MA Double-Double Threats

Photo: Jason Snow The Carver Reporter

Bash Hudson

February 20, 2021 @ 09:00 AM

Many players in the region can stuff the stat sheet with ease. Athletes who can continuously flirt with double digits in multiple statistical categories not only speak to their physical gifts but their effort, mental toughness, and conditioning. Owen Kibbe - Carver High - 6’3’’ - PF/SF/C - 2021 The South Shore League (SSL) All-Star put his talent on full display during the SSL Tournament, leading an 8th seed Carver team to the league semi-finals. Opposing teams had a difficult time containing the 6’3’’ forward, and his 18 point,18 rebound performance vs. Norwell was an example of his dominance this season. Kibbe is a forward who can get you a double-double in his sleep. He is unstoppable when he gets the ball in the paint and can go to various post moves when his back is to the basket. Not just an inside threat, Kibbe has the confidence to get the ball on the wing, rip through, and explode to the rim, using his elite strength to muscle his way to the hoop. An exceptional rebounder, Kibbe always gets good position inside, and the opposition struggles to push him out the paint leading to the Carver senior cleaning up the boards. [player_tooltip player_id="1081877" first="Holden" last="Symonds"] - Governor’s Academy/Middlesex Magic - 6’7’’ - SF/PF - 2023 Powerful and agile are two of the many adjectives used when Symonds drives the lane. As a sophomore, the 6’7’’ combo forward is built like an ox and eludes defenders when penetrating like a point guard. Capable of finishing with either hand effortlessly, Symonds is the definition of automatic when he gets around the basket. A superior athlete who is an unselfish and willing passer can get double-digit assists with the way he sees the floor. Symonds is a tremendous all-around player who can score at all three levels efficiently. What is frightening for the opposition is that Symonds is still growing and developing multiple facets of his game, and his potential is through the roof. Jose Padilla - Newton North High/Bay State Jaguars - 5’11’’ - PG/SG - 2023 A tremendous rebounder for his position and size, Padilla prides himself on sneaking in and snatching defensive boards to ignite the fastbreak. He plays with poise and control when in transition, scanning the court, looking to make the right decision for his team. Padilla’s change of pace in the open court keeps the defense off-balance, and he glides to the basket for dazzling finishes. The sophomore combo guard has the awareness to know that he is not the fastest or most athletic player on the court; hence, Padilla uses craftiness and innovation to punish defenses in the scoring column. His ability to move without the ball, run off screens hard, and be a consistent threat from the outside adds another element to his game and makes him a multi-dimensional athlete. [player_tooltip player_id="1081839" first="Brady" last="Cummins"] - Brooks School/Middlesex Magic - 6’6’’ - SF/SG - 2022 Cummins is an athletic combo wing who is a locomotive in the open court. When he comes at the defense full speed, he can go to countless moves in his arsenal, including pull-up jumpers from the free-throw line extended. Cummins can take his man off the dribble with his tight handle and use his top-end leaping ability to create showstopping highlights. The 6’6’’ guard has the offensive tools to get whatever shot he wants in the halfcourt and has a confident jump shot that he can effortlessly hit over the defense’s shot contest. A vigorous athlete, Cummins’ combination of aggression, size, and vertical leap makes him a threat to pull down 10 rebounds on a nightly basis. His maximum effort and intensity level make Cummins not only a double-double threat but one of the most fun players to watch on the hardwood. [player_tooltip player_id="1081875" first="Flynt" last="Whitworth"] - Tabor Academy/Middlesex Magic - 6’3’’ - PG - 2023 Whitworth is one of the most electric three-level scorers. His quick first step and ability to either go to the basket or stop short and convert a mid-range pull-up or floater makes him lethal in the halfcourt. One on one, there are not many defenders who can stay in front of him. His crossover is too quick; he keeps the ball on a string, and Whitworth has the killer mentality that you love to see out of any potent scorer. The sophomore is such a threat to get in the paint off his elite isolation package that teams sag off, fearful of an athletic Whitworth blow-by. That defensive strategy leads to the 6’3’’ floor general showing off his unlimited range and burying three-pointers. A great playmaker as well, Whitworth draws the defense and does an excellent job locating shooters on the outside or dumping the ball down to his forwards when the second line of defenders commit to him.