Top 10 Performers from Day 2 of the ARS Hoopfest
The second and final day of the ARS Hoopfest wrapped up at Berkeley Prep with five games. Here are the top 10 performers Jack and I took note of on Saturday. RJ Barrett (Montverde Academy) Barrett was simply elite in…
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Continue ReadingThe second and final day of the ARS Hoopfest wrapped up at Berkeley Prep with five games. Here are the top 10 performers Jack and I took note of on Saturday.
RJ Barrett (Montverde Academy)
Barrett was simply elite in the win over Tampa Catholic. Scoring 32 points, he was extremely active in getting to the rim, and he showed today that his jump shot has started to make the necessary improvements that it will need to play at the next level and to be an elite player there.
Matt Coleman (Oak Hill Academy)
The Texas commit was very good today in the win over St. Pete. He’s an elite point guard who plays with awesome pace, and he distributes better than almost any point guard in the nation. Like Barrett, the lefty’s jump shot is still continuing to improve. He’s a great fit in Shaka Smart’s system at Texas.
Safir Daow (Victory Rock)
Daow was the most productive player today for Victory Rock, scoring 16 points in the loss to Huntington Prep. He’s a great slasher, and his range is improving to stretch the floor. His upside on defense is off the charts, and he’s only going to get better. Right now, he’s a low major plus player.
Serrel Smith (St. Pete)
Smith was awesome tonight for St. Pete. He took a ton of shots, but scoring 39 points against an elite team like Oak Hill can, and should be commended. I want to continue to see him learn how to create for his teammates, but there weren’t many other shots to be had today from his teammates, so there should be some balance there. Otherwise, it was a stellar performance from Smith.
David Nickelberry (Windermere Prep)
The Memphis commit took a little bit of time to get going, but when he did, he was the best player on the floor in the second half against Berkeley Prep. He’s incredibly versatile and his passing skills are off the charts. His jump shot is still improving, but there might not be a more versatile wing in the state.
Kevin Knox (Tampa Catholic)
A night after scoring 36 points, Kevin Knox looked wore down as the game progressed. In back to back tough matchups, first against West Oaks on Friday night then against Montverde tonight, Knox did all he could. With 27 points, the Tampa Catholic forward attacked and made his jumpers, but the Crusaders didn’t have enough.
Keldon Johnson (Huntington Prep)
Junior forward Keldon Johnson plays with a non-stop motor. That energy was evident more on Friday where he never stopped, but in a tough battle against Victory Rock, he attacked down the stretch and it rallied his group back. Johnson scored 16 points and nothing came easy.
Precious Achiuwa (St. Benedict’s)
2019 forward Precious Achiuwa is the real deal. Advertised as one of the top players in his class if not No. 1 overall, Achiuwa scored a team-high 21 points in a win over Tampa Prep. Achiuwa made shots from all over the court, he’s a superb outside shooter and is very smooth as an attacker.
Jaren Phillips (Tampa Prep)
Amari Goulbourne led the Terrapins with 18 points, but Jaren Phillips made so many tough shots against a very tough St. Benedict’s group from New Jersey. Phillips is maturing before our eyes as a sophomore and when he puts his head down and gets inside, he is very powerful.
Grant Shepard (Montverde)
R.J. Barrett was all the talk around the gym for his matchup against Tampa Catholic and Kevin Knox. That’s for good reason. However, one of many new Montverde players, Grant Shepard stuck out. The Canadian came down to Florida to play with better competition and he took advantage today with 12 points. The senior forward deserves much more attention.