Top Performers: Florida Jam (Part 2)
The HoopSeen Florida Jam took place this past weekend on the campus of IMG Academy.
Four courts featured competition from 11th, 10th, 9th, 8th and 6th grade. Various IMG teams played and the games were in motion.
I took in the action and came away with a list of top performers.
Here is Part 2:
ICYMI – Part 1
Lin Yan Yu (Victory Rock)
A legitimate big man at 7’2″, Yan Yu leans on his hook shot and pure length. The 2019 Victory Rock center has endless room to get stronger in his upper body. For now, he’s making plays for Florida Sons Select with his height advantage. Yan Yu uses his body well inside but he has room to improve his consistency.
Javier Ezquerra Trelles (IMG)
Ezquerra Trelles is a prototypical undersized point guard. But his mixture of speed, smarts and vision bring his value up. He sees the floor well and anticipates a move before it happens. He can also shoot from outside with ease.
EJ Hubbert (Oldsmar Christian)
On a deep and athletic Clearwater Elite team, 2021 guard EJ Hubbert is a true lightning bolt. He is dominant when he puts his head down and attacks the rim. Hubbert relies on his pure athleticism and can stand to improve as a passer. But right now, the Oldsmar Christian guard is maturing and becoming a factor on both ends.
Klajd Kari (Gulf Coast)
Standing at 6’9″, Klajd Kari is a big kid. What gives the 2019 forward an advantage is that he knows he isn’t the fastest player, but he plays fundamental basketball and uses his frame well to attack. The Florida Elite SW leader loves to grab boards, use his hook shot and battle down low.
Charlie Morris (IMG)
An unselfish and competitive player, Charlie Morris is out to make the most of every possession. The 2020 IMG forward is a reliable defender, shot block and slasher. He uses his athletic frame to get by defenders and he likes to set teammates up with passes inside.
Dean Gabrelcik (2021)
In his breakout year as a freshman at East Lake, Gabrelcik proved his worth as a 3-point shooter. He picks up his entire team when he produces from outside. For Clearwater Elite, the 2021 guard/forward flashed his ability to be a team player, grab boards and create on his own towards the rim.
Kamalii Findlay (Alonso)
Suiting up for Team Tampa, Kamalii Findlay was active on the boards, fighting for each and every rebound on offense and defense. The 2019 guard/forward is certainly a smooth shooter but his best attribute is his ability to not blend in. You always know when Findlay is on the floor.
Elijah Adams (Mariner)
A speedy and smaller point guard, Adams performed well as the lead ballhandler for High Hoops. The 2020 Mariner guard has a nice feel for the floor, attacks with determination and makes sure to get the most out of every possession.
Reagan Weiss (Plant)
At this time a year ago, Reagan Weiss was being used as a 3-point shooter and a guy to stretch the floor. Fast forward and the 2020 Plant forward is doing things differently. For both Plant in the spring league and for the Tampa Tarpons, he’s making an added effort to attack the rim. Mix that in with his shooting touch and he’s a dangerous rising junior.
Mark Caraher (Lakewood Ranch)
A sound point guard, Mark Caraher rarely makes a bad decision and he creates with his quick passing. The 5’8″ 2019 prospect is a seasoned piece for the Wave, a team made up of Lakewood Ranch role players. Caraher is in for an increased role as a ballhandler this season for a new look Lakewood Ranch team.
Gio Reyes (Wharton)
At 5’8″, Reyes doesn’t scare anyone with his height, but his speed and tempo in transition is an asset. For Skills Center Elite, the 2020 guard showed well as a vocal leader and attacker. He’ll have control of the Wharton offense more often than not this fall.
Darius Webb (Admiral Farragut)
A scrappy and sound shooter, Webb made enough plays to keep Dream Nation hang around in games this weekend. His speed is something he knows how to use to his advantage to beat players down the floor. The 2020 Admiral Farragut guard should have a role for his high school team this season.