FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2008

CONTACT:        Kreul Classic

                        954.753.6327

19^th EDITION OF THE KREUL CLASSIC IS LOADED WITH AMERICA’S PREMIER PROGRAMS AND PLAYERS

Key Points (Please refer to body of release for details):

• Nationally-ranked teams and players to play in 2008 tourney
• Mike Jarvis featured speaker during tournament’s Kreulfest
• Tournament proceeds fund academic scholarship program
• Individual team profiles follow the release

Coral Springs, FL – The Kreul Classic, a national high school basketball tournament for boys and girls, has secured one of America’s most impressive tournament fields for its’ 19^th edition which will be played December 19 through 23, 2008 at Coral Springs City Gymnasium in Coral Springs, Florida. High-profile teams including St. Benedict’s (NJ), Montverde Academy (FL), and Dillard (FL) and stand-out players like Brandon Knight (Pine Crest, FL) and Tristan Thompson (St. Benedict’s) help to make the Kreul Classic this year’s must-see prep tournament.

The Kreul tips-off with a top-20 match-up game between two of Florida’s national stand-outs, Boyd Anderson and Montverde Academy. Ranked as high as No. 4 last season (USA Today), the Orlando-area power Montverde features a formidable inside presence with twin towers Ugo Okam (7-feet) and Ruslan Pateev (6-11) flanked by a pair of athletic 6-8 forwards, Kadeem Green and Nick Diatta. Boyd Anderson (30-2) spent much of last season as Florida’s top-ranked team, knocking off all challengers until falling just short of a 6A state title against Miami Norland who will also compete in the Kreul tournament this year. B.A.’s returning backcourt of lightning-quick point guard Tyrone Davis – think Muggsy Bogues -- and sharpshooters Bryan Bynes and Martavious Irving make the program a national threat again “This game will help put the spotlight back on South Florida’s high school basketball scene,” said Kreul President Jim Reilly. “High school football has claimed center stage in recent years, and I believe we need to remind people that South Florida is a hotbed for basketball as well.” Both Montverde and B.A are expected to launch their season with a national top-20 ranking and gain significant upward momentum by the time they meet.

TOURNAMENT TEAMS: Boys 16-Team Bracket

Leading the 16 teams competing for the tournament’s top boys’ title will be Coach Danny Hurley’s squad from St. Benedict’s (NJ), Maryland’s Georgetown Prep and South Florida favorites Dillard and Pine Crest.

Giants in the world of high school hoops, St. Benedict’s (24-1) were ranked No. 2 nationally in USA Today’s final poll, and they are loaded again featuring powerful 6-5 guard Lamar Patterson who has committed to Pittsburg. Texas recruit 6-8 Tristan Thompson also adds to the roster. Scout.com ranks the athletic forward the No. 1 junior prospect in the country.

Playing in their own backyard are Dillard and Pine Crest. Dillard had a banner season last year, culminating with their fifth state championship and a 29-2 record. Despite losing likely the state’s best frontcourt, they will reload with plenty of talent. Senior guard Robert Burger and 6-6 sophomore Fred Landers lead the way. Spearheading Pine Crest’s tournament effort is guard Brandon Knight, heralded as one of the top three juniors in the country. Knight is joined by freshman phenom Trey Henry in the backcourt and burly 6-4 forward Ed Waite, who earned MVP honors for the state champion Panthers.

The remaining teams completing in the outstanding 16-team field include 2007 Kreul Champ W.T. Dwyer from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida where graduate Leemire Goldwire (UNC Charlotte) earned his prep fame;  St. Thomas Aquinas (FL); Long Island St. Anthony’s; three DC-area stand-outs (Georgetown Prep, Ballou, Kamit Institute – KIMA); and other quality Florida programs including South Broward, Miramar, Deerfield Beach, Hudson, and Cypress Creek.

NEW 8-TEAM BOYS’ BRACKET

New this year, the Kreul has added a second tournament bracket featuring eight teams: Florida’s 2007-08 5A State Champ Miami Norland; St. Alban’s (DC); Brewbaker (AL); Collins Hill (GA); and Belen Jesuit, Coral Springs and Cypress Bay each from Florida.

