Courtesy of one of Washington’s most respected sports journalists, and the man who trained Gus Johnson of CBS Sports (among others):
www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/biography.asp?bioindex=1436&category=MediaMakers&occupation=Sp…
Harris: “…With this list, respect goes to all of the great players that did not make the list, yet had outstanding and great high school careers.”
1. Elgin Baylor, Phelps/Spingarn
2. Austin Carr, Mackin
3. Adrian Dantley, DeMatha
4. Willie Jones, Dunbar
5. David Bing, Spingarn
6. John Austin, Carroll/DeMatha
7. Earl Jones, Spingarn
8. Jim McBride, DeMatha/Dunbar
9. Bobby Lewis, St. John’s
10. John “BayBay” Duren, Dunbar
11. Bernard Williams, DeMatha
12. (tie) Tom Little, Mackin, Ollie Johnson, Spingarn
13. Aubrey Nash, DeMatha
14. Harold Fox, Northwestern
15. JoJo Hunter, Mackin
16. Craig Shelton, Dunbar
17. Steve Hegans, Spingarn
18. Charles “Hawkeye” Whitney, DeMatha
19. Grant Hill, South Lakes
20. (tie) George Leftwich, Carroll & Fred Hetzel, Landon
21. Kenny Matthews, Dunbar
22. Bo Scott, Cardozo
23. (tie) Gene Littles, McKinley Tech, Adrian Branch, Dunbar
24. Julius “Pete” Johnson, Fairmont Heights
25. Bob Whitmore, DeMatha
26. John Hummer, Washington-Lee
27. Herb Gray, Sr., Phelps
28. Ducey Smith, Fairmont Heights
29. (tie) Collis Jones, St. John’s, Lou West, Eastern
30. Jack George, St. John’s
31. Tom Hoover, Archbishop Carroll
32. Earl Lloyd, Parker-Gray
33. Sid Catlett, DeMatha
34. “Monk” Malloy, Archbishop Carroll
35. John Thompson, Archbishop Carroll
36. Joe Holup, Fr. Roosevelt
37. Bill Gaskins, Cardozo
38. Roland “Fatty” Taylor, Spingarn/Fairmont Heights
39. Anthony Jones, Dunbar
40. Joe Buck, Phelps
41. Frank Williams, Coolidge
42. Randolph “Apple” Milam, McKinley Tech
43. Harley “Skeeter” Swift, George Washington
44. Ronald “Biggie” Cunningham, Eastern
45. Danny Ferry, DeMatha
46. Ernie Austin, DeMatha
47. “Rip” Scott, Cardozo
48. Rodney Wright, Eastern
49. Willie Allen, Richard Montgomery
50. Donald Washington, St. Anthony’s
51. Lew Luce, Woodrow Wilson
52. Puddie Sheehan, St. John’s
53. Jim Wexler, Western
54. James Brown, DeMatha
55. Floyd Lewis, Western
56. Billy Bryant, Carroll
57. Larry Wright, Western
58. Lonnie Perrin, McKinley Tech
59. Tim Bassett, McKinley Tech
60. Bobby Gorham, Eastern
61. Reggie Greene, Eastern
62. Jerome “Jerry”, “Coon” Chambers, Eastern
63. Stacy Robinson, Crossland/Dunbar
64. Matt Gantt, Douglass
65. Mike Jackson, Cardozo
66. Ernie Cage, DeMatha
67. Johnny Jones, DeMatha
68. Johnny Dawkins, Mackin
69. Ronnie Hogue, McKinley Tech
70. Jonathan Smith, St. Anthony’s
71. David Reavis, Mackin
72. Lamont Reid, Bladensburg
73. “Slim” Barnes, Chamberlain
74. William “Chicken Breast” Lee, Fairmont Heights
75. Terry Hatcher, Armstrong
76. Andrew White, Western
77. John Morgan, McKinley Tech
78. Sherman Douglas, Spingarn
79. Marty Lentz, Mount Vernon
80. Jerome McDaniels, Fairmont Heights
81. Jim O’Brien, Jeb Stuart
82. Garland “Chin” Logan, Spingarn
83. Keith Herron, Mackin
84. Len Bias, Northwestern
85. Walt Williams, Crossland
86. Ed Epps, Cardozo
87. Claude Gregory, Coolidge
88. Tracy Jackson, Paint Branch
89. Lionel Harris, Cardozo
90. (sic, already listed) Willie Allen, Richard Montgomery
91. Bernie Chavis, Eastern
92. Jim Lewis, Groveton
93. Alonzo “Cheese” Holloway, St. Anthony’s
94. Garland Williams, Ballou/Mackin
95. “Baldy” Freeman, Anacostia
96. Kenny Roy, DeMatha
97. Kevin Tatum, McKinley Tech
98. Curtis Perry, Western
99. Sidney Lowe, DeMatha
100. Nate Cannaday, Cardozo
Glenn’s Plus 5
Donnell Bullock, Cardozo, Dennis Scott, Flint Hill, Ed Jordan, Archbishop Carroll, Brian Magid, Montgomery Blair, James “Turk” Tillman, Eastern
Glenn compiled a tremendous 100-plus. I believe players had to be nominated by callers to his show to be eligble. The selection of Jim Lewis was astute, as was that of Jim McBride- and not enough is said locally about Frank Williams, after whom Coolidge’s athletic facilities are named. Those outside The Beltway may notice the quantity of players from DeMatha, Archbishop Carroll, McKinley Tech, and Eastern, historic programs all, but from what we’ve heard about the players named here, we’d take our chances with that Fairmont Heights’ group against anyone, any time.
Tune in later in the week for DC Basketball Blog’s Top 50 All-Time Area Prep Players…
DC Basketball Blog 
I lost my cousin last week and how proud was I to see his name #28 Wilbur C. Smith “Ducie” that how we spelled it but the name is the same no matter what. I loved him as a family member and as a friend. I’m so glad others loved him too. Thank you for honoring him.
