Remember the kid who pulled up for a half court shot after taunting the defender? Remember the kid that drained that same shot? He is back, but he brought 89 more points with him.
His name is LaMelo Ball, and this time, the younger brother of UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball scored 92 points in a 146-123 win over Los Osos High School.
LaMelo Ball – 92pts (37-61FG), (7-22 3s) (11-14FT), 7asts & 5rbs. pic.twitter.com/UehR8RTY8f
— Julius Kim (@JKim97) February 8, 2017
92 points, 41 of which were scored in the 4th quarter alone. He has showcased impressive handles, a quick release, and solid court vision. His statistical production can’t be questioned, but the manner in which he is doing it can be, and has been.
Despite his young age, his game has turned him into a small-scale celebrity and a social media sensation, and with that comes the critical eye of the internet. A 15-year-old high schooler is being exposed to the full range of opinions from strangers.
That also might of been the worst high school basketball game Ive ever seen in my life. It was a glorified pick up game. Sloppy. #LaMeloBall
— Tony Patelis (@CollegeHoopNews) February 8, 2017
Lack of defense. Cherry picking. Seemingly overbearing cockiness. The internet takes no prisoners.
Yet many have come rushing to his defense, defending his game, but more importantly defending his character.
LaMelo Ball outscored Alabama’s entire team Tuesday night.
Reminder: No. 19 South Carolina took Alabama to 4OT. pic.twitter.com/cVWrHYXybC
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2017
@MELOD1P dropped 92 and all yall say is “ball hog, no defense, cherry picker”etc. but y’all can’t even drop 50 on MYCARRER mode?
— Simanu’a (@simanua_thomas) February 8, 2017
Well I mean that’s one way to bounce back after a loss… I see you lil bro 9️⃣2️⃣
— Lonzo Ball (@ZO2_) February 8, 2017
Fellow Chino Hills High School student, Alexis Anderson, underwent emergency surgery immediately prior to the game, triggering an outpouring of love from her community, including the young star.
SITUATION URGENT!! EVERYONE PLEASE PRAY!!!! In Surgery. Emergency measures. #love4lexi
— Todd Anderson (@toddgeoffrey) February 8, 2017
92 points #love4lexi ??
— SwaggyMelo (@MELOD1P) February 8, 2017
Ball dedicated his performance to Lexi and sparked more awareness for #love4lexi, showing a level of compassion and maturity that most had not yet seen.
I was mad at first because of the cherry picking.. but the reason was bigger then the game of basketball so I'm straight ???? #Love4Lexi https://t.co/4N5Cx7i23u
— TrustTheProcess✈️ (@King_KJ21) February 8, 2017
He has a game that is fun to watch and the personality that is going to keep him in the limelight, so will he keep a level head? Is this style of play helping or hurting the game and his still young career? Let us know what you think @InTheGameNation!
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Written by Cole Parker
Photo courtesy of Louis Lopez
