Hampton Roads natives go undrafted last night
by Tamara Brown, recruit757
While the Futures Middle School Showcase primarily features middle school athletes, there is one player that is extraordinary. Fourth grader, Cyriah Griffin, will be participating in the showcase, as the sole returning elementary school athlete.
Inspired by local female ballers in the area, Griffin began playing basketball at the age of four.
“Seeing the older girls play like Monnazjea Finney-Smith (Wilson), Adrienne Motley (Woodside), Gianna Smith (Lake Taylor) and Jessica Washington (Great Bridge)is why I wanted to learn how to play basketball,” Griffin noted.
Outside of the local stars who have moved on to their prospective colleges, Griffin also admires 2015 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year, A’ja Wilson from University of South Carolina, and Tennessee’s Diamond DeShields who was ranked #3 in her recruiting class coming out of high school.
Griffin also has basketball talent in her bloodline that she seeks inspiration from, former VCU and current Miami Heat basketball player, Briante Weber. The 6’2 PG from Chesapeake graduated from Great Bridge High School as the two-time All-Southeastern District Defensive Player of the Year and finished his college career third on the NCAA’s all-time steals list with 368 career steals.
With high expectations out of her coaches, the combo guard hopes to use this opportunity playing against some of the best middle school talent in the area as primarily a growth opportunity.
“Playing against older players is a chance for me to become stronger. I am looking to gain confidence and mental toughness by playing against stronger, bigger girls,” said Griffin.
Age is nothing but a number for Griffin as she has set the standards high for her future as she prepares for her final year of elementary school in the fall.
“My goal is to continue to get smarter on the court and in the classroom. I am confident that I will keep working hard and believe nobody can stop me regardless of my grade,” said Griffin.
-Tamara Brown
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