Scouting Roundup: District Playoffs (South Florida – Pt. 2)
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Playoff week is here in South Florida! I am excited to be attending so many games in the area. I want to remind anyone reading this that some states are not rewarding state championships at all! My home state of…
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Continue ReadingPlayoff week is here in South Florida!
I am excited to be attending so many games in the area. I want to remind anyone reading this that some states are not rewarding state championships at all!
My home state of Connecticut is having an abbreviated 12 game season and league tournaments. The equivalent to our Lakeland is not happening for them.
Take advantage of every minute on the floor. This is part two of my analysis.
James Nichols – Westminster Academy
2021 James Nichols arguably played his best game of the season last night against Sagemont. The 6-foot-5 guard scored a game-high 20 points while consistently getting to the rim. Nichols is a big guard that can sky up above the basket when he is in the paint. He was a huge spark during the Lions run in the third quarter that opened up a nine-point advantage with 3:16 to go. Nichol’s size and athleticism gives him a huge advantage in the key. He is a picking a good time to be playing quality basketball for the Lions.
Taderrius Davis Taderrius Davis 6'7" | PF Miami | 2021 State FL – Miami High
2021 Taderrius Davis Taderrius Davis 6'7" | PF Miami | 2021 State FL did what he has done all season for the Stingarees. The 6-foot-7 wing had 25 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and two steals on 8-of-14 from the field against Miami Beach. Davis followed that up with 21 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks on 9-of-14 from the field against Coral Gables. Those numbers are what I like to call the T.D. line. The versatile senior has been recording those stats and making plays for the Stingarees all season. He is going to make every one of his teammates better with his skill.
Rickey Ballard Rickey Ballard 6'6" | CG Westminster | 2022 State FL – Sagemont
2022 Rickey Ballard Rickey Ballard 6'6" | CG Westminster | 2022 State FL left it all out on the floor against Westminster Academy. The 6-foot-6 guard/wing scored 17 points and hit a pair of 3-pointers. Ballard has a serious motor and plays with a ton of heart to the final whistle. I have seen very few kids with his level of hustle and tenacity. He stood in on defense against superb players like 2023 Jaylen Carey Jaylen Carey 6'8" | PF Westminster Academy | 2023 State #129 Nation FL and 2022 Ben Middlebrooks. On offense, Ballard has versatility to hit from outside or drive into the lane. He used his athleticism for a pretty reverse layup for one of his buckets. Ballard will also run out and explode above the rim in transition for dunks. Numerous D-1 programs have shown him interest.
Jonathan Renois Jonathan Renois 6'0" | CG Somerset | 2021 State FL / David Delancy IV David Delancy IV 6'5" | CG Somerset Pines | 2023 FL – Somerset Academy – Pines
The Panthers secured a huge win against No.1 seed Mater Lakes in 4A-14 behind 2023 David Delancy IV David Delancy IV 6'5" | CG Somerset Pines | 2023 FL and 2021 Jonathan Renois Jonathan Renois 6'0" | CG Somerset | 2021 State FL . Delancy scored 26 points and is a green light shooter from deep. Renois added 22 points and is a three-level scorer. Moreover, the 6-foot combo guard can stutter step his way into the lane and finish with either hand. I really like his athleticism and ability to hit shots while drawing contact. Delancy IV has the size at 6-foot-4 to be a factor inside and out.
Chris Walker Chris Walker 6'6" | SG Wellington | 2021 State FL – Wellington
2021 Chris Walker Chris Walker 6'6" | SG Wellington | 2021 State FL is showing why he is one of the better players in Palm Beach County. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard scored 30 points and grabbed six rebounds in a 10-7A semifinal victory over Royal Palm Beach. The Arkansas-Little Rock commit matches his big guard size with tremendous quickness at the rim. Walker’s agility and burst is special when you take into account his frame. In addition, his length gives him an advantage to be a factor on the glass. Walker has Wellington in the district final against Forest Hill looming.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.