GIRLS’ TEAMS

The girl’s title quest will feature three state champs from last season, South Broward (FL), Barron Collier (FL), and Hanover (NH) as well as strong contenders Central Gwinnett (GA), Waccamaw (SC), Dwyer (FL), American Heritage (FL) and Hialeah (FL).

KREULFEST 2008

Newly-appointed Florida Atlantic University Men’s Coach Mike Jarvis is slated to be the featured speaker during the tournament’s Kreulfest activities on Sunday, December 20^th at the Coral Springs City Gymnasium. Kreulfest offers players a break from tournament play and a chance to test their individual skills during the Gatorade Slam Dunk and Rock Sharp Shooter contests. “We work to provide the kids with a comprehensive tournament experience – one that exceeds the boundaries of the court and adds to their life experiences,” said Reilly. Jarvis joins a long list of high-profile celebrity speakers who have shared their thoughts with Kreul participants. He will headline a line-up of several celebrity sports guests (TBA) including NBA Coach of the Year Jack Mckinney (Indiana Pacers, 1981). DJ Xavier, one of South Florida’s hottest DJs will get the crowd going.

LIVE WEBCAST OF GAMES

In a second-year effort to provide maximum exposure for participants, Kreul organizers will offer live, full-screen, TV-quality webcast of 23 of the 56 tournament games on www.kreul.tv. These games will also be archived for on-demand viewing.  “This exponentially increases the exposure we provide for the kids,” said  Reilly. “Anyone with internet access will be able to watch our games live from anywhere in the world. To my knowledge, we are the only tournament in the country to offer this type of exposure to this extent.”

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Proceeds from the Kreul tournament fund the organization’s academic scholarship fund. To date, more than $500,000 has been awarded to South Florida students. This includes 48 four-year, full-tuition awards to Florida Atlantic University and more than 100 awards in various monetary amounts.

For additional tournament and scholarship fund details, call 954.345.2200 or visit www.kreul.com. Pairings and the tournament schedule will be released this fall; fans should check local listing for game times.

The Kreul Classic is an invitational high school basketball tournament featuring 32 top-caliber boys’ and girls’ teams from across the nation. Held annually the week before Christmas in Coral Springs, Florida, the all volunteer and professionally managed event is considered a model of excellence by which other events gauge their performance. Since 1989, the Kreul has positively affected the lives of more than 13,000 student-athletes representing 25 states, Canada, and the Bahamas. The Kreul has hosted numerous sports celebrities including Chuck Daley, John Salley, Lou Carnesecca, Tubby Smith, and more, and has awarded more than $500,000 in academic scholarships to Florida students. A non-profit 501(c)3, the organization operates primarily on corporate sponsorships and attendance revenues. Further information is available at www.kreul.com.

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2008 TEAMS

FLORIDA CHALLENGE GAME                          

Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes, FL) The Cobras (30-2) spent much of last season as Florida’s top-ranked team, knocking off all challengers until falling just short of a 6A state title against Miami Norland. The returning backcourt of lightning-quick point guard Tyrone Davis – think Muggsy Bogues -- and sharpshooters Bryan Bynes and Martavious Irving make B.A. a state championship threat again.

Montverde Academy (Montverde, FL) Ranked as high as No. 4 nationally last season, the Orlando-area power features a formidable inside presence. Anchoring an intimidating frontcourt, twin towers Ugo Okam (7-feet) and Ruslan Pateev (6-11) are flanked by a pair of athletic 6-8 forwards, Kadeem Green and Nick Diatta.

BOYS: 16-Team Bracket

1.    Ballou (Washington, DC) The Knights posted a 22-9 while competing in the tough D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association. Junior guard Donte Thomas averaged more than 26 points per game last year and is complemented by brother Donnell, a fellow all-league performer.

2.    Cardinal Gibbons (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) High-scoring senior guard Caleb Stokes (17 ppg) returns to lead the Chiefs’ offensive charge for new coach Marty Seidlin who previously served as assistant to Dillard's Head Coach Darryl Burrows. Gibbons posted a 17-8 record last season that included a 10-1 district mark.

