Over the past 4 years, Camden High has produced numerous Division 1 basketball players. Lance Ware (Kentucky/Villanova), Taquan Woodley (South Carolina/UMass), Jerome Brewer (Texas A&M Commerce), Cornelius Robinson (Monmouth), Cian Medley (St. Louis), Dasear Haskins (St. Joseph’s), Rasheer Fleming (St. Joseph’s), Aaron Bradshaw (Kentucky) and DJ Wagner (Kentucky) all played scholastic hoops at THE HIGH. They are all very good and highly capable athletes. Wagner and Bradshaw were universally ranked among the top 5 players in the nation. With these players on the roster and patrolling the hardwood, Camden has been incredibly dominant in South Jersey and highly competitive nationally for the past 4 years. Fifty, sixty point ass whuppins have become the norm.
All of those guys are gone… The current Panther squad is led by the most explosive and athletic Camden player since DeJuan Wagner. Meet Billy Richmond ‘24, the epitome of explosive athleticism, agility, and a fierce competitive spirit at the high school level. As a high school basketball wing, Richmond possesses an exceptional set of athletic gifts and skills that set him apart from his peers. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches tall, he dominates the court with his sheer physical prowess and an insatiable hunger for victory.
Billy Richmond ’24, The HIGH (Photo: Gavin Bethell)
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Richmond is a different kind of athlete. He ain’t from ’round here!
Richmond’s most captivating feature is his extraordinary leaping ability. He jumps higher and remains airborne significantly longer than his peers in the mid-Atlantic region. He’s on some SEC shit… Dudes playing at Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas move and leap like Richmond. He defies gravity with every jump, effortlessly soaring through the air with remarkable hang time. His ability to elevate above defenders and throw down thunderous dunks is a spectacle that leaves audiences in awe and opponents demoralized.
One hand dunks… Check. Left hand dunks… Check. Right hand dunks… Check. Two hand dunks… Check. Alley Oop dunks… Check. Off one foot… Check. Off two feet… Check. However the fuck you want it… Real rap.
In addition to his extraordinary leaping skills, Richmond possesses a lightning-fast agility that allows him to swiftly maneuver through the court. His full speed eurosteps easily cover 15-20 feet. He possesses exceptional footwork, enabling him to blow past defenders and slash to the basket with remarkable speed. This combination of agility and athleticism makes him nearly an unstoppable force at the high school level.
Being highly competitive by nature, Richmond thrives on the intensity of the game. After serving as one of the “other” guys on a star-studded powerhouse Camden team last season, Richmond has fully accepted the leading actor role. He now has top billing in the show at THE HIGH. It is obvious that he relentlessly pushes himself to achieve greatness, constantly seeking ways to improve his skills and elevate his team’s performance. He has an unyielding desire to win, and this mindset fuels his boundless energy and determination during every game.
Richmond is a pleasure to watch. Just ask the scores of SUPAHIGHMAJAH Head Coaches that crowded the perimeter of the court every time Camden laced ‘em up at Philly Live. Richmond was directly responsible for a couple hundred thousand dollars of private jet spending the past two weekend.
Offensively, Richmond’s main weapon is his ability to dunk the ball with breathtaking authority. He takes immense pleasure in posterizing opponents, rising above them and throwing down thunderous slams that reverberate throughout the gym. His dunks are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a psychological advantage, demoralizing opponents and igniting his teammates’ spirits.
Defensively, Richmond is a formidable presence. His leaping ability allows him to block shots with ease, swatting away opponents’ attempts at the rim. He possesses quick reflexes and excellent anticipation, enabling him to disrupt passing lanes and generate turnovers. His relentless defensive efforts inspire his teammates to match his intensity and elevate their own defensive performances.
Off the court, Richmond’s dedication to basketball is evident in the results his disciplined training regimen have produced. He migrated from Memphis, Tennessee to Camden, New Jersey for a reason. He spends countless hours in the gym, honing his skills, improving his strength, and perfecting his craft. Despite his athletic prowess, like the aforementioned Panther athletes that came before him, Richmond remains humble and approachable, serving as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes in Camden and beyond.
Billy Richmond is a super athletic, bouncy, and fiercely competitive high school basketball wing. His jaw-dropping dunks, remarkable leaping ability, relentless drive to win make him a formidable force on the court. He the unquestioned STAR of the show playing this winter at Camden High. With his exceptional skills and unyielding work ethic, he’s destined to leave an indelible mark on the high school game this year and inspire a new generation of basketball players.
Fifteen months ago, Trenton Catholic Academy staved off closing for good. The Diocese of Trenton had determined they would no longer provide financial support for the school. Much like other Catholic high schools across the nation, Trenton Catholic Academy faced the ultimate tough choice. Should they close the doors permanently like North Catholic, Cardinal Dougherty, Bishop McDevitt and John Hallahan have done in Philadelphia? Or, do they find a way to continue providing safe, affordable, college preparatory educational programming to families sans Diocese funding? The Patrick School, St. Joseph’s Academy and Wildwood Catholic Academy have recently managed to fight off closure in this way.
The folks in Trenton chose the latter. The school formerly known as St. Anthony’s High, McCorristin High and Trenton Catholic Academy officially re-opened in September 2021 as Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy.
Mark Bass, former Trenton Catholic Prep Head Coach
One of the first decisions they made was to hire one of their own, Mark Bass, to lead the proud boys basketball program. Bass, a member of the Mercer County Sports Hall of Fame and the St. Joseph’s University Basketball Hall of Fame, is an all-time great Iron Mike. To this day, Bass remains entrenched as Trenton Catholic’s all-time leading scorer. He was a star guard for McCorristin (Class of 1991), as the team made back to back appearances in the State Championship game.
As a member of the St. Joseph’s University Hawks, Bass would go on to have a wonderful career in Philadelphia’s Big 5. He became one of the deadliest shooters in the history of St. Joseph’s basketball. After playing professionally in China, Bass would become the longest tenured (20 years) assistant coach in St. Joseph’s history. Bass has the distinction of leading the Hawks to the NIT final as both a player and a coach. He was also instrumental in the development of NBA players Jameer Nelson, Delonte West, Dwayne Jones, Langston Galloway, DeAndre Bembry and Charlie Brown.