Pat…My dad was principal when Ducie was there! I remember both Ducie and Richard and had tremendous admiration for both of them. I saw Ducie play Elgin Baylor. Not only were they WONDERFUL players, but they were terrific gentlemen. Ducie was just awesome–Coach Freeman held both of those fellas in high regard. They started a wonderful tradition for the “Mighty Heights.” I am saddened by this news. (I remember Johnny Byrd too..what a character!) jimmy gholson
We are very sorry to hear that at DC Basketball. From all accounts, “Ducie” Smith was one the finest basketball players this rich talent pool ever produced. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
BCB
I have some family members i know you should get some kind of consideration for this list. My brother was one of the best athlete not along basketball players in the d.c. area in the late 70’s and early 80’s (even if i thought he was a better football player) DIEGO MCCOY SPINGARN H.S. Also in the late 70’s, my cousin was one of the best shooters and scores from p.g county at the same time TRACEY JACKSON was good in montgomery county. HIS name is “BOOTY NEAL” FROM OXON HILL H.S. And then there’s MIKE TATE from OXON HILL H.S. in the late 80’s. I will put his H.S. career against anybody on this list. His stats would hold their own agaist anybody. If WALT WILLIAMS is on this list. Then MIKE TATE should be on this list also. Another person that i can think of who’s not amy family member is KURT SMITH MACKIN/COOLIDGE H.S. I still remember how he put the pride in D.C. with his CAPITAL CLASSIC perfomance against NYC guard KENNY ANDERSON. I must say that i’m so proud to say that our area has so many good ball players to pick from. And it’s still going strong with KEVIN DURANT, AND MIKE BEASLEY to name a few.
Hi,
My name is Tunde, and I’d like to know if you are able to contact Booty Neal.
Mr. Neal was my third grade teacher. I want to contact him because I oh the man big thanks for pouring into my life before I knew I needed a role model. He gave me hope and inspired me to check back into life when I was just about done at 9 years old. He cared when there was no dad at home, and a mom who was to busy caring for my other four siblings. I just want to contact him and thank him for taking the time to encourage me. He played a major role in why today my wife and four children have a husband and father who cares.
Note: If you don’t think I know him. I remember he had a scare on his wrist and hand where he had to get a lot of stitches from dunking causing the backboard to shatter.
Hi Tunde. Sounds very inspirational. I will ask around as to how to contact Coach Neal.
BCB
Tunde, Please email me at Douglas.Neal@fcps.edu.Thanks for the wonderful comments.
Tunde, I would love to hear from you.My email address (Douglas.Neal@fcps.edu.
I found this ancient thread because I googled “Booty Neal”.
I was at Kansas the same time that Booty was at Kansas, and I was wondering what might have happened to one of my favorite Jayhawks of all time.
If they had painted a 3-point line where the NCAA 3-point line is these days, Booty might have been one of the greatest scorers in Jayhawk history.
Back then, there was no 3-point line. So all Booty ever got for his fine outside touch was a duece.
Good observation. A lot of people remember his game fondly. Big 8 was tough then, too (JoJo, Joe Washington, Darnell Valentine, Jay Humphries)
BCB
Rob, Thanks for the nice comments.It was the greatest experience of my life to having the opportunity to attend and play at KU.Please email me any time.
Thanks Shawn. I believe a lot of the guys you named made my Top 100, if not necessarily Glenn’s (I’ll double check). You’re right, Diego, Tracey Jackson, Tate could all ball.
We’re going to feature the Curt-Kenny Anderson faceoff in an upcoming project.
BCB
BTW Shawn- we hope to see you at our kickoff event on the 14th. You’re being modest, but you’re a nice ballplayer yourself.
This list is wonderful, and while i thoroughly agree with 99.9 percent of Mr. Harris’ list, i just can’t see how KEITH BOGANS OF DEMATHA was omitted. THREE TIME ALL-MET !!! ‘NUFF SAID !
We have a place on the site where readers can name their own best players (see top of page). Thanks for stopping by Lee. There was a Lee Coles a year behind me in high school.
BCB
How bout my boy Anthony Cricket Williams from Mckinley first team all met 1975, Campbell brothers from ballou were also great payers 1972
WHAT HAPPENED TO ANTHONY (CRICKET) WILLIAMS @ MCKINLEY TECH IN THE 70’S WHOM BECAME JACKSONVILLE UNIV ALL TIME ASSIST LEADER AND NUMBER 3 IN THE NATION IN FREE THROWS. HALL OF FAME AT JACKSONVILLE UNI AND WAS WAY BETTER THAN SOME OF THE PLAYERS LISTED SO HIGH ON THE LIST. LED JACKSONVILLE TO THE NCCA TOURNEY IN 79. WENT TO THE PHOENIX SUNS CAMP BECAME A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS MAN. LED MCKINLEY TO THE TOURNAMENT EVERY YEAR ALL TIME SCORER AT TECH SO ASK ANY PLAYER ABOUT MR. CRICKET.
We talked a lot about Cricket at our inaugural event last Sat. He was at Tech when I attended (though ahead of me), and our founder, Penny Greene, faced him in college when Penn was at South Florida. I’m familiar w/ his game, but this is Glenn Harris’ list. I don’t think I had Cricket in my 100 either (see elsewhere on the blog), but that takes nothing away from his game. Tech had so many greats that didn’t make my list- Roger Truehart, Kevin Tatum, Earl Manago, Arthur Williams, Michael Sessoms, Anthony Tucker, “Chubby” Pannell, Xavier Yeoman, John Morgan, Maurice Johnson, Tim Bassett, Eddie Swails, and Victor Page among them.
Not to mention all the other guards who were Cricket’s contemporaries- Barry Frazier, Joe Brawner, John Duren, Sonny Proctor- the list goes on…
Thanks for weighing in on him- he was captain at Jacksonville, and a tremendous player. We expect longtime local coach and radio host James “Butch” McAdams to list his Top 50 here soon. It’s quite a group!
