AAU Super Regional Basketball Championship Standouts
Finally some basketball! This past weekend I went to The Big House Sports Complex in Taveres, Florida for my first AAU tournament of the year. This weekend’s event included mostly teams from around Florida with some solid regional talent. In…
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Continue ReadingFinally some basketball! This past weekend I went to The Big House Sports Complex in Taveres, Florida for my first AAU tournament of the year. This weekend’s event included mostly teams from around Florida with some solid regional talent. In the boys 11th grade bracket a tough East Coast United team (Port St. Lucie) ended up beating a very well coached Orlando Chaos team 47-43 in the final. These are some standouts from the boys oldest division:
PF Rickey Lovette 6-6 (2021) Montgomery County HS (KY) AAU: East Coast United
Previously at Avon Park High School (FL), Lovette’s Family moved to the bluegrass state last year. Each time the big man stepped on the court this weekend he was the best college basketball prospect, and it wasn’t even close. With long arms and a motor that never stops, Lovette punished teams on the inside, outside, mid range, and often in transition resulting in dunks. On defense, he grabbed rebounds, swatted shots and guarded the opposition’s best big man. In the offseason, the big man will continue to work on his left hand, and tightening up his handles. Make no mistake, Rickey Lovette is soon going to be a name that will be on the radar of many college coaches.
PF Joey Depryor 6-6 (2022)Boone HS (Orlando) AAU: Orlando Chaos
Built like a tight end, I checked 247sports to make sure Depryor wasn’t a Florida Gators football signee. A basketball player only, the forward showed a lot of promise this weekend. On offense, Depryor does an excellent job posting up defenders, often drop stepping to the baseline for the score. An underrated passer, he frequently flashed to the high post for a give and go. Defensively Depryor was tireless, using his length to get into passing lanes, block shots, and rebound the ball. At this point it is very easy to forget that he his just finishing his sophomore year of high school. Over the next two years Depryor will work on expanding his offensive game, and when he does watch out!
PG/SG Nelson St. Louis Nelson St. Louis 6'3" | CG Port St. Lucie | 2021 State FL 6-4 (2021) Port St. Lucie HS AAU: East Coast United
Recently offered by Point Park (NAIA) , St. Louis showed why his education will likely come at no cost at all. The big physical guard got into the lane at will, and showed that he could score at all three levels. On defense, his size combined with above average athleticism really bothered opposing teams guards. With a solid AAU season ahead St. Louis should continue to catch the eyes of coaches, particularly if he improves his consistency.
PG Quincy Smith Quincy Smith 5'11" | CG Wiregrass Ranch | 2021 State FL 6-0 Wiregrass Ranch HS (Wesley Chapel) (2021) AAU: XFE
Over a course of three games, Smith showed some promise at the point guard position. Finding success getting to the basket, the left handed floor general often finished through contact and got to the free throw line. A solid defender, and respectable three-point shooter, Quincy Smith Quincy Smith 5'11" | CG Wiregrass Ranch | 2021 State FL should be a name to remember over the AAU season. Expect to see him be a star at Wiregrass Ranch in his senior year.
PF Isaiah Bromell-Hernandez Isaiah Bromell-Hernandez 6'9" | PF Poinciana | 2022 State FL 6-8 Poinciana HS (2022) AAU: Haines City Havoc
Originally a member of CP25 AAU team, Bromell-Hernandez filled in this weekend for the Havoc. At a legit 6-8 with long arms, the big man ran the floor hard, blocked shots and grabbed rebounds. On offense, Bromell-Hernandez showed potential as a face up 4 man, putting the ball on the floor and getting to the basket. As he works on his back to the basket game, and gets stronger, it is scary to think how good he can be by the time he graduates.
Other Notes:
SF Sageny Horace 6-5 (2021) Centennial HS (Port St. Lucie) AAU: East Coast United
The long wing showed off a high basketball IQ with a quick crossover. Horace loved using shot fakes to get defenders off balance, and attacking the basket.
SG Davion Sistrunk Davion Sistrunk 6'3" | SF Eau Gallie | 2021 State FL 6-2 (2021) Eau Gallie HS(Melbourne) AAU: East Coast United
The best athlete at the event, Sistruck had some highlight reel dunks including a big time alley-oop. Already committed to Missouri for football the guard showed he could absolutely play college basketball if he chose that path at some level.
PF Menelik Garrick Menelik Garrick 6'4" | PF Bayside | 2021 State FL 6-5 (2021) Bayside HS(Palm Bay) AAU: East Coast United
The broad shouldered big man had nice touch on his jump shot, and was very light on his feet. A tough post defender Garrick crashed the boards hard for put backs, and hit some mid range shots.
SG Josiah Sarasty Josiah Sarasty 6'2" | SG Faith Christian | 2021 State FL 6-3 (2021) Faith Christian HS (Orlando) AAU: Orlando Chaos
Normally playing on TNT Hoop Squad, Sarasty filled in this weekend helping the Orlando Chaos almost pull off the upset in the finals. The shooter showed that he can handle the ball against defensive pressure, and score from all three levels.
SG Dylan Figueroa Dylan Figueroa 6'2" | PF Sunlake | 2021 State FL 6-2 (2021) Bishop McLaughlin (Spring Hill) AAU: XFE
A deadeye 3- point shooter, Figueroa also showed off a solid mid range game. With the influx of talent recently coming to Bishop McLaughlin, Figueroa should be very valuable next year as a catch and shoot guy. This young man has a great understanding for the game.