Burke hoops stars travel the map
Basketball players compete in national competitions
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

DeVonda Lewis won the slam dunk contest at the USA Junior Nationals in Columbus, Ohio in July.

Burke County basketball players are earning a name for themselves on the national level.

Three hoops stars from Burke County High School traveled to competitions last month to contend with players from across the country.

DeVonda Lewis earned recognition when he went to the USA Junior Nationals in Columbus, Ohio the last week in July. Lewis earned his spot on the Georgia team after qualifying at a tryout held at Georgia Tech earlier this year.

The 6'3" senior took top honors in the slam dunk contest and was one of only 16 players at the event to be chosen All- American.

His team, comprised of players from all over Georgia, finished fourth in its pool. About 30 teams competed at the event.

"That was really good," BCHS basketball coach Purvis Dukes commented, adding that Lewis got some serious exposure to dozens of college coaches. Coaches from several college basketball programs coached each of the teams at the Junior Nationals.

After competing in Columbus, Lewis is all the more motivated.

"It made me want to work even harder to make it to the next level," Lewis said.

He hopes his skills on the court will help him earn offers to play in college next year. But it's not all about the round ball.

"Playing basketball is one thing, but education is the most," he said.

While Lewis was in Columbus, two other Bears were busy making baskets at the Amateur Athletic Union's (AAU) Nationals in Orlando, Fla. Maurice Doyle and Martaveous Smith competed at the event, which attracts the attention of a host of NCAA coaches. Coach Dukes said the tournament attracts many of the nation's top high school basketball players and scouts are on the lookout.

After the AAU competition, Smith hopped on a plane to Kansas City, Mo. to play in another tournament.

The 6'8" sophomore is turning heads and already attracting interest from a number of schools.

Coach Dukes said all of the exposure has been good for both Burke County and the players.

"It's good for them to see what's outside Burke County and get to play at the national level," Coach Dukes said. "And it's a good thing for Burke County when you're trying to get your name out."