I first saw Bryson Spell play at last year’s Adidas Gauntlet stop in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he immediately caught my attention with the shooting stroke he possessed at 6’8″. He has now grown another inch to 6’9″ and just completed a productive junior year at Cape Henry Collegiate in Virginia. To go along with his ability to stretch the floor, Spell provides you with a smart player who is active and can play above the rim. Spell is a mature, high-character prospect who brings leadership as well. This summer, he’ll be taking on the challenge of playing in the EYBL with Boo Williams and seems excited for the opportunity to prove himself against the nation’s best. Below we discuss his outlook on the future and his thoughts on the 2019-20 season.
Bryson Spell Junior Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQdmyVYHvcs&feature=youtu.be
Recruitment: Offers from Cincinnati, Richmond, Old Dominion, Elon, and George Washington.
Start off with a recap of your junior year- How do you feel about how things went for the team and for you personally? Is there anything you focused on going into the season or anything you thought you really improved on this year?
“Junior year was great. We ended the season with a record of 23-5, winning both our conference regular season and tournament championship. We took a tough loss in the state quarterfinal against Trinity Episcopal to end the season but overall I thought we accomplished a lot as a team. I came close to averaging a double-double with 15 PPG and 9 RPG along with 3 assists and 2 blocks per game across the season which was a huge improvement from last year’s numbers. Going into the season I focused primarily on my mental preparation for games as in years past I would often find myself thinking too much or being worried of making mistakes in game. Everything has started to click between my mind and body which has paid off greatly throughout last summer and this high school season.”
You’re going to be playing with Boo Williams this summer after being with Loaded VA last year- What made you decide that Boo Williams was the best fit for you and how do you think you’ll benefit from playing in the EYBL?
“The decision to leave Team Loaded was a tough one because they have been so great to me and my family the past couple years but after talking with Boo it feels like playing in that organization and against the best competition in the country for my last summer season would be the best. I’ve always been a highly competitive kid and have worked my way up to playing against and with some of the best players in the country. I feel that playing on the EYBL will only enhance my performance because of how highly competitive the circuit is.”
You’ve gotten a good bit of recruitment and have offers from some solid programs- What do you think the next step is for you, what do you think you need to show this summer to earn some of those higher level offers?
“I think adding more aggression to my skill set will only better my play. Getting to my spots, creating shots, and using my athleticism at the rim along with snagging rebounds and locking down on defense are all facets I can use with added aggression and confidence. I’ve been working on that for a while and I will be able to show my progress this season.”
You seem like a really high character kid and a good leader- What are some of the traits you bring to a team aside from your skills on the court that separate you from other guys?
“I pride myself on leading with my voice on the floor along with in the huddle or even off the court with the team. Being vocal and playing unselfish just rubs off on the people that I play with . Being that person that can bring energy without having to provide energy through strictly scoring is what I believe separates me from others.”
What do you hope to achieve your senior year? Are there any specific goals you have for yourself or for the team as a whole?
“A state championship. I’ve always made it a goal to be the hardest working person in or outside of the gym so in a sense I think I’m deserving of one. The feeling of winning any championship period is always great and if I have the chance to win a state championship with my guys then it will only make the feeling even better.”
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