Top Rank Showcase Orlando Standouts: Part 1
The Top Rank Showcase held an event at The Big House in Tavares, Fla. on Saturday.
Just over 80 kids participated in the event run by founder Ashton West, who has partnered with Under Armour and worked his magic all afternoon. The coaches put the players through a training session shortly after check-in.
Then the fun started with scrimmages. Teams broke for lunch midway through the day and then more games took place. After that, the Top 20 and Top 40 finalists were announced and the dunk contest and 3-point shootout took place.
Both the Top 20 and Top 40 games were played at once to end the day. Prior to that, all three courts had games going on at once and the gym was filled with players, parents and several coaches watching the event.
Here is the first set of standouts that caught my eye.
2019 F Tylor Miller (Santaluces)
Length is Miller’s friend. Time and time again throughout the day, the 6’4″ forward burst down the court for a big slam or knock down jumper. He participated in the dunk contest and showed off his bounce. He turned a lot of heads on the afternoon. Miller is dripping in athleticism and should be in for a major role with the Chiefs in Class 9A next season.
2018 Tyrese Williams (Tampa Bay Tech)
It might time to call Williams the ‘Human Highlight Reel’ because he was dunking left and right. The 6’7″ forward has taken his game to new heights over the last year. We had him at our event last September and you could tell he was making strides. Now, Williams is simply making things tough on defenders with plays on and off the ball. He’ll be the top scorer for the Titans as a senior.
2019 F Braxton Bartlett (Palm Harbor)
There really wasn’t a better facilitator at the event. Bartlett recorded a double double on assists and rebounds in the opening scrimmage. The 6’5″ forward plays beyond his years with his basketball IQ helping him create and score. Bartlett can hit from outside and attack inside. He will only get better for the Hurricanes in Class 8A next fall.
2018 G Jaylen Jones (Booker)
Jones is just different. The 5’10” guard was named MVP of the tournament. His performance in the Top 20 game proved that he wasn’t messing around. He went one-on-one with Windermere Prep guard Rahsaan Lewis to decide who would be the top player. The burst is there with Jones, but his grittiness is what stands out. The rising senior isn’t afraid to mix it up. He’ll be key for the Tornadoes in Class 6A.
2018 G Tyrick Brascom (Tampa Bay Tech)
I’m pretty sure Brascom had the most fun at the event. The 5’8″ speedster made things happen with his superb ball handling skills. He hit 3’s, including one falling down with Ferguson’s Shaka Smith draped all over him and later connected on a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer of the Top 40 game. Brascom will be expected to lead the charge once again for the Titans in Class 8A.
2018 G Rahsaan Lewis (Windermere Prep)
The son of NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, you can see where Rahsaan gets his athleticism from. Noticeably muscular and quick on his feet, Lewis won battles throughout the day. He connected on long-range jumpers and attacking layups. At 5’10”, Lewis makes it seem like he’s a lot bigger with his play. The Lakers’ offense will run through Lewis in Class 5A this upcoming season.