Bryson Kittrell '22 Recruiting Profile

Updated Spring 2020

During my freshman and sophomore season at Matoaca High School, I earned a spot on the varsity team and even started both years.  I believe that I was able to achieve both accomplishments because of my off the court work ethic.  For years prior, I went to the gym before and after school to run, condition, get shots up, and work on my game.  I also studied film and worked on building my mental game by listening to various motivational speakers.  I believe what I did off the court allowed me to bring a lot of impact to my high school team.  My role both years was mainly to shoot the ball and score.  I scored over 500+ points in my 2 years at Matoaca.  Even though I was successful in my assigned role and never complained,  I felt I was capable of doing more.  I believe my coach felt the same.  Not only can I shoot, but I have a good court IQ.  During my second year I was given the opportunity to have a dual role, shoot guard and point guard.  The opportunity to play point guard really felt like a good fit for me.  Being experienced in multiple positions was good preparation for playing at the next level.   Going into my junior year, I was recruited to play at Southern Maryland Christian Academy.  With the support of my high school coach at Matoaca, I made the tough decision to transfer to Southern Maryland. 

Making the decision to transfer was extremely difficult because not only would I be transferring, but it also required moving away from home and living with a host family. After discussing it with my family, my coach from Matoaca and the coach at Southern Maryland, my family and I made the decision for me to go.  Even though it was a big adjustment for me, I adapted well.  The decision ended up being the right one, and has benefited my basketball career tremendously. I was able to play point guard and  I excelled in that position.  I averaged 22.2 ppg, 5.1 apg, and 2.7 spg.  At the end of the season I received numerous awards:  All Conference First Team honors for the MISAL; All State Tournament First Team MCST; All County First Team for St. Charles County, Maryland and my team’s MVP Award, the Mustang Award.   This decision also helped my development as a leader because our team is very young and somewhat inexperienced.  A lot of the players look up to me.  I don't take that respect for granted.  I make every effort to lead by example both on and off the court by getting good grades, having good behavior at school, working hard, encouraging my teammates and offering advice to help them develop.  

So, you may ask what makes me a good candidate for your team.  What makes me different from other recruits?  I believe my work ethic, positive attitude, discipline, desire to always improve and the leadership skills that I have developed from the time I started playing basketball to now, not to mention my pure love of the game, makes me an ideal fit for college teams.  I know that I'm able to adapt and be successful no matter what the challenge is because I've overcome many challenges before.  Therefore, I know I can do it in a college environment.  Also, I have maintained good grades even while being away from my parents. I even got straight A's one quarter which further shows my character and self-motivation.  I know you won't find anyone that will work harder than I will to be the best at the game, support his teammates, follow instructions, and perform in the classroom.  If what I described about myself is what you are looking for in a recruit, I'm your guy.

Updated Fall 2017

Now that my middle school days are over, I look forward to starting my freshman year in high school off on the right foot. Academically in my first year of high school, I plan on starting off the year with making straight A's. My short term goal is to maintain straight A's through my freshman year. I've previously been a A-B honor roll student, but I want to set the bar even higher this year. Athletically, I want to make my high school's varsity basketball team. Not only do I want to make the varsity team, but my goal is to start and lead the team in scoring. I am working hard now every day during the off season to make those goals a reality. I believe I have the talent to make the team. However, I think in addition to my talent being more of a vocal leader will help me be a better player and with obtaining my goals. Leading by my actions on the floor comes easy to me. Purposefully developing myself to use my voice more to lead on the floor will help me while I am on my high school team and prepare me for playing at the next level in college.

Basketball has played a big role in my life and has taught me a lot of life lessons. Through basketball, I have learned that not everything is about just me, but it is also about lifting and helping others, specifically my teammates. Also, basketball has taught me about commitment and leadership, as previously mentioned. The game of basketball also helped me understand that I always have to be a student first and then an athlete because without good grades, I can't do anything. Good grades expand opportunity. Finally, success comes with hard work. To obtain my goals on and off the court, I study. I consistently study for my classes, I consistently study the game and I consistently put what I study for both areas into practice during my personal time.

I know I still have a lot of growing to do as a student athlete, but if you are looking for an athlete with competitiveness, character, a strong work ethic and improving leadership skills, I believe I'm your guy.