Bob Dandridge Classic 2024 Standouts
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The inaugural Bob Dandridge MLK Classic took place at Norfolk State University on Martin Luther King Day, and the event featured some of the top teams from across the 757. A well run event at a top notch facility featuring…
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Continue ReadingThe inaugural Bob Dandridge MLK Classic took place at Norfolk State University on Martin Luther King Day, and the event featured some of the top teams from across the 757. A well run event at a top notch facility featuring very good talent, it was a big event for the entire community.
Here’s a look at some of the 2024 standouts from the event.
Ulysses Young Ulysses Young 6'0" | CG Oscar Smith | 2024 State VA | 5’10” PG | Oscar Smith
While Smith didn’t have a great showing against Maury, Young continues to show that he’s one of the top young lead guards in the 757. He’s a highly skilled guard with a great handle and the ability to change speeds and directions to get in the paint off the bounce, he can make shots from deep and in the midrange on the pull-up and on floaters and he has great feel and IQ on both ends of the floor. He finished with 12 points going 3-for-6 from the field, 2-for-2 from deep and 4-for-5 from the line.
Elijah Washington Elijah Washington 6'7" | PF Lake Taylor | 2024 State VA | 6’7” PF | Lake Taylor
Lake Taylor had a thrilling come from behind win over Woodside at the buzzer, and while they trailed by as many as double digits in the first half it was Washington’s defense and energy in the third quarter that helped them start the rally. The 6’7” forward is long and very active as he moves well laterally and stays in help side defense, he has good timing as a shot blocker and rebounder and he can run the floor and finish at and above the rim on the offense end. He finished with 10 points on 5-for-7 shooting from the field, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks on the game.
Rodney Baines | 6’6” PF | Lake Taylor
Another intriguing young big man for the Titans, Baines is another high motor and efficient post player with a lot of upside as well moving forward. He has a strong build and brings physicality and can finish through traffic, he has good touch around the rim and he gets to the free throw line often where he shoots a good percentage and that could translate to him being able to stretch the floor moving forward. He finished with 10 points on 3-for-4 from the floor and 4-for-5 from the line and 5 rebounds.
Shahide Battle | 6’3” WG | Lake Taylor
While Battle struggled for most of the game, the talented sophomore wing stepped up big down the stretch and showed his potential moving forward. He has a great frame for his age and is a good athlete, he can play and guard multiple positions on the floor and he showed the ability to play on and off the basketball. While he only played 8 minutes due to foul trouble, he scored all 6 of his points in the fourth quarter and hit the game winning shot from just inside half court at the buzzer.
Ellis Wright | 6’3” WG | Western Branch
While Branch lost to Menchville in the first game of the event, the Bruins have a talented young team that should be a force in the next few years, and Wright is one of the young pieces that they have. The 6’3” wing is long and has good tools to be a two way impact guy moving forward, he can knock it down consistently from deep and he can attack closeouts and make shots on the pull-up as well. He finished with 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting from the field and 2-for-4 from deep.