“I'm a playmaker, and I'm going to score. At the end of the day, my job is to put the ball in the basket.” -The Flash, a.k.a. Dwyane Wade
“I Get Buckets,” is a term used far too often by today’s youth. Scoring, is an art form. We have all seen players score at a torrid pace for a short period of time. The few players that can get a basket, regardless of the help defense stacked against them, are special. The “40 Ball,” is chased by many, but attained by few.
Today we start a new feature series called “Running The Wings,” which discusses the the fine art of scoring from the wing spot (or shooting guard, small forward) on the floor. Make no mistake about it, the players in this section, get buckets.
Next up is Breanna Beal. The dynamic scorer plays AAU basketball on the Nike EYBL for the Midwest Elite. According to ESPN, Griffin is ranked #12 in the 2019 class.- By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on Instagram and Twitter.
TheDribbleDrop: If you were to use one word to describe your game, what would it be and why?
Image by Ben Berry / #BenShotIt
Brea Beal: Versatile. Normally when you see a girl my size, you quickly assume that she’s a post player. For me, that’s not the case. I use all levels. Pull up jumpers, three pointers and I take my defender off the dribble.
TheDribbleDrop: We have seen now, more than ever, the use of hybrid forwards that can defend multiple positions. Why do you think that is the case? Is it due to the lack of true bigs, or the fact that hybrid forwards provide room for a more versatile offense?
Brea Beal: The game has evolved so much on the girls side due to our exposure to so many new and different things. 20 years ago little girls had one view of where the game was, 10 years it was another, now the game is viewed way different than it was 20 years ago by young female basketball players. Girls my size no longer just stay down low. Rising young players don’t box themselves in anymore. We know we can do more if we put in the work.
TheDribbleDrop: As a wing, what do you prefer at the point guard spot alongside you: A pure passing point guard that is looking to set guys up and knock down shots, or a pick and roll heavy, ball dominant guard who will hit you in spots to knock down shots?
Brea Beal: I would probably like to play alongside a point guard more of the Chris Paul mold. I love the way he plays on both sides. He’s a rugged defender and he sees the floor. He’s so unselfish and he makes people better around him.
Image by Ben Berry / #BenShotIt
TheDribbleDrop: Lets focus on defense real quick. What do you think is harder to deal with: having to switch on pick and rolls and defend point guards or battle a guy down low?
Brea Beal: I think on the EYBL circuit, the big down low can be a lot harder to deal with. The girls at this level down low are very big and strong.
TheDribbleDrop: What is the ideal style of play based on your skill set?
Brea Beal: More uptempo. I like to go. I don’t like to play slow. I like to push and create in transition. I don’t always want to play slow and when the defenses are set.
TheDribbleDrop: When you catch the ball in the half court, what is your ideal, go-to move?
Brea Beal: Definitely the step-back jumper. That’s my favorite move.
TheDribbleDrop:Tell me one great piece of advice you got from a teammate, coach, or older player you know that gave you a edge in the art of scoring.
Brea Beal: The equivalent to scoring are things like making the extra pass. Diving on the floor for loose balls, locking in on defense. Boxing out and fighting for rebounds. One isn’t more important than another. Team first. The goal is to win.