Small School Madness- Top Performers of CCA/Geo Next

Central Christian Academy and Geo Next Generation played a great game Friday night. These young men showed that playing at bigger programs does not determine how great you could be.    I was thoroughly impressed with Ja'Corey's performance Friday evening. He's a combo guard with a great handle of the basketball and play-making ability. This allowed him to be creative enough off the dribble to get to the basket or score from the perimeter. As the primary ball handler for Central Christian Academy, he initiated the offense and made decisive passes to other teammates. Ja'Corey scores the ball from all areas of the basketball court. Whether it's getting to the rim, scoring from mid-range, knocking down threes or converting baskets in transition, Geo Next Generation had no answers for him defensively. Ja'Corey is what I call a “ball-hawk” on defense. He forced numerous turnovers throughout the game. His anticipation skills are some of the best I've seen this season. He excelled at playing the passing lanes or applying on-ball pressure. His defensive presence allowed him to finish the game with six steals. Ja'Corey is a great two-way player who'll become even better as he continues to progress. I expect him to have a monster season during his Senior year at Central Christian Academy.     I was told by his coach, Josiah just came back from injury. Well, I had a hard time recognizing how hurt he really was. This young man played a great all around game Friday night. Josiah is a scorer who happens to be an excellent passer and rebounder. The majority of his assists were always on point. Some were flashy while others were conventional. Offensively, he stayed in constant “attack mode.” Josiah scored the ball in a variety of ways. He easily beat defenders to the basket and scored from the mid-range area of the court. He also showed the ability to extend his range beyond the three-point line. Defensively, he applies great on-ball pressure. His play style forced the Geo Next Generation guards into countless turnovers. He's a hardworking player who does whatever it takes to help his team win. Josiah shows excellent leadership. He has the type of mentality that could lead the Central Christian Academy basketball program to new heights.     After watching Jordan play, I gained an appreciation of his fearless mentality. At only five-foot-nine, Jordan was over-matched inside the paint versus an opponent who stood six-foot -five. Despite the size difference, this young man battled and won on most occasions. I was baffled at the size difference between the two teams. Jordan literally played the power forward position. He attacked the glass and scored baskets in the paint with crafty moves. He was very deceptive with pump-fakes, up and unders and euro-steps. Jordan also showed the capability of knocking down perimeter jump-shots. Whenever Central Christian Academy had an opportunity to score in transition, Jordan proved to be a strong finisher at the rim. He's a great defender who always managed to poke the ball away from the opposition. This led to forced turnovers and countless mistakes. Jordan is an awesome team player who could become even better if he continues to work on his game. He plays with no fear and shows he's capable of defending every position on the basketball court.     Casey had a rough shooting night but made up for it with effective play in other areas of the game. This young man was the hardest working player on the court Friday night. Casey attacked the opposition in every way possible. Whether it was going at his defender off the dribble, battling for rebounds or defending, Casey was a one man wrecking crew! Even though his shots weren't falling, he continued to attack and I appreciated the effort. Eventually, in the second half Casey had more success. He scored on numerous drives that led to three-point play opportunities after being fouled. He also showed the capability of knocking down perimeter shots and scoring baskets in transition. Casey was a rebounding demon! He was always in the paint grabbing every board he could get his hands on. It didn't matter if it was on offense or defense, he was determined to win the rebounding battle at all cost. On defense, he blocked shots, protected the paint, defended on the perimeter and forced a couple of turnovers. Casey is only a Freshman so he has much to improve in the years to come. With growth and maturity, I believe Casey could become elite.     Jose is a scorer, rebounder, play-maker and great overall team player. He's an excellent ball handler and facilitator. Jose always searched for ways to make positive plays for Central Christian Academy teammates. Whether it was breaking down defenders, attacking the paint, dishing of assists or rebounding the basketball, Jose was a serious issue for Geo Next Generation to deal with. Offensively, he attacked the paint and made positive plays by scoring or kicking out passes to other Central Christian Academy players. He's a great shooter from the three-point line. Whenever he was left alone, the majority of his shot attempts went down. He finished the game with three scores from beyond the arc. Jose is a tough hard-nosed defender who didn't mind taking charges or diving for loose balls. He was able to force numerous turnovers with his tenacious play style. Jose is a player who does all the intangibles for Central Christian Academy. I believe he's a valuable asset who's vital to the success of Central Christian Academy. I look forward to seeing how his game progresses next season.     Armonie is that “glue guy” type of teammate who does everything needed to get the job done. When I watched him play Friday night, he excelled at scoring, rebounding and defending. Armonie is a great rebounder who had no problems dominating the glass on both ends of the court. The majority of his points came off hustle plays in the paint. When Geo Next Generation players missed shots, Armonie was there to easily convert them. He set tough screens that often led to high percentage shots for his teammates. On numerous occasions, Armonie scored tough baskets on pick and roll plays. Those plays often led to strong drives at the basket or perimeter jump-shots. Defensively is where he really shined. He's a great low post defender who used his strong base to make scoring difficult for Central Christian Academy players. Armonie is a valuable addition to the Neo Next Generation program. I expect him to be a difference maker for years to come.

Central Christian Academy and Geo Next Generation played a great game Friday night. These young men showed that playing at bigger programs does not determine how great you could be.