Cross Town Rivalry
On 1/24/2018 the Lincoln Abes squared off against cross town rivals Wilson Rams. I say cross town because anybody from this side of the town knows that the Tacoma teams have battled quite a bit throughout the years. These games could go either way. There have been times where Wilson has dominated the Abes especially during the David Jenkins error. The Abes have also dominated the Rams when the Browns brothers were leading the pack. This game was no different. The Abes came out firing on all cylinders and made it hard for the Rams to get into any sets. There full court pressure was at its best and all hands on deck were locked in. Bonds was in full form today. Braggs adds power and explosion in the post. The Rams in spurts looked like they were potentially going to make a run but the whole defense geared towards stopping Mr. Emmitt Matthews Jr. who has been unstoppable all season long.
MVP: Emmitt Matthew Jr (Wilson Rams)
Rams star forward Emmitt Matthews Jr. is a magician on the floor. The University of Connecticut commit is on his way to play big-time basketball next year. In this game fans got a taste of what they will see next season because most anticipate that I will be immediate impact on the floor for the Huskies. Fans got a chance to see some high flying down from this young man who displayed his range as well as this ability to get to the room and finish to a contact. The game got out of hand within the first 10 minutes of the first quarter fans got a chance to see some high flying down from this young man who displayed his range as well as this ability to get to the room and finish through contact.
Defensive MVP: Londrell Hamilton (Wilson Rams)
Rams guard Londrell Hamilton is a physical guard and can really move people out of his way. He has superior upper body strength and has a very quick first step. In this he dominated in the open court. His ability to push the ball and find the seams and driving lanes is far ahead of his years. He is already said to be a D1 recruit. He scored at ease in a game that seemed liked he was able to pick and choose when to go. I was very impressed with his instincts around the basket knowing when to go up strong and when to pass out of the double team.
Best Guard: Lezjon Bonds (Lincoln Abes)
Lezjon Bonds gives the Abes a lot on offense and in this particular game gave them some defensive stops as well. His game has really developed over the years and he has a high motor and confidence that will take him a long way. Standing 6 foot 2 he has some good size for a guard and can defend all 3 guard and wing positions. I would like to see his offensive game take shape and see him stretch the floor more and shoot the 3 ball at a higher clip. In this game most of his points came off rim drives and dives and some open 18 footers. This young man is definitely a D1 caliber player and know there are some programs that are foaming at the mouth when you see the type of intensity he brings to every game.
Best Post Player: Anthony Braggs (Lincoln Abes)
Abes forward Anthony Braggs is a big target in the middle and has branched out and developed some wing like moves to the basket. I think that the next level that will be his natural position if he doesn’t grow anymore. I like his attitude, that is what stand out to me. In this game specifically he was determined to show that he was the more dominant player in the paint. In a game where most of the baskets for Lincoln were in transition he didn’t shy away from running the floor and did that quite well.
Best Facilitator: Londrell Hamilton (Wilson Rams)
Rams guard Londrell Hamilton is a physical guard and can really move people out of his way. He has superior upper body strength and has a very quick first step. In this he dominated in the open court. His ability to push the ball and find the seams and driving lanes is far ahead of his years. He is already said to be a D1 recruit. He scored at ease in a game that seemed liked he was able to pick and choose when to go. I was very impressed with his instincts around the basket knowing when to go up strong and when to pass out of the double team.