We have reached the halfway mark of the Road To The Grand Finale. Here's our report for the 7th Grade presented by Mr. Spotlight.
Team To Beat: Team IZOD
The “Supreme Team” took its first loss recently but we still feel they are the team to beat in the long run. Now they need to refocus and get ready for the AC Showcase. This will be their true test with national powers DC Assault and We All Can Go All Stars in the building.
Surprise Team: Playtime Panthers
The Panthers have a MLK Classic championship, a final four appearance at the Tip Off Classic and a runner up finish at the MIT. The Green and Black seem capable of knocking off anyone and a lot of the credit has to go to their improved backcourt including POY Candidate Mikey Watkins.
MIA Squad: DC Assault
All the speculation will come to an end when the National Champs arrive for the AC Showcase. I know I’m anxious to see them rock and so are a lot of others.
POY Leading Candidate: Danillo Djuricic (CIA Bounce)
Djuricic jumped into the driver’s seat after leading his team to a final four appearance at the Tip Off Classic and the Clash For The Cup championship. The versatile forward has been a dominant force on the Spotlight circuit but don’t count out Mikey Watkins of Playtime, Javon Quinerly of Team IZOD or Brandon Slater from Metro Sixers.
Surprise Player: Mikey Watkins (Playtime) Watkins improvements in his game have made him a viable POY candidate. He has led Playtime to a MLK Championship and a final four appearance at the Tip Off Classic. If he keeps up the pace Playtime could win the Grand Finale crown and he could take home the POY trophy.
Coach Of The Year Leading Candidate: Zegary Scott (Playtime Panthers) Coach Scott has got his boys to play at a higher level and I think this is just the beginning. They seem hungry and ready to attack any opposition put in front of them. Hopefully they can get this momentum in the second half of the circuit.
