Top Non-Senior Standouts: HoopHall Invitational
On Wednesday, I made the trip over to AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami for the 4th annual Hoop Hall Invitational.
10 teams, five matchups all Broward vs. Dade County. All five games were filled with athletes and very good competition.
Results
Norland 51, Western 41
North Miami 89, Northeast 73
Westminster 65, Palmetto 64 (OT)
University School 74, South Miami 67
Miami Christian 71, Stranahan 57
Here is a look at the top standouts (2020-2022 classes):
Scottie Barnes & Roger McFarlane (University School)
-The new look University School is a work in progress but with 2019 big man Vernon Carey Jr. and 2020 guard/forward Scottie Barnes, the Sharks will always have a chance to win. Barnes took over the reins of the backcourt and scored 19 points in a comeback win over South Miami. 2020 combo guard Roger McFarlane came down from Tennessee this summer and he’s started to get it going. He recorded a team-high 20 points and was able to drive and create often. McFarlane is an x-factor for University School and needs to be taken seriously.
Stephan Swenson & Charles Anyichie (Westminster)
-Two welcomed additions to Westminster are 2020 guard Stephan Swenson and 2022 forward Charles Anyichie. Swenson had the game-winning layup in the overtime victory against Palmetto. He finished with 11 points and paced 2019 guards Chase Johnston and Sam Griffin very well. Swenson is unselfish and a high IQ passer who will do wonders for this group. Anyichie is a lengthy and raw 6’7″ forward who has a great feel defensively (eight rebounds and two blocks) against Palmetto. He also had six points and will continue to mature on offense.
Carlos Hart (North Miami)
-Finishing with 24 points, 2020 guard Carlos Hart paced the floor well and was a reliable counterpart to 2019 guard/forward Richard Charles. Hart can shoot from deep at a high clip and he’s gritty as an attacker. It seemed as if he was at the free throw line more often than not. Look for Hart to be a consistent threat all season long for North Miami.
Arturo Dean & Iann Segura (South Miami)
-2020 guard Iann Segura was a dangerous sharpshooter for South Miami, scoring 18 points and showing off his quick trigger release. Segura is going to be counted upon to make 3’s and he did so in this one. 2021 guard Arturo Dean was very tough to stop at times in transition with his blazing speed. He was one of three players in double digits with 10 points.
Marcus Molina Jr. & Jordan Lopez (Palmetto)
-A vocal and downhill Palmetto group features two younger players that showed poise. 2020 guard Jordan Lopez is a threat from long range while 2021 guard Marcus Molina Jr. is a true student of the game and a very fast ballhandler and leader. Both players will be key assets off the bench as the season rolls on.
Wesley Cardet (Northeast)
-It is difficult to ignore the potential that Wesley Cardet employs. The 2021 Northeast guard has always played above his age range and it showed on Wednesday against a tough North Miami group. Cardet had a Hoop Hall Invitational record 31 points, doing just about everything for his unit. He’s long and speedy, a good combination for a point guard at the next level.
Jahvon Smith & Kendrick Wilson (Norland)
-Norland earned a very underrated pickup with the transfer of 2020 guard Jahvon Smith from Hallandale. The 6’3″ guard is strong and willing to absorb contact. He scored 11 points in a win over Western and for much of the game, was the best player on the floor for the Vikings. 2020 forward Kendrick Wilson also impressed with his patience and footwork on inside feeds, adding 13 points.
Inady Legiste & Chayse Culpepper (Stranahan)
-The work that 2020 forward Inady Legiste puts in is showing right now. He scored a team-best 16 points in a loss to Miami Christian and before fouling out midway through the fourth quarter, the 6’6″ forward was getting to the paint and scoring often. Legiste has a quiet confidence about him and it is enjoyable to watch. Fellow 2020 starter, guard Chayse Culpepper keeps his offense calm at all times by making the smart reads and using a reliable shot selection. He paced Legiste with 10 points of his own.
Pictures from the #hoophall Invitational on Wednesday at American Airlines Arena in Miami.
???? by @JakePerper pic.twitter.com/f90oDtxw3V
— Prep Hoops Florida (@prephoopsfl) November 29, 2018