Zach Walker, Orlando West Oaks: A 6’1 senior, Walker was arguably the most impressive performer of the day. He quickly established himself as the primary ball-handler for his squad due to his ability to create plays and make the game easier for his teammates. Walker is a crafty scorer on both drives and from the perimeter.
Zari Simpkins, Altamonte Springs Christian: A 6’1 senior, Simpkins showed a cerebral approach to the game. He made good pass vs. shot decisions, got teammates involved, was consistent from the perimeter on both sides of the arc and was active defensively.
Gilbert Baez, Orlando West Oaks: A 6’5 senior, Baez has good positional size for either backcourt spot. At the point, he sees over the defense, finding cutters and open perimeter players for shots. Off the ball he has reliable range out to the three-point line.
Josiah Adams, Orlando Oak Ridge: A 6’2 junior, Adams is a nice blend of skill and athleticism. He can slash to the rim and score as well as rise and fire off the bounce from the perimeter. Adams has good instincts and quickness at the defensive end.
Zachary Downer, Orlando West Oaks: A 6’6 senior, Downer is solidly built and understands how to use his frame and strength to his advantage. He will bully-ball defenders on the way to the basket and he has range to the arc to keep opponents off-balance. Downer uses his physical gifts well when it comes to rebounding and defense.
Damarri Young-Grant, Jacksonville Ribault: A 6’2 senior, Young-Grant is adept at making plays on the offensive glass as well as on defense, quickly turning opponent’s mistakes into scores. He made some perimeter shots but was most effective in using long strides to get to the basket quickly.
Mario Marovic, Orlando West Oaks: A 6’9 senior, Marovic is a lefty with a lot of inside/outside flavor to his game. He is an adept catch-and-shoot perimeter marksman but also shows nice touch on drives and post-ups. Marovic has an especially effective jump hook over his right shoulder. An above-average athlete, he compensates well with craftiness and work ethic.
Jakub Krytiner, Key West: A 6’4 junior, Krytiner played with great effort and non-stop motor. He rebounded well against bigger guys, had some strong takes to the basket, and hit enough perimeter shots to force defenders to play him honestly.
Daniel Gak, Orlando West Oaks: A 6’6 senior, Gak has length, athleticism, and a pretty good skill set. He hit multiple perimeter shots, flourished in transition, and got after it on the glass at both ends of the court.
Javaughn Smith, Jacksonville Ribault: A 6’3 senior, Smith’s athleticism and shot-making ability stood out. He hit some threes off the catch, a couple of pull-ups inside the arc, and had a thunderous lob-dunk in the contest we watched. Smith rebounds well for his size.
Andres Raina, Poinciana: A 5’10 freshman, Raina pushed the pace at every opportunity. He forced defenders to choose between him and an open teammate, then made the right shot vs. pass read. Raina showed good ball-skills, was quick to the cup, and finished well in traffic at the basket.
Kingsley Edwards, Las Vegas Delta Academy: A 5’11 eighth grader, Edwards was very impressive for being one of the youngest players in attendance. He made a lot of plays, both as a passer and a scorer. Edwards shot the ball well from the perimeter, was active in the passing lanes and when guarding the ball on defense, and played with great composure.
Warden Pierre, Orlando Freedom, A 6’2 freshman, Pierre may have been the best outside shooter among the FR/SO group. With deep range and a quick release, he was able to make defenders pay for not playing up on him. Pierre showed good speed and quickness in transition.
Kalel Rivera, Groveland Hope Prep: A 5’10 freshman, Rivera not only shot the ball well from the perimeter, he also was effective in driving the ball, getting paint touches, then finding teammates for quality shots. Riviera is another one of those players that pushes the pace at every opportunity.
Domingos Nhanga, Auburndale Jordan Christian Prep: A 6’11 freshman, we mentioned Nhanga in our write-up of the Fall Player Showcase a couple of weeks ago. While his size clearly stands out, especially when playing with much smaller players like he did Saturday, his run/jump athleticism and fluid movements on the court make him a prospect to keep watch on. Nhanga isn’t bad skill-wise and has potential to step away from the paint and make shots.