[blue1424]

It's probably safe to say that Braxton Beverly is the most ballyhooed seventh grade basketball player in Kentucky history.

Fans throughout the state have been buzzing ever since the 5-foot, 8½-inch point guard from Perry County Central (Hazard, Ky.) came off the bench to score 23 points during a 68-58 state-tournament loss to Wayne County (Monticello, Ky.), a crowd of 13,524 witnessed the unexpected feat at famed Rupp Arena.

Though he never started, he had 16 points and six assists to earn MVP honors in the regional championship game. He had 14 points and also was named MVP in the semifinals despite fouling out with three minutes left.
For the year, he averaged 9.4 points, 4.8 assists and 2.5 steals. He shot 37 percent from 3-point range and 80.2 percent from the foul line.

Even the experts are hooked on the 14-year-old phenom.

Rick Bolus, who operates High Potential Basketball Recruiting Service in Shepherdsville, Ky., predicts that Beverly "Is going to be a household name before it's all over."

Mike Fields, veteran sports writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader, pointed out that O.J. Mayo had 25 points and 10 rebounds in a state tournament game against Louisville Ballard, but he was in eighth grade. Another eighth grader, Richie Farmer, played very sparingly during a brief state tourney appearance.

Fields told MaxPreps that Beverly "is pretty quick and he is very, very basketball savvy. He can create and take it to the rim. Big crowds didn't seem to faze him at all. He is mature beyond his years. There's never been a seventh grader to have an impact like this."

Veteran coach Allan Hatcher knows he has something special and he already is putting together a schedule for next year — which includes a trip to Florida — to showcase his rising star and several other returnees, including 6-6½, 235-pound sophomore Dalton Cornett.

"I'm already trying to figure out ways to get him open," Hatcher related, conceding that the youngster will be a marked man next year.

Hatcher still marvels at the aftermath of Beverly's 23-point game, pointing out, "He could not walk around Rupp Arena without kids or adults stopping him for his autograph or just to talk to him."

Even during the game, Hatcher said, "It was just mind boggling to watch the people's faces – adults across from me – react when he would slice through the defense."

Ballhandlers supreme Pete Maravich and Meadowlark Lemon may have to move over some day and make room for Braxton Beverly.

Beverly reinforced the idea when he said, "Probably the best thing is dribbling. I usually like to get in the paint, pull up or dish to one of our big men. My shooting range is a few feet behind the 3-point line."

He concedes he needs to improve his defense.

Beverly calls his uncle, former college player Heston Beverly, "a very big inspiration. He's taught me everything I know."

Heston began working with his nephew when he was in second grade.

"He absorbs everything you tell him," Heston noted. "He loves being in the gym – he's a gym rat. He's a prolific ballhandler and sees the floor really well. When he comes in, the whole complexion of a game changes. He can take over a game.

"We keep him well grounded. His mother and father gave him to me when it comes to basketball. If he gets to be 6-1 or 6-2, he'll have a bright, bright future. If he's only 5-10, he'll still be Division I."

Braxton was introduced to basketball at age 1 and by age 6 was playing on his elementary school team. He normally played up a grade or two. As a sixth grader he exploded for 50 points – including 21 of 22 at the free throw line - in a 24-minute game.

Almost every day he will shoot 100 free throws and between 800 and 1,000 shots. Despite his youth, he doesn't seem to be fazed by game pressure or big crowds.

"I usually just zone them out," he said of the huge state tourney crowds. "I didn't take it as much pressure. It was just like another game, but I knew it wasn't."

People who have watched him call him absolutely fearless.

"I've heard that a lot," he said. "It's how much more aggressive I am than people my age. I hate to lose."

Blending in with much older players has not been much of a problem.

"I actually thought it would be harder for them to accept me, but they encouraged me all the time," Braxton said of his older teammates.

He doesn't just excel in basketball, however. He is the No. 1 cross country runner on his team and carries a perfect 4.0 GPA in the classroom. In case you can't identify him on the court, just look for the kid with his trademark black socks pulled halfway up his legs.

Braxton said he'd like to grow to 6-3 and if he had to pick a college today it probably would be Duke University.
How about his home-state University of Kentucky Wildcats?

