Team Spotlight: Harshman Middle School

Harshman is a team full of players who give maximum effort on the basketball court. The team is tough and fearless. They are strongest at the forward position. The small forwards are "glue guys" who do everything in regard to scoring, rebounding, and defending. The guard play will factor in how far the team goes this season.    I enjoyed watching this young man play last night. Chaz is an aggressive combo guard who looks to attack opposing defenders at all times. He's an excellent ball handler who easily beats opponents off the dribble. This led to numerous scores in his one-on-one match-ups. Chaz excelled at getting into the paint and scoring floaters around the basket. Whenever he had the opportunity to knock down threes, he did so with extreme confidence. A number of his scores came in transition with great finishes at the rim. Defensively, he forced multiple turnovers with quick hands and great on-ball pressure. Chaz is a great player with an excellent all around game. With continued growth and maturity, I believe he's capable of becoming an elite player in the future.     In my opinion, Jadon was the best player on the court last night. Whether it was attacking the basket, scoring in the post, grabbing rebounds or defending, Jadon was a serious issue for the William Penn defense. He was great at beating opponents off the dribble and making plays. Jadon scored the ball from all levels of the floor. He was a dominated force on the glass. Most of the rebounds he grabbed offensively, led to positive outcomes for the team. Either he scored around the basket or gave his teammates second chance shot opportunities. Jadon showed the ability to extend his range beyond the three-point line. He knocked down multiple shots throughout the game. On defense, he was everywhere on the court. Jadon defended opposing players on the perimeter, protected the paint, blocked shots and caused numerous turnovers. Jadon is the best all around player on Harshman. I can see this team having a great season with him as the leader.     Tamir showed the capability of being an excellent small forward at the middle school level. He's a hardworking player who does all the “hustle work” for Harshman. Tamir showed the ability to knock down mid-range shots from the perimeter. On numerous occasions, he used his size advantage to score on smaller defenders in the post. Most of his baskets came from grabbing offensive rebounds and cleaning up his teammates' misses. Tamir was great at running the floor and finishing at the basket when the opportunity was available. He's tenacious on the boards and defends at an elite status. Tamir was all over the floor defensively! He blocked shots, forced turnovers and used his physicality to defend the paint. I believe Tamir will play a vital role in the teams' success this season.     Jonas is an excellent shooter! He was the best shooter in last night's game. Whether it was short range, long range or getting to the basket, Jonas found ways of being an effective scorer. He excelled at finding ways to free himself for good looks at the basket. He often used teammate screens or beat defenders off the dribble, to make plays. During the game, I watched him knock down four shots from behind the three-point line. Whenever there were opportunities to score in transition, Jonas did. He almost pulled off a nice spin move in the lane that caused a major reaction in the crowd. On defense, he stayed attached to his opponent and forced multiple turnovers. He's a great shooter who has a valuable asset that allows him to be successful at any level of play. Keep shooting Jonas!!     Shelton is a tough hard-nosed player who is the perfect team guy. He excelled at making all the hustle plays for Harshman. Shelton showed the ability to be a great rebounding and passing guard. Whenever the team needed a timely board, Shelton attacked the paint and grabbed it. If the team needed a score in the paint or from the perimeter, he gave it to them. As I said, this young man was tough!. Defensively, Shelton used his physicality to be a difference maker. He blocked a shot and played great perimeter defense. His defensive pressure forced multiple turnovers of the opposition. Shelton is a great teammate who would excel on any team he plays with. Keep it up Shelton!!

Harshman is a team full of players who give maximum effort on the basketball court. The team is tough and fearless. They are strongest at the forward position. The small forwards are "glue guys" who do everything in regard to scoring, rebounding, and defending. The guard play will factor in how far the team goes this season.