The Hoop Exchange Spring Player Showcase took place this past weekend at the Genesis Sportsplex in Maitland, just north of Orlando. There was a lot of talent on display spread across the classes of 2024 thru 2027. In games as up-tempo and free-flowing as these, the athletic aggressors tend to stand out.
Martay Barnes, Melbourne Holy Trinity: A 6’2 freshman, Barnes is explosive to the basket, finishes with great body control, and puts his length and quickness to good use on the defensive end. He’s an improving perimeter shooter and that poses problems for defenders going forward.
Dwayne Foreman, III, Groveland Hope Prep: A 5’11 freshman, it is clear that Foreman has been taught the intricacies of the game well. He makes good shot vs. pass decisions, handles the ball well vs. pressure, takes and makes good shots, and gets teammates the ball where they can best and quickly use it.
Johnny Lackaff, Sarasota HS: A 6’0 freshman, Lackoff impressed with his aptitude and acumen for the game. He made deep shots off both the catch and dribble, got to the basket and scored with some crafty ball-handling and made some good passes for easy points. Lackaff is a good athlete and works hard on the defensive end of the floor.
A.J. Tennell, South Sumter: A 5’10 freshman, Tennell’s hoops IQ and ability to see the game one or more plays ahead borders on supernatural. He makes the game much easier for teammates, getting them the ball in stride to the basket or at the right moment when cutting to the hoop. Tennell will make some crafty and tough finishes in traffic to put points on the board. Once he proves he can be a reliable perimeter shooter, he will become even more difficult to defend.
Gabe Grimsley, Tampa Berkeley Prep (pictured): A 6’0 freshman, he is much more athletic than we originally thought. Grimsley has a quick burst to the bucket, can finish through contact, and is very fast with the basketball. He’ll hit some floaters and mid-range shots but also looks to get his teammates involved in the offense.
K.J. Sandi, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas: A 6’0 freshman, Sandi set a Kingdom of the Sun record this past season for most threes in a game with nine, so it wasn’t a surprise when his shot went down with consistency from deep. That range extends well past the high school arc and Sandi proved he could knock it down consistently off the dribble as well as a quick catch-and-shoot.
Henry Robinson, Palm Coast Matanzas: A 6’7 freshman, Robinson is long, athletic, and highly skilled for such a young player. He handles and passes the ball well, has a quick first step to the basket, finishes above the rim and is a good enough perimeter shooter that the defense can’t play him for just the drive. He runs the floor, covers a lot of ground quickly on defense, and essentially can be as good as he wants to be.
Cayden Daughtry, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian: A 5’11 freshman, Daughtry continues to show that he is more than just a reliable shooter from deep. He got into he defense and found shooters and cutters for baskets, pushed the pace, and worked hard on defense.
Chaunce Stewart, Miami Archbishop McCarthy: A 6’9 freshman, the slender Stewart is still getting used to his body but is still very productive. He runs the floor, blocks shots, finishes around the basket, and wasn’t shy about banging bodies against stronger players.
Jeremy Jenkins, Miami Riviera Prep: A 6’8 freshman that was instrumental in helping the Bulldogs to the 3A state title, Jenkins showcase some additional offensive versatility at the event. He made shots facing the baskets, finished drives in traffic, and passed the ball well when the defense converged on him.