Top Performers Of The Week
The first week of the FHSAA regular season is in the books.
I went to a game every night and witnessed some really good performances. Ft. Myers took down Port Charlotte on Monday, Riverdale beat Dunbar on Tuesday, Riverview beat Venice on Wednesday, Windermere Prep at Seffner Christian on Thursday and Plant clipped Wharton on Friday night.
Here are the top performers for the week that I saw play.
Reshah Gabriel (Ft. Myers)
Gabriel scored 14 of the Green Wave’s team-best 23 points in the first half. He was the most reliable offensive player for Ft. Myers in both halves as it beat Ida Baker 83-78. He took the ball to the rack with force and had a big jumper and free throw to close the game out. I like his overall game.
Jadrian Tracey (Riverdale)
There weren’t many bad moments in Tuesday night’s 75-52 win over Dunbar for the sophomore guard. Jadrian Tracey, previously a member of 2016 state semifinalist Southwest Florida Christian, posted 22 points in his Riverdale debut. The lengthy forward scored 14 of his points in the second half. He went to the rack with ease and hit outside jumpers when given open looks. Nothing was better than his slam in transition in the first quarter on a pass from his brother Jacob Tracey (VIDEO).
Tryus Jackson (Riverview)
Tyrus Jackson has slowly been on the rise over the last year. He took a big step forward on Wednesday night with a brilliant 23 point outing in an 81-56 victory over Venice. Overall the junior went to the basket often for buckets and hit from outside. Jackson is a maturing prospect.
Ronald Boyd (Plant)
The senior guard displayed patience in transition and was a true court leader for Plant in a 62-58 victory over Wharton. With junior guard Logan Morrissey inactive, Ronald Boyd stepped up in the biggest way. Normally the point man, he played every second of the game netting 24 points including five of the game’s last seven points. He lived at the free throw line with 14 points coming there due to his attacking.
Ahmad Watkins (Dunbar)
Just a freshman, Ahmad Watkins kept the Tigers alive at the break down 38-28. The lengthy forward had 14 second-quarter points which included four 3-pointers. Watkins slowed down a little in the second half as Riverdale took over the game, but overall it was a nice varsity debut for him. Look for Watkins to be a huge factor for Dunbar this season.
Stephen Hawkins (Ida Baker)
Stephen Hawkins never stopped pushing the ball up the floor and beating his defenders. The senior guard had a team-high 31 points which included five 3’s. When he gets going, he is hard to slow down. Ida Baker will lean on Hawkins all year long.
Corey Friar (Ida Baker)
Corey Friar was basically unstoppable in the second half. In the third quarter alone, the senior had 12 points. Then, in the fourth quarter, he put on nine more to total 29. Friar attacked the paint, made gritty jumpers and made life tough for Ft. Myers. Any coaches looking for a crafty and strong 6’2″ guard, look no further than Friar.
DJ Henderson (Wharton)
DJ Henderson is blazing fast, long and fun to watch. It was a slow start for the senior, but he got going in the third quarter. Henderson finished with 16 points and is already having a nice final high school season. The Wildcats want Henderson involved early and often and that will help add explosive plays.
Rashaan Lewis (Windermere Prep)
Rahsaan Lewis, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis is rocking the No. 52 jersey to represent his dad (PHOTO). The senior opened up the game red hot with eight points in the first quarter. Ending up with 12 points, Lewis did it all for the Lakers in transition, dishing out assists and stealing passes in a 81-59 victory over Seffner Christian. His best plays are attacks to the rim failing to make an impact with his mid-range jumper. Lewis rarely comes out of the game.
Darius Hopkins (Seffner Christian)
Darius Hopkins was the top playmaker for the Crusaders had a game-high 15 points. After a scoreless first quarter, he came alive in the second half scoring 13 points. Hopkins scored with 0.6 seconds on the clock in the first half to pump up his young team. He hit a few key 3’s and did his usual as a physical driving presence.