Week II Standouts: Palm Beach State Camp
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Seven Ferguson, Mater Academy
The high-motored 6-foot-4 wing has bought into the “Mr. Everything” role while inheriting the responsibilities of a battle-tested senior. Ferguson, of Miami Gardens, has established a reliable 3-point shot while simultaneously improving with his bounce. He’s got natural ability in his ability to carve into the bucket and finish.
Ferguson’s hustle, versatility, and engine underscore the immeasurable intangibles he provides. He showed this at Palm Beach State camp, knocking down shots and gliding to the rim and leading a young core.
George Becceri, Mater Academy
The heady, 5-foot-10 guard possesses the veteran skill-set and all around scoring necessary to lead a young team. He’s a dependable on-ball pest who really runs the team, making the job easier for legendary South Florida head coach Marcos “Shakey” Rodriguez.
His improved perimeter shooting and poise are essential attributes of a seasoned senior captain.
Alongside Ferguson, expect Becceri to inherit some ownership of Mater this ensuing season.
Avery Brookes, Lake Worth
The 6-foot-2 Class of 2019 prospect will likely emerge into one of the county’s top-drawer scorers in 2018-19. Brookes scored 35 points (on the strength of eight 3-pointers) during a game against Forest Hill and proved various times he can shoulder scoring load.
While he’s known as a 3-point ace and one of the best shooters in the conference and the county, he’s shown a new nose for slashing. Tuning up his body in the weight room this off-season, he’s become more explosive and is embracing the contact on the drive-and-finish.
George Johnson, Martin County
A bullish and athletic 5-foot-11 guard, the highly lauded football recruit (quarterback/wide receiver) brings a measure of toughness and quick, deceptive play to the hardwood. Johnson can guard multiple positions and finishes at the rim in ambidextrous fashion. He’s an essential piece in Martin County’s uptempo attack.
While football is his primary sport, he provides a supplementary scoring role and a jack of all trades presence out there on the court.
LaDarian Varintz, Ball4Lyfe
The 6-foot-3 guard has bullish strength and athleticism to him, albeit he needs to establish a steady motor and a will. He’s become a presence both on the glass and as a supplementary scorer. After a year at Atlantic, where he was flanked by the likes of Kadeem Wilks and since-graduated high scoring guard Rodwens Albert, Varintz will seek a new hardwood home this coming season. He’s got the skill set to score on the drive and post up on smaller defenders.
Gedeon Germinal, Jupiter Christian
Like his twin brother, Germinal has the advanced scoring tool-set and quickness that keeps defenders on their heels. He’s got exceptional downhill scoring and really manufactures points around the rim, where he can finish on the towering rim-protectors with contact.
The 6-foot, Class of 2019 guard has active defensive hands and will be a real leader in the backcourt next season.
Ryan Davis, Martin County
He’s only a freshman, but the 6-foot-3 guard/forward has a swagger and an edge to him. This was surely visible throughout this week. Davis looked sharp in the post, getting into the paint and scoring and also caroming boards. During Day II he was able to pop out and stick the 15-20 footer.
He’s got the build and aggressive nature to play meaningful minutes immediately at Martin County. Several coaches at the event were high on his IQ and advanced skill-set. Davis is very poised for an incoming freshman.
The key challenge for Davis is adapting to the workload of a guard, tightening up his handle. After manhandling younger and smaller foes, the bigger stage surely entails an adjustment in role.