Top Performers From State Semifinals: 4A-6A
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Day 2 at the RP Funding center is all about 4A-6A. Some of Florida’s premier players belong in these classifications and they didn’t disappoint. Below are each team’s standout prospects from their semifinal game Andrew Jackson [player_tooltip player_id="1060182" first="Michael" last="Swift"]…
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Continue ReadingDay 2 at the RP Funding center is all about 4A-6A. Some of Florida’s premier players belong in these classifications and they didn’t disappoint. Below are each team’s standout prospects from their semifinal game
Andrew Jackson
The Tigers played a team game. Kevin Odom Kevin Odom 5'7" | PG Jackson | 2022 State FL had his hand in their comeback. Andre Myers made plays as an off ball defense. Stephon Payne Stephon Payne 6'8" | PF Andrew Jackson | 2022 State FL was a factor on the boards and as a post scorer. It was Michael Swift Michael Swift 5'11" | PG Andrew Jackson | 2023 State FL and Ronald Durham, who were the primary contributors in Andrew Jackson’s comeback win. After a slow shooting start, Swift scored his 13 points with a pair of threes and finishes at the rim. He was a good defender in this game, using his length to block a jumper and deflect passes. Durham’s physicality and athleticism earned him several steals by blowing up dribble handoffs. He took both steals down the court for transition finishes. The rest of his 11 points came without a play being called for him.
Gibbs
Jacob Daniels took it to a senior guard. The freshman used quick moves to get in the paint where he finished against size and drew fouls. Daniels is fearless on the drive and has the bag to create space as a 5’9 guard. He was a perfect 9 for 9 from the free throw line. As well as Daniels finished against contact, he still has a floater that he can throw over the giants.
Calvary Christian Academy
Marvel Allen Marvel Allen 6'4" | SG Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian | 2023 State #46 Nation FL was clutch down the stretch. He missed a free throw early and didn’t miss another for the rest of the game. Half of his 19 points came from the stripe. The clutch factor went into every aspect of his game. Allen made a game sealing steal, making three on the game and several deflections. On the offensive end, he scored on all three levels while creating offense for others.
Lake Highland Prep
Brice Sensabaugh Brice Sensabaugh 6'6" | PF Lake Highland Prep | 2022 State #104 Nation FL went for 27 against a team filled with Division 1 talent. Sensabaugh is a dangerous shooter from all levels, finishes with force above the rim, and rebounds like a big wing player should. He was tenacious on the boards and look to the push the ball for early offense. The Ohio State signee is wired to score and brings an offensive edge to one of the school’s best recruiting classes in years.
Houston Culpepper Houston Culpepper 6'3" | CG Stranahan | 2022 State FL is a big guard with a physical game. He’s a strong downhill driver that draws fouls. He rebounds at a high level for a 6’3 guard. Culpepper is a smart off ball scorer that’s always in position for offensive boards and is a smart cutter. He scores out of the triple threat by attacking angles and shifting defenders with jab steps. The unsigned senior makes defensive plays at the rim. He’s receiving interest from Florida Memorial University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Ave Maria University, and Southeastern University.
Pine Forest
Omarayon Turner Omarayon Turner 6'4" | CG Pine Forest | 2022 State FL has great physical tools. He’s a long 6’5 guard with head at the rim athleticism. He’s active on the boards and is adept at scoring off putbacks. Turnerwill need to improve his ball skills for the next level but he’s a strong straight line driver at this stage. The 2022 prospect can finish through contact on his way to the basket.
Jones
2023 Jalon Cole Jalon Cole 6'2" | CG Jones | 2023 FL and 2024 Keishaun Robinson played beyond their years. Both were strong finishers around the rim. Each has good defensive tools and uses them in different ways to affect the game. Cole is an active athlete that flies around in passing lanes and can affect shots. He went for an efficient 25 points. Robinson is a fundamental paint scorer with power dribbles and head fakes to give him space to operate.
St. Petersburg
Sam Ducksworth Sam Ducksworth 6'1" | CG St. Pete | 2023 State FL has been on the cusp of a list like this since the district tournament. He’s a well built 6 foot guard with next level athletcism. Ducksworth is a solid on ball defnder with great hands that can dig the ball away from ball handlers. The 2023 prospect is always around the rim for second chance ooprtunities, scores in the midrange with floaters, and a consistent pull up jumper. His court vision makes him an exciting secondary primary for a team with several lead guards. Ducksworth combination of skills staved off high level game from Quez Curry Quez Curry 5'9" | PG St. Pete | 2023 State FL who posted 21 points, 4 assist outing. Curry is a crafty guard with deep range and free flowing style that creates plays for everyone on the court.
Winter Haven
The Devils’ trio of Dylan James Dylan James 6'8" | SF The Rock | 2023 State #48 Nation FL , Jamie Phillips Jamie Phillips 6'5" | CG Winter Haven | 2024 State FL Jr., and Isaac Celiscar Isaac Celiscar 6'6" | SG Winter Haven | 2024 State #263 Nation FL lead the way in a tough loss. Jame received double and triple teams every time he touched the ball. He still dropped 15 points, 5 blocks, and 2 steals shooting 7 of 9 from the field. Phillips Jr. nearly notched a double double with 12 points and 9 boards using his 6’5 frame to punish smaller players, draw fouls, and hit floaters. His passing continues to produce for teammates. Celiscar led the team with 16 points. He fought on the board, hit shots in the paint, and continues to find the open man while keeping turnovers low.
Ross Candelino Ross Candelino 6'5" | SG Ponte Vedra | 2022 State FL and Luke Pirris Luke Pirris 6'3" | SF Ponte Vedra | 2022 State FL battled for this spot all game. Pirris’ toughness and finishing around the basket pushed the sharks early. Candelino was similar, but his inside out game is next level. He was 3 of 5 from three and 3 of 5 from two. Candelino’s a muscular 6’5 senior guard that makes high IQ plays. He doesn’t force offense and made big defensive plays down the stretch. The unsigned senior has an offer from American University. He’s drawing interest from Patroit and Ivy league programs.
Wharton
Trevor Dyson Trevor Dyson 6'3" | CG Wharton | 2022 State FL is a tough 6’3 guard. He has range well beyond the high school three and 3 of 5 form distance. Dyson is tough with a knack for big plays in the closing minutes of games. He plays with physicality and can shoot off the dribble.
Martin County
Ryan Davis Ryan Davis 6'4" | CG Martin County | 2022 State FL started the game as a finisher and developed into much more as the game went on. He has a muscular game that allows him to play out of the post. That’s where we saw the first flashes of playmaking. He dazzled with behind the back passes and amazing court vision. Once it was winning time he stepped onto the perimeter where his playmaking took another step. Despite being one of the bigger players on the court he blew by guys for finishes at the rim. When he saw help defenders draw closer he dropped dimes to his supporting cast.