BCB
YEA I CAN’T BELIEVE CRICKET WILLIAMS ISN’T ON THE LIST SOMEWHERE HE WAS ONE OF THE BETTER PLAYMAKERS. SHOOTERS IN THE AREA. HE WENT TO TECH IN THE 70’S AND HE TOOK HIS JR HIGH SCHOOL TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP (ELIOT JR HIGH)WENT UNDERFEATED 22-0 IN 72. ALSO TOOK MCKINLEY ON HIS BACK HIS THREE YEARS THERE W/ JAMES GORHAM, YEOMAN, SHIRLEY MARTIN ETC. HE WAS SECOND LEADING SCORER IN THE INTERHIGH AT 22 PER GAME. THEN HIS SENIOR YEAR IT WAS 23 A GAME. ALL MET ALL INTERHIGH, HONOR SOCIETY, BROKE THE ALLTIME ASSIST RECORD AT JACKSONVILLE UNIV. HALL OF FAME AT JAX UNIV. WENT TO THE NCCA TOURNEY BEATING A GOOD S FLORIDA TEAM W/PENNY GREENE. SO WHAT CRITERIA DOES IT TAKE FOR THE PERSON TO BE ON THE LIST SOMEWHEE. THOSE WERE THE BEST GAMES AT TECH WHEN HE WAS THERE. IT WAS DUNBAR’S STACY ROBINSON WHO ALWAYS SAYS IF YOU TALK TO HIM THAT CRICKET WAS THE BEST AND HARDEST GUARD TO CHECK IN THE INTERHIGH AND AREA. I GUESS BECAUSE HE IS A LOW KEY GUY HE ISN’T IN THE CLICK. BUT HE IS DOING FINE AND LIVING LIFE TO THE UP MOST. FROM 72 TO 75 THERE WERE FIVE GUARDS IN THIS AREA STACY ROBINSON, JO JO HUNTER, TYRONE JONES, BARRY FRAZIER, CRICKET WILLIAMS MISSING THE MAN GERALD
OH YEA CRICKET WAS ONE THE BEST NEVER GOT THE RECOGNITION STILL NOT GETTING IT TOO BAD HE DESERVES IT
Gerald and Sharon- you’re both right, Cricket is and was underrated. One of his teammates at Eliot joined him in h.s.- Shirley Martin. I wouuld add to Gerald’s ’72-’75 guards list Harry Nickens, Duck, and Penny Greene. Believe me, that’s taking nothing away from Cricket. We love him here at DC Basketball (as we do all our local stars). Thanks for keeping his quiet name in the light.
BCB
Hey where is Larry Spriggs from Northwestern , Howard and and the 85 Champion Lakers ?- Respect please, give the man his due.
That’s true Ed! We sitting here looking at the list and he said maybe he’s 101…. lol…. I would like to see tape on every body on the list though. Lots of talent in this area.
You should have seen Austin Carr at Mackin. Since there were so many fine players from DC at that time I must mention some others mentioned above as well. De Matha had been the perrenial champions of the CatholicLeague with a team that lost to Louis Alcindor (better known as Kareem) from Power Memorial and then became the one and only high school team to ever beat him. De Matha had Bobby Whitmore behind him and “Big Sid” Catlett (both 6′8″ in front of him. They had the player of the year from D.C Bernard Williams a 6′3″, leaper , slammer and jump shooter as well as Micky Wiles, Bob Petrini and Ernie Austin. Three of these players went on to the NBA 2 through Notre Dame and Williams via La Salle.
Along comes Austin Carr who got 30 on an old friend of mine, Wayne Lockett from De Matha. I’ll never forget, Wayne, who was a first team all- met and (known for his suffocating D and a sweey j and a good hops)talking about how hard he was to defend. He ran, dribbled and shot you to death. He still holds the record for the most points in an NCAA tourney game with 61 against Dayton. There was no 3 pointer at that time and it is estimated that with that available he would have had 75 points that night in March playing for Notre Dame. Of the 13 highest individual scoring NCAA tournament games Mr. Carr has 6 of them. First player ever drafted by Cleveland Cavs and more importantly disrupted the De Matha dynasty for one short (1967)year. I have seen many great ones from dc but Carr takes the cake!
I wish I had seen Austin in high school- I saw his college games on t.v., and he’s still (w/ David Thompson) the greatest college basketball player I ever saw. He’s also the best shooter I ever saw. Bernard Williams, the Wiles brothers, and Wayne Lockett were outstanding schoolboy players, and Catlett was a fine product of Edgewood Playground in N.E. D.C.
Austin and Tom Little’s Mackin team only lost to Power Memorial by three, despite giving away a lot of height.
BCB
Ed:
Larry Spriggs could play, but this was sportcaster Glenn Harris’ list, not DC Basketball’s. He compiled it before we existed, but was nice enough to give is not only permission to post it, but has discussed us on his shows. I’m sure there were many other players he could have named, but had to cut off his 100 somewhere.
BCB
Tom Little was a beast built like a tank who could shoot the eggs out of the basket. I saw him take over a few games singlehandedly raining those long range j’s that would have been NBA threes. If Mackin had a football team , he might have been the best linebacker and or power running back in the city. He looked quite intimidating and was lucky if he was 6 feet but was really smooth.
Scooter-
Thanks for the insight on Little. When I was coming up in the early ’70’s, a lot of older guys told me he was the best they’d seen.
BCB
I would like to applaud Mr.Harris for putting together the list. My uncle(Biggie Cunningham)was on the list as well as many of the men I grew up watching play basketball. When we complile a list like this there is always a chance you omitted a deserving person. I believe what this list shows is that the D.C. area has produced some great basketball talent. We should be proud that we have several Hall of Famers that came from D.C.
Thanks for stopping by Donald. Readers are more than welcome to submit their own lists, in our comment section.