"I love to watch UK play," he conceded.

Does he get much grief because of his love for Duke?

"They (rabid UK fans) torture me about it," he sighed.

http://www.maxpreps.com/news/pFTptVrlEeC...ntucky.htm

[LWC]

I hope the young man hits a growth spurt. 5'8" will be very hard to give a major D-1 scholarship to.

[Strikeout King]

he's good. he was the MVP of the 14th Region Tournament

[Scotty doesn't know]

Nice read! I think that he is due for about 4 or 5 more inches of growth before college. Hopefully by then he may be 6' 2" or so.

[ekff]

Being from Hazard I've got to see a lot of Braxton over the last four years, and he's a great kid. If he gets to 6' he's big D-1 easy.

[Truth]

It's probably safe to say that Braxton Beverly is the most ballyhooed seventh grade basketball player in Kentucky history.

Fans throughout the state have been buzzing ever since the 5-foot, 8½-inch point guard from Perry County Central (Hazard, Ky.) came off the bench to score 23 points during a 68-58 state-tournament loss to Wayne County (Monticello, Ky.), a crowd of 13,524 witnessed the unexpected feat at famed Rupp Arena.

Though he never started, he had 16 points and six assists to earn MVP honors in the regional championship game. He had 14 points and also was named MVP in the semifinals despite fouling out with three minutes left.
For the year, he averaged 9.4 points, 4.8 assists and 2.5 steals. He shot 37 percent from 3-point range and 80.2 percent from the foul line.

Even the experts are hooked on the 14-year-old phenom.

Rick Bolus, who operates High Potential Basketball Recruiting Service in Shepherdsville, Ky., predicts that Beverly "Is going to be a household name before it's all over."

Mike Fields, veteran sports writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader, pointed out that O.J. Mayo had 25 points and 10 rebounds in a state tournament game against Louisville Ballard, but he was in eighth grade. Another eighth grader, Richie Farmer, played very sparingly during a brief state tourney appearance.

Fields told MaxPreps that Beverly "is pretty quick and he is very, very basketball savvy. He can create and take it to the rim. Big crowds didn't seem to faze him at all. He is mature beyond his years. There's never been a seventh grader to have an impact like this."

Veteran coach Allan Hatcher knows he has something special and he already is putting together a schedule for next year — which includes a trip to Florida — to showcase his rising star and several other returnees, including 6-6½, 235-pound sophomore Dalton Cornett.

"I'm already trying to figure out ways to get him open," Hatcher related, conceding that the youngster will be a marked man next year.

Hatcher still marvels at the aftermath of Beverly's 23-point game, pointing out, "He could not walk around Rupp Arena without kids or adults stopping him for his autograph or just to talk to him."

Even during the game, Hatcher said, "It was just mind boggling to watch the people's faces – adults across from me – react when he would slice through the defense."

Ballhandlers supreme Pete Maravich and Meadowlark Lemon may have to move over some day and make room for Braxton Beverly.

Beverly reinforced the idea when he said, "Probably the best thing is dribbling. I usually like to get in the paint, pull up or dish to one of our big men. My shooting range is a few feet behind the 3-point line."

He concedes he needs to improve his defense.

Beverly calls his uncle, former college player Heston Beverly, "a very big inspiration. He's taught me everything I know."

Heston began working with his nephew when he was in second grade.

"He absorbs everything you tell him," Heston noted. "He loves being in the gym – he's a gym rat. He's a prolific ballhandler and sees the floor really well. When he comes in, the whole complexion of a game changes. He can take over a game.

"We keep him well grounded. His mother and father gave him to me when it comes to basketball. If he gets to be 6-1 or 6-2, he'll have a bright, bright future. If he's only 5-10, he'll still be Division I."

Braxton was introduced to basketball at age 1 and by age 6 was playing on his elementary school team. He normally played up a grade or two. As a sixth grader he exploded for 50 points – including 21 of 22 at the free throw line - in a 24-minute game.

Almost every day he will shoot 100 free throws and between 800 and 1,000 shots. Despite his youth, he doesn't seem to be fazed by game pressure or big crowds.

