New Names We Learned: Florida Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo (Part 3)

<p>The 4th annual Florida Prep Hoops Top 250 was a massive success on Sept. 8.</p> <p>202 high school prospects (2020-2023) competed at a high level at Daytona Mainland where 20 plus college coaches, 15 plus media companies and a plethora of parents and family taking in the action.</p> <p>We will have coverage all week long about the event.</p> <p>Here is a look at the third part of the New Names We Learned series.</p> <p><em>ICYMI:</em></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2019/09/new-names-we-learned-florida-prep-hoops-top-250-expo-part-1/"><strong>Part 1</strong></a></p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/2019/09/new-names-we-learned-florida-prep-hoops-top-250-expo-part-2/">Part 2</a></strong></p> <h3><strong>Jaylen Wharton (Durant)</strong></h3> <p>At 6'8", 2021 Durant forward <strong>Jaylen Wharton </strong>was very active all day long. He has a good frame at first glance and he uses his body well inside. Getting to the right spots, Wharton is certainly still raw, but his energy and effort level is up to par. Look for him to make some noise this fall.</p> <h3><strong>Zavien Pene (New Zealand)</strong></h3> <p>In the United States all the way from New Zealand, it was a pleasure to watch 2020 5'9" guard <strong>Zavien Pene. </strong>He handles the rock with ease, can get into good lanes inside and he is a pure tempo player. Pene will be able to play somewhere at the next level due to his true feel for the game and IQ.</p> <h3><strong>Jason Palavra (Booker)</strong></h3> <p>Sarasota Booker has a revamped group and 2021 6'5" forward <strong>Jason Palavra </strong>is part of the process. He has an old school type of game where he fights for rebounds, gets up for buckets and simply brings lots of energy to the table. Palavra has to add muscle to compete more down low, but he's getting better.</p> <h3><strong>Kyle Smith (Astronaut)</strong></h3> <p>Boxing out and pushing the ball up the floor for jumpers and passes is what 2020 Astronaut guard/forward<strong> Kyle Smith</strong> was doing often on Sunday. A talented quick-twitch shooter, I like what he could do from long range and he is able to handle his own defensively. Smith can get stronger and faster, but his shooting touch is helpful.</p> <h3><strong>Michael St. Germain (Orangewood Christian)</strong></h3> <p>The younger brother of 2018 grad Christian St. Germain, a Division III guard/forward at Wheaton College, 2020 6'3" Orangewood Christian guard <strong>Michael St. Germain </strong>has many similarities to Christian. He is able to get to the rim with his ballhandling and attacks. Most impressively, he is able to stroke it from deep with ease. He will be the No. 1 scoring piece for the Rams this season.</p>