HAMPTON - The last time Michelle Foley played in a basketball game was a Central Region tournament semifinal loss to Atlee. That was late February. The last time Josh Brinkley played in a basketball game that counted was a Central Region tournament quarterfinal loss to Petersburg. That was late February. Brinkley did play in the 804 All-Star game in April before a packed house at Matoaca High.

What he did: Earned the MVP award in the Rebel Invitational won by No. 4 Douglas Freeman. He averaged 16.6 points in victories over St. Christopher’s, Benedictine and Highland Springs. He collected 17 rebounds against Benedictine and 13 against Highland Springs and added 10 blocks in the tournament. Brinkley, 6-5, has signed with the University of Delaware. Age: 17 Three words your friends would use to describe you: “Fun, friend, hard worker.“ Strengths: “Rebounding; dominance down low; I can step out [for the jumper], too; leader.“ Toughest opponent other than yourself: “Cadarian Raines [Petersburg]. We play AAU ball together. He’s a monster, but I like playing against him because he makes me better.“ I’m working to improve: “My ballhandling, my shot and my perimeter game.“ Favorite food: “My mom’s eggs.“ Favorite candy: Starburst Best sports memory: “This summer, playing in the Las Vegas tournament.“ His team finished in the top 16 nationally. Biggest challenge: “Working on my perimeter game [where he’ll play in college] but still playing inside for my team where they need me.“ If he had one wish: “Win a state championship.“ Possession you can’t do without: “My basketball.“ What’s on your iPod: “Lil Wayne, 50 Cent.“ Facebook or MySpace: Facebook. One thing about you most people don’t know: “I’m a Seventh Day Adventist and go to church on Saturday.“ Sports person you admire the most: “LeBron James.“ - Arthur Utley

December 10, 2008

Brinkley dominates down low for Rebels  12/10/08 12:01 AM