The Future is Now for Middle School Panthers

(8th grader Jushod Commodore attempts a one-handed dunk in a game against Saint Patrick)

I’ve now attended three Augusta middle school boys basketball games. To say the future is bright for the basketball program at Augusta Independent would be an understatement. The middle school Panthers are not waiting to the future to turn heads. These Panthers want it NOW. 

I could go on for days on the individual talent from grades 6-8. But I think doing so would take away from what these kids are being taught and how these kids play the game so beautifully. 

Though I believe the words, defense wins championships, sometimes implies that defense only can win for you, the saying does ring true for this team. The ball pressure, the communication, the rotation and anticipation are obvious defensive elements that this team thrives on. The continuity is something that you commonly don’t see at even the high school level. 

The continuity and selflessness is even more impressive on the offensive side. These teams do execute offensive sets but it doesn’t stop there. These kids go out of their way to share and give up good shots for better shots. In a SIXTH GRADE game on Saturday, the SECOND UNIT on this team went three consecutive possessions making an extra pass for a wide open look. Each possession ended in a bucket. 

Yes, you read that correctly. The sixth grade team has a second unit. The depth of talent in each grade (6-8) is ridiculous. The best part is the love these kids have for each other while competing as hard as they can. Each player encourages each one of their teammates. It’s honestly like watching 20 kids who are musical savants play Purple Rain to perfection but dancing and having a blast doing it. 

If you are a basketball purist, if you like watching a beautiful rendition of the most sacred sport in this country, get to an Augusta middle school boys basketball game. These kids compete very hard, they have fun and they play winning basketball. There’s a ton of talent that will take many of these kids to places that they can’t even imagine at this point in their young lives. It’s such a joy to watch.