Smith Center Fall League: Tuesday Night Notes
I stopped by the Smith Center in Orlando on Tuesday night to catch some fall league hoops.
Here are my takeaways from each team.
Apopka
2019 guard Nathan Louis continues his impressive play following the summer with Team MOAM. The senior leader is the clear cut No. 1 option for this program. Alongside him are 2019 athlete Keeving Etienne, 2020 guard Zachary Anderson and 2021 forward Earl Lombardi. Etienne should do the dirty work inside while Anderson and Lombardi have flashed impressive work on both ends of the floor.
First Academy
The biggest upside player on this young Royals team is 2021 guard Kanye Jones. Although he was quiet with his new team, Jones had some really good possessions controlling the tempo. 2020 guard Alex Shields, a track standout was the most dominant scorer as he routinely connected from deep in the opening game against Apopka.
Oak Ridge
Of course, the most attention was brought to 2019 forward CJ Walker at his new school. He was attacking the paint well offensively. 2019 guard Emmanuel Adedoyin was the pacesetter and arguably the best player on the floor for Oak Ridge all night. He was slashing, attacking and putting his body on the line. 2019 guard/forward Kaleb Coleman found his groove knocking down 3’s at a high clip in the second half.
Edgewater
2020 guard Michael Eads remains out with a broken foot. This young Edgewater group has plenty of time to recoup but there wasn’t much success offensively against Oak Ridge. It was Tristan Curry who was the most reliable weapon on the offensive end of the floor for the Eagles.
Central Pointe Christian
The White Tigers made up for a slow start with an impressive second half in a win over West Orange. 2020 guard Victor Rosa was basically unstoppable from downtown, making the Warriors pay time and time again. 2021 forward Diego Romero and 2020 forward Jonathan Aybar mixed it up defensively. 2020 guard Luis Rolon made some really nice takes to the rim.
West Orange
Only a sophomore, 2021 guard EJ Yorke appears to be the most athletic and talented player for West Orange. He didn’t have a complete performance, but he has endless potential and is strong at the point of attack. Ricky Davis did some nice things as well to supplement him.
West Oaks
It is early in the fall, but Tyrell Jones and Selton Miguel could be the most dangerous two-way guard duo in the entire state. Jones, a 2019 guard blew up in July with 30 plus Division I offers because of his ability to create for others and be an efficient shooter. Miguel, a 2020 guard has tremendous upside with his drives to the rim and willingness to be a leader and tough nosed defender.
Central Florida Christian
The Eagles are certainly an athletic group and 2019 guard/forward Jordan Preaster was the glue guy and energy presence all night long for his side. 2019 guard Bryce Street and 2019 forward Anterrius Washington contributed a bit on both ends.
If you have high school basketball news or any questions, you can reach Jake Perper via email at jakeperper@prephoops.com.