2025 IYBL: Back to School League- Rising Stars 13U

School is in! Basketball is always a great way of beginning the school year. These middle school players showed how they could be considered Rising Stars.    Ivan showcased his skills for all to see Saturday afternoon. Whether it was playing big in the post, driving to the basket, knocking down perimeter shots or scoring in transition, Ivan was effective from everywhere on the court. Whenever he grabbed offensive rebounds, Ivan immediately shot them around the basket. This led to many of his scores. Everything he did was off sheer hustle and determination. When he had opposing players in one-on-one situations, Ivan beat them off the dribble and effectively attacked the rim. I appreciated the energy he showed throughout the game. Ivan played like a person who was determined to win at all cost. He's an excellent player who I expect to have a big season in middle school basketball.     In my opinion, this young man was Frankton 8th's best shooter. Bennett knocked down four threes and a host of perimeter jumpers during Saturday's game. He effortlessly found ways to free himself for clean looks at the basket. His teammates played a big part in successfully getting him open shots. They set screens and ran plays that allowed him to be effective. Bennett is an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor. Many of his offensive boards led to second chance shot opportunities for his Frankton 8th teammates. He's a great passer who showed the ability to make plays. This young man is a sniper! When he's left alone, more than likely the shot's going down. Keep shooting Bennett!     This is my second write up of Antwan. The first time I watched him play was during last year's middle school basketball season. At that time, he was a scorer and defender. Well, that's still the same but at a much higher level. Antwan has become taller and stronger. He plays with an aggressive mentality to score the ball. Especially when he has a mis-match offensively. Antwan was great at attacking the basket and scoring through contact. He capitalized on multiple three-point play opportunities from the foul-line. Antwan did everything a leader should do on the basketball court. He rebounded, attacked the opposition and defended at a high level. The on-ball pressure he applied caused multiple turnovers and forced Frankton 8th players into mistakes. Antwan finished the game as the team's leading scorer with thirty-two points. I expect big things from this young man in the near future.     Levi dominated inside the paint. Especially against smaller defenders attempting to guard him. He was a man among boys Saturday afternoon. On numerous occasions, Levi attacked the basket and scored through contact. Those scores led to three-point play opportunities from the foul-line. Levi calmly stepped up and knocked them down. He's a great rebounder who attacked the boards on both ends of the court. His defensive rebounds led to outlet passes his teammates caught and scored in transition. The rebounds he grabbed offensively, allowed him to score or give others second chance shot attempts. Defensively, he protected the paint by blocking shots and making scoring a difficult task for the opposition. Levi is an excellent young player who has a bright future ahead of him. Keep it up Levi!!     Carter is what I call a “glue guy.” He showed a knack for being effective all over the court. Whether it was scoring, initiating the offense, grabbing rebounds, assisting teammates or defending, Carter always found ways of making a difference. He was great at handling the ball and making plays for his teammates. Most of his assists led to easy scores for other New Castle 8th players. There were countless times where he grabbed rebounds, pushed the pace up-court and scored in transition. Defensively, Carter was feisty. He stalked his opponents and forced them into turnovers. Most of the steals Carter generated led to positive plays for New Castle 8th. This young man is a great team player who does whatever it takes to win games.     Cooper is an excellent ball handler who excelled at creating his own shot. He easily drove past defenders, attacked the paint and dished off assists to his teammates. Cooper showed off his skills as a shooter. In isolated match-ups, he used great dribble moves to free himself for mid-range jumpers. There were a few instances in the game when Cooper brought the ball up-court, stopped at the three-point line and knocked them down. This mentality showed his prowess as a threat from the three-point line. Cooper will continue to grow as an all around player. He already has the ability to be a scorer and play-maker. Just imagine how good he will become as his game continues to progress. Keep it up Cooper!!

School is in! Basketball is always a great way of beginning the school year. These middle school players showed how they could be considered Rising Stars.