Defense first tradition Continues At West Oaks
Since he was the younger brother and he saw the older guys go through, Tyrieke Blakeney has what’s often characterized as a basketball old soul.
The younger brother of Orlando product and current Chicago Bulls guard Antonio Blakeney, Blakeney grew up during a time of Orlando hoops prosperity.
In addition to watching his brother at Oak Ridge, Blakeney had the luxury of watching Lakeland products Corey Sanders (Rutgers) and Dwayne Bacon (Florida State/NBA) in their heyday.
In Tyrieke Blakeney, an advanced feel for the game developed.
Capable of playing instinctively while simultaneously applying the in-your-chest defense the team collectively buys into, the transfer via Agape Christian has been a major pick up.
After averaging 20 PPG as a junior at Agape, Blakeney has expanded on his all around game.
Focusing more on being a facilitator and committing himself to the defensive side (while shedding the habit of gambling), Blakeney has adjusted to a higher level of play in the SIAA.
He’s improved as a scorer since etching a name for himself while playing on the Adidas Gauntlet.
With a knack for knifing to the rim, producing via off the dribble shot creation, and establishing a growing catch and stick game, Blakeney has been a sturdy volume scorer. Expect to hear more about him moving forward. A 34-point outburst during a recent throttling of Oldsmar Christian is indicative of his upside.
Selton Miguel, Class of 2020
Adept at scoring from all three levels, Miguel has been a consistent go to option for head coach Kenny Gillion. Has enhanced his profile this season, raising his level of play on bigger stages.
Tyrell Jones, Class of 2019
In developing into perhaps the program’s most highly acclaimed recruit, Jones has shined with a point guard tool set.
With a knack for converting turnovers into transition leak outs, Jones has been building a high major portfolio. Dayton was recently in to see the well-built guard who looks to play downhill first.
PJ Person, Class of 2018
All pre-season, Gillion touched on the fact that Person should inherit some ownership of this year’s team. The bullish 6-foot-2 guard has enabled his coach’s words to prove prophetic.
Person posted a statline of 12 points, six assists, and four steals during a recent win over Downey Christian. He’s been a consistent threat to impact all categories of the stat sheet.
AJ Neal, Class of 2021
Son of reputable local AAU coach and assistant West Oaks coach Diane Neal, the experienced freshman can no longer be pigeonholed as strictly a shooter.
While his deep 3-point shooting has been synonoymous with his game, Neal has progressed as a scorer. I’m addition to attacking, he’s added a floater to his arsenal.