Legendary Head Coach D. Corbett has done it once again, at the height of the live period.  Will he take his magic formula to the 17s next year; is the hottest topic in Charm City?

When Nike Baltimore Elite held their first meeting before the start of spring, some of the new faces had many questions.  The parents gathered at the famed recreation center (Mt. Royal), which taught Carmelo Anthony the "Jab Step”, a weapon he still uses today.  One of those new faces was Daquan Cook, and a slight look of concern from the family as Coach Corbett introduced himself. Coach Corbett turned to the family and said "welcome", and he turned to Cook and said," it's best to go thru it now than later"...you will be prepared to play somewhere as a college freshmen from day one!

In an era where egos are bigger than Coaches, Corbett still has that magic touch of keeping his kids grounded and thinks team first, “me” second.  He is generally regarded as a disciplinary specialist, but winning is his trademark.  Cook knew from the first day at training camp, there is not a letter “I" in the word team. 

 Every team possesses a Bully and that be Charles Tapper, a 6'5 member of State Champion City College Knights who embraced that role.  Every team needs a sniper....Ronald Scott of John Carroll embraced his role. Every team needs a glue guy...Davon Vinny of Douglass High embraced his role. Other players accepting their roles were Isiah Miles, Julian Davis, Kayel Locke, Keyonte Potts who are all focal points on their respectable High school teams.  Coach Corbett molded them to accept a role as well.  Baltimore Nike Elite 16s did not just accept their roles, they became very close friends off the court as well...here are some of the results this year: Boo Williams Silver Bracket Champions, Maryland State AAU Champions, Joe Wooten Classic Champions, Charm City Classic/Park School Champs, D.C. Metro Showcase Classic Champs, and the Grand finale... the 16u Super Showcase Gold Bracket Champions! 

 We lost a soldier in highly touted John Crowder weeks ago, but these kids were his brothers and they wanted this Championship for him. Coach Corbett was very disappointed that they weren't invited to the Nike Peach Jam, as well as the kids.  One of the most important lessons Corbett taught his youngsters, is continue to work hard and expect nothing! They took heed and each worked on their weaknesses during and after practices.  The 17’s Director and Head Coach Carlton Carrington fell short of success this year at this age group, but after watching his youngsters defeat All Ohio Red and going undefeated....he knew he would get the last laugh!  Coach Corbett had plenty of help with star assistants Jerrod Rucker (City College), Coach Roland (Curley), and Coach Carroll.  Having won a Championship a few years back with Donte’ Greene (Sacramento Kings), Malcolm Delaney and Sean Mosley, does he have anything else to prove at this age group?

 Having watch the rise of D.C.'s Team Takeover and execution style coaching of Keith Stevens, will Carrington ask Corbett to join him at the 17s next year?  The word is traveling fast that this 2012 class can do it....but will Coach Corbett guide his troops to the battle is the burning question. Congrats to Baltimore Elite 16s on winning the 16U Super Showcase 2010!!!