R.J. Ingram, Florida Pro: The 6’3 guard from Orlando Lake Highland Prep is new to the squad but fit in very well on Saturday.  Strong, athletic, and playing with non-stop aggression, Ingram made an impact with his perimeter shooting as well as his ability to get to the basket and score.  He is most effective off the catch when shooting from the perimeter.  Ingram overpowers most defenders when driving the ball and he scores well through contact.  While maybe not a natural point guard, he is a good ball-handler, passer, and distributor.  Ingram’s high level of strength and athleticism allows him to defend and rebound against bigger opponents.

Jasen Lopez, SOH Elite: The 6’1 point guard from Hollywood Chaminade is a dual-sport athlete that will most likely have a difficult time choosing which sport to play at the next level.  A point guard that can score, Lopez is equally adept at getting his teammates involved as well as taking on a lead scoring role.  His perimeter shot is reliable well past the high-school arc.  Lopez is very difficult to defend off the dribble, rather it be in ball-screen action or simply going one-on-one vs. his opponent.  He has a high-level combination of speed, quickness, strength, and crafty dribble moves to create driving lanes and space for shots.  Lopez is quick to push the pace and get the ball up the floor in the fastest possible way.  Defensively he does a good job of making up for any lack of size with strength, anticipation, and effort.

Willie Burnett III, Team Breakdown: The 6’4 guard, heading to Gillion Academy in DC, has a bag overflowing with scoring tools.  Great footwork, creative ball-handling, and deep shooting range allow Burnett to score against almost any type of conceivable defense.  He scores from all three levels, doesn’t shy away from contact at the basket, and is athletic enough to finish well above the rim.  This weekend, Burnett showed that he can tone down his game and get teammates open looks and good shots when the defense comes to help or double-team.  Defensively, he always seems up for a challenge, covers a lot of ground quickly, and does a good job of keeping his opponent in front of him.

Sam Cano, BBD: A 6’4 wing from North Broward Prep, Cano has proven to be a subtle but effective player whenever we watch him.  He doesn’t “wow” with athleticism or fancy play but instead hits timely threes, comes up with rebounds and loose balls in tight situations, and score or assist at the most opportune of moments.  Cano reacts quickly on defense, plays the passing lanes well, and works hard to keep his opponent off the glass.

A.J. Ambrose, Florida Pro: A 5’11 point guard out of Cardinal Gibbons, he does everything consistently, including win, whether by on the high school or travel circuit.  A great IQ, high skill level and elevated feel for the game allows Ambrose to easily compensate for any perceived lack of size.  While a pass-first point guard, he is not a pass only point guard.  Ambrose has range to the arc, a reliable mid-range game consisting of floaters and quick pull-ups as well as an array of slick finishes in a crowd around the basket.  He does well when it comes to setting up teammates for shot attempts, makes good reads coming off ball-screens and is a master of pace management.  Defensively he works hard, has active hands and feet, and anticipates ball-movement well.

Chris Yeargin, SOH Elite: The 6’3 wing from Fort Lauderdale Stranahan is known for his athletic slashing and scoring capabilities, but Yeargin has really come on as of late in terms of his consistency from making perimeter shots on either side of the arc.  He seems very comfortable in shooting off the catch in rhythm in transition as well as against a set defense.  Yeargin is not shy about seeking contact when attacking the basket.  More of a straight-line driver than a “weaver in traffic”, he has excellent body control and touch in the air to make tough shots.  His physical gifts make him a potent defender, whether guarding the basketball, disrupting the passing lanes, or helping a teammate then recovering to his assignment.

Marcis Ponder, Team Breakdown: The 6’11 insider is heading to Gillion Academy in DC for his senior season.  A deluxe rebounder and rim protector, Ponder controls the glass at both ends.  If he doesn’t grab the missed shot the first time, he will keep it alive until it is finally corralled by somebody.  Offensively there is certainly work to be done but Ponder is steadily improving in various areas such as getting deeper post position, avoiding charges on post moves, and working to get open depending if the defense is playing in front or behind.  Ponder is such a physical specimen that is scary to think what he will become once he gets into a collegiate nutrition and weight program.

Justus Herburt, Florida Pro: The 6’3 wing from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons has significantly elevated his perimeter skills this off-season.  The strong and athletic lefty has become a reliable perimeter shooter inside the arc and will connect on threes if left to his own device.  Herburt is still at his best when he can get downhill, rather it be in transition or against a set defense.  He gives great effort at both ends of the floor, pursuing rebounds out of his area, covering a lot of ground quickly at the defensive end, and using his length and athleticism to guard a variety of positions over the course of a game.

Fernando Romero, SOH Elite: The 6’3 guard from Miami Country Day is instant offense off the bench as he comes in ready to take three-pointers and connect at a solid rate.  Romero has range beyond the high-school line, is always shot-ready, gets his feet set quickly and has a rapid release.  He is especially dangerous when running to his spot in transition or moving to an open area to be prepared for a pass from teammates in the lane.  Romero is not a one-trick pony as he will get the ball quickly to open teammates, work hard on the glass, and sucker opponents into poor passes.