WEST DES MONIES –Deonte Burton drove the lane and found an opening. He took flight and adjusted in mid-air to soar between two defenders towards the rim. He brought the ball low between his legs and slammed it over his head back through the hoop.
It was a play that perfectly showed off Burton’s heavily discussed athleticism, but it was just the tip of the show he put on Wednesday night in YMCA Capital City League action.
Burton scored 49 points on 21-of-43 shooting and grabbed 18 rebounds in Hannah Homes’ 112-98 loss to YMCA.
“I’ve been trying to work on my shot,” Burton said. “I’ve just been getting a lot of shots and reppin my shot.”
It still isn’t completely clear what position Burton plays. He drives the lane like a three. He bangs under the rim like a four. He says he played the five at Marquette.
If Burton is able to put together the all-around game like he did Wednesday night, Steve Prohm probably won’t be worrying what position he is.
“If it’s just bigs and guards, then I’m a guard,” Burton said. “I just see myself as a player. Whatever you need me to do, I’ll go out and try to do it for you.”
When asked where Burton thinks he fits on the team, he laughed and had a simple answer.
“On the court.”
CCL Recaps
YMCA 112, Hannah Homes 98
*** Jameel McKay scored 29 points and grabbed 20 rebounds to lead YMCA to the win. He was 12-of-24 from the field and also knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. Nick Babb also added 18 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.
Deonte Burton scored 49 points and grabbed 18 rebounds, while Hallice Cooke scored 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the loss for Hannah Homes.
ADIO 113, Phoenix Renewable Resources 77
*** Georges Niang scored 36 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead ADIO to the win, and clinch the No. 1 seed in this weekend’s CCL playoffs. Jordan Ashton also added 21 points.
Phoenix Renewable Resources was playing without Monte Morris, who is at the Pan-American Games tryout. Kourtlin Jackson led the team with 36 points.
Renaissance Granite 113, Captital Orthopedics 112
*** Nick Noskowiak and Matt Thomas did not play for Capital Ortho, while Abdel Nader didn’t play for Renaissance. Drake’s Reed Timmer scored 54 points to lead Renaissance to the win.
Drake’s Ore Arogundade scored 44 points for Capital Orthopedics in the loss.
