Five Takeaways: Winter Haven at Lakeland
I made the trip over to Polk County on Tuesday night for a highly anticipated between two successful squads, Winter Haven and Lakeland. The visiting Winter Haven Blue Devils came out red hot leading 8-0, but Lakeland quickly rallied back…
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Continue ReadingI made the trip over to Polk County on Tuesday night for a highly anticipated between two successful squads, Winter Haven and Lakeland.
The visiting Winter Haven Blue Devils came out red hot leading 8-0, but Lakeland quickly rallied back and led for the rest of the way. The Dreadnaughts punched the win 67-59.
Here is a look at the top storylines from the evening.
Trey Lane is up next
Battling foul trouble for much of the game, one of the main reasons Lakeland wound up ahead at the end of the first quarter was because of 2022 6’1″ guard Trey Lane. He is a little taller, stronger and a whole lot better than last season. A reliable outside shooter, Lane had eight points in the opening quarter and his passing and ballhandling ability helped everyone get buckets all night. Finishing with 13 points, he is a sophomore who is clearly in the gym putting in the work. The sky is the limit for Lane.
Freshman duo is dangerous for Winter Haven
Winter Haven has put its trust in two 2023 athletes who can flat out fly and make plays. Of course, nothing is perfect with freshmen but 5’11” guard Rolijah Hardy and 6’4″ guard Tyler Williams were putting in the effort. Hardy led the Blue Devils with 14 points. He didn’t shoot well in the first half, but his shiftiness and pure attacking ability helped his side plenty. As for Williams, the E1T1 guard brought the ball up most possessions and his length is undeniable. Ending the night with nine points, he hit mid-range shots, tough finishes and moved the ball around quickly. He is just figuring out his full potential.
Strickland is flying under the radar
When Lane left the game in the third quarter with four fouls, it was fellow 2022 6′ guard Andrew Strickland that rose to the occasion. He had just a 3-pointer in the opening half, but tacked out 13 second half points which included nine points in the third quarter. A very sound mid-range touch shooter, I loved the way Strickland found good areas inside and took advantage with a team-high 16 points. His jumper is clean and he is a strong guard who should thrive the rest of the way alongside Lane and Co.
Howard is tough as nails
A big kid at 6’4″, 2020 Winter Haven forward Malachi Howard strung together a 12-point showing with plenty of drives to the hoop that were aggressive. He is someone defenders have a hard time with because he is strong, long and simply bigger than most players. Howard had six points in the second quarter and four more in the third quarter. He is a key piece to Winter Haven’s success with his assertive mindset. Fellow 2020 6’4″ forward Josh Celiscar (UCF football commit) had nine points and was hard to stop in the first half.
Townsend is a shooter
Another dangerous shooter for Lakeland in this one was 2021 6′ guard Ian Townsend. He totaled 14 points with four 3’s including two in a row in the first quarter. Townsend hit a 3-pointer right in front of the Winter Haven bench and moments later, connected on another 3 from the other corner which made Lakeland fans erupt. When left open, he is going to hurt you. Alongside Lane and Strickland and the athletes surrounding them (Kendall Dennis, Naqwayviez Taylor, AJ Gant and Tayler Gant), the Dreadnaughts are fast and filled with shooters.