We spent time Saturday at the Best of the Best Middle School Showcase, held at The Big House in Tavares. Marcus Magee and his staff brought in young players from across the state for two days of games and skills improvement. Here are some players, all eighth graders, that caught our attention.
Antwan Pennywell, Tallahassee RAA Middle School: The 5’7 Pennywell was whippet-quick and super-fast with the ball in his hands. He as very aggressive to the basket and finished well at the rim. Pennywell proved to be very difficult for defenders to stay in front of. He has very fast hands and feet and keeps them active on the defensive end of the floor.
Emmett McNear, Ocala Barbara Kitchen School: The 5’9 wing always seemed to be in the right place at the right time at both ends of the floor to make plays. He continuously moved without the ball and found gaps in the defense. When McNear did get the ball, he proved to be a good driver and finisher. Actively defensively, he was disruptive in the passing lanes and got to many 50/50 balls.
Nicholas Lindsey, Fort Lauderdale William Dandy: The 6’1 Lindsey has some length, athleticism, and proved to be very quick to the basket. He made some tough finishes in traffic, played hard, and was very quick off the floor to go after and secure rebounds at both ends of the court.
Dominick Diaz, Tampa Walker Middle: The 5’10 Diaz played physically and aggressive. He was an active rebounder that showed the ability to grab the ball and push it quickly up the floor. When Diaz didn’t secure the rebound, he swiftly turned up the floor and beat defenders for easy baskets in transition. He also showed some range on his perimeter shot.
Madden Boggus, Plantation St. Gregory: The 6’0 Boggus made plays of all types: scored inside, converted “& ones”, transition baskets, made shots from behind the arc and got some stickbacks. He was an active defender that covered a lot of ground quickly, routinely getting his hands on passes. In short, just a very productive day for Boggus.
Joseph Allen, Four Corners Upper School: The 5’9 Allen immediately impressed with his speed and quickness. He easily got by defenders, proved to be an alert passer, and finished well at the basket. Allen pushed the pace as much as possible and didn’t waste time over-handling the basketball. For him, it was a quick move and burst to the basket. That same speed and quickness served him well on defense.
Jace Aristile, Sanford Middle: The 5’9 Aristile showed a good feel for the game. He had a knack for making the right read on offense, be it floaters in the lane or completing drives at the basket. Aristile was disruptive in the passing lanes, accounting for several steals and scores.
Michael Williams, North Tampa Christian: The 6’5 Williams was the biggest player in the eighth grade division but he wasn’t gawky by any measure. He has a good frame and a pretty decent skill level. Williams scored well in the paint and rebounded at both ends. He is a decent athlete now but that will improve with maturity.
Joshiah Mims, Fort Lauderdale William Dandy: The 5’9 Mims was built stronger than his opponents and he didn’t hesitate to overpower defenders on his way to the basket. He played hard and fast and scored through contact. Not just strong but quick with long arms, Mims frequently disrupted the passing lanes.
Jeremiah Jones, Orlando Renaissance Charter: The 5’9 Jones has a strong frame and scored well around the basket. He had several strong drives, rebounded his area well, and made the most of his opportunities when the ball came his way.
Mylez King, Oviedo Lawton Chiles Middle: The 5’10 King played hard and showed some touch inside. He was active on the glass at both ends and seemingly never took a play off.
Morgan Stanley, Boca Raton Middle: The 6’2 Stanley used his length to make plays at both ends of the floor. He scored inside through contact and showed some good passing acumen. Stanley ran the floor and played unselfishly.
Cameron Wells, Jupiter Middle: The 5’4 Wells plays a cerebral style of ball. He made good shot vs. pass decisions, scored well on drives, and knocked down the three-ball with good form. Wells quickly moved the ball to teammates for good shots both in transition and half-court sets. His purposeful mid-range bank shot on one play nearly brought tears of joy.
Matthew Richardson, Palm Beach Gardens Watkins Middle: The 5’9 Richardson is a fluid athlete that scored well inside the arc. He had a couple of post scores, knocked down some floaters, and converted a couple of short one and two dribble drives. Richardson has some decent ball skills and a perimeter shot with good form that will get more accurate with age.
Randy Garcia, Miami Ammons Middle: The 5’9 Garcia showed good lead guard potential. He was a creative finisher at the rim. Garcia showed some good ball-skills, always kept his head up, and threw some good passes for assists.
Cahnary Nixon, Orlando Bear Lakes Middle: The 5’1 Nixon is a good athlete that scored on drives and from the perimeter. He picked his spots and didn’t force the issue.