Scotland, PA
The Scotland Campus – Olympus Prep National teams will not square off until early December at the Great Atlantic Conference Tournament, in West Berlin, NJ. However, Monday nights tussle between an injury depleted Scotland group and Olympus Prep’s Red team would have you believe it will be a dog fight. Can’t wait!
Monday night, Olympus played the first half as if they had brought their National team into South Central Pennsylvania. The intensity and desire of Olympus had the score deadlocked at 20-20 after Scotland jumped out to a 10-3 early lead. 6’3 Jahmir Tyrell (Patterson, NJ) and 6’0 Armanni Brinson (Clifton, NJ) combined for 14 of Olympus’ 30 first half points. Scotland took a 10 point lead into the intermission behind a 17-25 FT line performance and the sharp shooting of 6’6 Jayson Woodrich (Cleveland, OH). The second half was all Scotland. Sheer dominance over the first 12 minutes of the half, allowed for plenty of rest for this long and athletic group, Coach Chaney’s group popped four players in double figures, 16, (12 in 2nd half) Louis Beechmore (Sydney, Australia), 13 Abu Osmane (Brooklyn, NY) and 12 each for Nornance Berry (Cleveland, TN) and Woodrich.
PLAYER TAKEAWAYS
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Abu Osmane
Abu was most impressive around the rim, as a traditional big. Demonstrated an evolving array of post moves. righty hook looked to be the go-to tonight. His 6’9 251 pound frame had no equal on the floor. speaking of on the floor, the big fella’ not only had 15+ boards, he recovered several loose balls as the first player to the floor. Possessing a 6’11 wingspan, soft hands and a high motor, Abu is a prospect to watch for on Saturdays. Not yet a MAN among boys, but he does play physical in the post, seals and boxes out on every possession, working from the floor up with solid footwork. His arms were always up above his head, ready to offensive rebound on the release. Fundamentally astute.
SCOTLAND STANDOUTS:
Norlance Berry – Teams swiss army knife, kid can do a little bit of everything. He was always around the ball. quick feet, stays on the attack and forcing tempo at both ends of the court. Applies pressure. 8-10 from the FT line
Louis Beechmore – Came alive in the second half. The teams margin of victory was directly related to his play in the first 12 minutes of the second half. He was electric, scoring the ball form all three levels and getting it done in the passing lanes and on the boards at the defensive end.
Jayson Woodrich – Stretches the defense and creates driving lanes for teammates even when the ball was not kicked his way, Shot maker, that demonstrated an ability to get into lane and finish or dish. Solid defensively, took good angles to compensate against quicker guards.
Noble Crawford – 6-5 Wing, impacted the game at the defensive end of the floor. 2 of his points, came on the highlight dunk of the game. Athleticism and bust alone definitely worthy of tracking his progression further.
OLYMPUS STANDOUTS:
Jahmir Tyrell – Kept Olympus in the game early with timely buckets and key assists. He finished with 13 points, 7 in the first half. He was explosive with the ball, able to get into the lane with little resistance.
Armanni Brinson – Attacked the rim fearlessly. Applied solid ball pressure.
Josh Combs – 6’5 (Pasaic, NJ) Battled on the glass, got out in transition, were he was at his best. His defense was the teams best offense. Demonstrated flashes of being one of the best athletes on the floor at times.
HIGH SCHOOL GAME NOTES (1st Quarter ONLY)
2020 – Anthony Thomas – 6’7 (Washington, DC)
Olympus Prep Academy HS, clearly the best player on the floor, without an equal. Great elevation and form on jumpshot. Scored it in quarter one efficiently. Ability to make mundane basketball skills exciting with precision and ease.
2021- Johannes Kirspuu 6’0 (Estonia)
Played at an extremely high level for Scotland. He can dribble pass and shoot the ball effortlessly. Demonstrated and ability to get anywhere he desired on the floor and passed the ball exceptionally well. Demonstrated the desire to win the 50/50 balls.