"I usually just zone them out," he said of the huge state tourney crowds. "I didn't take it as much pressure. It was just like another game, but I knew it wasn't."

People who have watched him call him absolutely fearless.

"I've heard that a lot," he said. "It's how much more aggressive I am than people my age. I hate to lose."

Blending in with much older players has not been much of a problem.

"I actually thought it would be harder for them to accept me, but they encouraged me all the time," Braxton said of his older teammates.

He doesn't just excel in basketball, however. He is the No. 1 cross country runner on his team and carries a perfect 4.0 GPA in the classroom. In case you can't identify him on the court, just look for the kid with his trademark black socks pulled halfway up his legs.

Braxton said he'd like to grow to 6-3 and if he had to pick a college today it probably would be Duke University.
How about his home-state University of Kentucky Wildcats?

"I love to watch UK play," he conceded.

Does he get much grief because of his love for Duke?

"They (rabid UK fans) torture me about it," he sighed.

http://www.maxpreps.com/news/pFTptVrlEeC...ntucky.htm

You can't be serious. I believe you have a short memory. Have you forgotten Ovinton Mayo? It is absolutely safe to say that this boy as a seventh grader was not remotely comparable to Mayo as a seventh grader.

On the other hand, I see you posted your comment on April Fool's Day. I will assume that that is the reason for the post.

[HawksRule]

Nice read! I think that he is due for about 4 or 5 more inches of growth before college. Hopefully by then he may be 6' 2" or so.

I hit 5'10 when I was 14 and well I'm still 5'10. Lol I hope this kid does grow, and becomes a star to get a D1 scholly. It's good to see talent like this in the mountains.

[jackbenimble]

You can't be serious. I believe you have a short memory. Have you forgotten Ovinton Mayo? It is absolutely safe to say that this boy as a seventh grader was not remotely comparable to Mayo as a seventh grader.

On the other hand, I see you posted your comment on April Fool's Day. I will assume that that is the reason for the post.

And not Ben Bowling or Daniel Combs.

[Cougar Connection]

I believe that this kid is deserving of his high praise but lets remember he is only a 7th grader. I have had the privilege of watching many young talent over the years and this kid has one thing that many others don't, he has the God given ability to play without regard of the competition or arena. Many kids his age are reluctant to be oblivious to the surroundings and play the game like a calm proven veteran.
I think Cameron Justice has the size and ability to also be considered in this category however, I believe he must get to the big stage before we can make comparisons. I can think of others who have the talent that Braxton has but he just seems like a winner, and so gifted in critical game situations where you need a big play. He already has many game winning plays. I think we are looking at a kid that has been blessed to do the things in basketball that very few can ever experience. He is worthy of all the recognition to only be in the 7th grade. Keep up the good play and we will be watching!

[bdub]

He is a great 7th grader and deserves all the praise that he is getting. I agree that he is not the player that OJ Mayo was in the 7th grade. Not because of SKILLS, but because of size. THATS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE, PERIOD!!! I watched OJ and his skills were no better that Beverlys. Believe me when I tell you that ive been around the college game as long as anyone. This kid is a D1 player and if he continues to grow he is a major D1 player.

[Blueheat]

The future is bright for this young man!!!

[Pat Riot]

An article like this can hurt a kid.....It helps promote his name for sure but it is very unfair to a kid to label him a Division 1 player when he is in the 7th grade. There is a reason you dont see division 1 coaches in the stands during the 14th region games and that is because the talent level is really low. I do believe that braxton has a great future ahead of him, and I hope he plays at the highest level......

[KentuckyFan35]

He is a great 7th grader and deserves all the praise that he is getting. I agree that he is not the player that OJ Mayo was in the 7th grade. Not because of SKILLS, but because of size. THATS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE, PERIOD!!! I watched OJ and his skills were no better that Beverlys. Believe me when I tell you that ive been around the college game as long as anyone. This kid is a D1 player and if he continues to grow he is a major D1 player.

Size and athletic ability. The comparisons to OJ Mayo need to stop. OJ was on a whole other level and that is not a knock on Beverly. I would compare Beverly to Damon Bailey that Bob Knight offered a scholorship to in the 8th grade.