Hiring Bass to lead a resurgent Trenton Catholic Prep Basketball program was an absolute no-brainer. The accolades flowed after the decision was announced. “Mark is a perfect selection to lead TCPA’s boys’ basketball program,” said John Castaldo, Bass’ head coach while at McCorristin. “He returns to his alma mater with a wealth of basketball knowledge. His past successes as a player and coach will serve him well. His skills in developing and nurturing relationships are outstanding. He was a superb player during his high school and college career, and he has always been an individual of high character and moral integrity. His family support has always been remarkable, and I am confident he will lead TCPA positively into its next chapter of history and traditions.”
Bass did not disappoint.
After watching the Iron Mikes play in late January, Greg Johnson, writing for the Trentonian, noted “In the program’s first year under coach Mark Bass, Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy plays with a toughness on the defensive end that figures to make these Iron Mikes a lethal threat come state tournament time… Ball pressure. Steals. Intercepted passes… TCPA used all of it to swat away visiting Robbinsville, arguably the best team in the Colonial Valley Conference, for a 69-53 victory.”
A month later, Bass and Trenton Catholic Prep defeated Trenton High 72-57 in a raucous CURE Arena for the Mercer County Championship. The decision to bring Bass home continued pay huge dividends. The last time Trenton Catholic had been crowned NJSIAA South Jersey, Non-Public Champions was 12 years ago in 2009-2010. Three times they reached the sectional title game, 2012, 2015 and 2019. Three times they were turned away.
Trenton Catholic celebrates the win over Trenton
In his first year at the helm, Bass led the the Iron Mikes, ranked No.4 in the state by NJ.com to a 70-55 victory over Ranney in the 2022 South Jersey, Non-Public B title game. For the first time in 12 years, Trenton Catholic would play for a state title. Unfortunately, the Iron Mikes would have to face a Roselle Catholic team that was the best team in the state and is currently a consensus #1 in the nation.
Tough task… for sure…
In the contest held at Rutgers’ Jersey Mike’s Arena, Trenton Catholic rallied from a 16-point deficit in the third quarter to take a 53-50 lead entering the fourth quarter before falling to Roselle Catholic, 74-66, in the Non-Public B final. As always, Bass represented Trenton Catholic with the class and dignity he has displayed over the past three decades. Following the loss, he stated “I can’t say anything bad about my guys. They played hard, man. They played hard. It was so much energy in that third to fight back, to take the lead. They’re a physical team, and we’re a physical team. But our thing was no turnovers and rebound their misses. But they were getting extra shots, extra possessions and it hurt us.”
Always gracious, Bass continued, “I’m very proud to win a Mercer County Tournament, to win a sectional. Nobody had us there. To be (ranked) fourth in the state, nobody expected us to be there. But it’s a tribute to the staff, it’s a tribute to these players. They worked and they believed in themselves and it worked out.”
Again writing for the Trentonian, Greg Johnson at the time wrote, “Bass is eager to keep leading the program. After graduating from McCorristin (Trenton Catholic’s former name) in 1991, he coached at St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia for 20 seasons before taking some time off with his family and deciding that high school was the right fit.”
“It went well beyond what I expected,” Bass said. “I’m grateful that the school allowed me to coach them. I’m grateful for the players and my staff. I’m happy here. I went to school there, I’m proud of these guys and I’m looking forward to next year.” Immediately after the season, Bass focused his energies on completing a Master’s degree in Athletic Leadership at Rider University. He received his graduate degree in August and began to prepare for year two.
Marty Flynn, Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy athletic director, (second from left) helps cuts ribbon
Unbeknownst to Bass, the Trenton Catholic Athletic Director, Marty Flynn had other plans. Winning with discipline and tenacious discipline apparently did not appeal to Flynn. Capturing the county titles, playing for the state championship and sending young men off to college was not enough.
Apparently, Flynn wanted someone other than Bass to lead the program. He immediately named former coach, Eric Elliot (above far left) to replace Bass.
Those involved in college basketball recruiting will readily admit that it has become a year round process. Moreover, the emergence of the NCAA transfer portal as a readily available pool of talent has taken a serious toll on all but the highest ranked high school prospects. The “Fall” season has become an increasingly important aspect of high school basketball. At least it is for programs that are serious and players with ambitions to play beyond high school.
Open gyms and fall events are crucial. College coaches are out there on the streets, trying to identify and recruit prospects. These fall events and fall leagues can get expensive. Most cost between $175 and $350. These fees add up quickly and can become burdensome for parents struggling to make Catholic school tuition payments.
Bass and his players decided to conduct a car wash to raise funds to pay for fall events. This way the program could avoid pestering parents. The car wash raised $600. Bass used the funds to pay registration fees for the COBL Fall event and a fall league. The Iron Mikes played in the events. The players received scholarship offers. The $600 raised washing cars has resulted in scholarship offers worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Nonetheless, Flynn reported Bass to the NJSIAA. Let’s be clear here… The Trenton Catholic Prep Academy athletic director sought to have Bass and his players punished for washing cars to pay registration fees for Fall events. After reviewing Flynn’s complaint against Bass, the NJSIAA determined that a two-game suspension was warranted.
Sounds about right for such a minor infraction…
Flynn, however, wanted a pound of flesh. He somehow, someway, determined that termination of Bass as Boys Basketball coach was the appropriate consequence for washing cars and raising $600 to get his kids in showcase events.
Let’s be clear… This is how Trenton Catholic Prep treated one of its greatest alums. Any Black or Brown family thinking about enrolling their student-athlete in Trenton Catholic needs to this know this simple fact.
The boys basketball players at Trenton Catholic have suffered a loss… The families of the players have suffered a loss… The Trenton basketball community has suffered a loss…
The only winner here is Marty Flynn… I’m still trying to figure out what the prize is…
In 2019, the NCAA took care of the BIG BOYS… Division I coaching staffs fly across the lower 48 states attending their choice of NCAA-certified high school and travel team events. The BIG BOYS have made these NCAA ‘live periods’ a significant part of their annual recruiting cycle.
When the NCAA added two June weekends exclusively for high school competition. They fundamentally altered the recruiting cycle. During those weekends, hundreds of high schools participate in massive events throughout the country and college coaches evaluate prospects playing with their high school teammates.
