Deadeye Shooters, Florida
Chase Johnston, Westminster Academy
The 6-foot-4 sharpshooter is known for his clutch and timely 3-point shooting. This much was evident during Westminster’s 97-61 throttling of Benjamin.
Johnston, a quick-strike shooter who is sound in all facets of his game, lit Benjamin up to the tune of a game-best 38 points. He added nine assists, five rebounds, and three steals. Johnston connected on a scalding 10-for-13 from beyond the arc. Since very beginning of the season, the Class of 2019 guard (who has played significant varsity minutes since he was an eighth grader and started on varsity as a freshman) has been relied upon to knock down big, momentum swinging treys.
Johnston has offers from Stetson, Bucknell, Florida Gulf Coast, and a barrage of others. With former Florida assistant coach Dusty May now the head coach at Florida Atlantic, Johnston could potentially expect some visits from a revitalized FAU program in nearby Boca. May, a dogged recruiter, will certainly plant the seeds for a new regime to grow.
Julian Newman, Downey Christian
Newman’s career has really played out like a fictional and feel good “Sports Illustrated For Kids” story come to live. He saw meaningful varsity minutes as a fifth grader (!!!!) who could create and score the ball against guys twice and three times his size.
Many cite nepotism (his father, Jamie Newman is the head coach and runs various plays for Julian). Many say the media hype machine plays into Newman’s success. Many are quick to call Newman overrated (he’s certainly persona non grata to the crowds on the road).
Yet the well-built Class of 2020 guard who can hit shots from way, way, way beyond 3-point territory. Newman’s natural range and knack for hitting big shots enables him to reel off points in a hurry.
D’Moi Hodge, Arlington Country Day
The 6-foot-4 guard is known for his motor. Yet it’s his high-level 3-point shooting and quick release that has many opponents buzzing. Hodge has pulled up several 40+ games over his career in the SIAA. During a game at Conrad Academy in Orlando last year, he buried 10-for-10 from beyond the arc. Despite his status as a 3-point assailant, Hodge brings a diversified scoring portfolio.
Logan Alters, Fort Lauderdale University School
While he’s the lesser acclaimed on a star-spangled lineup that features the likes of highly coveted 6-foot-10 forward Vernon Carey and West Virginia-bound Trey Doomes, Alters is the source they go to under heightened pressure. While teams tend to make a collective effort to clamp down on the triumvirate of Carey, Doomes, and 6-foot-9 wing Scottie Barnes, it opens up looks for Alters downtown. The off guard has held up to his part of the bargain, knocking down heavily contested and open shots throughout the nationally ranked program’s ascension to GEICO nationals in New York this weekend. Drue Drinnon, a New Mexico-bound guard, is another key piece flanking the dagger man who is Alters.
There’s no question, shooters play a considerable role in games of this magnitude. Look no further than former Montverde Academy shooter Cameron Healy (now at Albany), who hit a number of big and timely 3-pointers during the DICK’s Sporting Goods National Tournament last year.
Taylor Trudeau, Mount Dora Christian Academy
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound guard is a prolific all around scorer. His catch-and-stick game has been known to break open games and he’s most dangerous when he hits a few shots in a row. He’s adept at getting into the lane and finishing with either hand.
As a junior, Trudeau shattered the single game scoring record with 62 points in a game (12 3-pointers). This past summer while playing for 1Family on the AAU circuit, Trudeau scored 55 points in a wowing overall performance. He’s got sneaky bounce and stealth explosive ability.
Rob Perry, Oak Ridge
If the hot-shooting Perry, who is flanked by high major talent, still doesn’t have an offer…That would just be criminal. The underappreciated off guard scored 32 points (on a sizzling 11-for-15 clip and 4-for-5 from beyond the arc) to propel a shorthanded Oak Ridge team to a 71-60 victory over Wellington in the 9a state title.
Perry has been the key catch-and-stick source all year, providing big 3-pointers and kick-out production when LSU-bound big Emmitt Williams and others are keyed on.
Tino Sebalj, Arlington Country Day
Similar to big, towering 3-point shooters such as Sam “Big Smooth” Perkins, Sebalj is able to take bigger defenders away from the basket. He’s got the standard stretch four and pick and pop four look. Beyond being a 3-point trigger man, who actually had nine 3-pointers in a game this season, he’s got a dependable 18-20 footer. He can create space for his shot inside and also exploit mismatches by backing down a smaller defender. He’s got a turnaround jumper and a soft touch in his arsenal.