Eastside Tip-Off Classic: Best Rebounders
Earlier this week, the Gainesville-Eastside Rams hosted their annual pre-Thanksgiving Tip-Off Classic. Six teams came to through to make an early statement on which teams, and individual players, have improved over the summer. Take a look at the top rebounders from the two-day event.
Kahleil Jackson – Hawthorne High School: This 2019 wingman was all over the place when it came to the offensive glass. He rarely missed an opportunity to crash the boards after a shot went up. Jackson has a solid vertical, allowing him to out jump most of his opponents during this event. If he establishes position on you, Jackson is a hard guy to out-rebound. He had 10 first-half points on day one, six were free throws which came from getting fouled while going up after an offensive board.
Adyleas Reeves – Santa Fe High School: This junior managed to sky over any and everyone looking to snag a board over him. He kept his elbows high to establish his position after the rebound, didn’t let people get a hand in to try and swipe the ball away. His timing on the hop was impeccable. Reeves was one who had a nose to pursue the basketball at any costs.
Jumahn Merricks – Santa Fe High School: Simply put, he’s a battler! If this senior penetrated the paint, but missed the lay-in, he stayed in the trenches with the bigs to lunge for put-backs and tip-ins. Merricks understands that it is now HIS turn to lead the Raiders by example. With play like this, it won’t be hard to get his squad behind him if the effort continues.
Kofi Asare – Eastside High School: This senior guard is just cracking the height of six-foot-even, but Asare made a strong statement to the competition letting them know that he’ll be a hard cover, this season. Asare was one of the highest-leaping players in the six-team field, especially on the defensive end. This is what you want out your guard play: someone who can rise above the masses, snag the rock, and push the break. Asare does that very well.
David Robinson – Newberry High School: This hooper gave his squad a ton of hustle off the free throw miss to snag rebounds on both sides of the court. This is a guy you want on the floor if you’re down and you have to put your “energy” lineup in. He’s going to the glass with 100% effort. Loved watching him work!