Without a shot clock, Anderson, McMullen, Morris and Dotson have been in the gym
Summer break, in between summer league games and AAU tournaments, is very important when it comes to basketball. When the clock isn’t running, when there are no fans in the stands, when there are no refs on the court blowing…
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Continue ReadingSummer break, in between summer league games and AAU tournaments, is very important when it comes to basketball.
When the clock isn’t running, when there are no fans in the stands, when there are no refs on the court blowing their whistles, the gym is close to empty. The only people who should be in the gym are the ones that want to get better in the sport.
The summer is almost over. The AAU season will be coming to a close next month, and the only thing a lot of high school players will be able to do is work on their craft.
That’s the most important thing about the summer, which will let the high school basketball coaches know in November just how well their players have progressed. There’s enough time in the summer to get something right, whether it’s ball handling, outside shooting, footwork, free throw shooting, post moves or understanding simple plays.
I was able to track down four talented prospects about what they have been up to during the summer.
Checkout what some of the top-tier talent in Tennessee and the Mid-South had to say about their time in the gym:
Braxton Morris, Center Hill: A lot of people haven’t been talking about Morris this summer, but the kid can play. At 6-1, he has nice ball handles and solid court vision. He can score at ease, but he’s more of a facilitator. Morris mentioned to me that he’s working on catch-and-shooting and finishing at the rim.
Since the departure of Calvin Temple, Kevin Henry and Kenneth Lewis, many people aren’t sure what to think of Morris as the Mustangs’ floor general. The great thing about Morris is his confidence. He knows he can lead a team. He’s just been waiting for his opportunity.
“I really don’t know, but after what they just saw from the summer, I will have it packed next season,” Morris said to me via Twitter.
Morris gave a tasting of what he’s capable of accomplishing on the basketball court in the Jerry Peters Memphis Summer Classic against Olive Branch. He had 20 points, five rebounds and two assists against the ‘Quistors.
As of right now, Morris is receiving interests from Mississippi Valley State, Mississippi Delta Community College, Northwest Mississippi Community College and Pearl River Community College.
Reese McMullen, Christian Brothers: The 6-2 point guard had a solid outing at the BCAT Top 100 Camp in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. McMullen was already a solid knockdown shooter, but he has put more effort into other areas of his game in order to have a special junior season.
“Mostly creating my own shot,” McMullen said. “Being able to score independently is really big, especially when it’s a necessity for the team to win. So a lot of pull-ups and dribble moves. Also getting up a lot of shots this summer. I’m stronger and more athletic than I’ve ever been, so more drives to the basket and free throws.”
McMullen has been playing with Hoop City 16U over the summer and has held his own on the Adidas circuit. As a right now, schools such as Lipscomb, Holy Cross, Yale, Belmont, Davidson and Liberty have contacted McMullen.
Philip Dotson, Arlington: The 5-11 guard stood out at the BCAT Top 100 Camp, mainly because of his outside shooting. He was one of the best shooters at the camp and could be one of the best shooters in the 2022 class. Dotson averaged 17.5 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals per game last season for the Tigers.
Dotson has used the summer to improve his body.
“I would say that I strived to get stronger and be more of an all-around player,” Dotson said. “Coach Maurice “Moe” Miller has been a great influence on me already. Also, working on my consistency has been important.”
Alex Anderson, Tipton-Rosemark Academy: Anderson became a household name last season for the Rebels during the postseason. Now, he’s preparing to take the next step, which is to lead TRA back to the Division II-A Boys State Championship game.
The 6-6 wing was a force last season at attacking the basket, so he’s been in the gym practicing on his jump shot.
“Everyone knows I can get to the rack, but I know I’m going to have to stop and pull up in transition and get more explosive.”
After the departures of Andrew Anderson, Tysen Banks, Kameron Collier, Jaylin Mansfield, Ryan Knight and Nathan Bradley, the Rebels’ success will depend on how well Anderson performs on a nightly basis, so he hasn’t taken this summer for granted.
“It’s very important for me to keep building my confidence from last year,” he said. “Getting stronger because it’s going to be a lot of bumps I’m going to have to take during tight games. I’m ready for it, it’s really not any pressure.”
Anderson averaged 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.2 steals a game as a sophomore last season. As of right now, he doesn’t have an offer, but is receiving interests from Georgia State, Ole Miss, Coastal Carolina, Temple, Southern Miss, North Alabama, Belmont, IUPUI, George Washington and Louisville.