We took in the Orlando edition of the Sun Bash on Saturday then headed down to Olympic Heights in Boca Raton to catch the South County MLK event. Below are some of the players that caught our attention.
Tate Darner, Lakeland Santa Fe Catholic: The 6’2 junior has a well-earned reputation as a three-point gunslinger. He can create off the dribble from very deep and is near automatic off the catch. Darner has greatly improved as a driver and finisher, making him that much more dangerous on the offensive end. He is quick to move the ball and doesn’t over-dribble. A better athlete than he appears, Darner works hard on the defensive end and despite a thin frame doesn’t shy away from contact when going to the basket or pursuing rebounds.
Elijah Reynolds, Melbourne Holy Trinity: The 5’10 senior is very quick with the ball. He pushes the pace, gets into the lane, and creates havoc for the defense. Reynolds penetrates with a plan and knows where to send the ball should the defense collapse on him. He is an adequate perimeter shooter, especially with his feet set. Reynolds has active feet and hands on defense, forcing his opponent to work harder than he wants.
Mike Andino, Lakeland Victory Christian: The 6’0 senior looks like a choir boy but is a killer. Andino is an excellent perimeter shooter that has become effective off the bounce with floaters and mid-range pull-up jump shots. He is solid with the ball and makes good pass vs. shot decisions on the move. Andino can be especially dangerous in transition with his ability to knock down shots from behind the arc. He anticipates well on defense, both when guarding the ball as well as disrupting the passing lanes.
Jah’mir Wallace, Riverview Bell Creek Academy: Listed as a 6’3 8th Grader, he doesn’t look or play like one. Wallace has a big frame and decent skills at this stage of his development. He scored from mid-range and in, had three steals to go along with 3 blocks, and played with a high motor. Wallace was unfazed in going up against older, more experienced players. It will be interesting to see how his game and body grows over the next few years of his development.
Scott Verboncouer, Oviedo The Master’s Academy: The 6’6 senior has a good skill package. He handles the ball, sees the floor, and delivers passes on time and on target. Verboncouer had a rough day with his perimeter shot, but his motion and mechanics are sound. Though a bit slight of frame, he’s a good athlete that rebounds well and covers a lot of ground quickly on defense. His size and skill set make Verboncouer a versatile player at both ends of the floor.
Mark Christian, Rockledge: A 6’7 junior, Christian is an athletic player that runs the floor, works the glass, and scores inside. He is quick off the floor, getting many of his points off lobs and putbacks. Christian challenges shots on defense, doesn’t mind playing physical, and will rebound out of his area. He plays hard every possession and his best basketball days are ahead of him.
DeAndre Newland, Daytona Beach Mainland: We have been waiting for this type of performance from the 7’0 senior since he was a 6’8 freshman. He produced 15 points, grabbed six rebounds, and swatted away a couple of shots. Newland also put down a couple of forceful dunks and hit one of two three-point shots. No doubt his size will get him an opportunity on some collegiate level but it will be up to Newland how far he goes with it.
Jorge Cardenas, Bradenton IMG Blue: The 5’10 senior makes things happen on both ends of the floor. He is very active in pushing the pace, getting into the lane, and dropping in floaters over taller defenders. Cardenas distributes the ball well, looking to get others involved at every opportunity. Given space, he will connect on shots from behind the arc. Cardenas has active hands and feet on defense and isn’t above sacrificing his body going after loose balls or taking charges.
Ramone Seals, Tampa SLAM: A 6’5 senior and Kennesaw State signee, Seals has a strong frame and knows how to use it to overpower defenders on drives to the basket. He is more than willing to go inside and post up smaller defenders. Seals finishes well around the rim with his ability to make tough shots in a crowd. He is a reliable perimeter shooter that can stretch the defense. Seals rebounds well at both ends and has the ability to grab a missed shot on defense and push the ball down the floor on his own. His combination of strength and lateral quickness makes him a good defender.