Special to The Gazette
Having grown more than a foot since his freshman season, Albert Einstein High School's Joe Bradshaw's basketball skills have expanded and improved at about the same rate.
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| Joe Bradshaw |
Bradshaw, now a 6-foot-7 rising senior, has excelled in developing both his defensive play and ball handling skills since last season, according to coach Rich Porac.
"He's still trying to figure his body out," Porac said. "There's times in the game when he's almost unguardable, but there's other times where you see that he's still developing."
During a July 1 summer league game against Sherwood, it was apparent that Bradshaw led the team on and off the court. Wearing one of his more than 20 pairs of Nike Elite socks and an arm band on his leg as part of his "court swag," he was able to score and get his teammates involved. Every time Einstein returned to the court following a timeout, he led his teammates in a "Titans" chant.
"Like all kids that are skilled, the team follows him," Porac said. "Joe has become much more vocal in keeping the guys positive off the court."
Porac also said that Bradshaw has served as an excellent role model in the classroom by never receiving complaints from teachers, which hasn't always been the culture at Einstein.
During the game, Bradshaw played most of the contest and scored 17-points while also contributing on the defensive end.
This summer, Bradshaw is working out with Brad Pinchback's Basketball Player Development program and playing on an Amateur Athletic Union team to help improve his skills. He is hoping to not only improve his offensive skill set, but also his ability to involve his teammates by drawing in defenders and passing it out.
"I wouldn't and the team wouldn't be anything without [other teammates]," Bradshaw said. "[I want to] get some of my teammates who have not gotten recognition a little more recognized."
Bradshaw began playing basketball when he was 6 and has been mentored by his older brother ever since. Growing up, he played for youth leagues in Laurel and Takoma, where he used to live, before taking a brief hiatus due to weight issues. His family then moved to the Aspen Hill area, where they had relatives, and Bradshaw found his way onto Einstein's court.
As a member of the squad that had surprise run in the playoffs last season, developing the team's chemistry is more important than ever, Bradshaw said. After workouts or games, the team will usually get food or catch a movie together (most recently World War Z).
Heading into his senior year, Bradshaw, who is an aspiring meteorologist, is certainly hoping to play at the college level. At the moment - academically - he is most interested in North Carolina State University for its atmospheric sciences program.
"Joe's definitely going to [play in] college," Porac said. "The question is, what level?"
jcoyne@gazette.net
This year at the 2013 Hall of Fame (HOF) induction ceremony weekend scheduled for October 4th & 5th, past and present Titan Cheerleaders will be honored. The HOF wants to recognize the Cheerleaders contributions over the years in support of the various athletic teams as well as serving as representatives of the school at local community activities. Regardless of the outcome of a game or event, the Cheerleaders always conveyed school spirit and represented the school well.
the announcement of the Class of 2013 HOF Inductees, each Cheerleader will also be introduced and receive a megaphone charm to commemorate the event. The ceremony will also include dinner under the tent adjacent to the football field.
years. Please mark your calendar to join us at Titan Stadium for a fun evening.