Marcis Ponder, Overtime Elite: A 6’11 sophomore, he is simply un-guardable at this level and this type of event. Ponder has a solid frame, strength, athletic ability and the desire to use all those to do damage to anyone and anything around the basket. Right now his greatest challenge is slowing down a bit and not being too eager to make a move and posterize a defender. Playing in OTE will certainly help his long-term development.
Herly Brutus, Umatilla: A 6’6 sophomore, Brutus is a catalyst that makes good things happen whenever he is on the court. A solid ball-handler and passer, he makes the game easier for his teammates. If they move, screen, and cut, Brutus will get them the ball. As a defender, he is long, active, harassing, and disrupts the passing lanes.
Isaiah Pina, Groveland South Lake: A 6’6 sophomore, Pina was probably the “camp bully” as he used his strength to punish defenders on the way to the hoop. Pina also wasn’t shy about backing them in with a few power dribbles and scoring over them. He also unleashed a reliable perimeter shot that only makes him more difficult to defend.
Jasen Lopez, Miami True North Classical: A 6’0 sophomore, Lopez was one of a few that played up this past weekend. That isn’t unusual for him. A high-level athlete with a high hoops IQ, Lopez seemingly touched every part of the stat sheet. He found open teammates for easy scores, got to the rim and scored, hit open perimeter shots, grabbed rebounds and garnered steals. Lopez was impressive on the defensive end with his quick feet and upper body strength, using both to keep opponents in front of him and away from the basket.
Jermal Jones, Riverview Bell Creek Academy: A 6’4 sophomore, Jones was able to do just about anything he wanted in the four-on-four game we watched. He has good ball-skills and strength, gets to the basket and scores through contact, and a reliable perimeter shot on both sides of the arc. Jones is active on the offensive glass and an underrated passer.
Toni Bryant, North Tampa Christian: A 6’10 sophomore, Bryant is stringy but springy. He’s a shot blocker and rebounder deluxe at the defensive end. He sprints the floor in transition, is an ever-present lob threat inside, and has enough ball-handling and shooting skill to step away from the basket and score that way. He may not have a frame that will fill out much but his athleticism and skill level more than compensate for that.
Rylan Kelly, Orlando Southeastern Prep: The 6’3 sophomore continues to impress with his combination of skill and athleticism. He has some wiggle to his dribble, slithering past defenders to score in traffic at the basket. Kelly makes good shot vs. pass decisions with the ball, scores it from either side of the arc, and is an alert defender.
Landyn Colyer, North Tampa Christian: A 6’6 sophomore, Colyer displays a lot of versatility, athleticism, and upside. He attacks the basket, can make perimeter shots when the defense plays off, and rebounds the ball well at both ends of the floor. He uses his length and quickness to great advantage on defense.
Angelo Moton, Leesburg: The 6’5 sophomore was a terror when it came to transition and wreaking havoc on the offensive glass. A strong and bouncy athlete, Moton is also an effective mid-range shooter. He can post smaller defenders and score inside or take bigger players away from the basket and either shoot over them or blow past them to the hoop.
Collin Paul, Fort Lauderdale Calvary Christian: A 6’7 sophomore, Paul is a rugged inside/outside performer. He is a strong rebounder at both ends, scores well around the basket with either hand, a quick straight-line driver, and has a developing perimeter shot on both sides of the arc.
Alexander Davis, Palm Coast Matanzas: A 6’8 sophomore, Davis comes across a bit unorthodox but is still a very effective player. The lefty scores well around the basket, especially on his strong-side. He’ll put the ball on the floor for a dribble or two and score from the high post or short corners. Davis has a good frame, is a strong rebounder, and a decent passer for a guy his size. As he gains confidence and increased coordination, Davis will make an even greater contribution on the court.
Travis Triplett, Tampa Carrollwood Country Day: A 6’9 sophomore, Triplett is big, physical, and athletic. He rejects shots, runs the floor, and rebounds at both ends. Triplett can handle the ball a bit on the perimeter and go by guys his size or bigger. His perimeter shot continues to improve. Triplett is more of an opportunity scorer at this time but no doubt he will become a more creative scorer in the future.
David Nealey, Fort Lauderdale Stranahan: A 6’2 sophomore, Nealey is chiseled and much stronger than his contemporaries. In a bit of a surprise, he is more likely to knock down perimeter shots than he is to take the ball strong to the basket and challenge defenders. However, when he does go to the hoop, he has the hops to finish above the rim with force.
Jabari Washington, Plantation: A 6’3 sophomore, Washington was one of the more pleasant surprises of the event. He shot the ball well off both the catch and the dribble on either side of the arc, found open teammates for good shots, and was active on the glass and in the passing lanes.
DeAndre Harvey, Williston: A 6’4 sophomore, Harvey impressed with his high-level athleticism and ability to get to and score at the basket. He is physically strong and tough with the ball in his hands. Harvey shot the ball well inside the arc, rebounding well against bigger foes, and played with a high level of energy.
Robert Spriggs, Fort Pierce Central: A 6’6 sophomore, Spriggs opened some eyes with his perimeter shooting during four-on-four play. He has good form and a quick release on his shot. Spriggs didn’t shy away from physical play inside when it came to rebounding or playing defense.