When John Calipari, Jay Wright, Tom Izzo, Bill Self enter a gym, they suck all of the air out of the room. High school players, parents and coaches become instantly enthralled. Six-foot four inch high school power forwards and centers begin to harbor irrational hopes of landing a scholarship and suiting up for Kentucky or Kansas.
It is next to impossible for D2, D3 and NAIA coaches to capture the attention of young men that will certainly land at their level, if they are to play college basketball.
Small colleges need their own elite scholastic events where they are the BIG BOYS in the room. That event is the Black Cager Fall Classic. The prestigious Black Cager Fall Classic will take place October 8th and 9th at two gymnasiums in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The previous five Fall Classic events (2017-2021) were held at facilities located in the the Greater Philadelphia region. The event has attracted some of today’s top collegiate basketball players during their high school years, including Donta Scott (Maryland), Jay Heath (Georgetown), Ace Baldwin (VCU), Jalen Carey (Rhode Island), Hakim Hart (Maryland), Seth Lundy (Penn State), Eric Dixon (Villanova) and Rahsool Diggins (UMass).
This year, 72 teams will play 72 games. While there will certainly be plenty of high major, top 100, prospects, the field will also feature hundreds of D2, D3 and NAIA prospects. Small College coaches are invited to attend and bring their entire staffs to evaluate some of the finest talent on the eastern seaboard.
Teams are traveling from Canada, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. They are coming because Black Cager Sports will work diligently to help small college coaches connect with the parents and coaches of prospects they identify as suitable for their programs.
Black Cager Sports understands the fiscal constraints that small college programs work under, thus we have priced admission and the coaches packet at a reasonable thirty dollars ($30.00) for the entire weekend. We want small college coaches to attend and recruit participating players.
CAMDEN, NJ — The prestigious Black Cager Fall Classic will take place this October at two gymnasiums in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The previous five Fall Classic events ran from 2017 to 2021 at facilities located in the the Greater Philadelphia region. The event has attracted some of today’s top collegiate basketball players during their high school years, including Donta Scott (Maryland), Jay Heath (Georgetown), Ace Baldwin (VCU), Jalen Carey (Rhode Island), Hakim Hart (Maryland), Seth Lundy (Penn State), Eric Dixon (Villanova) and Rahsool Diggins (UMass).
The move to Allentown was facilitated by Jason Boggs and Marlon Thomas from the East Side Youth Center in conjunction with Toomey Anderson, Athletics and Activities Coordinator for ASD. The Fall Classic is one of the most eagerly anticipated pre-season scholastic showcase events on the East Coast.
Maryland Commit, Jahnathan Lamothe and Rutgers Freshman, Derek Simpson in 2021 Fall Classic
“The Black Cager Fall Classic has evolved into one of the premier high school events of the season, and while the event continues to grow year over year, we realize there’s more talent to be celebrated in other parts of the region, especially in Lehigh County where the popularity of high school basketball is extraordinary,” said Jason Boggs, East Side Youth Center. “By bringing the event to Allentown, more players from Berks and Lehigh counties will be afforded the opportunity to showcase their skills on the Black Cager stage, while the event can continue to grow in new communities.”
The Fall Classic, entering its 6th year with a history of sold-out crowds, will continue to serve as a preseason hub for some of the top east coast teams and national talent. Games are slated for October 8-9.
Ruben Rodriguez, Reading HS in 2021 Fall Classic
The event has showcased several NBA players over the years, including 2022 NBA lottery pick, Jalen Duren, Denver Nuggets rookie Collin Gillespie and Jordan Hall who was recently signed by the San Antonio Spurs.
Collin Gillespie, Denver Nuggets (NBA)
All Black Cager Fall Classic events will be played in accordance with health and safety regulations set forth by Lehigh County ordinances at the time of play.
About Black Cager Sports Black Cager Sports Media, established in 2013, is one of the premier sports media outlets on the Eastern seaboard. Black Cager is a Black-owned and operated blog website and digital media company headquartered in Camden, New Jersey that produces content on collegiate and scholastic sports and pop culture. Founded by Delgreco Wilson, it began as a sports blog in 2013 and began live-streaming sports talk shows and live games in 2018. Black Cager was instrumental in the founding of the Philadelphia Black Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. The publishing division was launched in 2021 with publication of highly acclaimed WIRED DIFFERENTLY: My School Journey by Maryland basketball star, Donta Scott. The company has achieved consistent growth due to its unique, raw and engaging style of sports coverage.
For more information, please contact blackcager@gmail.com
A free and independent press is a necessary condition for the intellectual freedom and democracy that supposedly exists in the United States. In America, we supposedly have access to a wide range of competing news sources. In reality, we have a press that is far from free and unbiased. Control of mass media outlets is concentrated in a few privileged hands with clear agendas. How we perceive the world is largely determined by those who control the means of mass communication and their agendas can often be easily revealed with just a few scratches on the surface of their spurious arguments.
Take for example the recent intentional, premeditated effort to undermine the reputation, credibility, and character of the coaches, parents and players in the Camden High School basketball program. New Jersey Advance Media conducted a six-month investigation of the Panther high school basketball program. The finished product, a so-called “Special Report” was published on June 21 at 10:00 am with the following headline: “Camden celebrates a hoops rebirth. But critics wonder: Did they cheat their way to a championship?”Kevin Armstrong is the investigative reporter responsible for the malicious piece.
Camden HS, Group B State Champions, Photo Credit: April Saul
According NJ.com, Armstrong joined the NJ Advance Media staff in January. His arrival coincided with the onset of the six-month investigation. Seems like, maybe, he was hired specifically to perform the task of taking down Camden High basketball.
The special report reads like a smear campaign targeting Dajuan Wagner, the Wagner family, Camden school district administrators, basketball coaches, players and parents. Supposedly the free press matters because it uncovers the truth. Investigative journalists are trained to analyze and explain complicated issues. They play an important role. Without mass media outlets such as newspapers, radio shows, blogs, etc, the average American would have little to no knowledge of what’s going on around them. Most people lack the time and resources to investigate issues and stories that affect them and impact their communities. In theory, that’s where journalists come in.
So exactly what was the issue affecting New Jersey residents and impacting New Jersey communities that Armstrong spent six-months investigating?
