Top Performers: Breast Cancer Awareness Classic (Part 2)
On Saturday, I spent the day at Oak Ridge for the 5th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Classic.
Six matchups took place with a couple surprises and plenty of solid basketball.
Results:
Leesburg 73, Canterbury 41
Downey Christian 72, Hillsborough 63
Lakewood 53 Potter’s House 47
Central Pointe 58, Tampa Catholic 56
Jones 61, West Oaks 60
Oak Ridge 71, Osceola 51
Here is a look at the top performers from the day (Part 2)
ICYMI: Part 1
Akiem Nickerson & Jyre McCloud (Leesburg)
A pair of 2020 athletes, 6’2″ guard Akiem Nickerson and 6’5″ forward Jyre McCloud are going to do some big things for Leesburg this season. Coming off their second consecutive Class 8A state title, the main holdover is 2019 guard Lance Erving (Lousiana Tech signee). Head coach Sean Campbell talked highly of both Nickerson and McCloud after the convincing win over Canterbury. Nickerson led his group with 14 points and at times was hard to stop from the mid-range. As for McCloud is a lengthy wing who can shoot from deep but is at his best when slashing inside.
CJ Walker (Oak Ridge)
Playing without 2019 guard Niven Glover, who was dealing with a lower body injury, it was up to 2019 6’7″ forward CJ Walker (Oregon signee) to do a whole lot more than usual for Oak Ridge. He did his part alongside fellow senior Kaleb Coleman, scoring 14 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Walker had a few highlight reel dunks in the second half and he continues to be a bully on the boards with his length and aggressiveness.
Kobe Knox & Johni Broome & Isaiah Elmore (Tampa Catholic)
The 2020 class is what is going to carry Tampa Catholic this season much like it did a year ago. 6’4″ guard Kobe Knox, 6’8″ forward Johni Broome and 6’7″ forward Isaiah Elmore each scored 14 points apiece in a loss to Central Pointe Christian. Knox continues to be a lethal 3-point shooter and he’s grown in height a bit. Broome was an underrated pickup via transfer from Plant City with his ability to rebound on the offensive glass and put buckets back. Elmore is one of the best shot blockers in Tampa Bay and perhaps the entire state.
Julian Newman (Downey Christian)
At 5’7″, 2020 guard Julian Newman isn’t afraid to shoot from anywhere on the floor, that is well known in Florida and around the country. A true internet sensation, Newman finished with 23 points for Downey Christian in a late win over Hillsborough. Newman commands a ton of attention from defenses. For him to take the next step, he must drive to the basket and create other than from beyond the arc.
Selton Miguel & Tyrell Jones (West Oaks)
Jones upset West Oaks in a chippy and back and forth game. It was Selton Miguel who had the ball last for West Oaks. Although he didn’t win his team the game, the 2020 6’4″ guard was in a nice rhythm all afternoon long. Simply a naturally gifted athlete, Miguel can beat you from deep or as a slasher. 2019 6’1″ guard Tyrell Jones (Auburn signee) is an unselfish player who is a high IQ passer and good touch shooter. He had 11 points for the Flame in a game where he took over during a few sequences.
Isaiah Palermo & Jeremiah Palermo (Osceola)
The Palermo brothers, Isaiah and Jeremiah scored 14 each in a loss to Oak Ridge. It was hard to find any space against the very active and speedy Pioneers defense. Isaiah added a few high effort floaters in the early going while Jeremiah was hitting from deep and the mid-range. The senior brother duo will be asked to do a lot of dirty work inside for the Kowboys this season.
Milan Harrison & Marsei Caston (Potter’s House)
In a slow paced game where Potter’s House didn’t come until the third quarter, it was 2019 5’11” guard Milan Harrison who upstarted his side. The senior guard produced a 17-point night in a game where the Lions needed all of his points. 2019 6’3″ guard Marsei Caston pitched in with 12 points and at times was hard to contain.
Oteman Delancey & Jamille Reynolds (Lakewood)
For 2020 6’9″ forward Jamille Reynolds and 2021 6’3″ guard Oteman Delancey, the duo are very involved on each and every possession. They each scored 10 points, pacing 2019 guard Jalen White in the win over Potter’s House. I liked the way Reynolds got his body inside and focused on his footwork. His foot speed will be what college coaches look at and what he does in the paint to take advantage. Delancey is simply a speedy and smart guard who can distribute, shoot and mix it up on both ends of the floor.
Ty Welch & Rivers Lenholt (Canterbury)
Canterbury wasn’t too happy with its performance, but against a highly athletic Leesburg group, this is not the normal team the Crusaders face in Class 3A. If anything, it is good for them to play a team like the Yellow Jackets this early in the season. 2020 5’11” guard Ty Welch led Canterbury with 15 points (five 3’s) while 2020 6’2″ guard Rivers Lenholt recorded 12 points of his own. Canterbury was missing a few guys due to football the previous night.
Pictures from Saturday’s Breast Cancer Awareness Classic at Oak Ridge.
???? by @JakePerper pic.twitter.com/X0KtEmkNKj
— Prep Hoops Florida (@prephoopsfl) December 2, 2018