Underclassmen Standouts at Polk Hoops Shootout
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The Polk Hoops Shootout delivered a field of teams I had spent little time covering this season. The ten team field was filled with freshmen and sophomore talent. Let’s get into the future of Polk County prospects and its surrounding…
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Continue ReadingThe Polk Hoops Shootout delivered a field of teams I had spent little time covering this season. The ten team field was filled with freshmen and sophomore talent. Let’s get into the future of Polk County prospects and its surrounding areas.
Lake Wales
Sevastian Rosado Sevastian Rosado 5'7" | PG Lake Wales | 2024 FL has been one of the most consistent producers in the county. He hit the ground running, averaging almost 18 a game as a freshman and a shade under 20 as a sophomore. His slight 5’7 frame holds enough quickness to buy by defenders where his midrange pull and floater pick teams apart. The speed he shows in the halfcourt helps him collect steals he converts to transition points. He’s also a consistent shooter from deep oncoming down two threes in this game and shooting 36% for his career. Rosado showed great court vision on Saturday as he pitched the ball cross court when defenses collapsed on him and found the roll man. He’ll play with BWM Legends this summer a program that he starred on last year and won a national championship with.
Freshman Malakai Broffitt has athleticism and toughness packed in his 6’3 frame. In a game packed with tough dual sports athletes and a 6’7 wing, Broffitt left the game as the lead rebounder. He doesn’t shy away from contact with his willingness to grab offensive boards for putbacks or put the ball on the deck to finish against contact. The guard showed he can handle in traffic and carve defenders up in space. Kathleen’s prizes freshman also took over distributing duties towards the end of the game with his ability to drive and kick. When another freshman started on this list started to takeover, he switched on him, showing he can defend downhill attackers.
Mathis Roberts is going to be a feature player for Gibbs for years to come. He’s already averaging 14 points per game while excelling at getting to the rim. Roberts finished in the paint over a 6’7 wing and hit floaters in the paint. The freshman made layups out of euro steps and side steps, showing he has a high level of balance and body control at a young age. He went to the free throw line 6 times in this game. The 6 foot guard passes out of moves and finds guys in transition to find his assists.
Tre’ Jackson had 18 points in a big comeback game against Melbourne. He went 4 of 5 from three and hit baseline pull-up jumpers. Jackson is a confident driver who can get to the rim but prefers to stop on a dime in the midrange. The freshman uses his 180 pound frame to score around the basket, pushing through contact.
I talk about the depth of Florida’s 2024 class all the time and Lorenzo Cason Lorenzo Cason 6'2" | PG Victory Christian | 2024 State #75 Nation FL is part of the reason. He’s averaging 30 points a game in his sophomore season. He followed up a 40 point game with 31 points and lead his 2A squad over 7A Lakewood Ranch. Cason is an excellent iso scorer with a tight handle and burst to get to the rim. He’s a smooth athlete that can get above the rim and finish around the rim. The 2024 prospect went 3 of 4 from three and got to the line eight times, making 6 of his attempts. The 6’2 guard has solid court vision with the passing strength to make the cross court skip passes. With a heavy scoring load, 50% of his team’s points, he still makes defensive plays.
Sylvester Lewis makes this list for his potential. The sophomore is already 6’9 with long arms and looking to grow as a player. He didn’t play in the second half against an older stronger Boca Ciega team. Lewis showed the willingness to box out and play physical post defense, but with a lack of strength, he couldn’t do much else. The size, length, and mobility are all there. It’s the confidence and slender frame that needs work. I’ll be monitoring the big over the calendar year.