Sunday, September 21, 2008

Gym Rat Midnight Madness Recap: Middle School Elite Game

MVP's Austin Colbert and Sha Sha Matthews

MVP Austin Colbert scored 15 points and Dwayne Foreman added 13 markers as the Red team stormed past the White team 70-39 in the Middle School Elite Game of the Gym Rat Midnight Madness. Sha Sha Mathews led the White team with 13 points in the loss and was rewarded MVP.

Top Performers

(Red Team)

Austin Colbert Forward (Chesapeake, VA)- He’s 6’8 and he has the goods. The youngster knows how to establish position and is eager to get his hands on the pill. He has some polished post moves and even uses his off hand on finishes. Some people that the true center is out of basketball but in a few years Colbert might have them singing a different tune.

Dwayne Foreman Guard (Spring Valley, NY)- The lefty had his moments and used them wisely. He showed the ability to finish which is his forte and even showed some range knocking down a NBA length 3-ball. I liked the energy he brought in the 2nd Half and he seemed to be enjoying himself on the floor. It should be an interesting year for Foreman.

Amir Middred Forward (Camden, NJ)- Sometimes a player doesn’t have to light up the scoreboard for you to see his skills and today that player was Middred. Amir has a Billy Owens type of game meaning he has a sure fire forward’s body but handles the pill like a guard. Amir also lends a hand on the glass and is able to start a fast break himself. I see something special in this player.

Sheppard Gardner Guard (Chester, PA)- The 7th Grade used the 2nd half to remind people of his skill set. Gardner caught fire from the perimeter, scored in the open floor and punished defenders in traffic. After using the first half to get used to the games pace, Sheppard confidence soared in the second stanza. He proved he belonged and more.

Aaron McGlawn Guard (Philadelphia, PA)- I was very impressed with the way this point guard pushed the rock and put pressure on the defense. He’s equally effective dribbling with either hand and has added a nice floater to the arsenal. He beat several defenders off the bounce and stayed in attack mode the entire contest.

Devon Bell Guard (Voorhees, NJ)- Bell is a southpaw combo guard that likes to initiate contact when going to the basket. He drives well from the wing and does have some decent touch on his outside shot. Bell also digs in on defense and will occasionally hit the boards to support his team.

Yusef Yacob Guard (Chester, PA)- Yacob has a very slim build but loves to throw his body into shot blockers when scoring in the lane. He has a deceptive handle but the quickness to get to the cup. He also looks like he has a few more inches to add to his frame.

(White Team)

Sha Sha Matthews Guard (Sydney, VA)- Matthews won MVP honors for the White Team after playing like a true showman during the game. The Virginia point guard has tremendous poise and knows how to dip in and out of traffic while handling the pill. Sha Sha is a pass first point guard and seems to enjoy the role.


Austin Tilghman Guard (Wilmington, DE)- Tilghman played with tremendous toughness for his team. The physical guard hit the boards hard and tried everything he could to get his squad going. If his teammates would have match his intensity the outcome would have been a little closer.

Miles Overton Guard (Chester, PA)- The son of the former NBA player Doug Overton has some versatility to his game. I like his size for the wing on this level and how he gets rid of defenders with dribble moves. Overton also has the ability to create his own shot which is important on any level.

Ryan Bland Forward (Sicklerville, NJ)- The wide body is light on his feet and has very soft touch near the tin. He matched up with Alston Colbert which would have been a tough duty for anyone. Bland held his ground and made his presence felt. I see good things for him in the future.

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