Checking in on Duncanville's Shawn Williams
Duncanville, Texas is home to one of the top basketball teams in the nation, the Duncanville Panthers. Panthers Head Coach Phil McNeely has won almost 700 games in 26 seasons at the helm of the Panthers. The team currently hosts two of the best 2009 prospects in 6′5 combo-forward, Roger Franklin and 6′6 small forward, Shawn Williams. Franklin is a shoe in on high major roster, having received no less than nine offers from power conference schools. Williams is a ultra smooth prospect with an incredibly sound game and the ability to beat his man off of the dribble.
The past six months of Williams life, have solidified him as one of the top prospects in the 09′ class. Williams has developed confidence in his game, showcasing it against the best in the nation. Not only on the AAU circuit, but the high school hardwood as well. Williams is a proven winner as his Panthers squad posted a 53 game winning streak until running into Oak Hill Academy late in December, 2007.
The Duncanville Panthers played two of the toughest opponents that a team could play. First the Panthers squared off against Oak Hill Academy. The game was a barn burner to say the least and ended in overtime on a missed shot in the lane by Williams. Oak Hill won the game 78-77. Williams was the second best player on the court, posting 21 points and 16 rebounds. Williams did however miss a shot in a lane at the buzzer that would have secured a Panther win. Brandon Jennings was the reason that Oak Hill won putting up 34 points on 32 shots.
The Panthers then went on to the Beach Ball Classic, in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. After struggling early, but managing to advance to the title game. Franklin, Williams and fellow 2009 recruit Reger Dowell played like they had something to prove in the finale against Wheeler (GA), wining the game 69-57. Roger Franklin was named MVP of the Tournament, but is was Williams 23 points and 12 boards that secured the win against Wheeler.
“Our record speaks for itself,” Duncanville forward Shawn Williams said. “We’ve lost one game in two years. No matter how we look, we are going to find a way to win.”
In early May Williams narrowed his list, listing Florida as his leader. Kentucky, Texas, UCLA, Arkansas. Louisville and Baylor are still firmly in the mix.
