVP, Player of the Year…member of National Honor Society, DECA…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with Wake Forest University where he will major in business marketing/finance…want to pursue a career as an entrepreneur…his parents are his role models…his favorite college athlete is Johnny Flynn…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “It is an honor and a privilege to play in one of the most prestigious events in North Carolina. I am very excited. I expect nothing but the best.”

Eric Mayo
Eric…Shelby High…6-4, 200…forward…coached by Aubrey Hollifield…as senior, named AP All-State second team, NCPreps All-State…averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 2 blocks…as junior, averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds…scored over 1,400 career points (first Shelby player to do so)…named Player of the Year…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with Kilgore College where he will major in sports marketing…his favorite college athlete is Blake Griffin…favorite pro athlete is Lebron James…says “I feel it is a great accomplishment, and I’m very excited to play in the all-star game. I feel I will gain a lot of respect.”

Josh Pittman
Josh…Trinity High…6-1, 160…guard…coached by Tim Kelly…as senior, named NCPreps All-State, Courier-Tribune Christmas Tournament MVP, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Greensboro News and Record Player of the Year, team MVP…averaged 25 points…as junior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Western Regional MVP, state championship MVP…as sophomore, named All-Conference, High Point Enterprise All-Area…averaged 18 points per game…scored 2,187 career points…also competed in cross country, baseball, and tennis…has helped with area Little League programs and with Upwards Ministry…signed grant-in-aid with Guilford College where he will major in sports management…wants to pursue a career in the sports world…his mother Darlene Pittman is his role model…his favorite college athlete is Ty Lawson…his favorite pro athlete is Vince Carter…says he is “excited and honored” to be playing in the all-star game, and he expects to gain “a great experience and a treasured memory.”

Keith Rendleman, Jr.
Keith…East Lincoln High…6-7, 205…forward…coached by Neil Hodges…as senior, named NCPreps All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Gaston Gazette Payer of the Year, team MVP…as junior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-Conference Academic, team co-MVP…as sophomore, named All-Conference, team co-MVP…all-time leading scorer in school history with 1,601 career points…was also named All-State and All-Conference in football and team MVP in track and field…plans to attend UNC Wilmington…his parents are his role models…his favorite college athlete is Blake Griffin…favorite pro athlete is Michael Jordan…says “It’s an honor to be able to participate in the all-star game. It is an opportunity to meet and play with other great players. It’s great to be chosen to participate.”

K.J. Sherrill
K.J….West Rowan High…6-7, 220…forward…coached by Mike Gurley…as senior, named NCPreps All-State, All-Conference, All-County…averaged 20.5 points…served as a freshman mentor…signed an athletic grant-in-aid with UNC Charlotte where he will major in sports management…favorite pro athlete is Kevin Garnett…says “I am happy that I have the opportunity to play in this game. I am expecting to gain skills and more knowledge on the basketball court.”