[Truth]

He is a great 7th grader and deserves all the praise that he is getting. I agree that he is not the player that OJ Mayo was in the 7th grade. Not because of SKILLS, but because of size. THATS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE, PERIOD!!! I watched OJ and his skills were no better that Beverlys. Believe me when I tell you that ive been around the college game as long as anyone. This kid is a D1 player and if he continues to grow he is a major D1 player.

Ridiculous.

[Truth]

Size and athletic ability. The comparisons to OJ Mayo need to stop. OJ was on a whole other level and that is not a knock on Beverly. I would compare Beverly to Damon Bailey that Bob Knight offered a scholorship to in the 8th grade.

Right on target. To compare this boy to Mayo is ridiculous. The only trait in common is that both played varsity basketball as 7th graders. Those believing otherwise must be relatives of Beverly and/or never really saw Mayo play.

[superfreak]

Another kid that comes to mind that was very good as a 7th grader was Tate Cox. He reminds me a lot of Tate when he was a starter for June Buchanon as a 7th grader. Tate never got a lot better from the time he was a freshmen through his senior year (IMO) and everyone was saying when he was a 7th grader how he was a lock for D1. He's at Transy, and that's nothing to be ashamed of, he's playing at the next level and doing good but was never recruited by a D1 school.

So please leave this kid alone and quit saying all this foolish stuff about him playing major college bb. He may or very possible may not. If he has the oppurtunity to play at all at any level it will be an occomplishment. There's no need to speculate at this point. All this bullcrap can actually do more harm than good when he gets on here and reads this.

[bdub]

Another kid that comes to mind that was very good as a 7th grader was Tate Cox. He reminds me a lot of Tate when he was a starter for June Buchanon as a 7th grader. Tate never got a lot better from the time he was a freshmen through his senior year (IMO) and everyone was saying when he was a 7th grader how he was a lock for D1. He's at Transy, and that's nothing to be ashamed of, he's playing at the next level and doing good but was never recruited by a D1 school.

So please leave this kid alone and quit saying all this foolish stuff about him playing major college bb. He may or very possible may not. If he has the oppurtunity to play at all at any level it will be an occomplishment. There's no need to speculate at this point. All this bullcrap can actually do more harm than good when he gets on here and reads this.

Not even in the same league as the Beverly kid. You must be kiddin yourself with this statement. He is as good as Cox was his senior year right now. Taking nothing away from Cox. He had a great career. If Beverly gets 6ft tall he can and will play D1.

[superfreak]

Not even in the same league as the Beverly kid. You must be kiddin yourself with this statement. He is as good as Cox was his senior year right now. Taking nothing away from Cox. He had a great career. If Beverly gets 6ft tall he can and will play D1.

They are definitely in the same league and not much difference in the two. Cox was actually a little bigger and stronger. Why do you say if he gets 6 ft tall?? Do you think he's not as good as Justice? Justice is playing major D1 and he's only 5'10" tall. Is he not going to be as good as Justice? Give it a rest and let time tell. He may just disappoint you.

[csabo17]

Major difference in starting for JBS in 7th grade than starting for PCC in 7th grade.

Not a knock on JBS or Tate, but be honest would he of started for PCC his 7th grade year?

[Pat Riot]

Major difference in starting for JBS in 7th grade than starting for PCC in 7th grade.

Not a knock on JBS or Tate, but be honest would he of started for PCC his 7th grade year?

Tate would have started for this PCC team this year when he was in 7th grade no question.

[Ballers]

Well.. He's good for a 7th grader but he has been held back too..
Can Beverly dunk? Because I'd say Mayo was throwing down when he came out of the womb... That is a crazy comparison IMO.

He does have the talent to get to the next level, but we won't know until the time comes.. Multiple things could happen before then. To whoever said they was 5"10 in 7th grade and they are still 5"10.. I feel your pain.. But from the time I was in 7th grade to now, my street game/in-game performance got much better as I grew. I believe that is what most ppl are referring too. His basketball IQ is about as good as it can get.. If he keeps up the work ethic I for one don't believe it's a crazy thought at all.. Put on a little muscle and a few inches here and there.. He will be D1 ready.

