Boddie ready to bloom

Oakland Rebel and Central Catholic High player Jonathan Boddie already measures 6-foot-6. The junior, wearer of size 17 shoes, is another 2014 class member with plus projections, his for rebounding and physical play, plus he understands the need to add elements to his game.

One who thrives on dunking whenever an opening appears, Boddie offered this analysis: "I have a pretty good post game and I'm comfortable in the paint." But he understands that the next two years will require a focus of adding skills to what he already brings to the court.

His Rebel coaches, Raymond Young and Phil Taylor, salute Boddie's approach and effort.

According to Young, "Johnathan is a warrior who runs like a deer -- he's one of the fastest guys on our team,.

"He's strong for his size, very coachable and he wants to learn," said Taylor.

Taylor then added, "Jonathan's a hard worker with freaky athleticism."

An early ankle injury put Boddie on the sidelines for a portion of the Rebel season. But as Taylor related, "Jonathan's a very loyal kid. He came from Modesto for practices even when he was hurt and couldn't play."

As a demonstration of Boddie's hustle on the court, Young recalled a moment in a game this summer where "Jonathan deflected a shot, got the rebound, passed the ball and ended up scoring on the other end."

It's that type of effort which primarily produces Boddie's points as he isn't a finished product (although how many who just started their junior year fall into such a category?)

"Yes, he needs to add skills" is Young's assessment, especially the addition of a go-to shot  in the paint.

Earlier, Boddie also played baseball but "basketball clicked with me," so it was goodbye diamond and going steady with the hardwood.

He already knows that down the road he wants to become a doctor, like his grandfather and "a surgeon in particular."

With an understanding about entry into that level of schooling, Boddie already maintains a focus on academics, sporting a 3.8 grade point average.

Last season, Central Catholic finished 10-2 in the Western Athletic Conference, 26-7 overall, and its season concluding with a 66-47 Division V regional semifinal loss to St. Joseph Notre Dame on March 13.  With 6-foot-9 senior John Fenton returning and backcouter Donovin Townsend a junior like Boddie, the prediction is "we should be really good." Central Catholic has taken league three years running..