During the opening weekend of the East Spring Circuit SOS Elite looked like a dominant force against all comers in the Purple League. This talented 2029 group from Roanoke, Virginia had two highly entertaining victories over Team Spartans (47-44) and Team Thrill JWalk Elite Black (62-61) before posting one of the most lopsided and impressive victories I’ve seen at the 7th grade level against Push the Rock 117-24. With a number of talented prospects up and down their roster, they look like a group that will certainly factor into the title race in their league. Here’s a few players that left a lasting impression coming out of Session One:
Massiah Smalls is a do-it-all wing, and did everything from blocking shots to playing point guard for stretches. He handled the ball well in the open floor and was able to change speed and directions well when attacking the basket. He got to the foul line with regularity and was able to cash in on easy scoring opportunities throughout the weekend. He also came up big when his teammates needed him the most, scoring the game winning basket against Team Thrill.
Julian Brown is a defensive minded slasher that caused absolute havoc at the top of SOS Elite’s full court press when they got into it. A physical guard, he outright ripped the ball out of his man’s hands several times against Push the Rock and came up with some big plays down the stretch in both their wins over Spartans and Team Thrill. He handled contact at the rim well and played bigger than he is.
Elijah Smith gives SOS Elite another shifty guard who can create off the dribble and is a crafty finisher at the rim. He read the floor very well for a guard his age and did a good job of getting his teammates the ball in places they could score. Defensively he used his quickness to his advantage and was able to force a handful of turnovers.
Branyal Saunders may be small right now, but showed off an advanced basketball IQ as well as a quick trigger from beyond the arc. He split time playing on the ball depending on who was on the floor with him, and when he played as more of a shooter, moved and cut to get himself open.
Keep an eye out for this team heading into Session 2 of the East Circuit. At 3-0, they sit tied for 1st place in Pool D and are just one of six remaining undefeated teams in the 7th grade Purple division coming out of Session 1. They may have just started their season, but have already put their names in the conversation for title contenders.