3.    Cypress Creek (Orlando, FL) The Bears posted a 17-10 record while competing in the tough Central Florida region. NBA superstar Amare Stoudemire is the school’s most notable alumnus.

4.    Deerfield Beach (Deerfield Beach, FL) The traditionally strong Broward county program turned in an 18-8 season last year. The Bucks are led by 6-6 forward Lonnie Robinson Jr., one of the top 50 prospects in Florida’s senior class (FloridaProspects.com).

5.    Dillard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) The Panthers had a banner season last year, culminating with their fifth state championship and a 29-2 record. Despite losing likely the state’s best frontcourt, Dillard will reload with plenty of talent, as is its tradition. Senior guard Robert Burger and 6-6 sophomore Fred Landers lead the way.

6.    Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) The powerful Panthers won their second Kreul championship last year but fell short of their perennial goal of a state championship. Dwyer was edged by a single point by Martin County in the regional semifinals. Last year’s Kreul MVP Ramon Galloway is one of the state’s top guards, teaming with sophomore forward Jacoby Brissett to form a potent inside-outside combination.

7.    Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda, MD) The Hoyas -- 18-7 last year and ranked No. 7 in Maryland by MaxPreps.com --are led by Markel Starks, an explosive junior point guard. Starks is a smooth finisher and solid decision-maker rated among the top 40 nationally in the Class of 2010 (ESPN). Coach Dwayne Bryant played for Georgetown University under John Thompson and ranks fifth in assists in school history.

8.    Hudson (Hudson, FL) Guard Jarrod Branco comes off an outstanding junior campaign, having poured in 21.3 points a game that included a school-record 40 against Zephyrhills. The much-improved Cobras surged to a 15-14 record and a playoff appearance.

9.    Kamit Institute – KIMA (Washington, DC) Accustomed to facing stiff competition in the D.C. area, KIMA features 6-8 junior Jonathan Arledge, an athletic center who excelled at quarterback on the gridiron.

10. Miramar (Miramar, FL) The Patriots have reached the regional quarterfinals two years in a row, compiling a 40-16 record. Talented junior Xavier Martin takes over the offense from graduating county assist leader Wally Mejia. Seniors Kareem Roach, a streaky 3-point shooter, and 6-7 Thomas Hawkins will be expected to play bigger roles in Miramar’s success this year.

11. Pine Crest (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Another group of Panthers from Broward who captured a state title last season; it was the first championship in school history. Guard Brandon Knight, heralded as one of the top five juniors in the country, is joined by burly 6-4 forward Ed Waite, who earned MVP honors for the state tournament. Freshman phenom Trey Henry joins Knight in the backcourt as the Panthers embark on their quest for back-to-back championships.

12. Quality Education Academy (Winston-Salem, NC) The charter school will play its first varsity season in 2008-09 against a schedule that includes powerhouse prep teams and out-of state tournaments. Coach Isaac Pitts has assembled a squad of top local talent in addition to highly regarded out-of-state players.

13. St. Anthony’s (Long Island, NY) The Long Island school has earned honors in Sports Illustrated as the best athletic program in New York state three years in a row. The Friars finished third (15-12) in the Catholic League behind three-time Kreul participant St. Dominic

14. St. Benedict’s Prep (Newark, NJ) Giants in the world of high school hoops, the Gray Bees (24-1) were ranked No. 2 nationally in USA Today’s final poll. Coach Danny Hurley’s team finished behind only St. Anthony, coached by Hurley’s legendary father Bob. St. Benedict’s is loaded again, featuring powerful 6-5 guard Lamar Patterson, who has committed to Pittsburgh. Don’t overlook 6-8 Texas recruit Tristan Thompson – Scout.com ranks the athletic forward the No. 1 junior prospect in the country.

15. St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) The Raiders return most of the rotation from last year’s team that went 14-8. Aquinas’ senior-laden lineup includes 6-6 Gabe Holmes, one of the best big men in the county. Athletic wing Dezmen Southward and solid point guard Daniel Munoz look to get the Raiders back to the regional playoffs after missing out last season.