BCB
I would like to talk about the era in which i played in. I think we were had some of the most talented players to ever come out of area. I know it’s very hard to pick a top 100 list in our area. We have and had so many good players. it would be impossible to get them all on one list that everyone would agree on. When i think about all the guys i’ve had the chance to play with, play against. It makes me bias about my era like others are about their era. When i look at this list above. I see a major name from my era that’s not on here that i forgot to mention on my last response to this list. This did something that i know not too many people from our area or if any in area has ever done. this person was a three time McDonals all-american first team his senior year. Jarod Mutaf(DeMatha H.S) . When i think of the guys that came out my year and a little before and after. The talented players are endlist.Like a Ricardo Lenard(Spingarn H.S.),Donald Hodge(Coolidge H.S), William Davis(Cardoza H.S.), maybe the best shooters my year Hubert Davis(Lake Braddock H.S.) and Henry Hall(Parkdale H.S.) The late Jay Bias(Northwestern H.S.) Jay was just as talented as his brother Len. But Jay played for a P.G. county power til his senior year. He played with guys like Clint Venable and Derrick Curry. Clint Venable was a teammate of mine at Allegany C.C. He could be on this list also. Clint was a four year starter and never won lest than 18-17 games a year. Keep in mind that the state of Md. only allowed 22 reg. season games a year. The best point guard my year was Anthony Higginbottam(CrosslandH.S.) The players a little after me. Like i said before Mike Tate(Oxon Hill H.S.), Curt Smith(Coolidge H.S.), Monty Williams(Potomac H.S.) Dickie Simpkins(Friendly H.S.), and the best dunker i feel to ever come out of the area. Tracey Turner(Gaithersburg H.S.) Anybody who saw him play will say the same. Ask Crossland H.S. about his dunks at the Univ. Md. State Playoffs. I also remember some guys that aren’t with us anymore. I said Jay bias already, but Tyrone Gibson (Dunbar H.S.). He may have had some trouble off the court, but he was trouble on the court to everybody who faced him, and to the man with the picture perfect jump shot. Derrick Davis(Coolidge H.S.). He was strong, short, with handles and the best looking shot i’ve ever seen. The same shot that won the city title over Gonzaga. Anybody that played against him will always remember his jump shot. I would like to thank you for having this list. It helps me and others learn their area basketball history. I asked people from those era about these players that you have on this list. I hope i can help some of the young players of today about my era. also, Tracey Jackson is on the list, but i was talking about a player from the same year at Oxon Hill H.S. name Douglas”Booty”Neal. He was avg. over 30ppg. just as Tracey Jackson was in the state of Md. He late went on to play for the Univ. of Kansas.
Thanks again Shawn. Neil Dougherty, who coached basketball for six seasons at Texas Christian, was nicknamed “Booty” after our own Booty Neal. When he ran in The Big Eight, we also had three players starting for Colorado (Washington, Hunter and Ellis).
Mustaf was PARADE HSAA three years running. Clinton Venable, Michael Tate, and Jay Bias could all go. To be honest, in ’80, ’81, and ’82, the Capital All-Stars defeated the USA All-Stars in the McDonald’s Capital Classic, and the USA had some pretty tough players in the early eighties (Ewing and such).
Don’t forget Earl Moore, Donald Black, Wally Lancaster, Mike Mundy, James Bryson, and Tracy Jackson’s brother Austin.
BCB
I’m glad to see cricket getting his props. He was a terrific baller and has gone on to be successful. Big ups to DC ballers
Thanks Paul- I’m with you.
BCB
Yeah no comment on the Campbell Brothers from Ballou early 70s. They were top players.
Paul:
If you check my Top 100 on another page here, a Campbell brother is cited. I’ve also included them in one of my “How Soon They Forget” posts. Randolph and Jitty were serious. They faced contemporaries like Kenneth Kee, Leslie Anderson, Jeffrey Harrison and James Monroe.
Jeff Covington was another nice player out of Ballou. Homey was three-time All-Conference at Youngstown State. We’re going to post a list of players from the area on the website, so fans can vote for The 50 Greatest. We’ll post the results after a significant amount of balloting has taken place. It’ll be fun to see who makes it (though all these players merit mention), and compare the readers’ lists to mine and Glenn’s.
BCB
I’m surprised that DeCarlo Wiley from Cardozo High School (1970-1973) didn’t make the top 100.
You make a good point Francis. DeCarlo was nice.
Thanks for weighing in. We’re gonna announce a poll for site visitors to vote for their own all-timers soon.
BCB
Of all of the people from Eastern High School on the list, I didn’t notice Lovelle “Slim” Joiner, Tyrone Jones, or James Ratiff. And what about Kenny Carr from DeMatha, Donald “Duck” Williams from Mackin, Barry Frazier from H.D. Woodson, Joe Thweatt and Joe Holston from Dunbar, and Shirley Martin from McKinley Tech.
Frances,I had the opportunity to see everyone of those guys play,Slim and Ty were at EASTERN,the yr before I got to the Big E ,as we called it fondly,but our Jr HS took us to a standing room only game where Spingarn was at Eastern. Stanford Nance and Harry Nickens were their heavy hitters . Gym rocked with every shot.WHOOSH, could be heard through every guym in the DC area, and all of you that saw any of the HS basketball played in the Metro area in the 70s-80s ,know what i’m talking about. WOW.
You should check out my Top 100, elsewhere on this site Francis. I named some of the players you asked about. We’re also adding a feature to our homepage where visitors can vote their own all-time team.
Here’s my list:
(as you can see- “Duck” Williams and “Slim” Joiner made it)
There’s also YouTube video on the blog of Duck having great college games vs. USF and Cincinnati.
Thank you,
BCB
I’m a graduate of Bell Vocational High School (1972). I feel my school was forgotten. Does anyone remember Gregory Carrington? I think he should’ve received a mention.
My son is a Freshman at Bell and is shooting hoops for them I believe its important that they know the history of their school do you have any stats on Gregory Carrington or info to get in touch with him this year Bell team is making a little noise in DCIAA west conference
Reggie- check DC Basktball.com under “All-Mets”, and college All-Americans, for info on Greg Carrington. He was also All Ohio Valley in college.
BCB
Sure he does. He was also a three-time All-American at Youngstown State. No list is perfect- so we’re opening this up for fans to select their top 50 at our homepage soon.
Thanks Eric,
BCB
Hey what David Scott, surely he was a top guard a phelps high school that kept them competitive between 1974-1975
We’re going to open the main website up f/ folk to name their own all-time teams, so no one gets overlooked.
