Top Rank Showcase Orlando Standouts: Part 3
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 third set of standouts that caught my eye.
2018 G Isaiah Islam (Newsome)
Senior guard Nick Stuck is headed off to college, but Newsome will still be a contender with Islam running the show. He was a great pairing with Stuck and certainly benefited. The 6’3″ guard showed at Top Rank that he can handle his own. He drove to the basket throughout the day and really flashed his grit and toughness. I expect Islam’s stock to rise tremendously next season.
2018 G Devon Knaub (Oviedo)
Despite being 5’10”, Knaub plays with endless confidence and it seems like he doesn’t care that he is smaller than most guys on the floor. His handles are very good and there were multiple times, I witnessed him fool defenders with his dribbling ability. At Oviedo, he’s averaged over 10 points per game the past two seasons. Set to be a senior, Knaub will be at the forefront of the Lions offense.
2018 G Eric Amandio (Impact)
The rising senior has switched from West Oaks to Impact, he informed me at the event. At 6’3″, Amandio is both quick and powerful. His burst down the court is something hard to miss when watching him play. Time and time again, he scored from outside and pushed the floor to set up baskets for his teammates. This is a kid who is flying under the radar but likely won’t anymore next season.
2018 G Treyvon Reiser (Nature Coast)
Part of a very strong program at Nature Coast, Reiser was a key rotational player. Next season, the 5’11” guard will be a full-time starter and he’s well prepared for that role. At Top Rank, he flashed his leadership skills as a passer and outside shooter. Reiser is always focused and his handles help him maneuver inside when he needs to.
2019 G Bryce Street (Montverde)
Smooth is the best word to describe Street. The 6’0″ guard is preparing for his junior season after playing sparingly at basketball powerhouse Montverde. He is a smart player who gets his teammates involved first and foremost. When Street wants to, he can make things happen as an attacker. With more confidence in his offensive abilities, the better off this kid will be.
2018 F Andreas Czechowicz (Downey Christian)
Czechowicz was one of the lengthiest players on the floor at this event. At 6’7″, the rising senior has the looks of a very solid and determined college player. He captured the victory in the dunk contest (winning dunk here). In the scrimmages, Czechowicz used his frame to make things happen inside. At independent Downey Christian, he’ll thrive once again next season.
In case you missed it:
Top Rank Showcase Standouts Orlando (Part 1)
Top Rank Showcase Standouts Orlando (Part 2)