By By BRIAN HAINES
Sports Writer
Once again the area athletes hit the hardwood with passion as the 2008-09 basketball season was one of the most exciting in recent memory. With no true dominant team in the area, every game was up for grabs and created some excellent moments for local hoops fans. This year several players raised their level of play on a nightly basis, making the 2008-09 Washington Daily News All-Area Team one of the hardest to piece together.
Jarees Griffin, G,
Washington
A truly gifted all-around player, Jarees Griffin was asked to do a lot for Washington this season and he never disappointed. Griffin possess excellent speed and ball-handling skills, allowing him to blow by most defenders, but also has a really soft shooting touch. Griffin averaged 17 points per game for the Pam Pack, and despite his slender frame, pulled down 6.4 rebounds a night in a tough 3-A/4-A Coastal Conference.
Aaron Baker, G, Roanoke
A magnificent scorer, Baker emerged as Roanoke’s go-to-guy when the team needed to put some points on the board. Like all the Redskins’ players, Baker can do it all as he posted a team-high 19.5 points per game, while grabbing 6.4 rebounds a night and handing out 1.3 assists. Baker’s stellar play helped guide Roanoke to its third straight Atlantic Conference title and a trip to the third round of the NCHSAA 1-A playoffs.
Derek Everett, C, Williamston
He might not be the tallest center around, but with his massive frame Derek Everett might be the widest. Height aside, Everett certainly provided some big moments for Williamston in some big games. Everett’s 32-point performance in the Tigers 79-77 win over Roanoke in the Atlantic Conference tournament title might have been the best individual performance by an area player all season. Everett was able to get points in the paint with ease, but could also be effective within 10-15 from the basket because of his respectable dribbling and soft shooting touch, making him a tough cover for anybody.
Ralphon Owens, G/F, Creswell
The rise of Creswell sports this season has been spearheaded by Ralphon Owens, who is a tremendous athlete. The Tigers finished the season with a 19-6 record, and lost by only nine points to Roanoke in the second round of the NCHSAA 1-A playoffs. The versatile Owens posted a double-double average as he netted a team-high 13.7 points per game, and grabbed 12 rebounds a night. Owens rebound total was fifth highest in the state according to Maxpreps.com.
Dakuan Spencer, G, Washington
One of the best scorers in the area, Dakuan Spencer was off to a fantastic year before he left the team three-quarters of the way through the season for unknown reasons. Spencer features a smooth dribble that allows him to get anywhere on the court, and has one of the softest shots around. The Pam Pack guard can shoot off the dribble as easily as a set shot, and at roughly 6-4, show potential to be a Div. I player. Hopefully for Washington fans Spencer will play a full season next year.
Second Team
Teon Aaron, C, Southside
DeShaun Allen, G, Plymouth
Tony Peele, G/F, Northside
K.J. Brown, PG, Williamston
Tyreek Cooper, PG, Roanoke
Honorable Mention
Creswell
Shivon Spear
Justin Phelps
Danvonta Phelps
Mattamuskeet
Keith Drafts
Laquan Collins
David Grays
Northside
Kenneth Jenkins
Calvin Cox
Isaiah McCullor
Damount Harvey
Rasheem Cooper
Pungo
Drew Elliot
Zach Mann
Roanoke
Tavin Shepherd
Trevon Sheppard
Aaron Dolen
Southside
Curtis Myers
Dash Spruill
Terrence Windley
Lonnie Williams
Antoine McCullough
Willie Ruffin
Terra Ceia
Hunter Davenport
John Lilley
Kiam Boerema
Washington
Mike Moore
Brandon Tripp
Taraja Langley
Williamston
Kiyon Coffield
Kylan Harrell
Jermaine McGhee