Shooters: PART II
Mike Freeland, Somerset
The Class of 2020 prospect has emerged into a key outsider shooter, as all signs point to him piloting Somerset’s perimeter game in 2018-19. His day to day progression during the summer propelled him into starter’s minutes and he produced as a key trigger man off the ball. Freeland put together several games of four or more treys, authoring consistency.
He’s got a quick catch-and-pull form and has augmented the backcourt with his range from way outside. Expect him to surface as the team’s premiere sniper next season. If he prolongs his production from the relentless summer labor, anticipate the deadeye junior playing a clutch role this season.
AJ Neal, West Oaks Academy
It is all beginning to come into fruition for Neal, who averaged 28PPG as a seventh grader playing J.V. The scoring engine he showed early on resurfaced this summer, as he fielded offers from all over the country. Neal is a bonafide gym rat who has been around some of the Orlando program’s top-tier players, including the high-scoring backcourt tandem of Andres Feliz (Illinois) and Richardson Maitre (FAU).
Learning from the older crowd has helped shape Neal’s mentality and grasp just how hard you have to work. He’s made tweaks to his body, getting stronger and going to the rim more. A deft 3-point stroke is perhaps his best attribute, albeit Neal has developed a mindful on-court awareness that allows him to penetrate and score at will.
He’s unveiled a new trick in a 10-foot floater. Neal currently is sifting through a barrage of offers from the likes of Florida State, Florida Atlantic, UCF, Ole Miss, Tennessee Tech, and Western Kentucky.
Amiko Khazalia, International
The 6-foot point guard has a polished skill set. He’s a lights out shooter, he can get through defenders and finish, and his handle is low and tight. While he still needs to get bigger physically and perhaps a bit tougher, he’s got the look of an intriguing dual threat point guard. If his coaches can cultivate a high scoring presence in him this season, where he will play against decent competition, he’s got the potential to play high Division-II basketball.
He’s shown a funky left-handed runner and a stepback 3-pointer recently, proving he can create methodical ways to score. He’s not afraid to kick-start runs with his shooting, the area of his game he’s invested the most focus into. He sees the floor well while operating offense and is a heady, heads-up point guard who can adjust to what the defense gives him.
Ryan O’Connor, Santaluces
The 6-foot-2 guard has spent the off-season tuning up his body and reaping the rewards of the added strength to his game. He’s a 3-point shooter by trade, he of the slingshot left handed stroke. He’s become more reliable as a defender who can guard both backcourt positions and even help out on the wing and front fours down low.
His ball handling and ability to fuel the vaunted transition game Santaluces is known to employ has also emerged. Expect O’Connor to be a steady role player with senior leadership and supplemental scoring this season.
Sam Rolle, Suncoast
The Class of 2020 prospect showed glimpses during his sophomore season, with his shooting and ability to facilitate and make his teammates beneficiaries of his presence. This summer, however, Rolle took off as a high percentage shot-maker and a reliable defender. He developed the feel for the traditional point guard position, fueling the attack and knowing where to deliver the ball.
Rolle shot 49 percent from the great beyond this summer. He set the tone defensively, averaging a team-best 2.5 steals while playing on the UAA circuit.
Torrin Andrews, Suncoast
The 6-foot-4 Class of 2019 point guard has established himself as a steady offensive source who can hit key shots and spark runs with his smooth and wide ranging scoring. He scored a season-high 24 points against Fort Pierce Westwood and hasn’t tailed off since. He’s got a smooth stroke and doesn’t hesitate to find the crevice in the defense and attack.