While it is not technically Fall, pre-season high school basketball typically takes place in “fall leagues” that play into October. The Hoop Vibe has a fall league taking place every other Saturday at The Villages and we stopped by to take in the second weekend of action. Here are some of the more notable performers.
Trey Chisholm, Ocala Forest: The 6’4 senior and last year’s co-player of the year in Marion County proved to be a resourceful scorer and creator for teammates. Chisholm scored well on drives, cuts to the basket, and converting quickly from defense to offense and finishing in transition. While just one of three from the perimeter based on our notes, Chisholm’s shot fundamentals and mechanics are solid. It was good to see him not force those type of shots when other aspects of his game were working so well. Chisholm does a good job of getting teammates involved, whether it be pushing the ball up the floor in transition or quickly passing out to open shooters on the perimeter. Defensively he moves his feet well, has active hands, and is quick to help and recover.
Azyron Johnson, Wildwood: The Wildcats are not a team with great size so the 6’3 senior splits time between playing inside and on the perimeter. A good athlete that plays with a great deal of energy, Johnson was quite active on the glass, in the passing lanes and attacking the basket via transition or with the dribble. He rebounded very well against taller opponents and even came up with a couple of blocked shots. While not one to create his own offense, Johnson did connect on two of three tries from beyond the arc. He has some length to him, quick feet, and plays hard on the defensive end.
D’Andre Harvey, The Rock School: The 6’3 junior has come over from Williston looking to challenge himself and upgrade his game against higher caliber competition. While Harvey did have some struggles against a fast and aggressive Orlando Edgewater squad, he certainly looks like a solid college prospect. Harvey a good base to start from with size, strength, speed and quickness. He is tough to keep from the basket, scores through contact, and will gladly give up the ball to teammates with better shot opportunities after sucking in defenders. Harvey is active on the offensive glass and will grab defensive rebounds and start the transition game on his own. His perimeter shot continues to improve and is becoming a much more reliable offensive weapon.
Julian Fox, Orlando Edgewater: The 6’4 junior was locked in from beyond the arc in the game we watched as Fox hit six of them. Most were of the catch-and-shoot variety but that isn’t surprising with his ability to move without the ball and find soft spots in the defense. If pressured, Fox will put the ball on the floor, head to the hoop, and them generally make good pass vs. shot decisions on the move. He pursues rebounds and plays hard on the defensive end of the floor.
Ethan Knox, North Tampa Christian: Neither team provided anything other than numbers on the roster sheets and with both Jones and NTC playing a bit ragged, we decided to just focus on the 6’4 sophomore. Length, leaping ability, and long strides quickly stand out when watching Knox play. He elevates quickly for lobs and putbacks, finishing well above the rim. Knox is fast down the floor on the break, generally needing only one step and a dribble to get from the arc to the bucket to score. He has a very effective mid-range game when he remembers to use it as he not only gets high in the air for his shot but also has a high release point. Knox can defend multiple positions out on the perimeter, anticipates the passing lanes well, and can impact as a shot blocker and challenger when coming over from the weakside to help.
Xavier Campbell, Leesburg: The 5’11 junior was an offensive force in the team’s game against The First Academy. Campbell not only connected on seven triples in the contest, he finished some creative drives, hit a few from mid-range, and found teammates for easy scores in transition. Campbell was solid with the ball vs. pressure, got the team into its offense, and was key in leading Leesburg to a near win after being down double-digits heading into the final period of play. An active on-ball defender, Campbell does a good job of making it difficult for the opponent to get into its offense.
L.J. Bacon, Orlando The First Academy: The 6’2 sophomore is simply a player that makes things happen. He plays with great effort and energy, doesn’t shy away from playing physically at either end, and willingly takes on the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best player. Bacon gets a lot of opportunity baskets but he creates those opportunities. He is tough on the glass, beats defenders down the floor for easy baskets, and knocks down open perimeter shots if given room. Blessed with a solid frame and ample doses of run/jump athleticism, Bacon offers a lot of production now as well as upside for the future.
Kyle Blair, Orlando The First Academy: The 6’10 junior has come a long way in his development since the end of the season back in March. His body has firmed up, he has become much more mobile, and seemingly plays with more passion, energy, and aggression. Blair displayed a soft touch around the basket on Saturday, pursued offensive rebounds out of his area and ran the floor well in transition. Defensively he challenges shots without fouling, stands his ground against cutters and post players, and does a good job of hedging ball-screens and recovering back to cover the basket.
Jared Thompson, The Villages: The 6’3 senior has an impressive perimeter stroke but has really come on as of late in other areas of the game. Thompson has improved his ball-handling and court vision, making him a valuable caretaker and distributor of the basketball. He rebounds well from his backcourt position and is an active defender both on and off the ball. Thompson had a couple of blocks straight up on opposing jump shooters, showcasing his timing and length at that end of the floor. He is the team’s second leading returning scorer and should make a sizable impact at both ends of the floor this coming season.
Camryn Lee, The Villages: The 6’0 incoming freshman sure doesn’t play like one. He has always played up and is used to playing with and against older and talented players. A point guard that can score and distribute and an equally high level, Lee looks to be the point guard to run what should be a national top fifty team this coming season. He has a reliable perimeter shot, speed and quickness with the ball to break down defenses, and the instincts to make the right play at the right time. No doubt he will be challenged defensively due to his age but he has the right mentality to battle through it.