Thanks
BCB
Among all of these great players, Brendan McCarthy has to be highly recognized. A High School All American Basketball and Football player at DeMatha, a standout fullback at Boston Collage and played in the NFL for a couple of years. An outstanding athlete, student and gentleman.
Good point LQA Golfer- Brendan was one of the first kids from the city to make PARADE All-American. What an all-around athlete!
BCB
I just found this list via Google … and was glad to see “Leapin’ Louie” West on it. I attended St. John’s in the mid 60s and saw Bobby Lewis & Collis Jones play (not to mention Big Sid Catlett and other stars at DeMatha, Mackin and Power Memorial … 🙂 ) But West made quite a stir at some practice (maybe for all stars?) that he attended at the SJC gym … living up to his sky-high-vertical nickname. What became of him and where is he now? My recollection is that he went to college at Seattle U.
“Leapin Lou” was, from all accounts, the truth. Headed out to Seattle around time Tom Little was there. From what a sportswriter at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer told me, neither he or Tom ended up doing very well after college- both appear to have been institutionalized (not penal). The writer believes West died.
Thanks for visiting the site.
BCB
#18 commented on his Uncle Biggie but did’t mention his own skills. Donald Cunningham was buried today. RIP
We are sorry for your loss. Glad you found the site.
BCB
I can’t believe no one is talking about Mike Mundy! He was the fastest and most exciting player around. You couldn’t measure his game by numbers alone, just oohs and ahhs from the fans in the gym. In his heydey at Springbrook, no one was more fun to watch. He was and one before the mixed tapes
You’re right BBall Historian. Howie Garfinckel of Five-Star Camp rated Mike the fastest guard in the country. He was something else. We just produce so many players.
BCB
“OuttaSite” Mike Mundy had more moves than Uhaul. Some of his show stopping moves made one yearn for a telescreen. Watching Springbrook win the state championship made me think of Mike. He is the ultimate Montgomery County legend! If you saw Mike at Springbrook you know what I mean.
That’s exactly what I have heard from those who played w/ or against him. They say he was like Picasso in the paint.
BCB
Yeah I got throw props to Mark Tillmon (DC Player of the Year 1986) and Perry Carter (Gonzaga) – both went onto big time college careers at G-Town and Ohio State. Donald Ford was a huge prospect throughout high school. Got to also consider John Gwynn and Kenny Blakeney (from Dematha (UConn), Jay Bias, Donald Hodge, and what about John Turner.
Charles Harrison (Carroll), Johnny Rhodes, and also how could you leave off Lawrence “Poetry In” Moten? He’s only Syracuse’s all time leading scorer!
Yeah I remember that Derrick Davis dagger at Cole Fieldhouse! As a Zag alum, I was at the game.
Thanks for weighing in.
BCB
My prayls go to Ducie Smith, Jerome McDaniels and the alumni Basketaball Players of Fairmont Heights High, one of the Oldest Historical Black High Schools in America and to all the Washington Area Great Baskeball Players including Dave Bing and my late cousin Dewayne Nichols who appeared in the televison series the Wi
Also We are organzining a Fundrasing Event in Downtown to Reunite DC area Sports Greats in support of our own Spingarn Graduate Dave Bing running for Mayor of Detroit Mchiga on Tuesday May 5, 2009. If you would like to serve on the event planning committee or recieve a notice of date , time and location send your contact information to
Arthur Action Jackson/ Al Hatcher
Bing for Mayor at governmentcontracts@yahoo.com
A group of African American Motion Picture Writers and Producers are producing a film about the Great Atheletes of Fairmont Height High School. If you have pictures or a story to tell about Coach Kenny Freeman, Roland Fatty Taylor, Jerome McDaniels, Ducie Smith, Dewayne Nichols or other great area atheletes who attended this historic African American Instituion. Send information, photos and videso
to Fairmont Heights Film Project at ahjgroup2005@yahoo.com
I just stumbled across this web site by google and i would like to say that it’s about time for tha younger generation to start getting recognized for our balling skills !!!! I played with and against some pretty good kats from 1988-1992 while at Duval High for ex:Duane Simpkins, David Vanterpool, Vaughn Jones, Moochie Norris,Greg Jones, Tony Moore,Riley Inge to name a few . I think i speak for alot of young dudes my age WE RESPECT THE GUYS WHO PAVED THA WAY FOR US TO PLAY THIS GAME BUT WE WHERE SOME SERIOUS BALLERS N OUR OWN RIGHT !!!!! I argue w my pops all tha time about who was the best between him and i cause thats all i ever heard growing up and to determine that u always go by championships well i have a county ,regional, league and state title all in one year to argue my point to go along with Duane/Vaughns 30-0 team ,Rileys 21-4 Paint Branch team, Dave’s 23-1 Springbrook team. So can we please get some recognitionwith a top 100 list for our era ???
You are absolutely right, which is why we are initiating a poll here where readers may vote on their own Top 50 or 100. See the poll at the top of this page. We look forward to your input and opinions, which is what this site is all about.
BCB
Young Stacy, your dad was ,how should I say,” OFF THE CHAIN”. I was at Eastern,and I saw everygame they played each other. Quick as lightening. Ask him if he remembers ,I believe it was at Dunbar in 74,and he was in the corner and made a quick turn left and right and launched a jumper without really looking,swish. Broke my heart.lol Man ,if they were filming games back then.Take care.
Stacy II, DID YOU PLAY AGAINST THE SAME CALIBER PLAYERS THAT CAME THROUGHT THE INTER HIGH IN THE 70S? I’M JUST MESSING WITH YOU .THAT S IMPRESSIVE WHAT YOU’VE DONE .
Stacy you did do it up. They should have a decade list. That would give al the brothers that deserve it in there era a chance to have their shine. You could never play against this era so its many in yours that won’t get their due.
Appreciate it. There is a lot of history at our school (then University of Southwestern Louisiana) and Garland was a part of it. Also Roy Ebron (1970 grad Norfork, Va). Modern day history (University of Louisiana’s Ragin Cajuns) includes recent Baltimore player and Mr. Maryland Mo Barksdale.
