Top-Tier Young Guns: Palm Beach State Camp
A number of advanced level Class of 2022 prospects pumped promise into the future of Palm Beach and Martin County hoops this past week. Very few of these neophytes will have to wait their turn.
As the influx of fresh blood proved during the camp, they’ll be vying for meaningful varsity minutes from the very beginning and playing significant roles as callow, vastly unproven freshmen.
Here’s a look at some of the more impressive core of incoming talent, those to take note of in 2018-19.
Ryan Davis, Martin County
The athletic 6-foot-3 Class of 2022 prospect looks ready-made for the spotlight. He’s got a workmanlike interior approach, as he emerged into a key rebounder who knows how to outlet the ball and spark the uptempo attack.
Davis did a commendable job during the second day of Palm Beach State camp, showing a post game and also popping out to bury the 15-foot jumper. His offensive skill-set should grow and expand as he acclimatizes to varsity minutes. Davis should make an instant impact at Martin County this year, surely surfacing into one of the state’s top freshmen in the process.
Malik Reneau, Mater Academy
The 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard/forward showed a deft lefty stroke from beyond the arc. He was also able to get into the post and snatch rebounds. He brings intimidating size on a smaller team, a factor which could propel him into meaningful varsity minutes immediately.
Eric Pratt, Park Vista
The 5-foot-11 3-point assailant showed nary a tinge of nerves or hesitance in playing against bigger competition. He’s got a quick release and really knows how to spot up and hunt for his shot.
He’s got the gym rat mentality and should compete for a significant role from the get-go. Just how well he diversifies his overall scoring will determine the type of career he puts forth at Park Vista. The readiness and confidence are certainly there, as he was composed and kept mistakes to a bare minimum throughout.
Mark Cueto, Ball4Lyfe
The 6-foot-3 Class of 2022 prospect brings strength and size well beyond his years. He proved plenty capable of guarding the perimeter and showed an improved touch as well. Cueto will attend Benjamin High as a freshman, a program which has long employed positionless basketball emphasizing versatility and interchangeability.
He’s adapting to a guard’s role currently, having played primarily in the post these past two years. He hit a 3-pointer here and there throughout the camp. An immediate area of concern is his handle and his ability to create his own shot. He brings raw skill and athleticism.
Michael Bradley Jr, Mater Academy
The 5-foot-6 Class of 2023 prospect was a consistent threat from beyond the arc. He shot the ball extraordinarily well, materializing as the unsung and unknown little guard who caught defenders off guard.
He showed prodigious range and high efficiency throughout. Bradley Jr. also has a good bloodline. His father, Mike Bradley Sr., was a star football player at Bethune Cookman and played briefly with the Buffalo Bills.
Mike Cooper, Ball4Lyfe
Another promising shootist, Cooper showed exceptional 3-point range and catch and stick tactics. He’s got some poise and a mental age to him, which should increase as he reaps the rewards of rarely playing age appropriate.
He’s very effective at getting free along the baseline, where he can either stick the deep jumper or feed the post. He’ll need to get more comfortable at putting the ball on the deck and attacking.