Class of 2022 Prospects: Palm Beach County/South Florida
Brendon Williams, Wellington HS
Like his brother (Bryan Williams) before him, the younger Williams has natural shooting ability and a deft, 3-point stroke. His penchant for piling up points, moving fluidly, and spotting up to get his shot off amongst bigger guards earns him respect amongst the older crowd. The gym rat mentality is ingrained in him, as he’s constantly ramping up on the lesser required work. If he can tighten his handle, playmake in the half court set while simultaneously getting good looks at the rim and firing in from beyond the confines of the arc, expect him to crack some meaningful varsity minutes before we know it. He still hasn’t hit that growth spurt just yet but when he does–stay tuned.
Caleb Mackrey, Olympic Heights
With his advanced shooting, playmaking, and headiness, Mackrey’s game has always a bit ahead of his time. He’s one of the more fundamentally sound kids at his age group, a kid who really doesn’t force anything and sees the entire floor. Scoring wise, he possesses a gorgeous set shot and knows when to take the right shot. He’s unselfish and brings reliable handle and know how, the type of attributes that align with running a team. Just how he fares against bigger, older, established varsity competition remains to be seen.
Keon Kindred, Wellington
Kindred was a man amongst boys at the middle school level, where the 6-foot-5 forward was a post player who overpowered the meager competition. This behemoth possesses the “body of a blacksmith, touch of a surgeon,” to paraphrase the legendary prep scout Tom Konchalski. He’s also proficient in the skill components of his game. With the potential to be a real beast and menace on the glass down the road. He’s still learning the system and absorbing some varsity sets this summer. He has a very promising and intriguing varsity future ahead of him.
Milan Skoric, Palm Beach Gardens
The Class of 2022 prospect has an advanced dribble pull up game, as evidenced by several recent workouts. The South Florida product has a smooth and efficient mid range game. His shot, however, is more of a pin up shot from his chest. Once he gets more repetitions and learns how to shoot the ball quicklier and get his shot off with intensified close outs, he’s got the chance to be a very special down the road.
Mike Cooper, Undecided
Cooper is a 6-foot-1 guard with quick-strike 3-point shooting aptitude. He’s got the ability to shoot it from deep and really create space for his shot. He’s learning to become more active in creating his own shot with an assortment of stepbacks, pull-ups, floaters, and dribble drive penetration. He’s got to put some muscle on his bone-thin frame. If he can don that, he will be ready for the meaningful varsity minutes. And, he’ll have the opportunity to be one of the county’s reputable 3-point marksmen and scorers as he progresses his first two high school seasons.
Lukas Fernandes, Undecided
The smooth and shifty point guard understands the basic principles of basketball. Playing for the Florida Vipers, he’s established himself as a heady point guard who can really create for his teammates and manufacture offensive in a variety of ways. He’s got a bolt-quick first step and his shot, especially on the pull up, has drawn attention this summer. It’s hard to depict his upside as he’s just a Class of 2022 prospect, but the basic understanding of the game and skill-set are already ingrained in him.
Ryan Davis, Martin County
The Class of 2022 prospect shined at the recent Palm Beach State camp, showing maturity and a mental moxie beyond his time. He was able to get into the lane and score, tear down rebounds, and kick-start the transition attack with smooth outlet passes. While he’s fundamentally sound and can step out and drain the 15-footer with consistency, he must adapt from playing a forward/center role against young neophytes to playing a guard’s role. Thus, incorporating ball handling skills and becoming more of a facilitator would make him the total package as he ascends his stock a few notches. He’s got the work ethic and know-how and hustle all working in his favor.