Three seventh-grade Coastal Crew Rebels basketball players attended the Atlanta Regional Phenom camp Aug. 31-Sept. 2. And one young Rebel player earned an invitation to participate in the National Phenom Camp.
According to Rebels seventh-grade coach Simon Steele, Isaiah Scott, Simon Steele Jr. and Qualeek Keith competed against the top junior kids in the region. Scott was among a handful of performers selected for the National Phenom Camp in July 2014 in San Diego.
“All three had successful outings and proved that they can compete with the best athletes in the region,” Steele said. “All three kids were put on separate teams at the camp. Qualeek Keith led his team to an undefeated record and his team went on to win the championship game at the Phenom Camp.”
Steele said the players were rated on a scale of 1-5 with five being the best, and Keith was rated 4.5. The coach said Steele Jr. had a great second day at camp and finished his last game with 15 points and 4 steals.
But Scott dominated on offense and defense, Steele said, en route to his Phenom Camp selection.
“He was extremely excited, screaming and jumping in the air when he heard the news,” the coach said.
“This is a humble kid. I am proud of Isaiah. We train and work very hard in the gym daily. Isaiah has become the most versatile seventh-grade basketball player in this area. He deserves this honor and recognition.”
Scott’s mother, Tanya Scott, said her son has been playing basketball since the fourth grade.
Scott, who turns 13 next week, showed potential from the minute he first dribbled the ball.
“He did take to it kind of quickly,” his mother said, adding her son never misses an opportunity to play the game.
She said Scott dreams of earning a college scholarship to play at the next level.
“I am really excited for him,” Tanya Scott said. “He’s been putting in a lot of work with coach Simon Steele and all those hours are starting to pay off.”
She added that Isaiah’s dad, Donald Scott, originally is from San Diego and likely will make the trip to watch his son in action and have a quick reunion with family in the area.
Tanya Scott said the family works together to see that their son has a shot of reaching the next level. She said they often encourage him after rough losses or games where he didn’t do well.
“We tell him to use those moments to get better,” she said. “And I know he has the work ethic to do it.”