Brad Hawkins (South County Elite)By Sam Parker (Spotlight South)
Basketball Spotlight has added another writer for the Southern USA. He was present for the Basketball Spotlight MDC and here’s his 12U report.
BRAD HAWKINS – 5’9 GUARD – SOUTH COUNTY ELITE
An aggressive wing talent that is most comfortable off the ball, Hawkins plays with great energy and constantly looks to take advantage on the offensive end of the court. He has the potential to be a prolific defender as his awareness for the game grows. We heard that he is just coming back from an injury, and if that’s the case, the young man is shaking off the rust quickly.
AKO ADAMS – 5’7 GUARD – D.C. ASSAULT (GORHAM)
The talented lead guard looks like he has plenty of growing to do and displayed one of the best basketball IQs we witnessed all weekend. An able ball-handler who controlled the tempo for his squad, Adams converted some tough finishes at the rim and found consistency with his jumper to the stripe. His ultimate development will be based on his ability to continue to develop as a vocal leader for his team and emerge as a consistent shooting threat from deep.
JAMAL ALLEN – 5’9 GUARD – M.A.B.C.
One of the better backcourt athletes to be featured at the Basketball Spotlight Memorial Day Classic, Allen prefers the up-tempo setting and likes to get out in transition and punish opponents with his explosiveness in the open court. The lefty was a streaky shooter but really got going when he was successful attacking the basket. Couldn’t help but to like his energy and motor on the floor.
REGGIE GARDNER – 5’10 FORWARD – D.C. ASSAULT (CLARK)
Talented swingman may be the face of the D.C. Assault program moving forward if he continues to grow and develop his physical gifts. A calming presence for his squad, Gardner plays with the poise of a veteran, and his presence on the hardwood is remarkable. He picks his spots to attack and has an extremely efficient game for a young prospect.
KEITH WASHINGTON – 5’7 GUARD – TEAM BATTLE
Perhaps a bit less heralded than some of his teammates on a loaded squad, Washington is an enormous talent in his own right, and deserves praise for his consistent play at the Basketball Spotlight MDC. On any other team he would be a star but on Team Battle, he has to do the little things to get noticed, and Washington embraces that role. Truly a team guy that will be getting ink well into his high school career.
