Standout Players at the 10th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic: Florida
This past weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana one of the premier high school basketball holiday tournaments took place featuring some of the top prospects from across the country. The tournament featured 31 teams split up into two different brackets “The…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana one of the premier high school basketball holiday tournaments took place featuring some of the top prospects from across the country. The tournament featured 31 teams split up into two different brackets “The State” and “The National.” Here is a look at some of the best players that were from the home state of Florida.
Johni Broome, 6’9 F, Tampa Catholic: The big man showed why he is one of the top forwards in the state of Florida. Leading his team to the “National” bracket championship before falling to Scotlandville out of Louisiana. He gobbled up rebounds on both ends of the floor and was able to finish when he collected it on the offensive end. He showed the ability to handle the ball in the open court and was an above-average passer. He was effective in the pick-and-roll game showing the ability to pop a knock down open jump shots. Very impressed with this future Morehead State Eagles.
Kobe Knox, 6’5 G, Tampa Catholic: This long guard has a unique ability to score the basketball. He has a deadly set shot that he doesn’t use a lot of effort to shoot. During the tournament, he did a good bit of ball-handling showing his ability to play both guard positions. He is a big-time defender in transition specializing in chase-down blocks. He has good athletic ability and lateral movement. He needs to continue to be more consistent on both ends of the floor and continue to work on his body.
Isaiah Elmore, 6’8 F, Tampa Catholic: Another big body on a very good Tampa Catholic team. Even though he is 6’8 he is what is considered a point-forward. He possesses the unique ability to initiate offense and be a primary ball-handler on the offensive end. His size and skill-set make him a nightmare matchup wise on the offensive end of the floor. He showed a willingness to rebound the basketball and has a good feel for the game. He has really good ball skills and literally play the 1-4 positions and in most cases defends each also. Very impressed with how he accepts his role as on this team scoring when need be, but really showing his intangibles to affecting the game in many ways.
Jalen Smith, 6’3 SG, Oak Ridge: You know that guy that wherever he goes on the court the opposing team’s coach yells, “Shooter!” Well, that is Jalen Smith. He is a knockdown shooter from anywhere on the court and has a very quick release on his shot. Throughout the tournament, he showed the ability to knock down open shots at a very consistent rate. And after an injury to their primary ball-handler in game one, he took over point guard responsibilities and showed a different dimension to his game. He showed he can be efficient in getting in teammates the ball where they can be successful all while continuing to score and get his attempts. If he can continue to develop his skills as a lead guard and continue to shoot the ball effectively he will be a great get for many programs around the country.
Roddrick Henry, 6’6 WF, Oak Ridge: A good looking prospect with ideal size and stature for a tweener who can play on the inside and outside. With a very good showing in New Orleans, it shows why he is such an intriguing prospect from the state of Florida in the class of ’21. When watching him play sometimes you want more, but for his team, he plays the role needed of him which shows character and the ability to be coached. With continued work, he could turn out to be a legit Division 1 prospect.
Michael James, 6’6 WF, Oak Ridge: A man amongst boys! His size and skill-set is ideal for the Division 1 level. He can play inside, put the ball on the floor and beat defenders off the dribble, and has a very good shot from the outside. He thrives in playing bully ball where he is too big for most guards and to fast for most post players but is able to power through either. His motor is unmatched as he always seems to be going hard at all times. He has a will to win and compete which coaches on the next-level love. He is an exceptional athlete with great hops and power going to the rim. With continued work in the gym, his level could be on the high major level.