Varsity Spotlight- Crispus Attucks Tigers

The Tigers are a tough minded team who does whatever's necessary to win games. This historical team continues to be loaded with talented players. I expect this year's version to make a deep run in the State tournament.    Dezhon showed great leadership in Tuesday's game. He did everything in his power to help lead Crispus Attucks to a win. Dezhon is a physical guard who gets to the basket, knocks down mid-range shots and scores in transition when the opportunity's available. He's a great scorer who showed a knack for finishing through contact. This led to multiple three-point play chances from the foul-line. Dezhon calmly stepped up and converted them. He's an excellent ball handler who showed the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. In some instances, Dezhon used a variety of cross-overs and step-backs to knock down multiple threes. I appreciated his mentality to attack the Liberty Christian defense throughout the duration of the game. On defense, he was great at pressuring opposing players into mistakes. Dezhon made a nice defensive play in the game with a chase down block from behind. He's an excellent two-way player who could easily adapt to the college basketball landscape.     The big man showcased all the necessary skills needed to be a difference maker for his team. Markel was excellent at using multiple skills to be effective on the basketball court. Whether it was scoring in the paint, rebounding, setting screens and defending, Markel showed his value to the Crispus Attucks team. He easily dominated smaller defenders in the paint with various moves around the basket. Whenever there were opportunities to knock down perimeter shots, he didn't hesitate to take them. Markel excelled at using his big frame to grab rebounds and set screens that freed up his Attucks teammates for high percentage shots. On defense, he protected the paint and altered shots when opposing players attacked the basket. Markel is a player who is capable of being great with growth and maturity.     This young man took his position as lead guard seriously Tuesday night. Bles'sed is an excellent ball handler and play-maker. He ran the Crispus Attucks offense with smooth precision. Whenever he saw teammates open, he hit them with pin-point passes. The majority of his assists led to positive outcomes for the offense. I feel confident in saying, “ Bles'sed led his team in assists yesterday.” Besides being a play-maker, he also scores. On multiple occasions, Bles'sed beat defenders off the dribble, knocked down jump-shots and scored tough baskets in the paint. He was great at pushing the pace and making things happen. Whenever he led fast-breaks, his team often scored in transition. On defense, he was great at forcing turnovers with great on-ball pressure. Bles'sed is a promising combo guard who I expect to have a great season.     I was impressed with this young man's all around skills on the court. Jamier handles the ball, attacks the paint, scores baskets through contact and plays extremely hard. He has a nice mid-range game that allows him to be a dual threat offensively. In some instances, Jamier easily won his one-on-one match-ups. He used hesitation dribble moves to knock down perimeter jumpers or attack the basket. He also showed the ability to make threes. Jamier converted three of them throughout the duration of the game. On defense, he was great at forcing opposing guards into mistakes and turnovers. His quick hands and anticipation allowed him to be a nuisance to the opposition. Jamier has the capability of being a big-time player at the college level.     Donnell continues to be a big-time scorer! I watched him play last summer during AAU season. He shot the ball with confidence and no hesitation. After watching him play Tuesday night, I saw a player who has a strong belief in his scoring ability. Donnell is great at finding ways to get his shot off. Whether it was running around screens or using dribbling moves to free himself. Donnell found ways to be effective on offense. He's the type of player who catches fire once he sees a couple of shots go down. There was a moment in the game where Attucks needed a boost. Donnell knocked down consecutive threes and attacked the basket. I believe his energy pumped up his teammates. He effectively ended the scoring drought Attucks was on. Donnell is a good looking Freshman with a promising future ahead of him.

The Tigers are a tough minded team who does whatever's necessary to win games. This historical team continues to be loaded with talented players. I expect this year's version to make a deep run in the State tournament.