And my favorite college basketball player of all time, Dwight “Bo Pete” Lamar of Colmubus East High School.
BCB
Bo, Fred Saunders (also of Columbus), Payton Townsend, probable Marvin Winkler and many others who played for us in the 60s and 70s are to be in lafayette for the review of the documentary on Nov 16th to our great, late Coach Shipley.
How cool? I interviewed Coach Shipley about early college basketball integration in the South, by phone about 10 years ago. Spoke w/ Dale Brown, Scotty Robertson, and McKinley Armstrong, among others. He told me Winkler ran w/ McGinniss in h.s. Saunders I remember from the autobiography “The Haygoods of Columbus”, where reporter Wil Haygood reminisces about a summer h.s. camp for urban Columbus kids, where Saunders ruled the pool table.
BCB
My e-mail: cballenjr47@yahoo.com
What is your name & phone number, will call and fill you in.
Chuck “Trigger” Allen
I’ll share them with you offsite, thanks.
BCB
The Washingtoropolitan Area has produced some the countries best players.I have the good fortune to have played against and with some ofthe 70`s best.And it is hard to say who was the best, because on any given day, they all shined.
And you were a bad boy too! Thanks for stopping by.
BCB
BCB, GREAT SITE, AND THANKS FOR THE QUICK RESPONSE ! CAME OUT OF TECH IN 1978. WERE YOU THERE, AND IF SO, WE HAD A NICE TEAM YOUR SR., YEAR. WE JUST COULD NOT STOP MARK PITCHFORD.
I came out in ’77, the year Tech went to the city championship, and also nearly upset national #1 West Philly. Thanks for the memories, and the support of the site.
BCB
You guys have to include Shawn Clifton on somebody’s honerable mention list, if Walt Williams is on the all time list. He owned him in the state finals where Springbrook won. Mike Mundy was also a very slick guard, and all met selection in the late 80’s
Good point Teddy. We’re actually going to create a poll where fans can list their own top players.
BCB
For my money, no one did it better than Michael Mundy of Springbrook. As a junior against Gaithursburg he turned in the greatest individual performance I’ve ever seen {19-23 from the field and 3-3 from the line}. Furthermore, Mike was an entertainer and every basket seemed to have some extra sparkle to it. Unfortunately, Mike’s daring style of play and high spirited attitude rubbed many the wrong way. Hence, he doesn’t get the respect that he deserves. Like him or not, Mike got it in!
I didn’t have the chance to dig Mike in h.s., but have heard much of the same about his skills. Thanks mo county fan.
BCB
how about Fred Hetzel? 3 time all met for Landon. Southeast Conference player of the year at Davidson. #1 overall pick in the NBA draft by the SF Warriors.
Fred’s on my list of 50, which appears elsewhere on this site. Thanks for visiting.
BCB
I totally agree with Stacey Robinson II. I was a Freshman at DuVal the year that he, Carl Turner, Mo Moss, and the rest of that great team won the 3A County, 3A Regional, and the 3A State Championship all in the same year blowing past some serious competition. I also went to many other High School games that year so I know what Stace’ is talking about. This was an era that had some serious talent! No Duane Simpkins?! No Don Reid?! No David Vanterpool?! or any of those guys from that DuVal team I already mentioned. And I haven’t even harped on the fact that he has Lamont Reid (I saw him play on the playground in the early 80’s and I knew back then that he only had ups!) over Len Bias who could not only jump but grab rebounds on both ends of the court at will?! Glen’s list needs an upgrade!
Great insight Brian, thanks. Glenn’s list has been receiving a lot of visits this week.
BCB
I was definitely glad to see my uncle, Biggie Cunningham on Glen Harris’ list. I’ve heard countless stories about players and teams from his era… But I definitely would have to agree with Stacy Robinson II, our era (88′- 92′) doesn’t get as much respect as the 60’s and 70’s era…We had some guys in that era that were big time ballers!
You’re right about that Leon, and thanks.
BCB
Question for Teddy Roberts and any other montgomery county fans: Who’s the greatest county player of all time? I’ve been following the teams for over 30 years and no one was more fun to watch than Mike Mundy of Springbrook. Tracy Jackson was great, but Mike brought excitement every time he hit the court. What do you think?
Question for Teddy Roberts and any other montgomery county fans: Who’s the greatest county player of all time? I’m going with Mike Mundy of Springbrook, what do you think?
Good question. I would imagine names such as Willie Allen, Gary Browne, Tracy Jackson and Brian Magid will come up. Lot of Mike Mundy fans in MoCo too.
BCB
What’s up with MoCo – I do not want to disrespect but it is kind of rare that their league(s) are very competitive. It has been the Catholic League (WCAC) and the interhigh forever. PG County also has a lot to brag about.
Some great players- among them Tracy Jackson, Wil Hetzel, Charlie Thomas, Willie Allen, Brian Magid, Ed Peterson, the Graham brothers, Curtis Pride, Mike Mundy, Gary Browne.
BCB
Hi,
I was wondering if you had been able to locate “Booty” Neal after Tunde Laniyonu wrote you in October of 2009. I am seeking him because of a 30 year reunion coming up of some folks who greatly admired Mr. Neal while they were students at K.U. A friend of mine who was working on his doctorate in Psychology at K.U. during the 80’s was a big fan of Booty Neal. This friend (Ed) still remembers how surprised and thrilled he was when Mr. Neal attended Ed’s post-doctoral-exam celebration. Mr. Neal did not know Ed, who was one of literally thousands of his fans at K.U. , yet kindly agreed to go when one of Ed’s friends asked him if he would attend because it would mean so much to Ed. If possible we would like to contact Mr. Neal next week. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
No, but will ask around again. You may also wish to check Kansas’ alumni dep’t.
BCB
Booty lives in the area as he was at a reunion party at the national harbor.
Great memories Kevin, thanks.
