Monday, June 14, 2010

Stuck In The Middle-School That Is

I don't like going to middle school games because most of the time it's a blowout and it saddens me to hear parents cheering about beating a team 40-2. It's also hard to judge the talent level of some of the kids because I have this old saying " It's not what you do, it's who you do it against". I can't tell you how many times folks have bragged about a middle schooler scoring 30 plus in a game against kids who couldn't dribble. Watching these younger kids in club ball is a bit different, you have some with talent and those with a keen eye such as myself always tries to find the next "playa"





2015



Other than Tierra "Big Tee" Mc Gowen, most of these kids are not heading into the spotlight, yet that is. Being 13 and 6'6 Tierra has several college coaches buzzing away, remember the old saying" you can't teach height".




I love watching and teaching at the developmental stages, this is what it's all about in my book. Looking for the quick fix usually doesn't work and there's nothing greater than watching the young kids willing to learn how to play the game.




Dynasty has a thriving program with energetic coaches that the kids feed off. As I consistently watch them teach and develop, I see how the kids are improving. The G-Rays are from the east side of town and it's always great to see someone putting forth the effort to get the girl's playing at an early age.














Although only heading to the 7th grade, Jade Geron from the Blue Chips shows game beyond her years.





















The Blue Chips and the Rebels both showed they have some heady players that are up and coming. Both teams are blessed with size and guards that know the game better than many already in high school. The posts are big, yet raw, but that old saying"you can't teach size" will play into the picyure down the road.












Two Blue Chippers that are heading to the 8th grade have big sisters playing at the next level. Karima Christams and Chelsea Johnson started playing together when over 10 years ago and their moms are at it again. This game has truly brought tons of people together that probably never would have crossed paths.














TKO 2015 also has an outstanding group of young talented players, including another young point guard that impressed me. Ironically, she too is a former Fastbreaker.









What appears to be a rivalry in the making, this is the sort of thing that youth basketball needs in the area.


















The 2015 Fastbreakers are truly an energetic bunch that will wear you down. A truly impressive squad that feeds off of their PG's energy. Off the top of my head, if I looked for one word in the dictionary that should have her picture beside it, that word would be electrifying.
















Baby D to the line. She also brought the house down with a steal, then going coast to coast for a lay-up.










This is Brittany Smith's first year playing basketball, which in itself is amazing. I saw the kid throwing touch passes over the weekend, reminding me of another young Brittany, Toran. Strong and under control, it will be nice to watch the progression.












I see you !!!!!!!!