We have had some time to digest the results from the 2023 Kingdom of the Sun tournament as well as the announced All-Tournament Team. We were able see every team but Winter Haven and the Blue Devils went on to repeat as champions, defeating St. Thomas Aquinas in the finale. While we may not have seen Winter Haven play, we are pretty sure of the following:
*Tournament MVP Isaac Celiscar, a 6’6 senior heading to Yale in the fall, stuffed the stat sheet like nobody else in the event. While not possessing high-level perimeter shooting skills, Celiscar makes plays at both ends of the floor and can take over a game without taking a shot.
*Jamie Phillips, a 6’4 senior heading to Stetson, was a nightmare matchup with his ability to create space off the dribble to knock down mid-range shots, sink open threes, and overpower defenders to get into the paint and make plays for himself as well as his teammates.
*Zay Mosley, a 6’7 junior, was the most dominant interior player heading into the event and didn’t disappoint. He has a nice scoring touch on the inside, is a rebound vacuum at both ends, and changes, challenges, and blocks shots to shut down the lane on defense.
Other members of the Kingdom of the Sun All-Tournament Team:
K.J. Sandi, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas: A 6’0 freshman, Sandi had nine threes in a contest in Ocala and was consistent in making shots beyond the three-point line. There is no wasted motion in his shot as he gets the ball up to the hoop very quickly after catching it. Sandi will show potential as a driver and finisher at the rim on occasion. It will be interesting to see the rest of his game develop as he progresses through high school.
Ayden Ambrose, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas: A 5’11 sophomore, Ambrose overcomes his small stature and slight frame with an abundance of basketball IQ. He moves well without the ball, knows where to be or go to no matter where the ball is on offense, finds gaps in the defense, makes open shots, and gets the ball quickly to open teammates. Ambrose works hard on the defensive end, plays passing lanes and angles well to come up with tips and steals, moves his feet well and has active hands. He may not excite the “mix tape mafia” that lines the baseline for highlights, but those that know the game love to watch him play.
Kyler Lamb, Williston: A 6’6 senior, Lamb proved to be a difficult matchup in the first round for Hawthorne. He was able to take smaller defenders inside and score over them. When guarded by bigger players, he shot the ball well from the perimeter or breezed by them on the way to the basket. Lamb is quick to run the floor in transition, routinely beating the defense down the court for easy baskets. He handles the ball well enough to be a secondary ball-handler and starting point for the offense in the half-court.
Daniel Delgardo & Derek Delgardo, Tampa Leto: The senior cousins, both in the 6’1 – 6’2 range, are nearly identical when it comes to playing style and skill level. Each is very aggressive at the offensive end as they attack the defense off the dribble and attempt to force the referees to call fouls. Both have a knack for taking tough shots from the perimeter and making just enough of them to be dangerous. Daniel and Derek are rangy athletes that play with great energy on both ends of the court. It wouldn’t be wrong to label them as “high risk/high reward” players. A top four finish at the Kingdom is an excellent accomplishment for the Leto program so the high reward was definitely there.
Ryan Blount, Rockledge: A 6’6 senior signed to the University of Tampa, Blount is skilled and physically tough. His perimeter shot is accurate past the arc and he can score off the bounce or catch from the perimeter. Blount will use his strength to get past defenders and finish through contact in traffic around the rim. He has the skills and talent to run the offense as a point forward as he sees the court, delivers catchable passes and makes good shot vs. pass decisions on the move. He is an active rebounder on both ends and works hard on defense. No doubt there are D-I programs that were disappointed Blount didn’t take their offers.
Haisi Mayben, Albany (NY) Green Tech Charter: The 6’1 junior was one of the best players on Day One, dropping five threes in the first half and finishing with 24 points in a win over Cape Coral Mariner. Mayben is a very good scoring point guard that creates and makes shots off the dribble out past the three-point line. His ability to knock down step-back and side-step jumpers over contesting defenders is next-level. Mayben penetrates with a plan, finding open teammates for shots or finding space to get one of his own off. He anticipates the passing lanes well on defense and does a solid job of staying in front of the dribble. Mayben certainly has the look of a D-I point guard.
Lorenzo Cason, Lakeland Victory Christian: Victory Christian lost a tough one to Rockledge in round one but went on to win three in a row for the Consolation Crown. Cason, a 6’2 senior and Florida Atlantic signee, came oh-so-close to getting Victory a record-setting win in that first round loss. He finished with 32 points and nearly erased a 16-point halftime deficit. Cason can take over games and for such an elite scorer he plays very unselfishly. He scores from all three levels and is a very crafty ball-handler and finisher at the basket. Cason is a solid defender and doesn’t shy away from taking on the opponent’s best player.
Marcus Kelly, Cape Coral Mariner: The 6’1 senior never fails to put forth a high-level effort. Whether against national competition at the City of Palms Classic a week earlier or leading his team through the consolation bracket, Kelly finds ways to make plays and impact the game. He is very tough to defend when attacking the basket and makes the majority of his open perimeter shots.