Larry Turner Rounding Out Game

BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS -- Rivalshoops.com had the opportunity to watch Larry Turner, a 6-10, 225-pound center/power forward from Bridgton Academy, six times this season. And at each event we viewed Turner in person, his game got a little bit better.

Turner scored 12 points last night but his team was defeated in the opening round of the NEPSAC tournament. But Turner played well, worked hard, and ran the court like a guard.

Turner will pick up a lot of points on the college level if he continues to run the floor like he did yesterday. On two occasions, he beat his defender down the court for massive dunks. Turner appeared more comfortable too in the paint with his post-up moves. This still needs improvement but Turner looked much more fluid than our initial views of him in person.

Turner also worked hard in the paint. He blocked five shots and grabbed eight rebounds. He will be a fine player at Georgia when he straightens out his academic requirements.

Bridgton head coach Whit Lesure did a nice job in slowly moving Turner into his system. Though Turner's season is over, high marks have to be given to Larry and his coach. It's a shame that there isn't more time for Turner to work on his game on a competitive level unless he decides to play AAU ball during the spring.

Last year, Turner played at Baldwin H.S. in Milledgeville, Ga. Turner previously had been hearing from Clemson, NC State, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Villanova, and Alabama during his recruiting process.