Chris Atkinson (KYDA)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 13U report part 2.
CHRIS ATKINSON – 5’7 GUARD – KYDA
Everything you want in a point guard, Atkinson has the ball on a string, makes the appropriate pass and is learning to dictate the tempo. On a team with plenty of prospects, KYDA should be a force for years to come, and Atkinson will be their catalyst. On a squad with so many weapons and a qualified coaching staff, he’ll learn to play a controlled game and distribute appropriately. Great looking young lead guard.
BRYANT CRAWFORD – 6’0 GUARD – TEAM TAKEOVER
One of the elite scorers at the Basketball Spotlight MDC, Crawford made it look easy. To think he has another year of middle school left is almost ridiculous, as the young man torched the nets from all three levels and is versatile and athletic enough to play any position in the backcourt. For now he looks most comfortable off the ball where he puts his natural scoring ability to use best.
RICKY DEBERRY – 6’1 FORWARD – RICHMOND PHENOM
Versatile and the owner of a mature frame, DeBerry made the most of his athletic game and regularly took advantage of smaller opponents. Capable of attacking from the wing and defending both the post and the perimeter, he’s a huge match-up problem at this level. Continuing to refine his jump shot while keeping his energy level high should help DeBerry excel for years to come.
JABARI GREENWOOD – 6’1 FORWARD – TEAM TAKEOVER
Still only 12 years old, Greenwood’s upside is immense and he is certainly a name that will be recognized in this age division for a long time to come. Possessing good length and athleticism, Greenwood picks his points to attack and contributes for his squad in nearly every category. He has a chance to be a lockdown defender and hopefully he’ll achieve that status sooner than later.
BOBBY MARTIN – 6’6 FORWARD – KYDA
Martin may have well been the best prospect at the Basketball Spotlight MDC. The son of the former Pittsburgh standout by the same name, Jr. gave his best impression of his old man throughout the weekend. A fluid athlete with nice bounce around the rim, Martin has a great set of hands, and is already a capable finisher around the rim. Loved his instincts in transition and his willingness to play both ends of the court despite the fact that touches were hard to come by.
TONY BLACKWELL – 6’0 GUARD – TEAM TAKEOVER
An off-guard with the ability to go on big scoring runs, Blackwell made every play his squad needed him to, and was one of the main reasons Team Takeover was able to capture the crown at the MDC. He’s confident with the ball in his hands and knows how to work off the ball to put himself in a position to score. As he becomes more focused defensively, Blackwell is certainly one to watch because his ceiling appears rather high as a natural shooting guard.
