Our Spring Tip-Off this past weekend at the Genesis Sports Complex in Maitland, just north of Orlando, was a rousing success. There was great energy on all three courts thoughout and there were more than a few players in the different age divisions that put themselves on the radar.
Jaiden Horton, Miami Triple Threat: A 6’0 junior out of Homestead, Horton was dynamic over the course of two games Friday, knocking down ten triples and averaging 28 points per game. He has deep range, connects off both the bounce and the catch, and understands how to create separation to make room to get his shot off. Though thin, Horton is quick and slick with the basketball and isn’t afraid to challenge defenders at the basket.
Ralphie Diaz, Miami Triple Threat: The 6’4 junior from Miami Palmetto has a deep bag of tricks when it comes to putting the ball in the basket. Diaz demonstrated an ability to score from all three levels, create his own shot off the dribble, and make tough finishes in traffic at the basket. He surprised a bit with his ability to find others for easy shot opportunities, both on the perimeter and when cutting to the basket. Diaz is strong, physical, and plays with an edge.
Luke Mayberry, Above Academy: A 6’3 junior at Jacksonville Providence, Mayberry played with great effort and confidence despite being on the wrong end of a somewhat lopsided score. He shot the ball well from the perimeter, pushed the pace in transition, challenged bigger players on the glass, and battled for every 50/50 ball anywhere close to him. Mayberry came to play on the defensive end, using strength, determination, and quick feet to make the game difficult for opposing ball handlers.
Graciano Ntonha, A1 Elite: A 6’3 sophomore currently at Zephyrhills Christian, the Angola native has only been in the country a couple of months and has already garnered a lot of notoriety. He has good size and athletic ability at the point guard spot. If Ntonha is able to get to his right with the defender on his hip, more than likely a bucket and/or free throws is about to happen. He has good court vision and will quickly get the ball to teammates. While Ntonha didn’t have success with his perimeter shot in the game we watched, its form and mechanics look good. He has the length and footspeed to be a good defender.
Ron Clark III, One Team, One Dream: A 5’9 junior out of Impact Christian in Jacksonville, Clark is an energizer and catalyst that finds ways to make positive things happen for his team at both ends of the floor. Solid ball-skills, speed and quickness allow him to collapse defenses, making plays for himself or others. Clark was a frequent visitor to the foul line after challenging defenders at the basket. He also did a good job of finding cutters and teammates in transition for scores.
Emmanuel Kamara, TNT Hoop Squad: A 6’7 senior out of Orlando Southeastern Prep, it looks like he may take a post-grad year to elevate his recruiting profile. A player we’ve always found productive regardless of the setting, he has a good combination of strength and athleticism. Kamara is active on the glass at both ends, has quick moves in the post, gets up and down the floor swiftly and has some versatility on defense. Right now he is at his best from fifteen feet and in. As his perimeter shot becomes more consistent, he should find more opportunities at the collegiate level.
Samson Wika, A1 Elite: A 6’6 junior currently at Zephyrhills, the native of Angola shows promise both now and for the future. He has an aggressive offensive mentality, looks to attack the defense at nearly every opportunity, and is getting more comfortable with the American game each time out. There are times when Wika can be a bit wild and out of control but he is in the process of learning. With strength, a solid frame, and good athleticism, he has the physical traits to be successful just through effort and determination. As his basketball skills enhance and develop, Wika could become of interest to a variety of programs at the college level.
Justice Clark, One Team, One Dream: The 6’0 junior from Eagle’s Academy in Jacksonville wouldn’t take no for an answer when heading to the hoop. A quick first step usually got him by his initial defender and crafty ball skills along with great body control allowed him to get to and score at the basket in a crowd. Clark took few jump shots in the game as he had too much success scoring inside to bother with trying something less efficient. He appears to have the tools to play either guard spot and has a determined mentality on the defensive end.