Savage was scintillating vs. Russians

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Guard's swag is growing.

May 13, 2011 – Wednesday, Team Takeover took on Russia’s under 18 team, with the two scrimmaging at Episcopal High School (VA). The Russians, on a hoops tour of the U.S., including playing in travel team events such as the recent Southern Invitational, fell to Takeover 64-54, losing all quarters in the process. Russia, coached by Mike Soleviev, Rolaivilos Radivila and Sergoy Scorochkov, came to within a pair of points in the fourth, but would get no further.

Keithan Savage did work against the Russian National Team.

“I think it was a good opportunity because we haven’t played in a couple of weeks, but also to play a different style of physical basketball which they play” said Keith Stevens, Director and 17u coach of Team Takeover. “And then they are so fundamentally sound, it makes you have to communicate better on defense and fight over screens and things like that”.

If there was an MVP of this tilt, none other than Episcopal’s Keithan Savage gets the honor: A 6’2”, 175 lb combo guard, Savage drove, dished and shot, routinely providing offense when Takeover needed it. Above all for Savage, increased confidence characterized his game, a noticeable difference from now and last year this time.

“I’m just trying to work on my game and get better” said Savage, a Class of 2012 guard on playing with more confidence, more swag. “Do what I can with my skills and abilities and just go out there and try and perform the best that I can”.

Those skills are an ability to attack the rim, find teammates and finish. From the perimeter Keithan can spot up from deep – a solid stop and pop jumper would open his game. Defensively he’s a solid defender, though greater strength will allow him to play the pick and roll better.

In terms of ability, Savage is sneakily athletic, as he can and will finish over bigger players and can push the rock up and down the floor.

Based on his work at Episcopal, coached by Jim Fitzpatrick, and with Takeover, Savage's recruiting is continuing to track upwards, as he noted “Iowa, Alabama, Virginia, Penn State, DePaul, VCU” as being interested. “Fairfield, VCU, LMU, Duquesne and Iona” have all offered scholarships.

Stay tuned for updates on Savage. His swag is growing.