While we got to the party a bit late, it was still worthwhile to take in what we could of the Hoop Vibe Fall Showcase held yesterday at The Big House in Tavares. It was a good chance to see many players from various parts of the state to track their progress as well as to find some new names and games.
Aidan Agnew, Plant City Southern Coast Academy: A 6’7 senior, Agnew proved to be a great combination of size, strength, and shot-making ability. He showed deep range off the dribble and knew when to head to the hoop for scores. Agnew is also effective at putting the ball on the floor and overpowering defenders to get to and score at the basket.
Diamanti Blazi, Lakeland Jordan Christian Prep: A 6’8 senior and native of France, Blazi was arguably the most explosive athlete at the Showcase. He runs the floor, rebounds above the rim and dunks with power at every opportunity. Blazi also showed some range on his perimeter shot. He was playing with a taped left hand and it was clear that it was impacting his ability to handle the basketball. Should the Frenchman proved to be a serviceable ball-handler, his recruiting level takes a jump.
Kameren Wright, Orlando Olympia: A 6’6 senior, Wright is a terror in transition and when getting downhill against a set defense. He is explosive off the floor and will dunk the ball at every opportunity. Wright is a solid perimeter shooter as well and will drop in three-balls if the defense gives him too much cushion to defend his drives. A long and active defender, he covers a lot of ground quickly and can be quite disruptive in the passing lanes.
Sam Ritchie, Ponte Vedra: The 6’1 senior is a crafty and skilled offensive player that knows how to get open and create space to get off a very reliable perimeter shot. Strong and physical, Ritchie knocks down shots on both sides of the arc. He can create that jumper off the dribble and quickly catch and connect off the pass. Ritchie is a solid ball-handler, makes good pass vs. shot decisions on the move, and is adept at finding open teammates for good looks after drawing multiple defenders to him.
Josiah Shackelford, Sanford Seminole: A 6’4 senior, Shackelford is a combo guard that was solid in all phases of the game when we watched him play. He doesn’t play flashy or force things. He takes and makes good shots from the perimeter, has the speed and strength to attack the basket and score in traffic, and distributes the ball well. Defensively Shackelford was solid, quickly moving his feet to stay with smaller, quicker defenders and using his size to reduce their court vision.
Danilo Stankovic, Lakeland Jordan Christian Prep: A 6’7 senior, Stankovic has a high skill level. He shoots the ball from the perimeter, has collegiate three-point range on his shot, and will surprise the defense with quick drives and finishes above the rim if overplayed for the jumper. Stankovic plays with a bit of chip on his shoulder and doesn’t mind playing physically at either end of the floor. He has the ability to be a grab-and-go rebounder and makes good decision when handling the ball in transition.
Malikai Broffitt, Lakeland Sante Fe Catholic: A 6’3 junior, Broffitt is a combo guard that shot the ball well from the perimeter. He is fast with the ball, consistently gets into the paint, and generally makes good decisions when he draws the defense toward him. Broffitt has a good combination of strength and speed, looks to push the pace at every opportunity, and rebounds well for from his backcourt spot. He was an active on-ball defender that made his opponent work hard for everything on that end of the floor.
Sean Standifer, Lake Worth: It was another productive weekend for the 6’5 junior. He shot the ball like he was born in The Big House, knocking down deep shots as well as from mid-range. Standifer attacked the defense with the dribble, got into the lane, and scored in traffic frequently and consistently. He can play and defend multiple spots on the floor. At times, the game looks very easy for him.
Zay Mosley, Winter Haven: The 6’7 junior was a force inside, scoring on post-ups and short drives from the short corner and high post areas. Mosley has a soft touch with either hand around the basket, attacks the offensive glass, and is a pretty fare passer to cutters and shooter out of either post spot. He is quick to outlet the ball after securing a defensive rebound and sprint the floor. Mosley is more a shot challenger than shot blocker, but he still impacts the game on the defensive end in that manner.
Daniel Richardson, Titusville Astronaut: A 6’2 junior, Richardson stood out more for his solid, fundamental play than for any “ooh-aah” moments. He is a good athlete with a strong body and plays hard at both ends. Richardson found success with his outside shot as well scoring the ball off straight-line drives to the rack. The upside is there for coaches at the next level to be intrigued.
Somourian Wingo, St. Augustine HS: A 6’2 sophomore, Wingo is a power guard that is very difficult to keep from the basket. He proved to be quite adept at finishing in a crowd with either hand. Wingo handles the ball well, has good court vision, and gets the ball to open teammates when defenders collapse on his drives. Defensively, he knows how to use his strength, speed, and quickness to force opposing ball-handlers away from where they want to go.
Ethan Sabec, Clearwater Calvary Christian: A 6’4 sophomore, Sabec did a little bit of everything on Sunday. He made open shots on both sides of the arc, rebounded at both ends, ran the floor for scores, handled the ball without turning it over and made passes to cutters for scores. He will gain athleticism as he gets stronger. Sabec is certainly a young player that bears watching over the next couple of seasons.
Emir Gainer, St. Petersburg HS: A 5’11 sophomore, Gainer is a vey lithe but quick and athletic guard. He pushes the pace, makes good decisions, and has an improved perimeter shot. Gainer is fast with the ball and is quick to turn opponents’ mistakes into scores at the other end. He is an active defender, disruptive in the passing lanes and harasses opposing ball-handlers.
Martay Barnes, Melbourn Holy Trinity: A 6’2 freshman, Barnes already has a year of varsity experience under his belt and played up a year on the 15U level this spring and summer. A super-quick athlete, Barnes explodes past defenders to the rim and has the ability to finish over it. What was very impressive on Sunday was his consistency in knocking down perimeter shots off the dribble on either side of the arc, more often than not with a hand in his face. Bottom line: Barnes is a tough cover that is no doubt in the conversation of nationally elite players in the 2027 Class.