Smith Center Fall League: Tuesday Night Notes
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I made the short trip to Orlando on Tuesday to see the action at the Smith Center Fall League.
West Orange, Windermere, Central Florida Christian, Oak Ridge, Central Pointe Christian, Apopka, Windermere Prep and Edgewater JV participated in the four-game slate.
Here is a look at the top performers from each team.
West Orange
—A pair of 2019 combo guards shined for West Orange in the opening night win over Windermere. Ty Schuler stood out from the jump with his outside touch and ability to push the floor. Next to him for much of the game was Judah Collins. Much like Schuler, Collins is always looking for the next move and that benefited his side.
Windermere
—For Windermere, a slow start did the Wolverines. Things picked up in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. 2019 forward Dakota Rivers committed to FGCU on Saturday. He is proven inside commodity with his length and elusiveness. He impressed me on the defensive end with his blocking ability. 2020 forward Eric Canavan is a gritty player who isn’t the most athletic, but battles for buckets and boards whenever he gets inside.
Central Florida Christian
—The Preaster brothers were the most productive for Central Florida Christian in a win over Edgewater JV. 2019 guard/forward Jordan Preaster recently committed to Bethune Cookman and he is still all about being a team player. His floor stretching ability and attack is impressive. His younger brother, Jajuan Preaster, a 2020 guard is highly athletic and really impressed me with his burst in transition.
Edgewater JV
—It was a great test for a young Edgewater JV group against a well seasoned and deep Central Florida Christian team. The most active of the Eagles unit was 2022 guard Tre Simmons. He was not afraid to draw contact against bigger players on attacks and he showed good form on outside shots.
Oak Ridge
—Trailing at the half to a scrappy and well coached Central Pointe Christian squad, Oak Ridge wound up winning by five after some added focus kicked in. 2019 forward CJ Walker turned it up in the second half with his cuts inside and aggressive slashing. 2019 guard Niven Glover gave the Pioneers much needed ballhandling leadership and he hit some clutch 3’s towards the end of the game. Oak Ridge was at its best with Glover running the offense.
Central Pointe Christian
—Asked to over Walker, 2020 forward Jonathan Aybar did an admirable job at forcing the high Division I talent into uncomfortable situations. Aybar blocked some shots like he always does defensively and hit a few 3’s in transition. 2020 guard Victor Rosa continues to be a well-formed and dangerous threat from deep. Rosa is primed for a huge junior season.
Apopka
—Apopka held in a low scoring game against a young Windermere Prep unit. Offered by FGCU early this month, 2020 guard Zachary Anderson is focused more than ever on the floor. He has always been a patient and gifted ballhandler, but his ability to slash and shoot the mid-range is getting better. Anderson is gaining confidence which is huge for his progression.
Windermere Prep
—The crowd dispersed after the Oak Ridge-Central Pointe Christian matchup. For Windermere Prep, this is a much different looking team. A name to remember for the 2022 class is forward Kevin Zeng. The 6’8″ big man made some fancy cuts and showed a persistence as a ballhandler and pacesetter. His energy is contagious which is important on a team filled with youth.
If you have high school basketball news or any questions, you can reach Jake Perper via email at jakeperper@prephoops.com.