Ellison Stole The Show At The MDC
The 11 and Under Division was stacked with teams and some big time talent. It gave us a chance to see some of the top players represent themselves well and chance to look at some new faces on the horizon. This segment will have two parts. Part One will feature the players that we have written before (Usual Suspects) while Part 2 will focus on the players that had their coming out party (Fresh Faces). There will also be a Best of The MDC at the end of Part 2.
Usual Suspects
Malik Ellison Guard (Harvest Knights)- The lights were bright at the MDC and Ellison was ready for the stage. Not only did he top all scores in the finals but he stepped up big when the games were close. He took over down the stretch in the Knights scare against defending champs Long Island Lightning.
Ray Lawry Guard (Harvest Knights)- The bruising guard that we featured from the Kobe Dream Classic was on his game again. He gets where ever he wants on the floor and can muscle any defender to the cup. He looks like he will be a great athlete.Isiah Baylor Forward (Harvest Knights)- Every team needs a inside role player and Baylor serves the purpose greatly. He’s willing to bang for boards and cause problems defensively. I see him moving to perimeter in a few years.
Bryce Aiken Guard (KSK)- Aiken might be the best pure perimeter shooters in this age bracket. He has good accuracy from the perimeter but will also drive to the cup when necessary. He had 13 points including 3 treys in their win over Hollis Biddies.Otis Livingston Guard (KSK)- Livingston did his job pushing the pill and making things happen. He was a pest defensively and really gets things going in the open floor when he’s controlling the ball.
Jaquan McKennon Guard (Gauchos)- Shake and Bake did nothing to ruin his rep at the MDC. The lefty displayed his flashy handle and his willingness to get to the cup on demand. Against Team MVP it was his craftiness and ball handling wizardry that helped the Gauchos pull it out. James Wright Forward (Team MVP)- Wright plays on the blocks for Team MVP but his natural position would be a off guard. During their key match up with the Gauchos James proved to be a difficult player to stop. His ability to score around the cup various ways kept the Choz on their toes.
Nyrique Smith Guard (Asbury Park)- His squad wasn’t as successful but Smith displayed some big time moves. Against Philly Aztecs he was able to get to the basket whenever he wanted and had an instant impact on the game. His size for a guard and the fact that he’s only 10 factors in when you analyze his game.Austin Goodluck Forward (FACES)- It was another good outing for the inside force for FACES. He helped the squad advance out of tough pool play before being ousted by potential champ Harvest Knights.
Brian Brown Forward (FACES)- Brown is the workhorse inside for FACES. He's always on the boards and is the main focus at times for the post offense. Brown usually makes a decent move to the basket or gets to the free throw line.
Gianni Ford Guard (LI Lightning)- Ford was one his game especially when they played Harvest Knights. Gianni who is known for hitting clutch shots knocked down a trey that would have tied the game but the ref ruled he was out of bounds. He’s always a joy to watch.Justin Roberts Guard (Li Lightning)- Roberts was the other shining light for the Lightning. The point guard controlled the tempo and made some good decisions in his teams victories.