After reading his piece several times, I have concluded that the core issue is as follows:
How has a HS basketball team hailing from what Armstrong describes as “a city of violent crimes and vacant lots after decades of factory abandonment, economic stagnation, corruption, white flight and arson” beat the shit the down the legs of NJ opponents for 3 straight years?
Aaron Bradshaw ’23, ranked 11th in the nation by Rivals.com
For some, the excellence and dominance Camden High has displayed on the hardwood the past three years is a problem that must be resolved.
Armstrong’s detailed descriptions of Camden City paint what can only be described as a decidedly dreary and gloomy picture. In his special report, he highlights “boarded-up houses” and “derelict brick edifices scheduled for demolition.” He seems to be preparing his readers for the question at the core of his report: Why would elite HS basketball players from six towns spread across five counties venture to Camden to play high school basketball for the Panthers?
For Armstrong, these decisions are not rational. Indeed, he goes so far as to openly question if these transfers were legal. It’s a two-fold assault… On one level, he’s arguing the parents are neglectful. By emphasizing the deteriorated state of some of Camden’s infrastructure, Armstrong implies parents are sacrificing their child’s educational development and, perhaps, placing their physical safety at risk. Moreover, and more importantly, he is unfairly labeling everyone associated with the meteoric rise of the Camden basketball program over the past three years a cheater.
So, exactly, how does he formulate his assertion that Camden cheated? Armstrong argues that “school officials seemingly made sports-driven enrollment decisions en route to the championship.” The “evidence” he provided included the fact that “five of Camden’s top six scorers do not reside in the city of 73,000 people… and are the only out-of-district students in the school.” Now, at first glance, these may appear to be unconventional and unique circumstances. But, the plain and simple fact is they are neither unconventional nor unique.
DJ Wagner ’23, member of USA National 17U team
Indeed, the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) sponsors an “Interdistrict Public School Choice Program.” According to the NJDOE website, “New Jersey’s Interdistrict Public School Choice Program enables approved choice districts to enroll K-12th grade students who do not reside within their districts without cost to their parents. The program increases educational opportunities for students and their families by providing students with school options outside of their district of residence and giving parents the power to select a school program that best serves their child’s individual needs.”
So… Every year, the state of New Jersey provides students with out of district school options and gives parents the power to select a school that best serves their child’s individual needs. That’s good stuff… Really good stuff… No one objects out of district placements unless the students happen to be elite Black basketball athletes and their parents happen to determine that Camden public schools best serve their child’s needs. If that happens… It’s a BIG fuckin’ deal… So much so that a huge media outlet, like NJ.com which had an average of 12.1 million unique monthly visitors consuming a total of 70 million page views per month in 2018, must identify and retain the services of a journalistic “hitman” like Kevin Armstrong and provide him with the resources necessary to conduct and exhaustive six-month investigation.
Fuck outta here…
According to the NJDOE, “The Public School Choice Program benefits students and parents, as well as the choice districts. Choice programs might have smaller class sizes, increased instructional time, and a school culture more conducive to a student’s success in school. Many choice districts have established specialized and innovative programs and courses that focus on areas such as the arts, math and technology, and are open to students who meet the eligibility requirements of the special programs. Opening enrollment to students outside the district can bring in more students interested in taking advantage of these special programs and courses, allowing both the programs and students to grow and flourish.”
I agree with the NJDOE. I am a staunch supporter of school choice… While the Camden School District is not part of the DOE program, I assume the logic underlying the decisions of the parents of young men on the Camden basketball program is the same as that underlying the decision of parents taking advantage of the school choice program.
Cornelius “Boog” Robinson, holds 9 Division 1 scholarship offers
However, Armstrong, NJ Advance Media and NJ.com made very different assumptions when assessing the decision-making of Camden basketball parents. Instead of assuming the out of district transfers “benefit [Camden basketball] students and parents, as well as choice districts” like the thousands of other students exercising similar options, Armstrong presented this information to Colleen Maguire, Executive Director of the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Upon receiving Armstrong’s report, Maguire “said she will begin a review to determine whether rules have been broken.”
Here comes the bullshit…
From my perspective, Armstrong appears to be a “hitman” hired to use the byzantine set of NJSIAA rules to have the Camden High State Championship vacated and prevent the Panthers from an almost inevitable repeat next year. Camden has lost exactly one (1) game to a New Jersey opponent over the past three years. As noted by Armstrong, they beat NJ public school opponents by an average of nearly 40 points per game.
They can’t take it anymore. They are tired of getting the shit beat down their legs.
They can’t do anything about it on the court. So, they have resorted to smear campaigns disguised as special reports and NJSIAA investigations.
Powerful voices have chimed in and publicly sullied the name and reputation of Camden’s administrators, players, coaches and parents. Armstrong cites a quote from former NJ governor and youth sports advocate Richard Codey where he emphatically states, “All the adults are cheating, everybody knows it and nobody seems to care.”
After getting the shit beat down his legs by 41 points (93-52) in the Group 2 state final, Central High coach Shawn McCray exclaimed, “Are there really rules? You find the loopholes and get it done. That’s too much work for me.”
Rasheer Fleming ’22, now a freshman at St. Joseph’s University in the A10 Conference
Armed with a rather weak case in their effort to eliminate Camden from NJSIAA competition, the hitman mades a concerted effort to besmirch the reputation of Dajuan Wagner and the Wagner family. There can be no other logical reason for including a recap of fight Dajuan was involved in 21 years ago. It seems Armstrong wants his readers to internalize and adopt a perception of Dajuan as violent and menacing. This depiction is a far cry from the quiet, unassuming and gentle man known to everyone in Camden.
The hitman also chose to refer to a night 22 years ago when William Wesley took Wagner to a strip club after he scored 100 points in a game. Again, this incident took place 21 years ago. What is the relevance to the 2022 state champions? There is none… But, the goal is create a distorted perception about Dajuan and his family… Sucka shit… That’s what it’s called ’round my way.
Cognizant of the fact that many will remain ambivalent and some will view teenage fights and a visit to a strip club as a something akin to a right of passage, Armstrong decided to include references to the trial and conviction of Dajuan Wagner’s stepfather Leonard Paulk. The hitman noted that “Paulk was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.” What he failed to do, however, was to explain how the legal troubles of Wagner’s stepfather from 18 years ago are related to the 2022 Camden High School basketball team.
