Atkins put on a dominant performance over the weekend in the Bobby Martin Classic against Lee County HS. It was a total team effort in the 80-41 triumph for the Camels they set the tone with exceptional guard play and superb ball movement.
Winston Salem, North Carolina- Atkins (1-1,0-0), came into the game looking to bounce back from a sluggish performance in their season opening loss vs Reagan (1-0,0-0). The Camels showed a lot in this performance offensively, they don’t necessarily have one bonafide star, but Atkins has a nice core group of capable shot makers.
Let’s examine a few key points from this game, Lee County (0-1,0-0) never gave up in this one the Yellow Jackets fought hard to the end and that effort won’t be overlooked.
Arrington Jones and Yusef Suggs Jr set the tone
Arrington Jones finished with 14 points he scored in a variety of ways, Jones caught the Yellow Jackets sleeping a few times and made them pay from behind the arc. Jones showed patience picking his spots and creating space for open looks off the dribble, Jones was in constant movement off ball. 
Alongside Jones in the backcourt Suggs Jr was a sound playmaker for this group, he was efficient distributing the rock all around the court. The development of Suggs as a lead guard should make life easier for Atkins guard heavy lineup, Suggs displayed nice court vision he sees the entire floor well and doesn’t hesitate to make the extra pass.
“Guard play is our strength so we really lean heavily on our guards when they go we go, so that’s the main thing for our team is our guards scoring and defending that’s how we like to play.” Atkins head coach Marlon Brim told Phenom Hoops.
Avante Mathews continues to make strides
Mathews continues to improve on the block he finished with 17 points, majority of his damage was done around the rim. Mathews finished strong around the cup, he continues to show a high motor on both ends, Mathews is aggressive on the glass and he’s always ran the floor well for his size.
Mathews presence down low and in pick N roll situations could be crucial for the Camels, this is a thin front line but a lot of guys play bigger than listed. Coaches have taken notice of the progress Mathews has made over the last year, he’s also become more vocal, communication is key on the defensive side.
Lee County Has some pieces
Even when the Yellow Jackets got down big in this one they stayed aggressive until the very end, there were a few bright spots that continued to impact the game.
#30 Jarrien Hancock- Hancock is a versatile hybrid forward with an extremely high motor on both ends, this kid was relentless on the boards creating second chance opportunities for his side. Hancock finished with eight points to go along with his effort on the boards, Hancock ran the floor well on both ends, he’s a guy who embraces the dirty work.
#4 Josh French – French showed good poise as a young guard pitted up against an athletic Atkins backcourt. French was unselfish with the basketball he actively looked to get guys in their spots. French proved to be a capable decision maker he limited turnovers and French got his own offense going late.
Coaches Comments “I think playing in these early jamborees really helps, you get to play good competition and see what other teams are like. It gives you a chance to measure your team in that first game or two.” Coach Brim said.
“We just want to take it one game at a time really but we have goals of winning a conference championship, competing for the Frank Spencer Championship, making the state playoffs and going deep into the playoffs. So we have team goals and those are pretty much our goals.”