Top Rank Showcase Orlando Standouts: Part 2
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 second set of standouts that caught my eye.
2017 G/F Rajan Barnes (West Oaks)
I first saw Barnes at the ARS Rescue Rooter Hoopfest at Berkeley Prep this season. The 6’5″ senior was determined as he can be at this event. He attacked, buried jumpers from outside and played lock down defense. It would be an absolute shock if he didn’t find a landing spot at the next level in the fall. Barnes is a true athlete.
2019 G James Lee (Vanguard)
Entering his second season in Florida, Lee made the move down south from Virginia. The 6’4″ guard is smooth. He makes each possession count and finds his way through the tiniest of openings on a defense. Lee will improve Vanguard’s chances next season as he continues to become a complete performer.
2019 G Murad Berrian (Robinson)
A scrappy and undersized point guard at 5’10”, Berrian has some the quickest feet out there. His instincts are rock solid and he simply likes to play hard all the time. He hit some big shots, set up his offense and turned heads the entire day at the event. Robinson’s offense will go through Berrian next season and that will be a very good thing for the Knights.
2018 G Thierry Moliere (Jesuit)
I’ve watched Moliere mature so much over the last few years on the court. The 6’0″ guard is a good commander for an offense and rarely if ever takes a dumb shot. Moliere waits for his moment, can shoot from outside and can attack through multiple defenders. With Stevie Darst and the rest of the 2017 Tigers graduating, Moliere will be the guy for Jesuit next season and it will be fun to watch his progressions.
2017 G Mcleon Charles (Cypress Creek)
No one played more games on Saturday than Charles. The 6’3″ senior suited up in every single scrimmage bouncing around from team to team trying to make his presence known. He put together a solid afternoon and he should certainly feel good about it. How he benefits remains to be seen, but Charles deserves a chance to play somewhere at the next level. His determination and ability near the hoop are undeniable.
2018 G Angel Smith (Cardinal Gibbons)
Smith had a fine day at the event by proving that his 6’5″ frame can make a difference. The rising senior was a leader out there everytime he hit the floor. There’s no surprise, he’s one of the top guys in the state. I think his game will get even better this season as long as he continues to attack. Smith will be the guy for Cardinal Gibbons in Class 5A next fall.
In case you missed it: Top Rank Showcase Standouts Orlando (Part 1)