Standouts: Metro vs FL Challenge (Part 2)
I made my way over to Apopka High for the 10th annual Metro vs FL Challenge event. Eight games were played on a busy Saturday slate with seven boys games and one girls matchup between host Apopka and Sanford Seminole…
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Continue ReadingI made my way over to Apopka High for the 10th annual Metro vs FL Challenge event.
Eight games were played on a busy Saturday slate with seven boys games and one girls matchup between host Apopka and Sanford Seminole (read recap here).
Results
Lake Highland Prep 67, Winter Park 50
Evans 56, Osceola 36
Lake Wales 72, East River 52
Apopka 67, Hagerty 43
Vero Beach 61 Colonial 41
Leesburg 64, Windermere 59
Central Florida Christian 59, Ocoee 58
Here is a look at the second part of the top performers list.
ICYMI: Part 1
Mike Floyd & Dmani Nettles (Leesburg)
The energy from 2020 guard duo Mike Floyd and Dmani Nettles was fun to watch as they both added 10 points in the win over Windermere. They paced Seward and McCloud as guys who pushed the ball in transition, grabbed boards on both ends of the floor and made good decisions as attackers. Part of a deep senior class, Floyd and Nettles will be asked to do plenty to bring Leesburg back to the state tournament discussion.
Zach Anderson & Camerin James (Apopka)
Prior to exiting with a knee injury in the second half, 2020 6’6″ guard Zachary Anderson (FGCU commit) was playing smart basketball. He was leading the push, moving the ball around and getting inside with his length and craftiness. Anderson finished with seven points and should miss some time until Apopka figures out his diagnosis. He stayed for much of the night after his game and didn’t seem to be in too much pain when walking. The only freshman on Blue Darters varsity is Camerin James (pictured), a 6’4″ guard/forward who has a ton of potential. He had eight points and continues to make plays on and off the ball. If he keeps growing in size, James will be a highly coveted prospect in Central Florida awfully soon.
Cory Wright (Lake Wales)
In a convincing win over East River, Lake Wales earned a strong outing from 2020 6′ guard Cory Wright. He was spreading the ball around, hitting jumpers with ease and simply pushing the tempo throughout the game. Wright is someone Lake Wales will lean on throughout this season as a key energy scorer.
Deshaun Osborne (Evans)
Continuing to display a reliable touch from long range, 2020 6’1″ guard Deshaun Osborne had a team-best 12 points for Evans in the win over Osceola. He is a strong guard, who can flat out shoot it and his speed and IQ help plenty as well. Osborne deserves more attention from colleges considering he is solid all-around. 2020 5’9″ guard Erin Clark (9 points) hit back to back 3’s in the third quarter to help Evans push away. 2022 6’4″ forward Henry Calixte was very active with nine points while 2022 5’9″ guard Jyshaun Melvin hit a few nice drives with 10 points.
Paul Mathieson (Hagerty)
With 2022 guard Jah Nze out with a hamstring injury, it was 2021 6’2″ guard Paul Mathieson that did the brunt of the work in the loss against Apopka. He had six points right out of the gate and finished with 11 overall. Mathieson was good as a finisher and is a talented shooter as well. Alongside Nze, the two should help Hagerty win a good amount of games this season.
Armani Thomas & Chris Combs (Osecola)
In a true defensive battle against Evans, Osceola trailed 7-2 after the first quarter. It was a tough one overall, but the Kowboys fell off in the second half. It was 2020 6’4″ guard Armani Thomas who shined the brightest with 15 points. He hit a few very nice mid-range jumpers and got into a rhythm near the end of the second quarter and in the third quarter. 2022 5’9″ guard Chris Combs was very sound with a nine-point game, adding a variety of finishes inside.
Jack Cocchiarella (Winter Park)
The hardest worker for Winter Park in the early morning loss to Lake Highland Prep was 2021 6’5″ forward Jack Cocchiarella. He had 13 points to lead the way for his group and he was driving the lane and drawing contact for much of the game. He is a true scrappy varsity basketball player.