Florida Top 250 Expo: Top Underclassmen Slasher & Finishers
Jahvon Smith – Hallandale High School
This Hallandale sophomore showed a great deal of stop-and-go speed at this showcase event. If he’s driving through the lane, he’s able to breakout a controlled spin to elude defenders on the way to the cup. Smith shoots a solid midrange jumpshot, whether wide open or with a defender in his face. Look for Smith to have a great season up ahead.
Torey Buie – North Marion High School
Buie was one of the more active sophomore guards to touch the court, on Saturday. His motor was constantly on. This North Marion Colt carries a great handle of the ball, has a solid amount of bounce when skying for rebounds, and shows patience with his hesitation-drives into the paint. Buie can spin away from defenders in traffic, en-route to a bucket. He’s definitely improved since the first time I saw him play over a year ago.
Keon Buckley – Lakewood Ranch High School
The sophomore wingman definitely made his presence felt by all who played with him. Buckley can change speeds at the drop of a hat, especially on the drive. Once he gets to the rim, he’s nearly automatic. His hesitation-dribble is really effective. Definitely a person you can trust to make the right decision when the ball is in his hands. To give you a bit of the defensive side, Buckley isn’t afraid to get right up into an opponent’s personal space, making it hard to get around him. He loves to draw charges—a worker on both ends.
Radames Jesus Rodriguez – Coral Springs Charter School
Once you get this freshman out on the fast break, it’s over. Whether he finishes it himself, or pass it right at the three-line for an open jumper, something positive comes from him having the ball. He’s a solid cutter, moves well without the rock, as well. His elbow jumper is cash. Anywhere around the free-throw line is a good spot for him to get a bucket.
Sebastian Kinney – International Community School
Kinney is just a crafty hooper. The sophomore knows how to get the defense off-balance, and create opportunities to get to the lane. I liked the force in how he penetrated the gaps in the D. Head stays up. He can finish with the left hand like a few could not, at the Expo. Definitely a guy who has the potential to consistently get better.
John Ferguson – Hallandale High School
As a sophomore, he still has plenty of time to grow his quickness. But when it comes to getting to the rack, fearless. I could tell he doesn’t mind absorbing contact, can bang his way to the rim. Ferguson can finish in traffic with the best of them. With Smith at his side, Ferguson has some great talent surrounding him that will in-turn make HIM better, as well.