Flint Hill Summer League Helps Players Get Recruited

With college basketball recruitment efforts nearing their height, Flint Hill School is doing what it can to help get their student-athletes noticed.

The Flint Hill Summer League includes 12 boys basketball teams — all except Flint Hill are public schools — that play nine games in an effort to make the playoffs and win the Jim McKay Chevrolet Championship Game on July 19.

"[The Flint Hill league] has created an opportunity for basketball teams to continue to develop their players through the summer, while also giving some of the colleges an opportunity to come and watch kids perform, as well," said Rico Reed, Flint Hill's head coach and the Summer League's director.

In their latest effort, the Flint Hill Huskies defeated George Mason 82-45 on Wednesday in their matchup for the 2011 Summer League at Flint Hill.

Flint Hill's dominating offense featured players in double-digits. Leading scorers Chrystian Brown and Ben Kase each had 14 points, while Ramon Burris, Troy Thomas and Brian MacDonald each contributed 13 to the landslide win.

But the championship goal is only a piece of summer basketball. Recruiters are notified, teams play in multiple summer leagues and showcases, and players put their best foot forward in anticipation of September, when recruiters and players can freely contact each other.

Until July 6, NCAA rules require recruiters to only contact players through telephone or email, though players may visit college campuses. From July 6 until September, NCAA rules dictate recruiters may watch an athlete play or practice, but have no in-person contact with him off the college's campus.

Working toward helping students find a college fit has its benefits for the team during the school season, Reed said.

"Our goals for the summer haven't changed in years. They remain focusing on development individually while also using that individual development to strengthen that program," he said. "We want our teams to develop chemistry and cohesion throughout the offseason and throughout the summer."

The other school teams involved in the Flint Hill Summer League are: Marshall, Potomac Falls, South Lakes, Jefferson, McLean, Madison, Centreville, George Mason, Chantilly, Loudoun County and Herndon.

Flint Hill next plays at 7:15 p.m. today against Marshall at Flint Hill.