Week 2 Scouting: Top Performers
Week Two of the FHSAA season is officially in the books. COVID-19 has caused cancellations all over the state but there were still plenty of games to watch. I went out to three games and there was a lot of…
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Continue ReadingWeek Two of the FHSAA season is officially in the books.
COVID-19 has caused cancellations all over the state but there were still plenty of games to watch. I went out to three games and there was a lot of talent at each stop.
Wednesday
Admiral Farragut 68, St. Pete Catholic 42
Thursday
Winter Haven 61, Kathleen 58
Friday
Fort Myers 70, Sarasota 57
Here is a look at the top performances.
Javian McCollum Javian McCollum 6'0" | PG Ft. Myers | 2021 State FL Ι 6-2 Ι Fort Myers
Sarasota threw everything it had at Fort Myers in the opening half. But the Green Wave pressed basically the entire second half and that helped its offense get transition buckets. 2021 6-2 Siena signee Javian McCollum Javian McCollum 6'0" | PG Ft. Myers | 2021 State FL was determined all night long. He led all scorers with 18 points, drained some deep 3’s, attacked the rim and used his high IQ passing to help everyone around him. McCollum’s ball skills and overall vocalness and understanding of the game continues to get better every game.
…Two other seniors which are apart of a 2021 trio alongside McCollum are 6-2 guard/forward DaMani Brown and 6-0 guard Jamin Primus Jamin Primus 6'0" | CG Fort Myers | 2021 State FL . Brown had 17 points and uses every inch of his frame to score inside and out. Primus is the fastest player of the bunch and is a gamer. With 16 points, he continues to be steady and prove his worth.
Ebenezer Ogoh Ebenezer Ogoh 6'10" | C Admiral Farragut | 2022 State FL Ι 6-10 Ι Admiral Farragut
The upside with Ebenezer Ogoh Ebenezer Ogoh 6'10" | C Admiral Farragut | 2022 State FL is limitless. The 2022 big man is long, smooth down low and a tough-nosed finisher. He is active around the rim and is always looking to clean up misses. Ogoh tacked on 16 points and 14 rebounds in the mid-week victory over St. Pete Catholic. As long as he continues to get stronger in his upper body and improve his ballhandling a bit, he will be well on his way.
…2021 6-1 guard Max Burkhardt showed off his quick handles and overall scoring prowess with a 13 point night. He is confident as can be. 2021 6-8 forward Develi Ferri had a nice game with 12 points as he routinely used his long arms to power in for finishes at the rim.
Isaac Celiscar Isaac Celiscar 6'6" | SG Winter Haven | 2024 State #263 Nation FL Ι 6-4 Ι Winter Haven
Winter Haven has one of the best groups of young talent in the entire state. It was the first time I was able to see 2024 forward Isaac Celiscar Isaac Celiscar 6'6" | SG Winter Haven | 2024 State #263 Nation FL . His older brother Joshua is a freshman at UCF where he is a star defensive end for the football team. The younger Celiscar recorded 14 points and was special when he put his hand down and attacked the rim. As he matures and continues his progression, the sky is the limit for him. He’s just scratching the surface.
…Coming off a football season, 2023 duo Rolijah Hardy Rolijah Hardy 6'0" | CG Lakeland | 2023 FL and Tyler Williams Tyler Williams 5'11" | CG Cape Coral | 2022 State FL made their season debuts against Kathleen. Hardy, a 6-0 guard is one of the most active two-way guards out there and his quick twitch handles are a thing of beauty. He battled for all 14 of his points. Williams, a 6-4 guard is a long armed leader who added 11 points and came on in the second half with some key jumpers.
Marcellus Thomas Marcellus Thomas 6'3" | CG Kathleen | 2021 State FL Ι 6-4 Ι Kathleen
Marcellus Thomas Marcellus Thomas 6'3" | CG Kathleen | 2021 State FL ran the show for Kathleen. Anytime his side needed a big bucket, he did his thing. Thomas led all scorers in the loss to Kathleen with 20 points. The 2021 guard connected on long 3’s and went to the rim with his determination and burst. Expect another steady season for the senior playmaker.
Tim Reilly Tim Reilly 6'7" | C St. Pete Catholic | 2021 State FL Ι 6-9 Ι St. Pete Catholic
Still learning the ins and outs on the basketball floor, 2021 big man Tim Reilly Tim Reilly 6'7" | C St. Pete Catholic | 2021 State FL is flourishing right now for St. Pete Catholic. He may be skinny but he towers over most players and can finish in a variety of ways. Reilly had 13 points, six rebounds and four blocks against an Admiral Farragut team who had three players 6-8 or taller. Division III programs would be wise to contact him right now.
…2021 5-8 guard Marco Palagnas is a gritty leader who tacked on 12 points. He is always vocal and pushing his players on both ends of the floor.
Ashton Orton Ι 6-3 Ι Sarasota
Transferring over from Sarasota Riverview, 2021 guard Ashton Orton was the best scorer on the night for Sarasota. He had 18 points and routinely beat defenders at the cup with his length and pursuit. He should be a reliable double-digit producer for his new squad as a senior.
…The other impressive piece for Sarasota in the loss to Fort Myers was 2021 5-10 guard Archie Jacinto. He is active as can be, a swift pusher in transition and a good finisher. Jacinto recorded 11 points.
ICYMI – Week 1 Scouting: Top Performers