By: Coach Gerroid Doughty
So, this is it. The last one. The last Hurrrah. The Finale. Phenom Summer Finale. As always it is my pleasure to come out and watch youth basketball. This just like any other tournament to me is going to be fun. But It’s been a day of one-sided victories so far here on Court 2 at Ben E. Smith High School. But the good thing about that is it shows how resilient a team or players are. No one threw in the towel. Every team fought to the final horn sounded. Win or lose it doesn’t matter to me. I just want to see who’s got heart. Who’s going to stand tall even when their team is down'
I looking to see who has their head down. Who blows up at their teammates' Who blows off the coach' On the opposite side, I’m looking to see who are gracious winners' Who is laughing and making fun of the losing team' Sportsmanship is key. Also, the understanding that one day it could be you and your team in the same position. With all that being said. These are my Dominate Guys. Players who controlled the game for their team in one way or another.
Marcus Galbreath – Team Thunder
this guy has tremendous upside. He’s a leaper and has a wide wingspan. He might get to 6’9”. Already a hand full he’s gonna be a lot to handle for opposing teams. But his court presence changed a lot of shots & he dominated on the glass w/ hustle. He has a good disposition while on the court. Very coachable from what I’ve seen. He had some good footwork around the basket but has the quickness to stay on the wing. I see an outstanding future for this guy.
2024 6’2” Decan Johnson Team Hickory
He did it all in today. This kid is a big-time gamer He can rebound. He can score. He can pass. He ran the floor & played great on the ball Defense. Decan stepped out beyond the arc and hit a three that snapped the net Like breaking a wooden twig. He threw in a couple of blocked shots for good measure. Get to know him. His game is on the rise.
2022 5’8” Marc Raye Jr Team Winston 15u
28 points, was so smooth and unforced that I thought he had 18. He set up his teammates the shot the ball when he had to. Never out of character. Marc was in control from beginning to end. I like his composure. He handles the rock with skill full or halfcourt. He was 50 percent from 3! Team Winston has a GEM in the Gym.
This has been an exciting Summer of youth basketball. It has been fun and entertaining. Looking forward to tomorrow’s games. Good times Good times. These players stood out over everyone because they chose to bring their heart and not just their body the game. Keep them on your radar.