03 Dec 2025

Feast Week Notables – Part II

Tristan Pasch, Parrish Community: The 6’8 junior was a true breakout performer at the National Hoopfeast.  Pasch buried three-pointers with regularity, had a couple of blocks around the rim, came up with loose ball steals, and rebounded well against more physically advanced opponents.  He can score around the basket with either hand, step out on the perimeter and defend as well as effectively score as a roll-man or popping out in ball-screen action.  Adding weight and strength as Pasch physically matures will no doubt make him a more compelling prospect in the future.

Donovan Williams, Orlando Oak Ridge: The 6’3 senior and UCF recruit was a force at both ends of the floor in the CFL vs SFL matchup.  Offensively, Williams showcased not only good scoring skills but the ability to set up teammates for easy scores and find open shooters for good looks.  Defensively, it seemed like there were three of him out there as he was constantly around the ball, pilfering the ball either straight up from the dribbler or streaking thru the passing lane for an easy steal and score.  His versatility as both a scorer and distributor greatly elevates his value.

Miguel Orbe, Miami Country Day: The 6’3 junior is another shooter with a jumper that is picturesque.  Not only does Orbe have three-level scoring ability, he is highly adept at creating and making his own shot at each level.  He is a reliable free throw shooter, willing passer, and doesn’t “hunt” his shot, working within the offensive framework to get his points.  A solid athlete, Orbe rebounds well for his size, plays good positional defense, and transitions quickly when the ball changes possession.

Obinna Ekufu, Weston Sagemont: The 6’6 senior is a bouncy brute that uses his athleticism well at both ends of the court.  Offensively he overpowers defenders on the way to the hoop, scores quickly when receiving the ball in the lane, and anticipates where to go to get offensive rebounds well.  Defensively he can defend every position, rebound in a crowd, and challenge shots at the basket.  His energetic play at both ends is a motivating factor for the rest of the team.

L.J. Bacon, Orlando The First Academy: The 6’2 sophomore doesn’t care a single bit about the opponent’s size or notoriety: he is coming hard and you just better be prepared to deal with it.  Bacon is strong, athletic, a good rebounder at both ends for his size and finishes well through contact.  He is most effective when attacking the rack, whether in transition, off short drives against a set defense, or going after offensive rebounds.  Bacon anticipates well on the defensive end, does a good job of containing dribble penetration, and doesn’t shy away from physicality at that end of the floor.

Ayaan Bhadouria, Clearwater Carrollwood Day: The 6’5 junior showcased a deep offensive bag in an early morning game at the National Hoopfeast.  Bhadouria proved to be a proficient three-level scorer, showcasing a little-known ability to score at the rim off the bounce to go along with his ability to make shots on either side of the arc.  He’s an acceptable ball-handler and passer but he is a scorer first and foremost.  Bhadouria will get his nose dirty chasing after rebounds, loose balls, and looking to pilfer the ball in the passing lanes.

D.J. Gaines, Fort Lauderdale Westminster: The 5’10 junior scores like you and I breathe.  He finds both common and creative ways to score, has deep range on his shot, shifty handles, and great body control and touch to finish in traffic.  Gaines will rise and finish over the rim with ease whenever the opportunity occurs.  Westminster relies on Gaines to score but he has the court vision and passing acumen to get the ball to teammates for easier shots.  He works hard on the defensive end, using active hands, quick feet, and great anticipation to overcome any perceived lack of size.

Colton Nuuratillia, Jacksonville Providence: The 6’8 sophomore may not yet have the desired basketball physique, but the “Vanilla Godzilla” gets things done.  He has soft hands, catches tough passes, scores well around the basket and times his leap well for rebounds and to block shots.  He is solid in ball-screen action, whether as a roller to the rim or popping out for jump shots.  As he gains physical strength and firms up his frame, not doubt Nuuratillia will become a better athlete.

Andy DiPaolo, Orlando Central Florida Christian Academy: It has been impressive to watch the 6’6 senior develop over the past couple of seasons.  Early on, DiPaolo was a catch-and-shoot role player.  Now, he does a bit of everything for his squad.  He is still a sniper off the catch as well as the bounce from the perimeter but DiPaolo has become a dynamic and effective driver and finisher, a rugged rebounder, and a guy that the offense can run through.  He’ll finish above the rim when the opportunity presents itself.  Defensively DiPaolo is solid and doesn’t back down from a challenge.

 

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