Hawthorne Shootout #HHCSO: Standouts Pt. 1/4
The annual event is one big family reunion for the people of Hawthorne, Florida. As residents laughed and dined on pieces of strawberry cake and whole blue crabs from street vendors, others came by Hawthorne High School Gym to catch eight local teams square-off in a summer tune-up event. Here is part one of four of the best ballers from the night.
Saveon Webster: Santa Fe High School
Webster’s one of the few who seemed like they dabbled in every part of the game. The rising junior cheated the passing lanes to create timely turnovers by his opponent. When passing, Sav has great vision towards the post. Knows how to get the ball through a tight space. Also knows how to find the open man after driving the late from the three-point area. Donning a bit of finesse, Sav can knock down a floater or two, as well.
Keniuel Gates: North Marion High School
Gates is an active player who’s pesky down low in the post. His defense is what makes the difference. If he get in the lane, and you loft a soft pass to the paint, chances are he’s going to deflect it, steal it, or both. Just a guy you really want to be an aggressor below the foul line. He’s never going to be lost in that area of the floor.
Marquez Reaves: North Marion High School
Reaves was, without a doubt, the fastest guy with the ball in his hand the entire night. He also is the the shortest. But it doesn’t matter for Reaves. He has the ability to pull up in transition and knock threes down. Reaves can also bob and weave between traffic on the way to the cup. Absolutely fearless. Definitely a solid point guard for the Colts.
Jumahn Merricks: Santa Fe High School
If you’re looking for someone with springs in their legs, search no further. Merricks has the bounce to make defending and boxing-out a tough task for defenders. On many occasions, Merricks would fly through the air to try and get a putback slam or just end up snagging the rebound. His midrange jumper game is solid. Going into his senior year, Merricks is looking forward to making an impact.