16. South Broward (Hollywood, FL) The Bulldogs come off a strong campaign, finishing 17-7 behind Iran Hollis, who earned a scholarship to Nova Southeastern after scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds a game.

BOYS: 8-Team Bracket

1.    Belen Jesuit (Miami, FL) Belen made the playoffs last year by finishing second in its district to eventual 4A state champion Monsignor Pace. Competing in the Kreul for the second straight year, Belen pulled off a thrilling comeback upset of powerful Santaluces in last year’s tourney.

2.    Brewbaker (Montgomery, AL) The Rams finished last season with an 18-9 mark. Guard Chris Dixon, the Rams’ leading scorer (14 ppg), returns for his senior year.

3.    Collins Hill (Suwanee, GA) The Screaming Eagles boasted a 19-8 record against a brutal schedule that included two games against Norcross, Georgia's top team and USA Today's No. 6 squad in the nation.

4.    Coral Springs (Coral Springs, FL) Matt Dearen takes the helm of the Colt’s team, replacing long-time Coach Sandy Muir. The host school has worked hard over the summer, and hopes their effort will earn them their first Kreul trophy.

5.    Cypress Bay (Pembroke Pines, FL) Head coach Jason Looky has helped turned the Lightning into perennial contenders in a competitive hoops county. Current seniors Blake Foeman (6-5) and James Jackson (6-4) were the top players for Cypress Bay’s 16-9 team last season.

6.    Dublin (GA) Boasting a traditionally strong program in Central Georgia, the Fighting Irish won the Class 2A state championship in 2006.

7.    Norland (Miami) Another defending state champ, the Vikings peaked at the right time, upsetting powerful Boyd Anderson in the ’08 title game for their second championship in three years. Norland also defeated 5A state champ Dillard at the MLK Classic earlier in the year. The school will reload after losing first-team all-state performers Amir Celestin and Antonio Hester.

8.    St. Albans (Washington, DC) One of four D.C.-area teams in both brackets, the Bulldogs are led by 6-1 guard Blake Bozeman, a scintillating spot-up shooter whose father Todd coaches Morgan State University.

GIRLS TEAMS

1.    American Heritage (Plantation, FL) The 22-6 Patriots turned in the best season in school history, falling a game short of reaching the state tournament. Top returning player is center Sandra Garcia, who piled up 23 points and 13 rebounds a game while earning first-team all-county and second-team all-state honors.

2.    Barron Collier (Naples, FL) Another defending state champ, the Cougars knocked off Broward powerhouses Dillard and Nova en route to their second 5A title in three seasons. Three seniors garnered all-state honors, with top returning player Christine Mansour, a sophomore, meriting honorable mention all-state. Mike Hamburger was named 5A Coach of the Year.

3.    Central Gwinnett (Lawrenceville, GA) Last season the Black Knights put up 16 victories against only nine defeats, including a pair of wins over 2006 Kreul champion South Gwinnett.

4.    Dwyer (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) A young Panthers team – only two seniors – notched a 14-10 record in ’07-’08. Second-team all-county forward Clare Hosack is a double-double machine. The 6-foot junior is flanked by talented sophomore guards Precious Bridges and Alicia Hines.

5.    Hanover (Hanover, NH) The Marauders won the New Hampshire Class I state championship for the third time in five years, finishing 23-2 on the season. Hanover returns a powerful nucleus looking to win the Kreul in its second straight appearance in the tourney. All-state center Courtney Ness (6-1) and 2007 Kreul all-tournament guard Liz BelBruno are joined by senior guards Eliza Polli and Sarah Robinson

6.    Hialeah (Hialeah, FL) The Thoroughbreds galloped all the way to the state semifinals last season, compiling a 23-4 record along the way. First-team all-county senior guard Ty’Tetania McClenney (14.6 ppg, 4.8 spg) is joined by second-team forward Jasmine Wilkins, a junior.

7.    South Broward (Hollywood, FL) As one of three state champions competing in the girl’s bracket at the Kreul, the Bulldogs surprised plenty of folks with their run to the 6A title behind senior star Angela Smith. Junior 6-4 center Alicia DeVaughn provides an intimidating post presence after recovering from a devastating knee injury.