There are countless differences between the high school and summer seasons of grassroots basketball'now more than ever. For instance, numerous players who are the clear-cut leader for their high school team (even though those numbers have dwindled) are tasked with taking lesser or simply different roles during the travel ball season. The opposite is also true. Many players who receive few minutes or don't play at all for their high school can be stars between April and July. However, there is certainly more value in knowing how to be a main option and successful within a role. So, as the travel ball season reaches its halfway point, various players have begun to showcase next-level ability on the widespread stage. Someone like Josiah Watkins is a great representative of the previous sentiment, who has shined as the focal point for Burlington Christian and within various different roles for the balanced, talented New Light Disciples.
During his junior season at Burlington Christian, Watkins posted nightly averages of 19.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.9 APG, and 2.7 SPG with 53/30/64 shooting splits (per MaxPreps). While his numbers are impressive across the board, his point guard ability is more useful than might initially meet the eye. That being said, Watkins tends to operate as more of a combo-guard with the Disciples. He's still a reliable creator and playmaker, but is often tasked with applying pressure as a scorer. Watkins handles the ball well, creates effectively for himself and others, and knows how to get downhill with consistency'especially in transition. He finishes well around the basket, both through contact and with finesse, but also understands how to make the correct pass when the defense collapses.
After a successful high school season and start to the summer, Watkins has only further solidified himself as a college-worthy prospect. While his abilities certainly span beyond any one performance, it would be difficult to ignore his 43-point scoring outburst at our Memorial Day Classic. He showcased the full offensive arsenal, creating for himself and others, hitting jumpers, attacking the basket, and anything in-between. Watkins also added 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 6 steals in the showing. It's difficult to be anything other than impressed with how Watkins competes. Given how he's produced, various college coaches would be smart to get involved. Expect him to warrant increased attention over the coming months.
