The Ten Best: Dec. 10-15th (Part 2/2)
Last week was a wild time for high school basketball in the area. Between the 10th and 15th, I was able to attend seven games check out some great talent in the area. Here’s part two of the the top ten players seen, through that time.
Zay Christie – Forest High School: This senior guard notched 20 points in a win over Columbia earlier last week, and did it in a variety of ways. Christie can get it to the rack in a hurry & finish with contact. Coming off a screen, he’s capable of hitting the J from the elbow, with ease. Loved the way he got his teammates involved, as well. He’s always looking for the cutting man to dish it for easy layups. Christie’s starting his senior campaign off, right.
Titus Lake – Lake Weir High School: The senior wing is easily the best playmaker on his Lake Weir squad. In the game vs. North Marion last week, he finished with 17 points, including 6-of-7 from the charity stripe. He attacked the hoop all night, and used his wingspan to pester ball-handlers and ball inbounders. This team is going to perform well if Titus keeps up his production.
Charleston Ponds – Columbia Tigers: Just a sophomore, but this wing-player has so much promise. He started the game hot, earning 10 points in the first quarter—including a pair of treys. Ponds is listed as 6’1”, and already is giving other wing players a problem when they’re on offense. Ponds is a solid defender. Look for him to improve as time marches on.
Dominic Pugh – Trinity Catholic High School: Fresh off a State Championship bid from last season, Pugh hasn’t missed a beat this year as he notched 20 points vs. the P.K. Yonge Blue Wave, last Saturday. Seven of those came in the fourth, as he led a charge to help his Celtics come back within three points late in the period—AFTER being down as much as 25. Pugh is a passionate competitor, gave it all he had in that fourth quarter. Definitely looking for him to be the leader the Celtics need to make it back to Lakeland.
Tre Mann – The Villages Charter School: The senior Florida commit gave Wildwood 36 points this past Saturday night as the Buffalo handled the Wildcats by 20. The game just comes too easy to the Mann, more than his three-point shooting, what stood out is the way he’s able to work his way inside, create space, and get quality mid-range jumpers, off. One of the most humble kids in this area, Tre is going to be the key to The Villages success, this year. They’ll go as far as he goes.