Brattons Splendid as Freshmen
Twin brothers Shamel and Rhamel Bratton were exceptional athletes during their years at Huntington High School. Inside Lacrosse magazine named the pair the No. 1 and No. 2 recruits in the country in 2007. They eventually signed with the Univ. of Virginia.
In their freshmen season, the Bratton’s sparkled for Virginia (14-4), which reached the NCAA Division I Final Four. In a 12-11 double overtime semifinal loss to eventual national champion Syracuse, Shamel scored the game’s first goal and Rhamel later found the back of the net to give Virginia an 8-3 lead, which it eventually let slip away before a crowd of 48,224 in Foxborough, MA.
“It was very exciting watching Rhamel and Shamel play for Virginia this past spring,” said Paul McDermott, Huntington head coach. “They received a lot of playing time as freshman. I attended the Final Four to watch Virginia play Syracuse. Although Virginia lost, Rhamel and Shamel played a great game. I feel this coming season they will continue with their success at Virginia.”
The 6’1, 186 lb. Shamel played in 18 games, scoring 14 goals and notching four assists. He fired off 79 shots, including 40 on goal, scooped up eight ground balls and caused four turnovers.
The 6’1, 175 lb. Rhamel also played in all 18 games, scoring 10 goals and adding six assists. He took 44 shots, including 22 on goal, picked up 10 ground balls and caused two turnovers.
The Brattons were three-sport stars for the Blue Devils in lacrosse, football and basketball. Both were two-time lacrosse All-Americans. Shamel had 153 goals and 53 assists during his Huntington career. He scored 70 goals as a junior and tallied 52 goals and 20 assists as a senior. Rhamel scored 123 goals and had 61 assists for the Blue Devils. As a senior, he racked up 60 goals and 36 assists.
Last summer, Rhamel helped the U.S. under-19 national team win the world championship. He was America’s third leading scorer in the tournament and tallied three goals against England in the semifinals.
Virginia opens its season at home against Drexel Univ. on Feb. 14.
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