
Morrow and Toles future teammates on
the USA National Select team each boast jaw dropping athleticism and skill sets
that keep scouts and fans begging for more.
At the 6th grade level both of these players are capable of
dominating on both ends of the court; each is already dunking and each own a
collection of video highlights (below) that would make ESPN proud. Scoring
outburst at their current level is common place and one can only hope that a dual
for the ages breaks out this weekend in the NYBL!
How do they do it? Let me count the
ways…both players are devastating in space and each can handle the rock well
enough to run the lead guard position for their respective teams. The 3-point shot is also a viable tool for
each of these young prodigies; both shoot it well and with range. Where they are next level good is in the
transition game where they are virtually unstoppable as a lane fillers or with
the ball in their hands. They finish at
the rim already and challenge the defense the entire possession.
Please be advised that the excitement
doesn’t simply apply to the offensive end; both players thrive and enjoy
dominating on the defensive end too. The
“chase down shot block” made popular by the NBA’s premier superstar Lebron
James has been adopted by both these phenoms – and is put to use often to
the chagrin of offensive victims. In no way shape or form should either of
these players be considered one dimensional scorers as they play both ends
equally as well, which includes playing the passing lanes like a high level defensive
back.
Rebounding; well sometime it’s just
unfair, both regularly lead their respective teams in this category posting
double doubles at a rate comparable to Kevin Love. Watching them work in this facet is amazing
as they often, maybe even without their own knowledge, grab balls literally off
the rim or above it starting what is sometimes a highly effective one man fast
break. There is no one in their class
that can stop them one on one and they must be respected anywhere on the floor
with or without the ball in their hands.
Coach Francis, who has coached both
these players on the National level stated that “…in the barbershops across the
country for years folks have argued Bird or Magic, Kobe or MJ, and now Lebron
or Durant well, at the middle school level it's Morrow or Toles; just like the
other three combinations there is no wrong answer each of these guys can boogie
and you can’t go wrong with selecting either of them”. Hence the beauty in this discussion, both
these kids are winners and both have ultra-bright futures ahead of them. Not just great players both are team oriented
quality kids who love to pass, interact with teammates, and eat a steady diet
of humble pie. Their work ethics and
will to win are inspiring to those who love the game and it will be on exhibit for those lucky of enough
to be in Atlanta this weekend to enjoy their first match-up. It will be a
special opportunity for those in attendance without a doubt.
Those who can’t get enough of Morrow
and Toles can look forward to seeing them together as the USA National Select
team announced (http://middleschoolelite.com/2014/05/01/exclusive-2014-mse-national-select-team-rosters-events/) their paring as teammates in July at the USBA National Championships
in Myrtle Beach, SC. What else could
anyone who loves basketball ask for – thank you to Rob Taylor and Jerry Love
for creating these opportunities for all the basketball junkies; someone pinch
me because Morrow and Toles together on the same court in any capacity is a
dream come true.
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