by Alex Schwartz

While at the Eddie Griffin Challenge yesterday, I wrote down my observations of how the games' participants performed. As the games went on I just jotted down what I saw players doing. Last night I put those notations into a list that I'll use as my scouting reports for many of the event's ballers. Unfortunately I did not get something written down for everyone, though I did cover most of the 57 players in attendance. Have a look at the Philadelphia seniors:

PHILADELPHIA SENIORS
MVP- Dalton Pepper
Hustle/Sportsmanship Award- Maalik Wayns

Dalton Pepper '09, Pennsbury (PA), West Virginia-commit
It was already well documented that the Pennsylvania public school superstar was a phenomenal athlete, and he backed that up yesterday. Although the physical specimen did not show off a great shooting touch, he is able to create for himself with the ball in his hands. Dalton has good hops, runs the floor well, and played some good, aggressive defense yesterday. In fact, he even took on Dominic Cheek, one of the best players in America, and held his own, almost forcing a 10-second violation as Cheek brought the ball up. The 6'4 wing was the hero for the Philly squad, hitting the game winner with two seconds left, showing that he can play well under pressure.

Maalik Wayns '09, Roman Catholic (PA), Villanova-commit
Although he is a 6'1 point guard, Wayns has a big frame. Despite that, he is quick and is a top-notch baller. Maalik, who may well be the best pure point guard in America, gets to the hoop well and is a great scorer. The future Wildcat played awesome perimeter defense at the EGC and was key in the Philly victory.

Lamar Patterson '09, St. Benedict's (NJ), Pitt-commit
Patterson, who will be spending just one year at St. Benedict's after coming in as a transfer, was solid in the game, though did not jump out as a top performer. He certainly did display a nice stroke from long range though. Lamar has a big body and nice height (6'4) for a two-guard, which is likely part of the reason he is such an intriguing prospect in the minds of many.

Nurideen Lindsey '09, John Bartram (PA), La Salle-commit
Lindsey, a 6'2 point guard, was stellar throughout the game, yet playes his best in the second half when it mattered the most. The point guard displayed good athleticism as well as a nice crossover. This was part of the reason why Lindsey was able to be effective in getting to the hole.

Rhalir Jefferson '09, Chester (PA), Temple-commit
Jefferson showed off some nice athleticism in the EGC, including good ups. Th combo forward did he best work around the post, as he has a quality frame. Despite being 6'6, Rhalir was able to bang down low and play the big boys on the NJ squad, which had a 6'9 player, a 6'8 player, and two 6'7 players.

Khalif Wyatt '09, Norristown Area (PA), Temple-commit
Wyatt came into the game with a reputation as a scorer who can shoot the rock from long range. The 6'4 shooting guard came through on half of that assessment, but struggled with the other part. Khalif's three-point shot was off all day and could not get going from beyond the arc. He was still able to score though, as he penetrated and got to the rack well, utilizing a nice spin move in the lane as well as his big body. Speaking of his body, Wyatt will need to continue to work on his body definition. Overall, the future Temple Owl turned in a quality performance.

Note- Markus Kennedy '10, Dominic Morris '10, Rakeem Brookins '10, and Juan'ya Green '11 all played in the senior game in addition to their own, as the Philly squad did not have enough players. The notes I took from their play in the senior game will be included in their assessment below.

Note- photos are from http://scouthoops.scout.com/.