J.P Chapman, Brookwood: A 6’0 rising senior, Chapman is a solid fit for high-end academic schools at the D-III level as his ability to read the floor, make the right play at the right time, and take and make tough shots in tight situations were on display all weekend. Chapman doesn’t look to score often but makes open shots out to the arc. He did a solid job of taking care of the basketball when facing defensive pressure and was quick to advance the ball ahead before traps and double-teams could take effect. He’s one of those guys you love to play with and hate to play against.
Tre Hale, Wakulla: The 6’2 rising junior was impressive in knocking down perimeter jump shots with a quick release this past weekend. His range extends well past the arc and he is just as effective in connecting off the dribble as he is in catch-and-shoot situations. Hale appears to have a solid dose of strength and athleticism, which he uses to adequate effect on the defensive end and in rebounding the ball. We’d like to see him become more comfortable and confident in handling the basketball so that he can attack and finish at the basket which would greatly diversify his offensive game.
Robert Parker-Crawford, Maclay: The 6’3 rising senior is a stud on the football field and has several high D-I options but if he were to concentrate on hoops, he would certainly be a hot prospect for low to mid-major minus programs. With the ability to play either guard position, “RPC” can create open shot opportunities for teammates or score on his own. He was very good this past weekend in scoring with either hand around the basket in traffic thru contact. When the defense collapses on his drives, he is quick to kick out the ball to open shooters. While not a sniper from beyond the arc, he will make those shots if left open. Strong and athletic, he successfully defends multiple positions on the floor.
Myles Smith, Rickards: A 6’4 rising senior, Smith is a transfer from the Jacksonville area and had a solid spring on the travel circuit. Long and active, Smith uses his physical gifts well around the basket when pursuing rebounds at either end and defensively when contesting shots and passes into his area. An excellent finisher in transition, Smith also appears to be a solid perimeter shooter from inside the arc.
Tre Donaldson, Florida High: A 6’0 rising sophomore, Donaldson plays with a swag and confidence not often found in players his age. He has a lot of scoring tools in his arsenal. Donaldson has a reliable shot out past the three point line, can get into the lane and drop floaters over taller defenders, as well as take contact and score at the basket. Donaldson is quick to push the pace and generally makes good decisions with the ball on the move, finding teammates for open looks after breaking down the defense.
Ahmad Johnson, Marianna: The 6’1 rising senior was a problem for most opponents to deal with this past weekend. Quite strong and quick with the basketball, he continuously got to the basket and scored with quick change of direction moves off the dribble. If he didn’t score, he usually earned a trip to the free throw line. While he didn’t shoot the ball often from the perimeter, Johnson connected at a decent rate on the shots he did take from distance.
De’onte Jones, Crossroads: The 5’8 rising senior was one of the better scorers this past weekend in Tallahassee. Quick and crafty with the basketball, Jones knows how to create space and separation from his defender to get his shot off and it goes down at a high rate of frequency. He scores well at the rim despite his size and excels at knocking down mid-range jump shots in transition when the path to the basket is blocked but the defense is still not set. Jones is also quick to loose balls and is a pesky on-ball defender. If you are looking for a dark-horse candidate to lead Class 1A in scoring this coming season, Jones is that guy.
Avoree Wilson, Miami City Ballers: The 6’6 rising senior from Miami Private was a productive player around the basket this past weekend for MCB. Offensively Wilson showed that he could score with a couple of dribbles from both the short corner and high post areas. He was active in pursuing offensive rebounds and was quick to turn drop-off passes into shot attempts at the basket, scoring more often than not. Defensively, he was solid in protecting the rim and showed an ability to grab rebounds and push the ball up the floor without turning it over. Most likely, Wilson will be one of those “late bloomers” that college coaches will wish they had taken a flyer on earlier.
Terrance Card, FAMU: A sturdily built 6’2, Card was the most consistent player this weekend for the Baby Rattlers. He scored 17 points the first night of the event in a tough game against Crossroads Academy and later torched the Miami City Ballers with 26 points in a double-digit win. Card got most of his points heading to the basket but did connect on a couple of threes to keep the defense honest.