Playoff Standouts: Mamba Mentality!

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“Mamba mentality is all about focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most; It’s the ultimate mantra for the competitive spirit.” — Kobe Bryant.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">There was no other place that Kobe showed the world the “Mamba Mentality,” and that was the playoffs.</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">Here are some players that I felt exemplified this Mentality!</span></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="886982" first="Bo" last="Barber"], 5’10 Guard, Mountain Brook C/O 2021: <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Barber has shown tremendous leadership on the court all season. In the playoffs, he’s turned his game up to another level. His mamba mentality has led his team back to the state Championship! Barber is a player that plays with all heart; his basketball IQ is off the charts. He has a great jump shot and will not hesitate to pull up for the three. He doesn’t rush the offense; he takes his time to find the best opportunity for him or his teammates to score. He embodies the term “aggressive defense,” put in place by the staff of Mountain Brook. Barber has his eyes locked in on that ring; I know he will play his heart out for this one!</span></p> <p>Kolby Horace, 6’1 SG/PG, Spanish Fort C/O 2022: <span class="s1">Kolby has had an incredible playoff run. </span><span class="s1">He’s put up some big buckets during the postseason, dropping 20pts in the semis. His fast crossover makes him unstoppable attacking the rim. He is a player that’s going to go right at the defender. He played with great patience and allowed the game to flow his way. Kolby has led his team to a state where they will take on the highly defensive Mountain Brook Spartans. This game will surely be a battle for Horace, but I’m sure he’s up for the challenge.</span></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="725165" first="Hunter" last="Ivy"], 6’3 PG/SG, Fairhope C/O 2022: <span class="s1">Ivy was one of my impactful players to Watch during the playoffs. I must thank Ivy for proving me right because he showed what having that mamba mentality truly means. During his game against Auburn, he showed everyone just how clutch he is, sending his team into double overtime. He has proven time and time again why he is an offensive juggernaut! Even though his team fell short in the last 8 seconds of the game, Ivy played some of his best basketball when it mattered the most. With the way he played, I’m sure he’s coming harder than ever next season!</span></p> <p>B.J. Harris, 5’9 Guard, Scottsboro C/O 2021: <span class="s1">B.J. is as explosive as they come, very quick with the ball, and has slick handles. He has a quick first step that is impossible to cut off; this kid is an absolute slasher PG. His mentality is to win, and he does whatever he can to secure it. B.J. plays in your face aggressive defense. I have witnessed him force numerous turnovers and bad shots. He is truly a pest on the defensive end. Though his team took a tough loss that ended his playoff run, he showed everyone why he embodies the Mamba Mentality!</span></p> <p>Evan Smith, 5’11 PG, Oak Mountain C/O 2022: <span class="s1">I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Smith’s game during the playoffs, and I was not disappointed. He plays with a lot of fire, and you can tell he loves the game. He attacks the rim with speed and the ability to finish with contact. He makes the right decisions with his passes and always looking for the best opportunity to score. Smith’s leadership and ability to run the team’s offense have granted them a deep run into the playoffs. </span></p>