Players To Watch: 2022 “Welcome To The Show” Event
Parker Larosa, SLAM
The West Palm Beach native possesses an advanced, tight handle and knows how to trigger the break. Though he’s just 5-foot-5 and has yet to hit his growth spurt, Larosa has a cerebral quality to his game.
He’s shifty, he’s capable of scoring the rock both inside and outside, and he has zero trepidation in taking it to the rim against the trees upfront.
Isaiah Ramsey, Pine Crest
The well-built guard/wing has a very advanced feel for the game at his game. He’s 6-foot-3 but stronger and more developed than most in his class. Because of this, he’s able to utilize his body effectively and really finish at the rim.
He’s already got the athleticism to be a two-way threat. Developing a steady 3-point shot to balance his hard drives and forays through traffic and to the rim would make him a bona fide scorer as he continues to progress.
Gabriel Gaspard, Dr. Krop
The high-octane 6-foot guard is laced with unbridled energy and a very effective motor. He is constantly in attack mode, getting to the rim and scoring off the bounce. He’s developed some dependable hops, a necessity for any player whose game is predicated on slashing and finishing.
He should make a loud impact at PBC Hoops’ event at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth. The event will feature a veritable “who’s who” of similar impressive guards of Gaspard’s type.
Donnell Simmons, Palm Beach Lakes
The smooth 5-foot-6 guard is a stealthy scorer who is constantly under the radar. This has been the case the last year, and should change as he makes an impact at the high school level. He’s very heady and knows how to facilitate an offense. The intricacies of the true point guard game have been ingrained in Simmons for quite some time now.
He’s no stranger to high level play, as Simmons played for a very reputable Roosevelt MS program.
Damon Leigh, South Fork
Rarely playing age appropriate and gauging his grit against bigger, tougher and hyper athletic kids has allowed “DJ” to develop a toughness and a mental moxie which he brings to the floor. He’s an adept ball handler capable of relying on the dribble and creating havoc for defenders with his off-the-dribble moves.
He’s very experienced in quarterbacking an offense and knows how to whiz the right passes, hitting cutters and astonishingly open finishers near the rim. Leigh is equally proficient with his shooting touch. He surely isn’t afraid to pull those big, momentum-shifting shots late in the game.