Marreese Speights Summer League: Monday Night Notes
More games were played on Monday night at Gibbs High for the Marreese Speights Summer League.
The eight teams (Gibbs, Seminole, St. Pete, Northeast, Anclote, Boca Ciega, Lakewood and Canterbury) are all looking to get better and more prepared for this upcoming season.
Here’s a look at some of the top performers by team.
Gibbs
2019 guards Deonnte Brooks and Kai Pennington showed poise as outside shooters and ballhandlers for Gibbs in a win over Canterbury. 2020 guard Tre Gilliam continued his steady play with mid-range jumpers and knock down 3-pointers. Also, 2020 guard Bryce Brown was driving to the rack more often and creating contact. Gibbs moves the ball so well as a team and if this trio can find openings consistently than the looks will come more often than not.
Canterbury
Core 2019 leaders Brendan Riggs, Deondrick Harper and Akeem Glenn are trying to create on their own with Rivers Lenholt sidelined currently. Riggs has the ability to be a spot-up shooter, while Harper and Glenn are at their best when driving inside for mid-range jumpers and layups.
Seminole
In a victory over Boca Ciega, Seminole looked like a different team than the previous week against St. Pete. The Warhawks had juice in both halves and earned a fine performance from Sam Denoir. He was pacing the floor, flying around for boards and getting inside for lay-ins and drawing contact. Denoir looks to be growing as a leader for the new look Seminole squad.
Anclote
It is hard to watch Anclote and not be impressed by 2020 forward Jakob Hester each and every time. The kid battles inside for boards and lay-ins against guys bigger than him and stronger than him. His footwork and ability to feel the floor is solid. Fellow 2020 starters Jalen Cooper and Jacobie Forrest were hitting big 3-pointers at a high clip in the loss to Lakewood. Anclote is still coming together but the pieces are certainly there.
Lakewood
Even though 2019 guard Jalen White couldn’t get many buckets to fall, his team picked him up. 2020 forward Jamille Reynolds was taking advantage down low and had three hard nosed dunks in the second half to wow the crowd. 2019 guard Jermaine Phillips was hitting some tough jumpers to keep his team ahead. 2020 athlete TJ Tampa is as fast and athletic as they come and full of energy while 2021 forward Oteman Delancey hustles on both ends of the floor with blocks and jumpers in transition.
Northeast
The Vikings former starters Phillips (mentioned above) and Alfonso Franklin, now at St. Pete are in this league but not with Northeast. 2019 forward Josh Green is a player who is earning an opportunity to carve out a major role with Phillips and Franklin gone. He showed some promise on the block, fighting for second chance points with his long frame.
St. Pete
2020 guard Deondre Earley is likely going to be the leader of this young group with his playmaking ability and transition play. He continues to play well and get everyone involved around him. Another piece to the puzzle for the Green Devils is 2021 guard Ray Perry. Thickly built and strong, Perry gives you good tough minutes and is a natural point guard.
Boca Ciega
Outside of 2019 guard Dakota Moore, the Pirates have yet to have anyone truly emerge in the summer sessions. Moore needs help around him. He can dribble with his left and right hand very well and shoot from outside, but he won’t be able to do it all for this revamped squad.