By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
TERRA CEIA — Question: if a player averages 30 points and 11 rebounds as a sophomore, what kind of numbers can he put up as a senior? Answer: who knows, but it will be a lot of fun to find out.
That’s the case for Terra Ceia’s sophomore sensation Mychal Parker, whose potential is as long as his 6-6 frame.
The Washington Daily News Co-Player of the Year led the Knights to a 25-8 record, as he put up 30 points a game, while racking up 11 boards, one block and two assists per contest.
The lean and lanky Parker was a scoring machine in 2007-08, and while most players his size tally points in the paint, Parker dominated opponents from the perimeter.
With style most comparable to a Tracy McGrady or a Gilbert Arenas, Parker had no problem blowing by defenders for a quick two, or pulling up and burying a three from anywhere on the court.
Parker’s ability to score in bunches was so valuable to his squad that Terra Ceia coach Roger Klaassen struggled to find strong enough words to praise his young star.
While you may not be able to teach tomahawk dunks, you can instruct a player on the proper mechanics of the jump shot, and after watching Parker play, it’s clear to see that he has had plenty of lessons.
Parker, and every Terra Ceia fan out there, has Omar Parker to thank for Mychal’s sweet stroke.
The father of Mychal, and a former college basketball player, Omar has worked on Mychal’s game since he was young.
While Parker’s form may slide from time to time, his scope was as straight as an arrow the night he dropped 42 on eventual NCISAA state champion Word of God.
While Parker cites that game as his best of the season, he was quick to say that he expects that type of play from himself.
Klaassen wasn’t that surprised by his 42-point performance either because he has seen Parker do amazing things all season long.
Case in point: when Parker put the game on his shoulders during the WDN Holiday Invitational Tip-off against Pamlico. With his team down three with time running out on the clock, Parker grabbed an offensive rebound, ran out to the left baseline and fired off a game-tying three to send the Knights into overtime. Terra Ceia eventually won 83-76, as Parker finished the contest with 36 points.
It’s hard to assess a player’s potential, but it’s safe to say that Parker has a high ceiling. Klaassen said he expects great things from Parker in the future.