2013-14 Pre-Season All Blue-Collar Team

Pre-Season GA HS Blue Collar 2013-14 Team

The 1^st Annual Riley Criswell All Blue-Collar Team is named after Carrollton HS 2013 grad Riley Criswell. Criswell exemplifies what true “toughness” is all about. The players that make this pre-season team exude characteristics of a “blue-collar” work ethic. They consistently bring great effort on the practice and game floor. They are winners who have a “do whatever it takes” attitude.

Riley Criswell

 Riley was enjoying a phenomenal Senior year at Carrollton HS last year before suffering a season ending and career threatening leg injury. Criswell, currently a Freshman scholarship player at Holy Cross, was averaging 25ppg and 14rpg after 9 games before the horrific moment in a December holiday tournament in Florida. Despite months of rehab, several surgeries, Riley has showed tremendous courage, optimism and remained positive in his approach to life and the injury.

Eric Lockett competing in last year's GACS/BCB Showcase (photo courtesy Ty Freeman)

Eric Lockett, 6’5 SR Forward (Whitefield Academy): There may not be a better competitor than Lockett in the peach state. Simply put, he is a winner. He rebounds, defends, gets on the floor, and oh yea, scores tough buckets around the hoop. I first laid eyes on Lockett during a pre-season practice his sophomore year. There to watch current UGA guard Kenny Gaines, Lockett’s talent was apparent alongside fellow classmate Lorenzo Carter (who is now at Norcross HS). I have heard a lot of “scouts” and college coaches talk about what EL can’t do over the last several months, but what he DOES do is compete, play tough, and win.

Mo Lewis, 6’5 SR W/F (Milton HS): Lewis, the son of a former NFL linebacker, plays strong and tough. He has a business-like attitude. Another player in the mold of a combo or hybrid forward, Lewis who has signed early with the Naval Academy should have no problem fitting in a military environment. A tough rebounder and defender, will be a key piece under Milton’s new leadership and coach Matt Cramer.

Isaiah Wilkins, 6’7 SR Forward (GAC): Wilkins, who recently signed with Virginia, is coming off a State Championship season with averages of 16.2ppg, 11.1rpg, & 4.9bpg. Blue-collar may not be the first word that people think of when Wilkins comes to mind because he possess such an all-around skill set. But don’t let that and the slender frame fool you. He communicates, competes on the defensive end and is consistent in his work ethic.

Khalen Pinkett, 5’11 SR G (Norcross HS): Pinkett, who transferred to Norcross prior to last year from Whitfield Academy, was a great compliment to All-State guard Brandon Goodwin. Pinkett was a disruptive force as an on-ball defender, helping Norcross claim the State championship.  Guarding the opponent’s best perimeter offensive player takes a tough competitor and that is what Pinkett does best. His effort is a key to Norcross's high pressure defensive system.

Faisal Abdulamlik, 6’6 JR Forward (Greenforest Christian): Faisal is another member that comes from a State Champion. His motor is always running; fighting for loose balls and never giving up on rebounds have become Abdulamlik’s trademarks. Also known for a flop or two, Faisal will play a key role in GC’s quest to defend their single A private school state title.

 Davy Fisher, 6’3 SR Guard (Model HS): Fisher is coming off a season in which he led Model to the school’s first ever Elite 8 appearance. He hit a buzzer beating shot to win their Sweet 16 round along with a 37pt performance. Also, known as “Fish”, his blue-collar work ethic bleeds into other areas of his life as he will challenge for the honor of “Valedictorian” for his Senior class at Model.

Click here http://www.times-georgian.com/sports/carrollton/article_e91bc8a0-3a9a-11e3-aac3-0019bb30f31a.html to read more about Riley Criswell’s story.

Riley with Alabama football head coach Nick Saban & younger brother Cooper (far left)

                               This story is dedicated to Riley Criswell in his road to recovery!

Riley with his mother and father (Tim Criswell-also HS Coach at Carrollton HS)