Prospect Spotlight: Michael Brown (2018)
Through ups and downs and changes throughout a high school career, a natural born leader will always find a way to put his team in the best possible chance to win basketball games. After falling just short in the state semifinals last year, John Handley point guard Michael Brown didn’t get discouraged, he simply continued to work and lead by example over the summer and into his senior year.
“I have to be a better leader so we can make it back to where we were last year. I just have to do what I have to do, and hopefully we can win,” he said.
Brown isn’t the loudest, “rah-rah” type of leader, but he’s an excellent example of an unselfish point guard that leads by example. The 5’9” point guard was named VHSL 4A First Team All State last year, yet he was the first one in the gym all season, whether it was working with his high school team or his AAU coaches for Erick Greene Premiere. It’s this type of work ethic that has made him such a respected leader and player in the Winchester area.
“Consistency is the key this year,” he said. “Last year we had games where we’d start off slow, and that’s what ended up happening against Jamestown and we ended up losing in the playoffs. So we just have to work on being more consistent.”
Despite being just 5’9, Brown plays much bigger. He’s a very strong and shifty lead guard with explosive athleticism, and combining that with a high IQ makes him a playmaker on both ends. It’s obvious why he’s seeing interest from successful division two and division three programs like Virginia Wesleyan, Eastern Mennonite, Catawba (NC), Concord (WV) and Hampden-Sydney.
While Brown could likely average well over 20 points per game, he’s a true point guard that will make others around him better, and that makes his teammates want to play for him.
“I try to create for everyone else, and in turn everyone else tries to create for each other. We’re a very unselfish team, everyone creates for each other because everyone can score for us.”
“I like to get everyone involved, I like to attack the basket, if I’ve got the open shot I might shoot it, I try to get some steals defensively, just do whatever it takes to help my team win.”
While he’s a very effective player now, Brown’s work ethic isn’t going to slow up anytime soon, as he knows he needs to continue to work to be ready to make an impact at the next level.
“I know I need to get stronger, faster and continue to improve my jump shot, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes whether it’s passing, scoring or defense to help my team win.”
Expect Brown to lead an experienced and talented Handley team on another run in March, and it will be hard to deny a kid with his competitive fire and resilience from getting to their goal of a state championship this year.