CP3 National Middle School Combine: Part II
By Robert Alfonso Jr.
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – A CP3 National Middle School Combine is one that brings together players from all over the country. This addition of the annual camp did not disappoint.
There were 37 different states represented. Each player who attended made sure to hold their state down with their effort and skills.
Some of the best players turned out to be the floor generals. Here are some of the players who showed their leadership and poise at handling the position.
Making a point
2023 JR Reid (Westbury, NY) brought the grit and swag from the Big Apple. This 5-foot-7 floor general is all business on the floor. He slices through tight spaces with lightening quick speed. Once in the open floor opponents are left off balance guessing what his next move could be. It can either a run to the rim for a layup, a pull-up jumper or a precise pass to an open teammate. Reid’s name will one day be added along side the list of point guards from the Empire State.
2023 Kylan Boswell (Champaign-Urbana, IL) may have shown the most poise of all the guards throughout the combine. There were moments he was the one setting things back up, which is not usually the norm at many camps. He also knocked down midrange jumpers with consistency.
2023 Curtis Givens Jr. (Memphis, TN) could be the next guard along the same lines of some current NBA players Steph Curry and Trae Young. Givens handles the ball as if it was on a string. He can also shoots it beyond the high school three-pointer with ease. His game is smoother than a velvet rope. He will hit a growth sport as a player and person.
2023 Dominique Wyatt (Newark, DE) is a heady competitor on the floor. He showed the ability to run the team. He also was not afraid to is it up on either end of the court.
2023 William Bland (Virginia Beach, VA) is an excellent finisher at this age. He was able to cut through traffic and through taller players to finish with either hand.
2023 Gavin Grubbs (Cadiz, KY) was one of the most selfless players during the combine. He was always looking to push the ball to an open teammate. His energy was contagious where he always found himself in the correct space. He has a high-motor on both ends of the floor. The Bluegrass prospect will make sure to create opportunities.
2023 Jaylen Jones (Nashville, TN) is an in your face old school on ball defender. No matter where his opponent attempted to turn, he was there to force them into something else. These are rare traits to find with younger player today.
2023 Malachi Brown (Buford, GA) knows how to play the game. Period. The young floor generals court vision is superb. He anticipates where to place the pass where his teammate is the only person capable of getting the basketball. His ability to read defenders also allows him the opportunity to use angles more efficiently. Defensively, he is also an attention to detail person. He defends both on the ball and on the help side comfortably. An attribute that could be overlooked is his ability to rebound for a player in his position.
2024 Cameron Marcadel (Orange County, CA) is an impressive young man for his size. He plays with plenty of energy and control. His motor is revved up on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he fearlessly attacks the rim with the ability to finish with either hand through contact. Considered the top point guard in California, he is capable of extending the floor with his three-point shooting. Defensively, he is a solid defender.
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.