Silver is gold for GMC as senior leader and star

GMC senior guard Braylen Silver has stepped into his leadership role with the Blazers this season. Silver is averaging 17.1 points per game, leading the team to a 10-3 record thus far.

Braylen Silver has never shied away from a challenge.

Last year, GMC’s sharp-shooting guard was unexpectedly thrust into a much bigger role following a late-season injury to star point guard Musa Muriithi. Silver accepted the task then, taking over Muriithi’s position and leading the Blazers to back-to-back wins over Landrum and a region title.

“When Musa got hurt last year, he was really like a leader for our team,” said Silver. “I kind of got thrown into that role of being the point guard, handling the ball, and just being a leader for us. That prepared me really well for this year.”

Now? Muriithi and former Greer Middle College standout center Jack Pfister are gone. It’s Silver’s team to lead. No more sneaking through the shadows or waiting in the wings to spot up and shoot for the senior. The ball is in his hands most of the game. Teams are locking in on Silver, specifically game-planning to stop him.

Not much luck so far.

With 21 points against Liberty at Saturday’s PrepHoops SC Showcase, Silver led GMC (10-3) to a dominant 71-51 win. He’s up to a team-high 17.1 points per game for the Blazers this year.

Silver was named a preseason top-five senior in Class 3-A basketball by the South Carolina Basketball Coaches Association. He appreciated the recognition greatly, but he also knew the attention that would come with it.

“Coming into this year, I knew it was going to be a bit more of a challenge,” said Silver. “Last year, teams didn’t really know who I was. They didn’t have film on me, hadn’t seen me play. Now, they know. They know what I can do. There are a lot more eyes on me.”

“Braylen has stepped up in a really big way for us this season,” said GMC head coach Jamar Armstrong. “He had a lot of momentum at the end of last year with the way he played for us after Musa’s injury. He’s taken the next step for us in his leadership this season, even with the way he encourages some of our younger guys.”

Armstrong says that while this year’s GMC team is undoubtedly different than last, the Blazers’ identity this year is one of “grit.” Silver, he says, is a huge part of that.

“Braylen’s not just shooting the ball better or scoring the ball more this year,” said Armstrong. “He’s rebounding the ball better and playing tougher defense, too. It’s everything you want in a leader.”

Catch Silver and GMC in action next in a home game against GREEN Upstate on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m.