Jhaylon Martinez Turning The Corner
By: tachevskidejan 
January 31, 2016
Team Rampage 8th Grader Jhaylon Martinez

Exactly one year ago, 6'6" 8th grader Jhaylon Martinez, who was in the 7th grade at the time, was finishing up his NJB season in Vallejo, CA, as he was coached by Team Rampage Head Coach and Trainer, Brandon Bracy. At that time, there was no "Team Rampage", there was just a coach who seen potential in a tall 7th grader. Martinez didn't have a lot of experience, wasn't used to the game or the speed, all he had was a very tall frame. After NJB season, Coach Bracy, continued to train Jhaylon, while he played for the Nor-Cal Power basketball club.

After the summer, Coach Bracy announced that he would be starting a 14 and under division, under Team Rampage. Playing on the elite level would be a shock for Jhaylon, as his first real test would come against the number one team in the country, The Oakland Soldiers. As Khari Walker, and Shemar Morrow, took advantage of him, Jhaylon realized he had to get better if he wanted to compete against the best. Coach Bracy would continue to push him harder through practice, and on the off days, Martinez would workout with the Napa Sports Association, on his strength and conditioning, along with his brother and teammate, Rajon Martinez.

Now as a year passes by since his debut in NJB, Jhaylon has continued to get better, and has possibly become the face of the Team Rampage Organization. He has drawn interest in a number of high schools, and even other AAU coaches who would love to steal Jhaylon away from Team Rampage. However, despite the interest of other AAU teams, Coach Bracy believes Jhaylon will continue to play under Team Rampage, as his growth has continued to show over the last two tournaments. He has averaged over a double double in each of the last two tournaments, while also scoring the game winning basket, in the Vision Basketball Martin Luther King Jr. Tournament, against Nor-Cal Xpress. It is clear to see that Jhaylon is on the right track, and will continue to develop under Coach Bracy's training.

 

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