On this edition of “Brandon’s squads on the rise” we’ll look at a program on the come up based out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
PSB Select- As a whole this entire program has been making noise recently claiming titles in multiple age divisions against some stiff comp. The 16U North squad put on a strong showing two weeks ago at the Phenom Grassroots tip-off Classic. PSB was put in a gauntlet of a division they matched up with the likes of. Team United (SC), VA Kings Elite, and Team Phoenix- Giles, to name a few of the bunch. Coach Will Merrell and his staff have done an excellent job coaching this squad up the bigger the stage the better they play.
Star Watch– Cody Cline fresh off the momentum of a state title is this engine that runs this offense, the young guard is building quite a resume early and has proven he’s definitely a winner on the court.
Cline a 2019 prospect is a mature guard he plays at a Westbrook like pace but does well to stay in control and make smart plays in split seconds. Cline has a polished mid-range game he can pull up from the elbow or utilize a running floater deep in the lane.
Ahmad Baruti and Cole Madeira are two versatile prospects on this unit who can play multiple positions their skills allow Coach Merrell to get creative with situational lineups. Madeira can play both guard spots but at a long 6’3 he’s also effective banging for boards down low. The sophomore is a good shooter and really plays with emotion. Madeira is passionate about the game that’s a trait coaches love to see.
Baruti is a good athlete he uses his thick frame well on both sides of the ball, offensively he’s still developing a reliable jumper at 6’3 the youngster is effective in the paint. Defensively Baruti can guard wing players and post players, he’s strong for his age at this point and can really muscle his peers.
Biggest Strength- (Winning pedigree), no matter who this team matches up with they always find a way to win somehow. These guys go in and get the job done whenever the lights are on they perform. Winning is something that has to be taught but it’s instilled in this group early PSB North plays hard for each other. As a whole PSB controls the pace they force opposing teams to adjust and play at their tempo.
X-Factor– Ben Zirkle takes this team to another level when he plays well the East Lincoln product is a pass first lead guard who’s too unselfish at times. The East Lincoln product has a sweet jumper from deep and a pretty good handle with the rock. Zirkle is the polar opposite of his backcourt mate Cline, he plays at a slower tempo but definitely has a great feel for the game Zirkle rarely turns the ball over.
Looking Ahead– This brand has become entrenched in the upper echelon of travel hoops they have had success in some of the biggest showcases around locally and nationally. Coach Merrell and his 16U group will look to add more W’s to an already impressive resume over the next few months.