Meet Kendall Stubblefield

Sometimes, we stumble into being at the right place at the right time. Other times, it's a planned move that positions us into a more positive position. This synchronicity of sorts is certainly in play for 2018 prospect Kendall Stubblefield of Bellarmine College Prep and the Top Flight Elite travel team.

First there was his transition in sports. "I played baseball when I was younger but got over it," Stubblefield recalled. He also played some football, seeing as his father played defensive tackle for the 49ers and other teams in the National Football League.

But "I was begging my Mom to put me in a church league in basketball," he explained, "because my only playing was shooting in my backyard." His mother complied and his sports focus switched again.

Then Stubblefield transferred from Willow Glen High to Bellarmine as a sophomore and played on the junior varsity rather than sit out 30 days. This season on varsity, he is both playing very well and loving the process. Rather than cite a certain play or points total, he offered,"my best basketball moment is I'm learning and getting better. My teammates are great friends and we have a great team chemistry."

Regarding his hoops transformation, he credits both the Bellarmine and Top Flight Elite coaches. "They have really helped me. My emotions have changed and my scoring has changed." He also dropped some weight and now checks in at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds.

Stubblefield also enthusiastically credits his mother for all her support. "My Mom is a single mother and she works really hard. She was for me playing basketball when everybody else was saying football."

He offered, "my best skills are my work in the paint, my skills and my footwork." Also, "I do see myself as a leader, someone bringing energy to the team."

Top Flight Elite Coach Jamon Osby, who is also a varsity assistant with the Bells elaborated, "Kendall is charismatic and brings a unique energy because he always keeps everything upbeat. His footwork is off the charts and he is dynamic because he plays off the defender in the key. Kendall can finish left or right and, if a defender does something wrong, he will take advantage. He also has guard skills on the perimeter because he can shoot the three and also dribble-drive to the rim."

Osby added, "We initially saw a raw talent and got him focused. He loves the game and to compete and has channeled himself into being a structured player. Kendall works really hard and that's a testament to his character and upbringing. He listens and pays attention to detail."

It very early in Stubblefield's recruiting process but he sees his future as “playing D1 basketball and playing somewhere that’s the right fit for me to develop my game.” This spring and summer with Top Flight Elite will be his first full-on exposure.

His addition to the Bells has given the team an inside presence previously absent and Coach Patrick Schneider's crew currently sports a first place 18-1 overall record, 9-0 in the West Catholic Athletic League, including victories over St. Ignatius, Archbishop Mitty, Serra and St. Francis.