Albright moves south

No, it's not the hoops equivalency of a robust earthquake. Much more just a tremor at this point. But Arcata High's Ben Albright choosing to depart Humboldt County post high school and play basketball at Merritt College is unique because athletes on the North Coast just don't climb over the Redwood Curtain unless it's on their way to a four-year college.

For background, here's a description of Albright's game after participation in the 2014 Bay Area Memorial Day Classic tournament: "Versatile wing who is best suited on the perimeter but also has a back to basket game. Will take and make the 3 when available, has good vision with ball, passes well out of the high post. High motor and plays with a chip on his shoulder, gets involved with a lot of plays, can guard the perimeter or four man."

So there's existing talent alongside plenty of raw material to further develop.

The why for the 6-foot-5 Albright is he simply made the choice to travel a different route than usual for North Coasters. "I made the decision on my own," he explained. "I was ready for a challenge, made a visit and thought I could be more successful at Merritt. It created a lot of surprise."

The North Coast is a rather insulated area and Albright wanted to spread his wings a bit so to speak. He doesn't consider his move as a turning of his back to his hometown area, just a taking advantage of an opportunity that will hopefully aid him in going further in basketball.

So what has his situation been like so far?

"It's been about a month now and it's tons different than high school. Practices are really long and there's a different work ethic required."

Merritt Coach Keenan McMiller offered this on his newcomer: "I am extremely excited about Ben Albright because he is a solid young man with a lot of heart. Ben is a qualifier out of high school as well as very skilled, a solid shooter, defender and rebounder. I feel that Ben will emerge as a high level prospect while here at Merritt College because he consistently displays a solid work ethic and is calm easy-going young man."

So will such continue with the North Coast? Is Albright a harbinger of things to come? Time will tell.