Blacktop Scrimmage #3

Tink Butler September 1, 2020 @ 11:10 PM

Blacktop Scrimmage Part #3

In the third phase of the Blacktop Scrimmage James Nichols (The I.H.) introduced us to some new faces. The weather this time was a perfect sunny and 75 with a slight breeze. The kids practiced social distancing except when playing defense and the talent level increased from the previous two events. The Blacktop Scrimmage series seems like it will be running every two to three weeks or so until the weather says stop and James promises 5 on 5 scrimmages for the next session. This time we got some 1 on 1, 2 on 2 and for the first time some 3 on 3 action. The guards had guards to match up against as did the wings and yes, the 6’3"s matched up against 6’3"s. As for Prep Girls Hoops, I was onside with my popcorn and camera while serving up a live stream for the grown folks and college coaches to watch at home. Yes, there were several confirmed college coaches viewing the session and yes, it was all free. Delaney Thomas Delaney Thomas 6'2" | C St. John's College | 2023 State MD - 6’3" - 2023 - St. John’s College HS

This was Delaney’s first appearance tot he Blacktop Scrimmage and boy did she make an impression. Her athleticism and timing on shot blocking was already at a college level. She was a terrific finisher and showed the ability to knock down shots from various distances, even from beyond the arc. She was a joy to watch as she dominated inside against the guards. Her head to head matches against against 6’3" and 6’1" Nia Ford, was worth more than the price of admission to any event. Alana Tate - 5’7" - 2023 - Urbana

Alana participated in the last two events but, this was by far her best showing of the three. She got her confidence going showing of her trick dribbles and her range from beyond the arc. She is really good at hanging in the air and staying in control on her finishes , something that’s not seen much in girls basketball. Her ability to elevate and her hangtime afterwards allows her to get off her shot in the lane even when giving up several inches to her defender. She’s on track to be one of the nation’s top players by time of graduation. Nia Ford - 6’1" - 2021 - Frederick Douglas

Nia is one of the better players around and top three in the DMV regardless of class. Very underrated as many (not even I) have seen her high school team, Frederick Douglas, play. You truly appreciate the talent once you see her live and realize her "stats don’t lie". She has a nice perimeter game with a very low and quick crossover move that she can execute at any point in her dribble. She is an excellent finisher at the rim even after contact. Amari McKnight - 5’9" - 2021 - National Christian Academy

Amari was the strongest player on the court. She is physical and can literally drive through players when attacking the basket. She is surprisingly quick and agile, and has a good shot out to the three. She has a subtle dip in her shoulder to create space before she pulls up that is tough to counter as the defender ends up slightly displaced. She is definitely a player that must be seen in action to truly appreciate and a player capable of playing both inside and out. Mitchell Edmund - 5’10" - 2023 - St. John’s College HS

Mitchell was another newcomer to the Blacktop Scrimmage. She is very athletic with a wiry frame. She looks to attack the basket and has a nice first step. She’s a quick learner as we saw that as the day went on, she steadily applied what she picked up in the instructional portion of the session to games. Defensively Mitchell was able to guard anyone on the court. Mia Smith Mia Smith 5'9" | SF Clarksburg | 2022 State MD - 5’11" - 2022 - Clarksburg

Mia had some slick finishes that throws defenders off. She is a master of the pump fake before shooting and when combined with her spin move she can get her shot off anytime she wants. She is long, which helps with shot blocking. She is a solid wing that can produce in the paint offensively. Daria Douglas Daria Douglas 6'3" | SF National Christian A | 2020 State MD - 6’3" - 2021 - Putman Science Academy

Daria was back at the Blacktop Scrimmage and created havoc with everyone that she faced. She was able to drive off the bounce and catch and shoot the mid range jumper. She is a great shot blocker that holds her position well and is able to block many shots without jumping. She has a soft touch and her shot needs to be respected anytime she is in range. There was a great matchup between her and as both player ended the session with mutual respect. Players looking to participate in future events should contact James Nichols.