Making it onto a good high school basketball team is one thing, but getting an invite to play on a good AAU team is another. And then there’s being recognized as one of the better players in that program.
That scenario can be said for Parklane varsity players sophomore Jacob Gazzo and freshman Brewer Carruth.
The pair play in different age groups in AAU but both are making some noise in the ranks by representing Team Mississippi in tournament play and playing for team MBA OSAG (Mississippi Basketball Association One Shot at Greatness).
“It is such an honor, I am so glad that I got to be named to that,” Gazzo said. “It was a fun experience, getting to go play with those guys, and I had a great time.”
Carruth said getting the nod caught him off-guard.
“I wasn’t expecting it but coach (Telante) Webber just called us and selected,” he said. “It is really exciting to be able to play there.”
Getting the chance to represent Mississippi will involve plenty of travel to different states.
“Traveling, you get to see a whole new level of competition,” Carruth said. “You get to play against these big teams and it is a great experience.”
Gazzo said the travelling can be tiring but it will be worth it in the end.
“It is so fun just going to new places and seeing new things,” he said. “Just seeing different people as well is awesome. It is hard sometimes but it is totally worth it.
Getting the opportunity to play among the best that AAU has to offer, much less getting an invite to play for an AAU program, came from hard work the two players put in by both Gazzo and Carruth back home. Playing at Parklane, Gazzo specializes in the post, while Carruth plays the role of a swingman.
Their play caught the attention of the Jackson-based AAU program.
Team director Marc Rowe has been thoroughly impressed with the progression and dedication that both have displayed since joining the program.
When it comes to Gazzo, Rowe speaks highly of his leadership skills.
“He has developed into that and accepted his role,” he said. “Gazzo works extremely hard at being good and a lot of times a lot harder than some other kids work. He had to grow into a leadership role understanding that the work that I put in is going to be required of me.”
As far as Carruth, Rowe said he is going to continue to make a name for himself as he progresses.
“He plays hard,” Rowe said. “When you look at him, his face is red, he’s drenched in sweat because he runs the floor. He started out as just a shooter and he was typecast in that role. He’s improved his midrange game. When he started with us he would just stand in the corner and wait on a 3. Now he puts it on the floor and he has really developed as a player.”
