Team Final Wins Thriller!
The game of weekend came down to the wire as Team Final defeated Team Nelson 61-60 to win the Mid Atlantic 7th Grade AAU Regional Championship. Congrats to both teams for making it to the finals.
Top Performers
Fahmir Ali Guard (Team Final)- What a weekend for this kid. He truly has made the transition to the point guard position. In the finals he controlled the tempo for the most part while using nifty moves including a hesitation dribble to negate the quicker defenders. Ali didn’t settle for the jump shot but instead got into the lane and used the floater. His court vision was outstanding because he actually enjoys watching teammates score. The Team Nelson guards tried throwing different looks but they couldn't rattle him or speed him up. He only got in trouble when he drove to deep in the lane and tried to finish over TN’s long/athletic front line. He looked like a young John Bagley.
Shawn Johnson Guard (Team Final)- Johnson once again proved to me too much for the opposition. He punished and carried defenders to the cup while finishing. He’s difficult to press because he can dribble through or see over top of the defense. One of his best weapons is his ability to rebound and start the fast break himself by pushing the rock. He’s a real match-up problem on this level.
Amin Dandridge Forward (Team Final)- Dandridge is a player that doesn’t have to have the ball to impact the game. He used his speed and leaping ability to battle on the boards and play great defense. He has quickness along the baseline that allows him to contribute buckets. I like his unselfish play and the way he sacrifices for the team.
Tariq Ingraham Forward (Team Nelson)- The gentle giant is most effective when he gets deep low post position. Then he can use one move to score and use his touch off the glass. When he's rolling he's very difficult to stop. If he gets the rock too far from the rim it’s difficult because he hasn’t learned how to put on the floor or clear out space by backing the defender down. The good part is with Team Nelson and they are known for developing players.
Jamil Riggins Forward (Team Nelson)- This new addition plays a Stacy Augmon type of game. He slashes through the lane and tries to finish high above the rim. In the finals he sparked Team Nelson by finishing off plays (16 points) and grabbing numerous rebounds. He one of the quickest leapers I saw this weekend. Once his skill set catches up with his explosiveness and athleticism it could get ugly for opponents.
Donta Scott Forward (Team Nelson)- Scott now has extended his game further on the perimeter. He looks very comfortable shooting the trey ball. When he attacks off the dribble he could a little out of control but you learn to deal with it because his potential is evident. If this kid continues to grow and develop it could be scary when the game slows down for him. At quick glance he might be a Top 5 Mid- Atlantic region prospect regardless of class.
Titus Beard Guard (MJ Mavericks)- Beard impressed us against Team Nelson in the semi-finals. He showed poise while playing both guard positions and caught a string of scoring. His size and handle allows him to get a clean look from the 3 point area and when scoring in traffic. I like his poise and the confidence he’s showed against some of the best guards in the region.
Dominic Wright Guard (MJ Mavericks)- Wright is a fresh face for the Mavericks and made his presence felt. He’s play maker with that size that can nail the three-ball also. During their early lead over Team Nelson it was Wright putting pressure on the defense and dribbling through the pressure. This was a great pickup for the Mavs.
