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Blanche Ely's Alicia DeVaughn commits to Maryland

Blanche Ely center Alicia DeVaughn ended speculation over her college future with a verbal commitment to Maryland on her first and only official visit Saturday. Tigers girls' basketball coach Tommie Butts confirmed the commitment on Sunday and added Maryland has promised DeVaughn the No. 44 jersey she has been known for in high school.

Butts said the 6-5 DeVaughn, a shot-blocking and rebounding force with a developing offensive game, adds size and versatility to the Terrapins.

“I think Alicia will help that program tremendously,’’ said Butts. “She can play on the perimeter and inside. Her being a hard worker in practice will also help their program. It gives them another dimension with her size and shot-blocking.”

DeVaughn leaves for Blanche Ely

Alicia DeVaughn, a 6-4 junior center considered one of the nation's top post prospects and a possible 2010 McDonald's All-American selection, has left South Broward for long-time rival Blanche Ely.

Rumors surrounding DeVaughn's departure have swirled around the Bulldogs' program, which she helped win the Class 6A state title two seasons ago, for the past two weeks. On Sunday, Tigers girls coach Tommie Butts confirmed that DeVaughn's transfer was complete.

''Yes, DeVaughn is at Ely; she is enrolled at the school,'' Butts said. ``It was shocking to see her enroll in our school.''

As hype builds, Blanche Ely Tigers face rival Dillard

As the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade made its way through Pompano Beach last Monday, area residents celebrated their hometown Blanche Ely boys basketball team.

With excitement building for the winner-take-all District 16-5A matchup against cross-town rival Dillard on Saturday night, some fans waded into the procession to congratulate players on their 18-0 start and a promise to pack the Ely gym. To Ely forwards Germain Decoste and Wismy Isaac, who are of Haitian descent, the outpouring of affection provided a respite from worry over the fate of family members and loved ones in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

``I first heard about the earthquake when my dad called me in school,'' Decoste said. ``I never expected anything like that. I have a lot of family over there. Thank God none died. This has changed me a lot. I take things more seriously. You never know what is going to happen today or tomorrow.''

Ely thumps Dillard in semifinal of BCAA Big 8 tournament

It's all about defense for Ely on Friday night in a 68-54 victory over rival Dillard in the semifinals of the BCAA Big 8 Tournament at Fort Lauderdale High School.

Ely will play the winner of a game between Boyd Anderson and Miramar in the championship game. Ely lost in the championship game last year to Boyd Anderson.

Trailing 12-8, Ely got back down to basics, starting with its defense, and went on a 19-2 run to put the game away.

Dillard overwhelms Ely to claim top seed in the district

The award-winning Blanche Ely marching band warmed up a standing-room-only crowd for Saturday night's District 16-5A showdown against crosstown rival Dillard.

At the end, Dillard guard Kianna Conner made the sweetest music.

Conner had 23 points, including four three-pointers, to help Dillard beat Ely 65-44 and lock up the No. 1 seed in the district.