CP3 All-Stars Dominates Basketball Spotlights AC Showcase with Skill & Class

Guards are the lifeblood of elite level basketball period but even more so at the elite middle school level – without a good perimeter attack, you're not going anywhere fast and you certainly are not winning the on the biggest stages. That's why it's normal to see most teams rolling with a three-guard attack these days; but no one in the country does it better than the defending back to back national champions the CP3 All Stars.

Making an appearance recently in the Basketball Spotlight Atlantic City Showcase where they went 4-0 on the weekend; the 4-headed monster of the Kobe and Keyshawn Langley, coupled with the tandem of Mike Green and Myles Pierre are clearly and without question the best perimeter unit in the country at the age group.

Here’s The Top 10 Reasons Why:

1)     Conditioning:  One of the most well condition units as a whole the backcourt provides pressure and deal with it with poise – consistently taking what the defense give them and playing with a pace and structure that is determine by one of the best basketball minds in Keyford Langley. 

2)     Basketball IQ:  How many times have you seen players with immense levels of talent that never translate to a structured environment?  Not with this group – all 4 players are extensions of the coaching staff which is also one of the most sophisticated in the country.  Without a shot clock if CP3 has a lead of 3-points or more at the 3 minute mark or less with the ball the chances of winning is slim and none and slim is usually headed for the door. 

3)     3) They have a little bit of everything: ball-handling, scoring, shooting – Mike Green is a knock down light out shooter and has clearly been working on his game off the bounce showing a very impressive in between pull-up and mid-range game to add the impressive catch and shoot game he already possessed.  Kobe and Keyshawn who not only look the same but they also both have the ball on a string and use clever/crafty moves to space, find teammates, and draw fouls.  Myles Pierre who remains one of the best scorers from the 2-Guard position has sacrificed this prolific aspect of this game to become the complete player that will allow his high level success at the next level.  But do not think for one second that Pierre has forgotten to put the rock in the hole as he can do it from all three levels and also showed in AC increased efficiency working off the block – a scary aspect for opponents to deal with. 

4)     Defense:  The Langley twins have to be considered two of the best perimeter defenders in the country as they able guard the full 94-feet or in the half court.  You can put either on an island or use them within the team concept of forcing to specific areas of the floor.  They buy in and are coachable and understand the value of being dedicated to this aspect of the game and/floor.  Pierre has the strength, body make up, and lateral movement to guard all 3 perimeter positions anywhere on the floor – there isn’t a second thought about defending on the block or 20-feet from the hoop he is vested and effective is both situations.  Green has clearly been in the gym and we don’t mean just getting up shots – he is quicker, stronger, and clearly much more confident stepping out and challenging on the outside.  Collectively they overwhelm opposing guards with their relentless pressure. 

5)      3-Point Range:  The best way to guard this crew is to sag off and hope their jumpers are off that day – but unfortunately on most day they are not.  All can space and are effective 20 feet and out.  The mechanics and stroke of each must be admired from a pure basketball perspective and the shooting percentage off a series of situations can only be respected.  They knock down the long ball off the catch, one and two dribble pull up, in transition, off screens – basically however you want it is how they will gladly deliver it to you. 

6)      They are winners:  Regardless of the score these guys play the game the same way; no lead is too big to over comer and they treat every lead they have with value by taking advantage of the possessions as need be.  They understand situation, time, and score and respect the game as winners.  Not hotdogs or show boaters; as a good as they are they are more committed to winning than individual accolades which is one of the biggest things deteriorating youth basketball ball today – these guys just get it.  They respect the game and each other; the only points per game they are concerned about is the team total.  They have lost less than 10 games in the last 3 years as a team playing in the toughest events and circuits – this includes two national championships.

7)   Experience:  This is an aspect that will pay big dividends for the group at the next level and is one of the most undervalued aspects of player development to non-basketball minds in the game.  They have been tested over and over and in a close game they have seen everything before.  If they need to extend a game or run the clock they do it with equal effectiveness.  They do not rattle and they are able to meet the mental challenges just as they would the physical.  They play tip to buzzer and you wouldn’t be able to tell the score by their demeanor or style of play.  They respect the game and each other exhibiting a calming presence that is contagious. 

 

8)     8) Clutch Play:  In the clutch moments of the game, you know when you send them to the line they will knock down the free throw,  they hit the big shots from the perimeter, they will outmuscle you on the boards for a needed rebound and will notch a steal to clinch the win or give them an extra possession.  This is something that you cannot teach, but at this juncture it has been seen and proven so often that it has come to be expected.  Beating CP3 you need to 5 points better – because if it is close they will find a way to win the game.  So many people focus on the margin of victory another ignorant theory in basketball period – CP3 plays to win the game and the proof is in the pudding.

9)      Respect for the Game:  They always play hard, they pick up teammates when they are down, and they remain positive during crucial time and operate with a family like atmosphere on the court.  They make sure the bigs get touches and know how to feed the hot hand.  They are coachable and execute instructions without question and with precision.  They understand that having elite level intangibles is just as important as having an elite level skill set.

10) Good Citizens:  At the end of the day with all the positive aspects we talk about on the basketball court; these kids operate with class and respect off the court.  They are better people than they are players and the type of player teammates want on their team and coaches want in their program.  

With one of the best talent pool of teams in one event the Basketball Spotlight AC Showcase provided a forum for the best of the best to prove it on the floor – Team CP3 did just that and it’s no surprise as what they did this weekend they have been doing for years finishing 4-0, throwing down the mic and walking off the stage…championship? Nah, that’s ok we playing for something bigger we don’t have anything to prove.  Wow, many need to take note.