BCB
I am sorry for not contacting you about the event that happen in April-2010.Please let me know via email of a time that I could chat with all of my Jayhawk alumni.It would be a pleasure.(Douglas.neal@fcps.edu).I look forward to hearing from you and ED.
Thank you. Please contact our founder Penn Greene penngreene@yahoo.com, or at 770-374-4750. A lot of visitors to this blog asked about you.
BCB
Doug “Booty” Neal is a special education teacher at Whitman Middle School in Alexandria, VA. I use to work with him. Still has a great outside shoot.
Thanks jos.
Really interesting read. Honestly..
Thanks Jamel.
BCB
It’s funny now that one mentions Brendan McCarthy and what a tremendous athlete he was. I don’t want to get to far off basketball but he and his DeMatha teammate, Garrett Ford once were in the starting backfield for the Denver Broncos. I wonder if that has been done before or since.
DC is such a basketball crazed town with respect to producing players that the number of NFL players from here seems paltry.
Great point.
BCB
what about Tyrone Stretch Jones Dunbar ?
Outstanding player.
charles cambell, aka jiddy, got killed on the street corner after dropping out of college and returning to the hood. he just couldnt cut school, but a least he tried.his brother got sent to prison. thats the last word out on them 2 some 35 yrs ago. both played basketball for ballou during late 60s. i went to school with them. by the grace of god i was able to get out of there myself and retired to fl. enjoying the good life.
It is very hard 2 pick the best high school players ever u 1st have 2 check stats, pts, rebounds, asst, blocks, the fear factor (u know he is going 2 get his, he is going 2 block everything, he is going 2 grab all the boards, and etc… did they strap up?? d gets no respect…..did they make all met, all-american, I saw, reffed and played with &/or against plenty of theses guys on the left off list by the way where is lyndon dabella I know I messed up his name, booty still 2 this day can shoot the lights out, where is Gary monster, guy arnold, henry hall I believe average 44, all the tibbs brothers where bad n school Barry Frazier I played against him in an alumni game I tried not 2 let him touch the ball he was so dangerous, I think he wanted 2 fight me, slim Dunbar, lonnie duren, terry lancaster, marshalls all time leader n 3’s venebal, mike from Chamberlain 1976-79 no one could stop him, bootney green, ed swells, tom sluby, george rob, Joe thweat?kenny payne (musky I think) the smith brothers kirk & Charles? And finally I played with 1 of the best all around pt guards Brandon Jackson he did it all and strapped up 2 name a few , I left some off 4got there names sr moment, these folk could make the list if not honorable mention atleast!!!!
Very true, thanks Mr. Parker.
BCB
Glen Harris, I was a ballboy for the Washington Bullets from 1980-83 and I remember you in the visitors locker room interviewing for WHUR after the games. I worked the 1981 and 1982 Capital Classics as a ball boy and saw Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan, Adrian Branch, Anthony Jones, Joe Howard, Aubrey Sherrod, Johnny Dawkins, Len Bias and Brad Daugherty just to name a few. I will never forget it.
Thanks Derrick.
BCB
These names bring back memories. A few others I didnt see were Mark “THE GENERAL” Clark and Sonny Proctor from Gwynn Park in the 1970’s. I went to Oxon Hill and believe me, Booty Neal was ALL OF IT. He was at a bad height which I think hurt him getting far into his career. He absolutely SHUT DOWN Magic Johnson on a nationally televised game between MSU and Kansas, and who can ever forget his performance against Potomac during the Christmas tournament of 1976 when he lit up 49 points. Why he isnt top 100 is beyond me.
Agree totally with Shawn Clifton who was a good player his damn self.
Not enough players listed from the later era by Glen Harris.
the era I came through the late 80’s we had several guys become NBA players, Dickey Simpkins, Walt Williams, Monty Williams, Robert Green played pg for Friendly but he would later go on to play in the NFL as a running back for the bears and the Redskins. Randolph Childress played for Gwynn park before transfering I think to Flint Hill.
Lot more dudes shoulda made the league. Henry Hall was on his way went to UTEP was rookie of the year in the conference then ran into off court trouble and academic problems he shoulda made the NBA, Clint Venable was just incredible mid range assasin great floor speed him and henry hall’s duels were amazing.
John Turner how could I forget played with Eleanor Roosevelt ended up being a 1st rder for the Houston Rockets. Played for Gtown for a minute.
Donald Hodge from Coolidge made the league. Mavs for a while.
Jay Bias was an amazing player I think he was more skilled than len was he had a handle, hops jumper passing and rebound ability he wasn;t as physically opposing as len was nor had the passion for the game but on talent he was right there.
Lotta good players too many to mention. I wish Glen had listed more of the player who came much later.
Steve Francis in more recent times and possible one day on top of that list as the best player ever from here Kevin Durant.
Yeah, Glenn starts w/ the early guys. We all have a tendency to do that w/ all-time sports times (lean heavily on our own eras). Wish I had seen them all.
BCB
Big props to all the players listed on the website. I have either played against a lot of them or have seen them play. There are a few that were left off of the list that were really good. Can’t understand why they didn’t get any recognition. What about 6’0″ guard Raymond Lee ? Back in the early 70’s he was a MONSTER !! One of the best players I had ever seen in my life. How about Spingarn’s Robert Smith ? An ASSASSIN !! Sherman Douglas’ backcourt partner. I had a cousin who played at Fairmont Heights in 1977. Duane ‘Space’ Nichols. One of the most dominant players to ever come through the DC area. Space started out at HD Woodson with Barry Frazier. At HD Space would sit on the bench for 3 quarters in Mr. Davis’ doghouse. In the 4th quarter Mr. Davis would sub him into the game saying “it’s showtime”. Space would enter the game for the first time in the 4th quarter and finish the game with 21 pts; 10 rebounds and 5 blocked shots. I was there to witness this unbelievable performance. Space was 6’2” and could jump from the free throw line and dunk the ball. One of the leading scorers in the area in 77. Remarkable athlete !!
Great names that shouldn’t be forgotten. Please stay in touch w/ Penn Greene so we can interview you for our film.
