Bartow Team Camp: Saturday Standouts
I wrapped up my weekend with a 7-game slate at Bartow’s team camp on Saturday.
There was a good mix of teams and athletes on hand.
Here is a look at some notes from Saturday’s action.
ICYMI: Bartow Team Camp (Friday Notebook)
Windermere has a dangerous 2021 guard trio
Graduating three core senior starters from a state runner-up team usually means a team is destined to fall off the next season. However, that won’t be the case for Windermere this upcoming season who has perhaps the best trio of guards in the entire state with 2021 athletes Trey Moss, Kanye Jones and Elliott “EJ” Yorke. Moss is the craftiest of the bunch and someone who makes floaters and high-end passes look effortless. The 6’4″ guard has offers from USF, FGCU and FAU. Jones is a 6’3″ transfer from First Academy and he continues to find good areas on the floor whether he has the ball in his hands or not. Yorke is a 6’0″ guard who came over last season from West Orange and played an integral part in the postseason run with his outside shooting. He was superb on Saturday, knocking down 3’s at a high clip.
Nze is a special 2022 prospect
It is hard to deny seeing endless potential when watching 2022 6’3″ Hagerty guard Jah Nze. The strong athlete is a grinder and a guy who seems to always get by defenders with his pure grit. Nze can shoot from the mid-range and deep rather well and can hurt defenses even when double teamed. He certainly can stand to get better as a ballhandler, but he’s already sound in that category and as he continues to grow in height, he’ll only get better. This is a mature and focused rising sophomore who is going to be really good. He has an offer from UNF already.
Lake Highland Prep is dripping with talent
This is going to be a fun year for Lake Highland Prep. With just two seniors on its roster, led by standout 6’4″ guard Victor Brown, the Highlanders have a young nucleus that is already clicking. 2021 6’7″ forward Gabriel Ferguson, 2022 6’4″ guard Brice Sensabaugh, 2022 5’9″ guard Jared Berry are all sound as can be. Don’t forget about brothers, 2023 6’4″ guard Sean Stewart (out due to injury) and 2021 forward Miles Stewart. Ferguson draws a lot of attention with his size in the paint and as a perimeter shooter. Sensabaugh likes to move the ball around, drive the lane and can still shoot a bit. He has the biggest upside of the current group in my opinion. Berry is a speedy and high IQ point man who continues to thrive.
Sears is super tough
Whenever I get the chance to watch 2020 5’11” Mainland guard Jordan Sears, I always look out for two aspects of his game, his vision and attack in transition. He was thriving as a passer on the day and as a pusher on the break. Sears settles for jumpers sometimes and that’s okay, but he’s simply too fast and too skilled with his passing to not showcase those abilities. Mainland head coach Joe Giddens says he challenges Sears every game to post 10 or more assists a game. Alongside Sears is 2020 6’0″ guard Kenny Weatherspoon, a transfer from Atlantic. Built like a running back, he has a super strong upper body and is someone who isn’t afraid to attack the rim endlessly.
Avon Park has a crafty one in Dewberry
With fellow 2021 starter Rickey Lovette not with the team, Avon Park leaned on its distributor in 2021 5’11” guard Malcolm Dewberry. He is the guy for this team who sets the pace and can confuse defenses with his craftiness as an attacker and passer. Dewberry blew past defenders time and time again after set plays and is someone who continues to get better as the man in charge.
Simons always plays hard
For a high school forward, the tenacity that 2020 6’4″ athlete Joshua Simons plays with is something else. He’s the same hard-nosed and scrappy player every time I see him. Whether that comes as a bruiser in the paint or as a core rebounder, Simons does all the dirty work for the Yellow Jackets. A college coach will take a chance on this kid simply because of his consistent effort level. Although undersized, he should be able to find a spot at an NAIA, Division III or JUCO program.
Bell and Stubbs carry the load
All summer long, Santa Fe Catholic has pushed the ball in tempo time and time again. Playing without lead point guard Ray Davis (ankle), 2020 6’4″ pair Joe Stubbs and Javon Bell were tasked with being more ball dominant guards. Both were up to the challenge. Bell was really good as a stretch shooter at times and when he’s locked in, he’s a true asset with his jumper. Stubbs is an athlete who likes to go downhill and push the ball. His 3-point shot continues to improve and if he can stay locked in and block out the distractions, he’s certainly a guy a college program will covet.
A little deception and creation here from 2021 Windermere G Trey Moss (@TreyMoss2021). @WHS_Hoopz @WindermereHigh pic.twitter.com/3MI20G0LOs
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) June 22, 2019