Paulk’s arrest and conviction are included as part of the hitman’s sustained effort to shape and reinforce a decidedly negative perception of Dajuan and the Wagner family… Period.
After attempting to painstakingly disparage Wagner and his family, the hitman set his sites on Rick Brunson, coach of the Panthers for the past three seasons. The hitman wrote that, “In 2014, [Brunson] was accused of sexual abuse but was acquitted.” Why… What purpose does the inclusion of this allegation serve? Judge James Booras ruled the state was “unable to meet the burden of proof required” to convict Brunson for the April 2014 incident. Furthermore, during the trial Brunson’s defense team questioned why the woman waited 10 days before contacting police and claimed the woman was seen on video laughing with Brunson after leaving the massage room.
He beat the case… In America, you are innocent til proven guilty. Right? Brunson is innocent… Period. This incident is a non-incident and is included as a salacious sidebar.
Nonetheless, the hitman understood that inclusion of this allegation could further his effort to characterize the Panthers as a lawless program.
Rick Brunson, former Camden HS coach
Next up on the hitman’s list was Pervis Ellison. His “crime”? Pervis “fundraised aggressively” according to the hitman. The hitman also took quick shots at William Wesley and John Mirenda, CEO of Greentree Mortgage. Mirenda is called into question because he’s “listed as treasurer and financial director for Scholars Elite.” Why is that problematic for the hitman? Because right after Dajaun was drafted and signed a $7.4 million dollar rookie contract Greentree provided him with a $258,000 mortgage for a West Deptford house for his mother.
What da fuck does a 20 year old mortgage deal for an NBA lottery pick have to do with the 2021-2022 Camden HS basketball team?
Nothing… Absolutely nothing…
The hitman was just throwing a whole lotta shit on the wall and hoping some of it sticks.
Hitmen are noted for their persistence and Armstrong is no different. He carefully stalked his prey. He described what he witnessed while on a stakeout, “on a Tuesday in May. Two schoolchildren dribbled until their yellow bus picked them up around 8 am. Soon after, Bradshaw walked out of Juanny’s house and Perkins followed him. They got in a red Chrysler, which Perkins drove to school.”
Da’ fuck? The hitman’s staking out the homes of HS basketball players…
His six-month detail completed, the hitman submitted his special report, NJ.com published it.
The investigation has commenced…
Unable to beat ‘em on the court. Governor Codey and a few competing coaches have retained the services of NJ Advance Media and NJ.com to knock the mighty Camden Panther program out of contention. Armstrong’s defamatory piece was just the first public salvo in what will surely be a relentless campaign to prevent the Black kids from the poor, but exceedingly, proud city of Camden from beating the shit down the legs of their New Jersey opponents.
I can’t wait to see next season’s versions of the mighty Panthers…
U want Da High?
“Hell no” is apparently the response from some influential folk in NJ scholastic athletics.
September 3, 2021 (Camden, NJ) –Black Cager Sports is proud to announce the return of the Fall Classic Pre-Season Basketball Tournament. Some of the nation’s finest scholastic squads will hit the courts at Charger Nation for the two day event from Saturday, September 18 to Sunday, September 19.
“We feel this year may be the best version of the Fall Classic since we started in 2016. The quality and the depth of the basketball talent is exceptional and will lead to exciting games as some of the best high school players on the eastern seaboard have the chance to showcase their abilities. Many of the players have offers from BIG 10, SEC, ACC, AAC, A10 and Big East programs,” said Delgreco Wilson, Founder of Black Cager Sports.
Duece Jones, Trenton Catholic Prep Academy sophomore PG
Most importantly, this years Fall Classic is sponsored by Black Cager Academic Advising. As a result, every participating school will receive 2 free NCAA Eligibility/Transcript Evaluations. The academic evaluation reports helps student-athletes, parents, AAU coaches and college coaches make more informed decisions during the recruitment process.
An academic evaluation report from Black Cager Academic Advising will: • Identify the academic documents being evaluated • Include our statement of progress toward NCAA eligibility • Include your Core Course Grade Point Average and total Core Credits • Describe our evaluation methodology • Be certified by the evaluator (with certification stamp and signature) • Be emailed and/or mailed in an ‘evaluation sealed & stamped envelope’
The iconic Fall Classic pre-season tournament has hosted many future high major college superstars over the years. Since it’s establishment in 2016, the Black Cager Fall Classic has welcomed in the next generation of top East Coast ballers. The most recent wave of talent has included Kentucky sophomore forward, Lance Ware, Villanova freshman forward, Nnanna Njoku and Temple freshman point guard Hysier Miller. Other Fall Classic Alums include Collin Gillspie (Villanova), Rahsool Diggins (UConn), Jaylen Stinson (JMU), Jahmir Brickus (La Salle), Lynn Greer III (Dayton), Seth Lundy (Penn State), Ace Baldwin (VCU) and Bernard Lightsey (Lincoln).
There are remaining slots for this year’s event. We also hope to have a few of the top girls teams participate.
Derek Simpson, Lenape Senior PG, Rutgers Commit
Some of the the top players include: Jahnathan Lamothe (#44 Rivals c/o 2023, St. Frances Academy, Undecided) Javon Adams (c/o 2022, Olympus Prep, Undecided) Anthony Finkley (c/o 2023 West Catholic, Undecided) Kaseem Watson (c/o 2022 West Catholic, Undecided) Kareem Watson (c/o 2022 West Catholic, Undecided) Zion Stanford (c/o 2023 West Catholic, Undecided) Bryce Lindsay (c/o 2022, Bishop Walsh, Undecided) Derek Simpson (c/o 2022 Lenape, Rutgers Commit) TJ Robinson (c/o 2024 Bishop Walsh, Undecided) Kobe Magee (c/o 2022 Executive Education, Drexel Commit) Michael “Deuce” Jones (c/o 2024 Trenton Catholic Academy, Uncommitted) Jeremiah Bembry (c/o 2022 Executive Education, Undecided) Cortez Johnson (c/o 2022 St. Frances Academy, Undecided) Daniel Alcantara (c/o 2022 Reading, Undecided) Ruben Rodriguez (c/o 2024 Reading, Undecided) Justin Moore (c/o 2022 Archbishop Wood, Undecided) Jacob Beccles (c/o 2022 Constitution, Undecided) Jahiem Bethea (c/o 2022 MCS, Undecided) Robert Wright III (c/o 2024 Neumann-Goretti, Undecided) Kaafiq Myers (c/o 2024 Neumann-Goretti, Undecided) Niame Scott (c/o 2023 Conwell-Egan, Undecided)
The Fall Classic welcomes several new teams to tournament: • Bishop Walsh HS (MD) • Players from Gwynn Park HS (MD) • Lenape HS (NJ) • Muhlenberg HS (PA) • Conwell-Egan HS (PA)
Locally, this season’s event welcomes three of the top teams in the state of Pennsylvania, including 6A State Champion Reading HS, Philadelphia Catholic League Champion Archbishop Wood, District 1 power Plymouth-Whitemarsh as all perennial state title contenders Neumann-Goretti and Constitution.
