Wally Keller Classic: All Unsung Team
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Charlotte High School was packed with Division 1 players and viral sensations. We’ll be seeing their highlights all week, but it was the guys who won’t get mixtapes that affected winning. As we continue our coverage of the Wally Keller…
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Continue ReadingCharlotte High School was packed with Division 1 players and viral sensations. We’ll be seeing their highlights all week, but it was the guys who won’t get mixtapes that affected winning. As we continue our coverage of the Wally Keller Classic, we give you several guys with serious games.
James Morrow James Morrow 6'7" | PF Andrew Jackson | 2022 State FLThe active 6-7 forward didn’t score in double digits or make highlight plays, but his presence was huge both days. He’s a switchable defender that covered big guards and forwards. Morrow flies around on the defensive end, using his size and mobility to affect shots in the paint. Offensively Morrow is a play finisher that gives above the rim effortlessly. In this game, he showed he could operate out of the dunker spot and a developing post.
Hampton is another two-sport athlete for FSU school that excels as a defender. The athletic 6-2 sophomore was the primary man defender of John Gamble John Gamble 6'6" | CG Charlotte | 2023 State #208 Nation FL and made it hard for the athletic guard to get to his spots. He has an athletic build, plays a physical game, and finishes at the rim.
Lionel Swaby Lionel Swaby 6'7" | PF Norland | 2022 State FLThe 6’7 senior performed well on the defensive end. He uses athleticism and timing to protect the rim, collecting two blocks in their matchup against Orlando Christian Prep. Swaby runs the floor, scores through contact, and showed control by using a jump stop to set up a finish around the rim. I sat in on a conversation with Norland’s staff and a JUCO recruiter that’s showing interest. They talked about how well he rebounds outside of his area and what he’s working on to become a better rim protector.
RJ Morgan RJ Morgan 6'1" | SG Oldsmar Christian | 2022 State FLMorgan only scored three points, but his upper-crust quickness gained attention. His speed allows him to be one of the best playmakers in left on the board. He throws pinpoint passes and makes the baseline skip pass with accuracy. Morgan’s agility translates to the defensive end, where the hard playing guard can stay in front of ball handlers, pick pockets, and get in passing lanes.
A month after, an impressive performance at the City Of Palms Cuevas is still showing off his skill set. The 6’5 wing can take you off the dribble for straight line drives, hit outside shots, and has a crafty finishing package around the rim.
Christian Cole Christian Cole 6'0" | CG Tampa Catholic | 2024 FL
Cole is Tampa Catholic’s designated shooter. He looked more aggressive in finding his shot and it fell at a high rate. He went 3 of 5 from three, with two of his makes coming off the catch and the other off the dribble. The sophomore also put the ball on the deck for a layup and picked off a pass for a steal.
Kjie Parker
This 2023 prospect is gaining attention from college coaches and, as a consistent double digit scorer with a great jumper. Parker was all business in his game against Andrew Jackson. He scored 26 points while hitting 6 threes.
This 6’6 wing seems to go under the radar. The senior does it all for Barron Collier. From rebounding to handling the ball, to shooting the three at a high-level Cancelleri can affect the game in many ways. His 13 points came from hitting three threes, getting downhill for a crafty layup, and a skilled post finish. His athleticism, which lead to a chase down block, makes him a dangerous ball handler on the break.
Yvens Paul Yvens Paul 6'7" | PF Barron Collier | 2022 State FLThe bouncy 6-7 forward has the athletic pop to block shots at the rim and rebound on both ends. He plays a really physical game on both ends of the floor. Paul runs the floor well, scored on putbacks, and made eight trips to the free throw line.
The twitchy 6-6 sophomore is one to watch from Victory Prep. He looked more than competent handling the ball against guys of similar size, has a high motor, and long arms. He surprised me with his passing in traffic for such a young forward. Bamba-Muluala found his way to the scoring column with a catch and shoot three, a finish around the rim, and 2 of 4 shooting from the free throw line.
Elijah Wyche Elijah Wyche 6'4" | PF Pembroke Pines | 2022 State FLWyche is a big time athlete that makes plays above the rim on both offense and defense. The 6’5 wing blocked several shots at the rim, finished above the rim, and gives great energy the entire game. Wyche would fit a program looking for a defensive-minded player that can take defenders off the dribble with his first step.
Cameron Insalaco
Insalaco was one of the best finishing guards during the entire event. He makes layups with both hands and uses his body to shield himself from defenders. The junior is also adept at taking charges with the defensive awareness to cut off drivers.
Braylin Garcia
Garcia normally makes lists like these for his interior defense, but today it’s his scoring. Don’t get me wrong, he still played well on defense, posting a block at the rim and a couple of forced turnovers. The junior scored in the post, ran the floor for transition finishes, and took a one dribble drive to the hole for an and1 layup.
Sami Elkamel Sami Elkamel 6'8" | PF Pembroke Pines Charter | 2023 State FL
The junior posed a problem for a Lake Highland Prep team without a true post player. He works out of the post and with 6’8 size he can get it done on the block. His near double double day included scoring off a putback, knocking down both his attempts at the free throw line, and several under the basket finishes.