AL Lasers Memorial Day Classic Report

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

May 28, 2007 –Nashville, TN welcomed some of the best and brightest prep ballers in the nation to Ensworth High as part of the 24-team MDC Classic. Unfortunately, anyone who was in attendance for the first time at this Nike event wasn’t treated to overly talented teams. There were however, many outstanding players.

The Alabama Lasers finished the event at 1-3, losing tough, physical ball games to Boo Williams, SYF Players and Louisiana Select, while defeating Team Final, featuring Tyreke Evans in Game 1.

Frankie Sullivan led the Lasers in scoring in all four contests, dropping 39 points on a barrage of three-pointers and a myriad of drives to the cup with acrobatic finishes.

The 6’2 slashing guard has clearly worked on his jump shot since I last saw him and it showed all weekend. Sullivan’s shot selection came into question on several occasions, but his Lasers squad was under manned in all of their match ups.

Schools like Auburn, Alabama, UAB, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Memphis and Florida, all are checking for this rising southeast performer in the class of 2008. Sullivan says he’s wants to go where he can play immediately. If his jumper continues to drop, that will definitely happen.

Josh Langford (soph.) and Aubrey Bethea (jr.) helped hold the fort down for the Alabama Lasers.

Lacking size on the interior, the Lasers turned to Josh Langford and Aubrey Bethea in the post. Both at 6’6, they battled gallantly versus a huge Boo Williams team, as well as against 6’8 Storm Warren and 6’10 Greg Monroe of Louisiana Select.

Bethea is an athletic, undersized four, who needs to develop facing the basket to play at a high-major level. He has a good build, runs the floor like a deer and rebounds and blocks well. Finishing around the rim is also an issue at this point. Didn’t score much, but stayed active. SEC schools, plus UAB and Iowa showing love right now.

Langford is young, having recently turned 15, but already has the fire needed to play in the post. Much like Bethea, didn’t do much offensively, but battled other teams’ bigs. He showed the ability to face the basket out to 15 feet, but right now he’s an athlete primarily. Runs like a gazelle and has a strong frame for a youngster. Once he develops more of an offensive repertoire, he’ll be nasty. He finished with authority around the rim.

Only a sophomore, Josh is getting letters from just about everyone in the SEC. Watch for this kid next summer as he develops.