Swamp Shootout Standouts
The Gainesville-Buchholz Bobcats recently hosted their annual “Swamp Shootout” featuring some solid local squads, as well as some out-of-towners. Here are the four standouts from the tourney!
Jordan Smith – Columbia High School
This rising sophomore is going to be a pillar for the Tigers this coming fall. He’s a guy that can shoot the three from anywhere on the court, whether pulling-up off the dribble, or spotting-up. Four second-half threes helped keep the game close when it looked like the opponent was drifting off with the lead. Look for Smith to be a focal point this season.
J.P. LaPrade – Bishop Moore Catholic School
LaPrade is a wingman who knows how to attack the paint off-the-dribble, while also being a pesky defender. Even more than his offense, his ability to defend post-players in the painted area without fouling was awesome to see. So often we see guards who fold after getting bodied on the low-block. Not this rising junior. He stood tall, hands straight up, and contested every jump-hook thrown at him. Even got a couple blocks and steals as a reward.
Brant Ulmer – Suwannee High School
This rising junior is another guy who can spot-up at the three-point line and deliver—AND, he 6’7”. Ulmer has that “X-Factor” vibe about him. Though he has the height, I could tell certain opponents didn’t respect his game, outright. After he busted a few treys early on, that changed. Solid rebounder once he establishes position.
Marquez Bell – Columbia High School
One of the quickest young guards in the area with the ball-in-hand, right here. Bell is a speedster who can quickly penetrate defenses—even if half of the team has already gotten back, in-transition. This rising sophomore can finish at the rim, absorb contact and knock down free throws when the time comes. Him and Smith will be a lot to handle as they team up this fall.