Reading HS 2021, State Champions
The 2021 Fall Classic will run four sessions – with morning and afternoon sessions featuring four games each on both days of the event.
“We are very excited to have our basketball program to participate in a tournament that has become an East Coast tradition,” said St. Frances Academy Head Coach, Nick Myles. “The opportunity to play against some of the top talents in the Mid-Atlantic region will prepare us for the long season ahead.”
Black Cager Sports has partnered with Charger Nation, a regional sports management company, to manage all event operations. Charger Nation has worked with many of the regions leading basketball organizations and teams including Catholic, Private and Public school programs. Charger Nation has managed hundreds of grassroots and AAU events.
For more information on the tournament, follow @BlackCagerFallClassic on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About Black Cager Sports Black Cager Sports aims to raise academic outcomes through athletics for high school participants throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Black Cager sports has touched the lives of more than 200 young people, over the last decade, boosting the graduation and college acceptance rates of its members to about 95%. Many program participants credit the program’s encouragement, tutoring, and guidance with setting them up for success in college admissions and beyond. “They were the first people to actually sit me down and say, ‘Hey, you can do it. This is exactly how you can achieve your goals. You can go to college,’” says Taquan Woodley, a class of 2021 alumnus. “They really believed in me before I even believed in myself.”
The NCAA has consistently implemented a series of increasingly stringent academic reforms. These reforms have disproportionately impacted Black student-athletes from under-performing urban and rural schools in the South.
When the initial reforms were proposed and implemented John Chaney and John Thompson took incredibly strong stances. They cited the “racist” nature of the measures. They openly criticized the NCAA.
Today, prominent Black coaches and professional athletes are noticeably silent. This despite the fact that the most restrictive and discriminatory reforms are set to become effective August 1, 2016.
This had led me to ask: Where are today’s John Chaney and John Thompson?
I’ve spoken to a couple hundred young student-athletes in the Philadelphia area over the past 3-4 weeks. Maybe 1 in 20 have ever heard of John Chaney and John Thompson.
Our children do not know our history. They have no idea of their place in the struggle for inclusion and equality. As a result, they are not prepared to navigate the traps that have been set for them.
Black student-athletes don’t care about academics… Inner city High School coaches don’t emphasize the importance of books…
Last week a U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia openly stated “There are those who contend that it does not benefit African Americans to get them into the University of Texas where they do not do well, as opposed to having them go to a less-advanced school, a slower-track school where they do well.”
I’m here to tell you…
Out kids are thirsty for knowledge. They want to learn! They want to go to college. They want to create better situations for themselves and their families.
What they lack is a road map. How do they accomplish their goals? They have no idea. What are the obstacles the face? They have no clue.
What I know for sure is that High School Coaches want to see their kids excel and further their education. Coach after coach has demanded that I come in an explain the NCAA eligibility process to their players. Indeed, Lou Williams at Dobbins Vo-Tech insisted that I hang up the phone and come talk to his players immediately. Of course, I jumped in my car and headed to 22nd and Lehigh. Upon arriving, Coach Williams stopped practice because he said, “education is MORE important” than what they were reviewing in practice.
Time after time, the same scenario plays itself out… The DEVIL is liar…
The coaches know that in June of 2013 Philadelphia Superintendent William R. Hite Jr. laid off 3,783 employees, because of the district’s financial crisis. The list included 676 teachers, 283 counselors, 127 assistant principals, and 1,202 noontime aides. Before he said it, the coaches knew that “These … employees are more than numbers: these are people — professionals — who play important roles in the lives of thousands of students throughout our city.”
The coaches see the results… Hite called the layoffs “nothing less than catastrophic for our schools and students… Every aspect of the district will feel the impact — schools, regional offices, and central office — along with employees ranging from senior administrators to support staff.”
I have been amazed by the extent to which the coaches and the student-athletes persist in the desire to pursue higher education… Everyone knows Philly’s students and student-athletes have long received the short end of the stick. Yet, they strive…
When I show up to talk about NCAA regulations and the kwalifī smartphone app, I am frequently told “I already downloaded it and put my grades in…”
I cannot put into words how that makes me feel… To know that my idea, my concept, my plan has come to fruition and the young people are using it without being prompted nearly made me cry! Youngbucks have called me from Baltimore asking how to interpret their results and I have yet to visit a single school in Maryland.
It’s not just under-performing urban schools… Predominantly white and middle to upper class Upper Moreland, Wissahickon and Pymouth-Whitemarsh have embraced kwalifī. But, the intent was and will always remain to help those who are most needy… For years, I have spent hours and hours with some of the sharpest, most intelligent young men in the country. I have seen many of these guys go on to do great things in college and beyond. Here is a partial list…
With the kwalifi app, instead of 10-15 per year, we will be able to help tens of thousands!!
The young brothers pay attention to the message… They ask very good questions…
I love, love, love this particular project… For us, by us… But everyone should feel free to download and utilize the kwalifī app…
I will be visiting schools every day for the rest of the school year… If you want us to talk to your guys/girls contact us blackcager@gmail.com…
We must remain vigilant… We cannot allow a return to the days of yore…
Happy Holidays!! Here’s my gift to the basketball community… It’s a tool that will allow you to track the progress of young people you care about. It could be your son, daughter, niece, nephew, grandson, granddaughter, neighbor, cousin or just a youngin’ you know with potential. For a limited time in December, we are making the kwalifī app available for FREE to those that read The Black Cager.
