The July Fourth Invitational, presented by Each One Teach One, was held this past weekend at The Big House in Tavares.  We were able to take in the final day’s activities.  Before we get to the action, we must give a round of applause to the organizers and event staff at The Big House for taking all possible precautions to create a safe environment.  Temperatures were taken at the door and the wearing of masks by spectators was enforced.  That is a lot of extra work and we appreciate all involved that put in the effort.

E1T1’s 17U team played a single showcase game on both Friday and Saturday and did not play the day we attended.  While we wanted to see them play, the program’s younger squads had plenty to offer.

E1T1 16U

Brice Sensabaugh, Orlando Lake Highland Prep: The 6’5 rising junior has long been known as a tremendous shooter from beyond the arc.  This weekend, he impressed with his transformation from shooter to all-around scorer.  Sensabaugh continues to knock down perimeter shots off both the catch and the dribble but now shows off the ability to get to the basket, draw contact, and finish at the rim in traffic.  He has improved his athleticism without sacrificing his strong frame.  Sensabaugh worked the glass at both ends of the court in the game we took in on Sunday.

Ben Middlebrooks, Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy: The 6’10 rising junior proved to be an inside/outside threat this weekend.  While he did leave some points on the table near the basket, Middlebrooks was generally reliable when he got the ball in the paint.  He’s become a dangerous three point shooter off the catch and must be accounted for when trailing in transition.  Middlebrooks dominates his rebounding area and protects the lane on the defensive end of the floor.

Lewis Jones, Orlando Oakridge: The 6’5 wing was playing out of position at the point this weekend…or was he?  In the game we took in, Jones did a solid job of handling the ball vs. pressure, made good reads on the move, and took what the defense made available.  When given the opportunity, he got into the lane and either scored or found teammates for open looks.  Jones grabs rebounds and quickly pushes the pace.  Defensively he has the length and physical ability to guard different positions on the floor.

E1T1 15U

Jason Jackson, Sarasota Riverview: The 6’2 rising sophomore is an explosive athlete that finishes well above the rim but also has good touch on his jump shot out to the arc.  He is super quick with the ball, makes good decisions on the move, and uses his physical gifts well on the defensive end.  Jackson has a high hoops IQ and an even higher ceiling.  He is arguably as good of a point guard prospect as there is in the Sunshine State regardless of class.

Marvel Allen, Wellington: The 6’3 rising sophomore plays fearless and is tough as they come on the floor.  He physically overpowers opponents to get to the basket and has a knack for scoring in traffic.  Allen rebounds the ball well for his size and is a tough defender both on and away from the basketball.  His perimeter jumper must be respected and he is more than capable of running on offense while not taking away from his scoring prowess.

Sean Combs, Kissimmee Osceola: The 6’0 rising sophomore did a solid job of running the offense for a talented group.  A respectable jump shooter, Combs looks first to get others involved in the scoring column.  He has active hands and feet on the defensive end to go along with good instincts and anticipation for the ball.

SOH Elite

Jordan Cooke, Miami Country Day: The 5’10 rising senior has a reputation as a scorer, but in the first game of the day on Sunday, he did a lot to set up his teammates.  When he did take the initiative on the offense end it was usually in the form of drives to the rim where he finished with an array of floaters and layups.  He didn’t shoot the ball as well from distance as we’ve seen in the past but he definitely has to be respected beyond the three point line.

Taderius Davis, Miami Senior: The 6’7 rising senior is a versatile defender.  He’s long, a quick leaper, and moves his feet very well on the perimeter.  Offensively he’s an opportunistic scorer as he gets his points on putbacks, drop offs from penetrating teammates, and in transition.  Davis is quick off the floor for rebounds at both ends and his second and third jumps are just as quick and high as his first one.

Jasai Miles, Miami Country Day: The 6’5 rising sophomore played on the 15U team but certainly has the talent and skills to have a positive impact for the 17U group.  He showed off a lot of scoring tools on Sunday: range to the arc, mid-range pull-ups, and crafty finishes in traffic at the basket.  A very good ball-handler, Miles is long and athletic with the physical, mental, and skill makeup that college coaches love.