Note: The Eagles recently placed third in the NCHBC national championships. This is the highest finish in program history. Coach Will Avery and I have been so busy this season coaching and integrating new players into the program that we have not shared much about the great people and stories from this season. The "Meet the GAIS Eagles" series and other stories from nationals and the season are attempts to share the news!
Freshman center TJ Massenburg's basketball skill set is very much advanced given his age and size. And his rate of improvement has been astonishing. The lone returning starter burst onto the homeschool national championship scene as an eighth grader with a thunderous dunk before a packed gym in 2013 NCHBC Sweet 16 round action. But at the time, Massenburg's role was limited to finishing plays at the rim and defending in the post.
What a difference a year has made. Likely due to his experience, TJ was probably the most composed of the 2014 Eagles in Springield last week. He shot the ball well all week, making 2-3 jump shots from 17-20 feet out each game. And these shots often came at crucial times. He also showed the ability to create scoring opportunities facing the basket off the dribble. He is getting more comfortable playing with his back to the basket and converting offensive rebounds into baskets by keeping the ball high and using his soft touch. TJ scored 11 ppg during the tournament, including a 20 point outburst versus Saint John's (MI) in the 3rd place game.
One of my favorite moments in Springfield came at the end of the "round of 16" game versus the Noble Whitley Warriors (IN). A former teammate of TJ's, Austin Crown, who assisted me during the tournament, suggested we inbound the ball to TJ during the game's closing minute because we were ahead and he would "catch the ball, get fouled, and make his free throws." And TJ did all three things, making 4 of 4 free throws en route to an 11 point fourth quarter to seal the win. It was nice to see Austin throw TJ one last assist, and even nicer to see TJ finish as he continues to take on more and more responsibility as a team leader.
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