06 Jan 2024

Battle @ The Villages All-Tournament Team

There was quite a bit of outstanding talent at this year’s Battle @ The Villages.  These are the players that were named to the All-Tournament Team

Kameren Wright (MVP), Orlando Olympia: The 6’6 senior wing stepped up in a big way in the title game with running mate Kaiden White battling foul difficulty.  It seemed whenever Olympia needed a bucket, Wright was able to come up with one.  He led the team with 20 points in the title game, knocking down four threes along the way.  Wright used his length and athleticism on defense to clog the passing lanes and defend perimeter shooters.  He excels in transition with an ability to finish above the rim.

Kaiden White, Orlando Olympia: A 6’4 senior, White was hampered with foul trouble for most of the championship contest but finished with 13 points, six of those coming in the final quarter of a very tight game.  He has done a great job to this point of the season running the club and scoring when the need arises.  White shoots the ball well from the perimeter, has a deep bag of tricks when it comes to getting to and scoring at the basket, as well as a knack for anticipating the passing lanes.

Marcus Allen, Miami Norland: The 6’7 Missouri signee led the team with 19 points in the title game.  His perimeter shot has become a dangerous weapon to complement his ability to drive and score at the basket.  Allen rebounds well at both ends, is a solid ball-handler and passer, and generally makes good shot vs. pass decisions when driving to the basket.  A multi-tool defender, Allen can be found guarding all five positions, sometimes on the same possession.  He was named Defensive MVP of the event.

Tristan Wilson, Miami Norland: A 6’6 senior and Presbyterian signee, Wilson helped balance the Norland offense with his perimeter shooting.  The lefty stretches the defense with his ability to make shots past the three-point arc.  Wilson won’t hesitate to attack the basket should the defense over-play him for the shot.  He is a solid defender and rebounder, making his opponent work hard to generate any offense.  Wilson takes care of the ball, gets it to where it needs to go, and rarely hunts his own shot.

Richard Lindsey, Chicago De La Salle: A 6’4 senior, Lindsey dropped in a game-high 32 points in leading the Meteors to third place at The Battle.  He is just what you would expect from a Chicago guard: tough, physical, gritty, and has a vast array of scoring tools.  A three-level scorer, Lindsey knocks down the occasional three-pointer but what was really impressive was his mid-range game, creating off the dribble to create space and drop in shots.  He also was equally effective around the basket with either hand.  A solid ball-handler and reliable free throw shooter, Lindsey should find a home sooner rather than later on the collegiate level.

Dakota Morris, Tallahassee FSU School: A 6’6 senior, Morris is a tough and physical performer that continues to develop his perimeter skills.  While most of his work comes around the basket, he did connect on 1-2 from beyond the arc.  Otherwise, he will get his points on opportunity baskets such as putbacks, dumpoffs from guard penetration, and in transition.  Morris plays hard and with a great deal of energy.  This allows him to make an impact when it comes to rebounding the ball at either end and playing defense.

Jared Thompson, The Villages Charter: A 6’3 sophomore, Thompson seemingly elevates his game each time we see him.  His perimeter shot continues to improve and become more reliable.  This helps to establish his strength of driving to the basket, scoring in a crowd, and getting extra points from the free throw line.  Thompson is a good offensive rebounder at his size and when he grabs a defensive board, he is quick to push the pace.  In what is looking to be a very good 2026 Class in the state, Thompson has a chance to be one of the better perimeter players.

Caden Miller, Park Hills (KY) Covington Catholic: The 6’9 senior pretty much owned the lane in the team’s fifth-place game victory.  His teammates got him the ball in great position to score over either shoulder.  A few times he was able to shed his defender and slam home a bucket without any confrontation.  He took care of business on the defensive end, challenging shots and making opponents think twice about challenging him in the lane.  He is getting some local interest from colleges in the KY/OH area but don’t be surprised if he becomes more than a regional recruit.

Sean Birmingham, Concord (NC) Academy: The 6’8 senior and Indiana State signee had a bit of a slow start in the game we watched on the tournament’s final day, but got better as the game wore on.  The lefty has a nice stroke from the perimeter but also the strength and touch to go inside and score in a crowd.  Birmingham had a couple of nice passes for assists, showcasing his court vision and awareness.  He got some easy baskets by running the floor and being active on the offensive glass.

Will Moore, Cummings (GA) West Forsyth: A 6’6 senior and Marshall signee, his game is one of skill and versatility.  Moore is good athlete with no trouble finishing above the rim and is swift up and down the floor.  He has a picture perfect jumper, handles and passes the ball well, and is very effective operating in the post as well as on the perimeter.  Moore has a quick first step to the bucket, gets to the foul line often and makes the most of his opportunities once there.  Quick and agile, Moore can be disruptive on the defensive end of the floor.

 

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