Geo Next Generation Eagles- Top Performers

Geo Next Generation showed grit and determination by earning their first victory of the season. The team's accomplishment stood out because they defeated a high school squad. Not bad for a team consisting of mostly eight graders.    I was thoroughly impressed by his performance in Friday night's match-up against Central Christian Academy. This is my second write up of Saint. I watched him play for the first time during AAU season last year. At the time he showed great point guard skills and leadership. I definitely noticed his growth as a player compared to last season. He continues to be a great facilitator and play-maker. Saint had no problems finding his teammates in scoring positions. Offensively, he's become a hardworking player who knocks down threes, attacks the basket, rebounds and defends. Saint was the most talented guard I watched Friday evening. There were instances in the game where he took advantage of defenders in isolated situations. Saint used his quickness to beat Central Christian Academy players to the basket for easy lay-ups. He also showed the ability to finish in the paint with floaters. Whenever there was an opportunity to knock down threes, he did with no hesitation. On defense, he forced numerous turnovers with excellent on-ball defense. Saint is a great point guard with a big-time scorer's mentality.     The first thing I noticed about Brandon's game was his shooting ability. He immediately came out firing once the game began Friday evening. Brandon was great at finding ways to free himself for clean looks at the basket. His teammates were excellent at setting the screens he needed to make high percentage shots. Brandon also showed the ability to create his own shot off the dribble with step-backs or hesitation moves. These skills allowed him to either attack the paint or knock down perimeter jump-shots. In the match-up against Central Christian Academy, Brandon showed unlimited range by knocking down seven three-pointers. If the game went to overtime, I believe he finishes the game with ten or more. He's a good passer who can make plays when he's double teamed. The majority of his assists came by finding his teammates open in scoring positions. After watching Brandon play, I believe he's the type of player who could catch fire and knock down countless threes in a game. It's just a matter of him seeing that first shot drop. Keep shooting Brandon!!     Deonta is an excellent combo guard who shows the potential of being effective at either spot. He's a good ball handler who's capable of breaking down opposing defenders and making plays. In some instances, Deonta drove by Central Christian Academy players and dished off assists in the paint. The majority of his passes resulted in easy scores for his teammates. Other occasions, saw him attacking the paint and scoring floaters around the basket. Whenever he was left alone behind the three-point line, Deonta showed great touch by knocking them down. When Geo Next Generation had transition opportunities, Deonta always finished strong at the rim. He definitely has the mind-set to be a scorer or facilitator. On defense, he was great on the ball. I watched him force opposing guards into a number of mistakes which led to turnovers. Deonta is a talented player who could become even greater with growth and maturity.     Damaree is an athletic big man who plays with a physical mentality. After watching him play, I viewed Damaree as the team's "glue guy." He showed a knack for making all the hustle plays for Geo Next Generation. Damaree's an excellent rebounder who dominated the glass on both ends of the court. A majority of his baskets were scored through sheer determination. He's the type of player who does whatever it takes to get the job done. I gained an true appreciation for the effort Damaree showed when he fought for every board, deflection and loose ball that came his way. If there was an "All Effort"` team, Damaree would be the team's standout. A number of his baskets were tough and hard fought. He dealt with physical contact from Central Christian Academy players. Damaree welcomed the challenge and occasionally scored in the paint through contact. This led to numerous three-point play opportunities from the foul-line. Defensively, he was everywhere on the basketball court. Demaree excelled at protecting the paint as a shot-blocker. In some instances, he defended smaller players on the perimeter. Demaree is a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him.

Geo Next Generation showed grit and determination by earning their first victory of the season. The team's accomplishment stood out because they defeated a high school squad. Not bad for a team consisting of mostly eight graders.