The kwalifī smartphone app allows high school student-athletes, parents and other concerned adults to track progress toward meeting NCAA DI, DII and NAIA eligibility standards.
The app is available in both the IPhone App store and Google Play store for Android. Use a keyword search for “Black Cager” to access the FREE download. You can also download kwalifi by clicking on the logo below and following the links on the website…
If you care about a young student-athlete, download the app… Tell the student-athlete to download the app… Tell his parents to download the app… Take control of the NCAA eligibility process…
It costs you nothing!! This is my gift to the basketball community… Merry Christmas!!
If you do NOT download the app… If you do NOT take control of the NCAA eligibility, the consequences could be severe!!
For nearly 30 years… The NCAA has been closing the window of opportunity for students…
“A survey by the Associated Press showed the overwhelming majority of players sidelined by NCAA eligibility standards are Black…. Blacks accounted for 81 percent of football ineligibles in 1986 and 90 percent in 1987.”
Reading Eagle, September 9, 1988
Temple Great Eddie Jones was ineligible as a freshman
“Two members of Temple’s 1990 basketball recruiting class who figured prominently in the Owls’ plans will be ineligible next season because they failed to meet the academic requirements of NCAA Proposition 48, sources said. Sources close to the program said yesterday that Eddie Jones, a highly touted 6-foot-6 swingman from Pompano Beach, Fla., and Aaron McKie, a 6-4 shooting guard from Philadelphia Public League champion Simon Gratz, had scored less than the required 700 of a possible 1,600 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test or 15 of a possible 36 on the American College Test.
Philadelphia Inquirer, July 18, 1990
Sun-Times player of the year Kevin Garnett of Farragut H.S. (photo by Phil Velasquez 2/28/95 Sun-Times) Sun-Times Library files
“Kevin Garnett had the high-school grades to qualify to play college basketball, but the standardized test scores were a different story. He easily gained the necessary number in practice tests, and his teachers considered him plenty smart, but try as he might, he kept coming up short when the ACT was given for real. The best he could do was a 16, one point short of the minimum required by the NCAA for freshman eligibility at the time.”
ESPN, February 28, 1995
Brandon Jennings could not meet NCAA eligibility requirements
“Brandon Jennings signed a letter of intent to attend Arizona and planned to stay there only one season. But he struggled to reach a standardized test score to meet the N.C.A.A. minimum for a scholarship. (He and his mother, Alice Knox, said that his last SAT score was questioned by the testing service and that they still had not received it.)”
New York Times, October 4, 2008
Jonah Bolden (right) in street clothes during UCLA game
“The NCAA has ruled that UCLA freshman Jonah Bolden is a partial qualifier, and as such, will not be able to compete for the men’s basketball team this season,” UCLA said. “The ruling allows for Bolden to continue on athletic scholarship.”
ESPN, September 12, 2014
Lamonte Turner was not cleared by NCAA
“Tennessee athletic department spokesman Tom Satkowiak confirmed that Lamonte Turner is unable to compete or travel with the Volunteers this season because he “was not cleared by the NCAA eligibility center.” Satkowiak said Turner will be able to practice with the team. Turner enrolled at Tennessee in August but was awaiting clearance from the NCAA in an attempt to play this season.”
ESPN, September 28, 2015
Kobie Eubanks lost a scholarship to University of Alabama
“Kobie Eubanks, Alabams’s top recruit in the 2015 class, won’t play for the Crimson Tide after he was not cleared by the NCAA. Eubanks will not enroll at Alabama, Tide head coach Avery Johnson said in a statement on Wednesday.“We are disappointed for Kobie and his family,” Johnson said. “Unfortunately, Kobie wasn’t cleared by the NCAA and we couldn’t get him admitted to the University of Alabama. He has a bright future and we wish him well.”
Sports Illustrated, August 19, 2015
Andy Van Vliet ruled ineligible by NCAA
“Wisconsin forward Andy Van Vliet will not play in the 2015-16 season after being ruled ineligible by the NCAA, UW announced Tuesday night. According to the press release from UW, “NCAA rules state that prospective student-athletes have one year to enroll in a collegiate institution following their high school graduation or expected graduation date. Van Vliet played basketball as an amateur outside of that one-year window, which has resulted in him sitting this season and losing a year of eligibility.”
SB Nation, November 17, 2015
James Proche ruled ineligible by NCAA
“SMU receiver James Proche, a DeSoto alum, has been ruled academically ineligible for the 2015 season by the NCAA. But don’t get the wrong impression about Proche, who was one of the state’s top-100 recruits in the Class of 2015.”
DallasNews.com, August 25, 2015
Marcus Lovett cannot play this year
Red Storm freshman guard Marcus LoVett has been deemed a partial qualifier for the 2015-16 season, which basically means that he can practice with the team but cannot play in games. The ruling stems from an investigation into LoVett’s academic credits in high school, as the six-foot point guard attended three different schools.
CBSSports.com, November 11, 2015
Mickey Mitchell rule ineligible by NCAA
“Ohio State freshman forward Mickey Mitchell has been ruled ineligble, according to a release from the university athletic department. “Freshman forward Mickey Mitchell has not been cleared to compete for the Ohio State men’s basketball team by the NCAA Eligibility Center,” Ohio State director of athletics Gene Smith said in the release. “He is eligible to practice but not compete until the issue is resolved.”
Scout.com, November 3, 2015
Therence Mayimba lost scholarship to George Mason
“We got some sad news yesterday via redshirt freshman Therence Mayimba’s instagram account. It appears that once again he has been ruled ineligible by the NCAA and likely keeping him off the college basketball hardwood for good. Recently he’s been playing in the FIBA Afrobasket 2015 tournament for his home nation of Gabon and doing well.”
GMUHoops.com, August 29, 2015
Jovon Robinson ruled ineligible
“Auburn’s biggest running back on the roster will not be playing for the Tigers this year after the NCAA ruled Jovon Robinson ineligible. The action came after one of his high school guidance counselors at Memphis’ Wooddale High admitted to changing a grade on his transcript.”
