A.J. Ambrose, FL Pro 17U: A 6’0 senior from Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and recent Lynn University commit, Ambrose is a true point guard with exceptional skills and high hoops IQ. He creates scoring options for teammates via the dribble in transition and the half-court, moving defenders until a crack appears and he can deliver the ball on time and on target. Ambrose makes open shots on either side of the arc, absorbs contact on drives and still knocks down shots and is a reliable free throw shooter. He moves his feet quickly and anticipates well on defense.
Laron Mack, All Ball 16U: A 6’8 sophomore out of Riviera Prep in Miami, Mack is a long and fluid athlete that is continuing to develop his overall skill level. He’ll grab a rebound and push the ball up the floor, daring defenders to stop him. Mack scores well inside the arc, whether on the block, cutting into the lane, or getting to the basket with few dribbles from the high post and short corner areas of the floor. His three-point shot will improve with time as he has good shot form and mechanics. Mack can defend perimeter and post players, using his length and foot speed to keep up with opponents and challenge and change shots.
Jeremiah Choute, FL Pro 2029: A 5’10 freshman from Stoneman-Douglas in Coral Springs, Choute makes a lot of positive plays due to energy, effort, and hustle. He is a slasher in transition and the half-court, using a quick first step to get past defenders. Choute always seems to be near the ball, whether it is a rebound, loose ball, or scrum under the basket. He rebounds well for his size and has good defensive instincts both on and off the ball. We like how he plays with abandon but isn’t reckless.
Miles Andrews, Worldwide Soldiers 2029: A 6’1 sophomore from Wekiva in Orlando, Andrews proved to be a good athlete that scored well inside the arc. He has a quick first step, good body control, and completed several strong drives and pull-jumpers in the lane. An alert defender, Andrews is quick to come over to help, getting a few blocks in the process. He rebounded the ball well at both ends and routinely finished above the rim in transition.
Malachi Andrews, Above Academy 10th: The 6’6 freshman at Williston is a bit raw skill-wise but his length and athleticism stand out. He rebounds his area, is quick to change ends in transitions and makes the most of his opportunities as an offensive rebounder and scoring quickly after securing a pass from a penetrating teammate when his defender slides over to help. Andrews covers a lot of ground quickly on defense, can step out on the perimeter and defend smaller players if need be, and challenges shots in the lane.
Franck Masanda, Florida Sons 16U: A 6’5 sophomore at Victory Christian Prep in Bradenton, Masanda showed a high dose of athletic ability and well as playing hard every possession. An athletic slasher and finisher from the wing, he also showed he could consistently make shots inside the arc. Masanda also flourished as an offensive rebounder. A versatile defender on the perimeter, he was able to stay in front of smaller, quicker opponents, using his length to challenge shots.
Yariel Perez, OBG Elite 2029: A 6’2 freshman at Nazerette Christian in Kissimmee, Perez has a strong frame and a soft shooting touch from deep. He hit multiple threes in the game we took in, many well behind the high school three-point line. Perez uses his size and strength to keep defenders at bay when driving to the basket and to carve out space when pursuing rebounds at both ends of the floor.
Hudson Hooten, SE Elite Gold 16U: A 6’4 freshman at Booker T. Washington in Pensacola, Hooten made the most of a long trip to Fire & Ice II. He is an excellent shooter that quickly gets his feet set and is seemingly always shot-ready. Hooten will drive and score at the rim should the closeout be undisciplined. He plays physically on defense, rebounds well for his size, and is an alert defender in the passing lanes.