Something Needs to Stand Out

Which to me is becoming clearer day by day.  This season across the board, I am not seeing the kind of elite players that appeared to be running rampart throughout the area last year.  There is plenty of time for players to become established, and a lot of that is on the local media. 

I've taken a step back, and from based on minutes I've been able to log so far this month...here is my all-area starting five in boys' basketball (I'll jot down the girls next week)

PG - James Bowens, Sherando - The Warrors could gun with Handley and James Wood for 1st place in the NWD the rest of the season.  As a spectator who only wishes he could move as fluently on the court as Bowens, my only knock on him is he doesn't shoot enough.  Head Coach Garland Williams moved him to point this season for many reasons I'm sure.  He told me it was because of his experience and ability to see the court.  Bowens explains that he wasn't exactly "cool" with the position at first, but it was beginning to grow on him....and this was back before Christmas.

Bowens has great hands, is an excellent passer, and has a very fluid shot.  He is not the only reason Sherando is in the district's top spot right now, but he's a big one.

SG - Sam Shiley, Clarke County - An all around solid player, and a great leader on the court.  There is some good talent on the Eagles roster (Jeremy Rhoads and Grant Shaw among them) and Shiley seems to be the guy that isn't afraid to try and snap his team out of mid-game funks.  He'll step up and take contested shots, and work into the lane for shots at the charity stripe.

SF - Trae Tinsman, James Wood - At 6'4" he does spend most of his time at Forward....but you can't pass up Tinsman for a three point shot.  Al Smith's team rarely does.  Tinsman is a playmaker who is never afraid to take a shot.  This Colonels team can score points in bunches (a good example - 6 fourth quarter three pointers to put away Millbrook two weeks ago) and Tinsman has shown good energy on the defensive side of the ball as well.

PF - David Carter, Handley - What Carter lacks in height he more than makes up for with strength and agility.  Probably not a true "4".  He can shoot from the outside, and he can make plays under the basket.  Just like in football, Carter is versatile and a invaluable to his team for that reason alone.  The Judges lost all five starters from last season, yet they are competing for 1st place in the district.

C - Terry Wood, Sherando - There is a lack of true "big men" in our area.  As a sophmore, Terry Wood stands out not just because of his 6'7" stature, but because of his raw talent and footwork.  My favorite part of basketball are the battles in the paint, Wood wins those often and will continue to.  He is this year's version of Millbrook's Rodney brothers.  There is no one who can match up with him.  This is definitely a guy you want to go out and watch play now, and there's no telling where he will be in 2012.

What do you think?  Weigh in with your thoughts.  I allow comments on this blog for a reason.