BCB
To glen harris if you think that there were 100 players from this area who were better than my brothers, you have lost you mind. thank you. Curtis Campbell
CHARLES AND RANDOLPH CAMPBELL Mr Glen Harris
To not mention them, Charles and Randolph is disrespectful. Some of these guys on your list didnt even make all american.
To not mention them, Charles and Randolph is disrespectful. Some of these guys on your list Mr harris didnt even make all american. I have lost all respect for you.
I can recall being in the 8th grade on crutches at Howard University.
The display Jitty Campbell put on was one, of if not the greatest array of basketball talent I have ever seen, Obama’s with the tea party!!
Also back in the day the summer youth games was the biggest thing for basketball youths under the age of 15. This city took the best players from this area and they played the best all over the US. Charles and Randolph were both on these teams in back to back years and they both won championships. The team that Randolph played on went to St. Louis but i can’t remember what city Charles played. The DC Summer Youth Games
cagewriter or penn greene u can email me at cbcampbell59@hotmail.com I’m curtis campbell the last of the campbell brothers. I can also give u some info on all met baseball players from this city. I look forward to talking to you
Glenn,
Good list, but you forgotten a lot of Players! One, for sure was Eastern’s go-to-man, in ’65 & ’66! That’s BENNIE VINES! Check out some of his stats! As well as Melvin “Cartoon”Latimore and Mike Savoy! OH! What about, the Savoy’s All of Them! Raymond to Sterling (Wiggie)!? You’re native Washingtonian! You know what, I’m saying! You’ve seen them all too!
Regards,
Jim Dickson (Eastern ’66)
Thanks Jim.
BCB
I would have to put Glenson Sitney from High Point on the list. When he was a senior he beat Dematha, with John Gwynn and NBA finalist Jerrod Mustaf. First team from PG County to beat Dematha in 86′!
Let me take you bak….Late 50’s – Herbert “Chilli” Thompson, Dunbar to West Virginia State. Inducted into WVS Hall of Fame! Shot that Pill Chill!
Stacey Robinson was by far the most talented player whoever grace the Basketball courts in D.C. period. Move Bay Bay to 9 spot and Stacey Robinson to 10. Stacey game was like no other in this great hoop city. His talent and grace was like Zeke but more of a two guard. Honey Dip Wise and Stacey Robinson were the same.
Thanks Jerry.
BCB
Trying to contact Garland Williams (class 0f 1966). Went to University of Southwestern louisiana with Big G.
We are having a big gala next month honoring our coach. many teammates coming in from accross country.
Do you have, address, phone number and e-mail for G?
Appreciate it,
Chuck “Trigger” Allen
We don’t have it Chuck, but perhaps one of our readers will know it.
BCB
I was recommended this web site through my cousin. I’m not certain whether this submit is written through him as no one else recognise such distinct approximately my difficulty. You’re wonderful! Thank you!
Tremendous list and a tremendous service to DC area hoops!
I may have overlooked them but it seems to me a top 100 should include the names Kenny Carr and Kermit Washington.
Kenny Carr was a great h.s. player his senior year. Kermit, however, blossomed in college. Luzon helped (as did dilgent work w/ the weights).
BCB
You are right, Kermit put the work in…one to remember who played with him at AU from Anacostia was John (Johnnie) Lloyd…had Big game. Others that should be on the list of Ballers are Delano Dunmore (Ballou) and Randolph Hursey (Anacostia)….as stated earlier, this could go on and on with all of the talent that we have in this region.
Good point. And I think Lloyd Mays still plays.
BCB
Booty Neal. Is one of the best swingmen that I have ever played with. Had a jump shot like no one I have seen. When in rythum he could not be stopped., and as a person a heart good as gold.
Big Man
At #84 Len Bias was Michael Jordans only true rival. He was one of the best to ever play the game….
People forget as we get older. How about Claude Prather, Billy Gordan and Willie Allen on one team at richard montgomery in the mid 60’s. Claude was also all met and wash post player of the year in football. Allen was a rare 3 time first team all met.
The Campbell brothers, (Randolph and Charles) at Ballou High. both scoring machines and first team all met. The Super Round Ball Thing at Howard U. Ballou, St Anthony and Mckinley played in that event.
Interested in as much info on Garland Williams. I was a good friend of his at college before I went to Nam and after I returned. Wish he had developed more as a player in college at USL. Does anyone know where he is living at now? Chuck Allen
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Dennis Donaldson, Kenny Pop, Emmitt Clark, All at Anacostia High. Slim Barnes, Nate Kitchen and James Sproul from Chamberlain. James Garvin from Phelps. Pete Moss from Phelps. Eddie Taylor from McKiinley. Gene Littles and Joe Buck
Delano Dunbar was Ballou’s first all met in basketball
I believe that you mean Delano Dunmore
Claude Prather, Willie Allen and Billy Gordan on the same Richard Montgomery High team in the mid 60’s. Claude was also wash post player of the year in football and Willie was a rare first team all met 3 times. Gordan could shoot the lights out.
One of the best all around teams in DC was the 1978 Mckinley Tech mens basketball team. People would get to the game early to see their warm up, every one could dunk on the team but the point guard. There was a lot of talent on that team and many felt they should have accomplished more than they did. Peace
Now that team I did see, having graduated in ’77. That’s true.
BCB
Great list of players! As a kid back then those guys were my hero and inspire me to lace up. Great Job!
Someone else already mentioned his omission, but I would have thought Glenson Sitney (High Point, ’87) would have been on this list; 2x All-Met player. Also, another High Point alum, Vernon Butler (’82) who led the Eagles to the MD state championship over Len Bias and Northwestern and would go on to star along side David Robinson at Navy.
This list is truly irrelevant. You should do a list where former player give the names. Glenn has always short changed players from eras other than his own and those that played outside of the district. He had the advantage of seeing old school and new school players and that’s the best list he could produce. For example, Dennis Scott was the national co-player of the year in 87, but is not one of the top 100 players to ever come out of this area. 🙂 Silly Right? Take all player down that wasn’t ranked in the top 50 in their class and start there.