Trackemtigers.com, August 18, 2012
Giovanni McLean lost a scholarship
“The NCAA has issued a temporary waiver allowing Giovanni McLean to continue his studies at the university for the remainder of the fall semester,” said Lynn Bushnell, vice president for public affairs. “He is, however, prohibited from playing and practicing with the basketball team until the NCAA issues a final decision.”
Q30television.com, November 3, 2014
Download the kwalifi app NOW!!! Click the link below…
With the start of the High School Basketball season upon us, the Black Cager has few things he wants to get off his chest… This information is presented “WITH LOVE” and nothing I write is directed at any particular individual… However…
Yo… HS Coach, why you tryin’ to get that boy to transfer to your school?
You know the average SAT score at your school is 650… You know the kid is at a good school right now… The average SAT score at his current school is 1280… His science labs have modern, functioning, state of the art equipment… Your school has 15 year old text books and the students have to share those…
Last year, there was one suspension at his school. There was a heated argument and one girl slipped and called another girl an “ugly bitch.” She fucked up and said it in front of that nosey meddlesome group of parents that volunteer at the school 3-4 days a week. Of course, they reported her to the Head Master and his hands were tied… He had to suspend her for one (1) day… That’s as bad as it gets at his current school…
Last year, at your school there were 4-5 fights per day. Everyday, weapons and potential weapons are confiscated as students arrive for their daily trek through the metal detector gauntlet. There are 3 armed police officers assigned to your school. One of the rooms adjacent to the main office has been converted to a “holding cell.” The police make trips to take “offenders” to the station for processing.
The counselors told you that there were 23 pregnancies at your school. You took three of your players to the clinic when you realized they were “burning.”
C’mon man… How…..
How do you even broach the subject of the kid transferring from such a well regarded, high achieving learning environment to your abysmally under-performing school? One hundred percent of the students at his school are admitted to college and many end up in Ivy League institutions. Conversely, only about 26% of the Black males in your school will actually receive a diploma.
Does high school basketball mean that much to you?
Are you really willing to place your desire to win a league, city and/or state championship above the clear cut “best interests” of this young man?
You’re fucked up!
Yo… AAU coach, why you trying to get that boy to change AAU programs?
He’s been with those guys for six (6) years. When they first got him, he couldn’t make two consecutive layups. He was garbage… No one wanted him.
That range from anywhere on the floor all the way out to NBA three… It didn’t just appear. Those guys put in hundreds of hours in the gym working on that jumper. That soft touch around the rim, where he uses both hands to finish with a variety of moves, is the result of intensive drills day in day out. You know how he gets in the triple threat position and uses jabs and shot fake? Well, they work so well because those guys spent countless hours improving his first step.
When they got the kid, he was soft as cotton candy. Now, he fights hard to get good position on the block, and even harder when crashing the offensive glass. That’s the result of reinforcing the mental aspects of the game day in and day out for years. They have developed a kid with a strong personality with great confidence who never gets down on himself. There are few doubts about him becoming a big time impact talent at the collegiate level.
Now… You want him to abandon those guys and come play with you?
He already has 23 scholarship offers… How does changing programs benefit him?
Are you really gonna place your desire to win AAU tournaments and secure a shoe company endorsement over what’s best for the kid?
You’re fucked up!
Yo Mom… Why you not playing the parental role?
That boy is only 12… I know he can be a handful. He’s going through that stage. He’s trying to figure out who he is.
He wants to be a baller!
But… Pay attention… I mean… seriously…
Pay attention…
You need him to be a student-athlete. Or, should I say STUDENT-athlete! In order to accomplish that goal, he needs his parents to play a parental role.
Black student-athlete at his desk
I know it seems innocuous… The “mentor” seems nice… He looks out for your son. He picks him up almost every day to go to the gym. He feeds him before he brings him back. He’s given him 6 or 7 pairs of sneakers. I know it feels like a real burden’s been lifted off your back. Those sneaks cost $125-$200 a pair.
Your son seems happy… He’s traveled to New York, the Jersey Shore, Washington, D.C, Virgina Beach and Orlando to play ball. There’s no way you could have afforded to take him all those places.
I understand… But… Nothing is free…
Here is where you need to be careful. The “mentor” is gonna come and tell you that your son should change schools. He’s gonna tell you that his current school cannot “develop” your son to his full potential. He’s gonna tell you that your son should go to “Big Catholic/Private HS.” He’s gonna tell you it’s a much better school and he may be right in that regard…
What he isn’t telling you is that he has a relationship with the coach at “Big Catholic/Private HS”… He isn’t gonna tell you that the transfer is designed to ensure that he strengthens his “control” over your son’s scholastic basketball career…
Knowing full well that you can’t afford to pay $9,000, $22,000 or even $30,000 per year, he’s gonna tell you that your son will receive a “scholarship.”
Beware… If your son does not develop as player the “scholarship” funds will disappear. If your family decides to move, you may find out you have accumulated a balance that will have to be paid in full before your school records are released to his new school. If you son has disciplinary issues, you may discover that same balance is due the day they ask you to leave.
I can safely predict that they will tell you that you son need to repeat a grade (reclassify) when he enters “Big Catholic/Private HS.” The stated reason will be that he is inadequately prepared for the more rigorous curriculum. The extra year will allow him to become acclimated to more challenging academic setting. The more pressing, and often unstated, reason is that 19 year old seniors are more effective high school players than 17 or 18 old seniors.
You may agree with all of the above, but it should ALWAYS be your decision. Do NOT relinquish your parental control.
When the college coaches start to call, text and direct message your son, make sure you are in the loop. It may seem convenient to let the mentor “handle” his recruitment. College coaches are worse than the most persistent bill collector you have ever encountered. They are relentless and the amount of communication can seem overwhelming. But, it’s part of the process.
Always remember that the interests of the mentor and those of your family might be aligned and they also might NOT be aligned. There may be outstanding academic colleges offering your son a scholarship but unwilling to make donations to the mentor’s “program.” If a less prestigious, less competitive college is willing to make a donation to the mentor’s “program” he will steer you toward that program. More importantly, you may never even know the other school offered a scholarship.
Are you really gonna place your convenience above the best interests of your son?
If so, you’re fucked up!
Which begs the question: Do y’all even give a fuck?
The Black Cager 