MSE Challenge: Young ballers showcase skills in Father’s Day event
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
RALEIGH, NC – The hot days of summer is just around the corner. This also means it is time for basketball players to step their game up.
Twenty states were represented in the Middle School Elite Father’s Day Challenge in Raleigh, North Carolina. Middle School age players came from California, Florida and New York looking to play against their peers.
There was some quality talent in the gym. Players showed their schools and ability to score the ball at will.
Some drove to the basket with ease, while others knocked down shots. Overall, the first day of the MSE Challenge had some names that stood out.
Ramel Lloyd Jr is a point guard from California with a New York City flare. The floor general is long fifth-grader with skills. He sees the floor and drops off passes to open teammates. His development is one to monitor considering his family name.
East Coast basketball fans should be familiar with the last name. The youngsters father, Ramel “Rock” Lloyd, is from the Bronx, New York who played at both Syracuse and Long Beach State. The younger Lloyd plays a lot like the elder and shows excellent poise at such a young age.
A shooting guard with some flare is Jakhary Towns. The fourth-grader, from Michigan, knows how to shoot the skin off the basketball. Yeah, these are high praises for this youngster. However, on several trips down the court, Towns knocked down three-pointers and mid-range jumpers with ease. He also is a high-energy defender. A player who can knock down jumpers and play defense will always have a spot on a team.
If there is a player that lives up to the name given him has to be this Virginia native who has the most unique name – Brooklyn Vick. He has the swag of a baller from the New York borough and speed of the NFL quarterback. Vick, a third-grader, shifts and changes speed every chance he can get. Also, despite sometimes being the smallest player on the floor, he knows how to attack the rim. His court vision and unselfish play – aside from speed – may be the most impressive thing about this baller.
Virginia has some players in the coming future. The upcoming prospect to watch is a scrappy guy like Jackson Crawford. This fourth-grade shooting guard just plays hard on both ends of the floor. He plays with a style that catches anyone’s eye.
About the Author
Alfonso
Robert Alfonso Jr. is a graduate of Mount Sait Mary College. He has more than 20 years of journalism experience. Alfonso has helped build a basketball web brand in Georgia and has covered high school through college sports for publications in New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. His mission has always been to uplift the athletes who play sports providing them the exposure needed in this new media platform.