[superfreak]

He is a great 7th grader and deserves all the praise that he is getting. I agree that he is not the player that OJ Mayo was in the 7th grade. Not because of SKILLS, but because of size. THATS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE, PERIOD!!! I watched OJ and his skills were no better that Beverlys. Believe me when I tell you that ive been around the college game as long as anyone. This kid is a D1 player and if he continues to grow he is a major D1 player.

You're obviously family and you really shouldn't get on here and carry on like this. I'ts easy to read between the lines all you have to do is look back at your post it's spelled out in black and white.:lmao:

[slhs1]

my son played with Braxton with the kentucky elite kings last summer and igot to know him and he is a great player but he is a better young man!!!!

[HawksRule]

Well.. He's good for a 7th grader but he has been held back too..
Can Beverly dunk? Because I'd say Mayo was throwing down when he came out of the womb... That is a crazy comparison IMO.

He does have the talent to get to the next level, but we won't know until the time comes.. Multiple things could happen before then. To whoever said they was 5"10 in 7th grade and they are still 5"10.. I feel your pain.. But from the time I was in 7th grade to now, my street game/in-game performance got much better as I grew. I believe that is what most ppl are referring too. His basketball IQ is about as good as it can get.. If he keeps up the work ethic I for one don't believe it's a crazy thought at all.. Put on a little muscle and a few inches here and there.. He will be D1 ready.

That was me lol but I understand I know the kid is going to get better with age. Let's just hope he out grows the two of us and gets to play big time ball.

[LeeCoUKFan]

I'm glad to see that Braxton is getting some much deserved attention! I can't wait to see how he grows and develops throughout the next 5 years and I really hope that he stays in the mountains for his entire high school career!

[LClion4life]

He is a great 7th grader and deserves all the praise that he is getting. I agree that he is not the player that OJ Mayo was in the 7th grade. Not because of SKILLS, but because of size. THATS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE, PERIOD!!! I watched OJ and his skills were no better that Beverlys. Believe me when I tell you that ive been around the college game as long as anyone. This kid is a D1 player and if he continues to grow he is a major D1 player.

:thatsfunn:lmao::thatsfunn:lmao::thatsfunn:lmao:

[zaga_fan]

Tate would have started for this PCC team this year when he was in 7th grade no question.

Tate wouldn't have started in front of Trevor Combs
That's a guarantee

[zaga_fan]

Well.. He's good for a 7th grader but he has been held back too..
Can Beverly dunk? Because I'd say Mayo was throwing down when he came out of the womb... That is a crazy comparison IMO.

He does have the talent to get to the next level, but we won't know until the time comes.. Multiple things could happen before then. To whoever said they was 5"10 in 7th grade and they are still 5"10.. I feel your pain.. But from the time I was in 7th grade to now, my street game/in-game performance got much better as I grew. I believe that is what most ppl are referring too. His basketball IQ is about as good as it can get.. If he keeps up the work ethic I for one don't believe it's a crazy thought at all.. Put on a little muscle and a few inches here and there.. He will be D1 ready.

I doubt Beverly can dunk.
But I've not seen Steve Nash or John Stockton throw it down too many times and they did pretty well for themselves.

[jackbenimble]

I doubt Beverly can dunk.
But I've not seen Steve Nash or John Stockton throw it down too many times and they did pretty well for themselves.

You guys are getting way,way,way ahead of yourself.

[itzAmazing]

He is a great 7th grader and deserves all the praise that he is getting. I agree that he is not the player that OJ Mayo was in the 7th grade. Not because of SKILLS, but because of size. THATS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE, PERIOD!!! I watched OJ and his skills were no better that Beverlys. Believe me when I tell you that ive been around the college game as long as anyone. This kid is a D1 player and if he continues to grow he is a major D1 player.

Easy now. An OJ Mayo comparison is a bit out there. Beverly is a terrific talent, but Mayo is playing significant minutes for an NBA team in the playoffs. Only time will tell. In the meantime, I wish the kid the best of luck.