OWINGS MILL, Md. – Next Sports Phenom and 695 Hoops hosted a combine/showcase that featured 120 student-athletes from the Mid-Atlantic region. Even though it was open to all grades, the primary goal was to get juniors and seniors without scholarship offers an opportunity to gain some exposure before the varsity season. There were several DII and DIII coaches in the gym and many others watching the live broadcast stream from Court 1.
Tink Butler and Al Schell did an outstanding job of securing a top-notched facility (The McDonogh School) as well as getting local high school coaches, trainers and former players to volunteer their time to work with the student-athletes. They even enlisted the services of Mark “The Shark” Tremba to provide color commentary for the broadcasts. Everything was in place for a perfect day of basketball and while most players came prepared to showcase their skills, it was very noticeable that many of the upper class players did not.
Before I delve into further detail about my frustrations with the juniors and seniors, I would like to highlight a few players who showed they have skills to continue their basketball careers at the collegiate level.
2016
Ny’Jayah Lockwood 5-7 -Shooting Guard – Oakland Mills HS Columbia, Md.— Solid scoring guard, can create and attack or score from the perimeter…defends and rebounds well for her size
Briana Ward 6-0 Center – Old Mill HS – Severn, Md. Athletic runs well…can score with her back to the basket..pursues rebounds
Chanise Ray 5-6 Point Guard– Mount Vernon HS Alexandria, Va. – Pass first point guard…table-setter with court vision…capable long range shooter
Jewel Ledbetter 5-10 Wing – Westlake HS – Waldorf, Md. – Long and smooth…can score in traffic
2017
Autumn Hopson 5-8 Wing – Patriot HS – Gainesville, Va. – Smooth athletic build…can score from mid-range…good passer in transition…defensive fundamentals
Alexis Moore 5-8 Forward – St. John’s Catholic – Germantown, Md. Solid all-around game…efficient with the ball
As previously alluded to, I was underwhelmed by the effort and attitude of many of the upper class players. Some were are out of shape, others displayed lackluster effort and several looked like they hadn’t picked up a basketball in months. When I spoke with them about the recruiting process, many lacked knowledge of key elements and were unaware of alternatives to DI colleges. When you are at this point in your high school career and you don’t have many college coaches knocking down your door, it may be time you and the adults in your life to accept some hard truths. Earning an opportunity to play basketball in college at any level is privilege not a right and this event was the perfect platform for player to show they are worthy of that privilege.
