Most Intriguing Prospects: Hoopfest Tampa (Day 1)

<p>The annual ARS/Rescue Rooter National Hoopfest opened up play on Friday at host Berkeley Prep.</p> <p>Here are the results.</p> <p><em>IMG Post Grad 87, Montverde CBD 82</em></p> <p><em>West Virginia Huntington Prep 45, Berkeley Prep 43 </em></p> <p><em>Tampa Prep 50, Orlando Christian Prep 35</em></p> <p>Now it is time to look at the most intriguing prospects from Day 1 of the National Hoopfest.</p> <h2><strong>Lester Quinones (IMG Post Grad)</strong></h2> <p>The best shooter in the gym on Day 1 was 2019 6'5" IMG post grad guard <strong>Lester Quinones</strong>. His release is quick and he isn't afraid to get a jumper off with defenders his face. Quinones scored 22 points with four 3's. He's very vocal and packed with energy. 2019 starters<strong> Terrence Shannon</strong> (21 points) and<strong> Elias King</strong> (15 points) each created inside all night long.</p> <h2><strong>Pavel Zakharov (Montverde CBD)</strong></h2> <p>2019 Gonzaga commit <strong>Pavel Zakharov</strong> had 18 points on an efficient night. The 6'11" forward has good instincts and length. He still has some work to do on his finish, but his leg strength and overall body movements are undeniable. 2019 starters Gibson <strong>Jimerson</strong> (18 points) and <strong>Oton Jankovic</strong> (15 points) both made contributions.</p> <h2><strong>CJ Hawkins (Berkeley Prep)</strong></h2> <p>A lengthy and strong freshman, 2022 guard <strong>CJ Hawkins</strong> had his way inside at times at Huntington Prep with 16 points. The upside is clear with the raw athlete. His shooting is a work in progress, but Berkeley Prep has a true player to develop. 2019 Western Michigan commit<strong> Chase Barrs</strong> totaled 10 points while 2020 guard <strong>Kegan Karnes</strong> had nine points.</p> <p><em>Note:</em> 2020 guard Ronnie Williams is out for 1-2 weeks with a foot injury.</p> <h2><strong>Gabriel Sharp &amp; Jaren Phillips (Tampa Prep)</strong></h2> <p>The top scoring player in the opening game of the Hoopfest was 2020 guard<strong> Gabriel Sharp</strong>. The 6'3" guard is a shooter first and he was able to knock down some big jumpers on the way to 20 points. In his first game back since the Headmaster's Challenge on Jan. 12, 2019 guard/forward <strong>Jaren Phillips</strong> was active on the boards, had towering blocks and was effective offensively with 15 points.</p> <h2><strong>AJ Hoggard (West Virginia Huntington Prep)</strong></h2> <p>Thickly built, I came away very impressed with 2020 Huntington Prep guard <strong>AJ Hoggard</strong>. He's not overly fast, but he's athletic, fundamental and smart with the ball in transition. Hoggard led his group with 13 points in a two-point win over Berkeley Prep. He will be even better if he can add muscle to his 6'4" frame to give him a bigger boost in 1-on-1 battles. 2019 guard <strong>Quinn Slazinski</strong> had eight points and 2020 forward <strong>Jaemyn Brakefield</strong> scored seven points.</p> <h2><strong>Eric Butler (Orlando Christian Prep)</strong></h2> <p>Scoring was at a premium for Orlando Christian Prep in its 15-point loss to Tampa Prep. Regardless, 2020 guard <strong>Eric Butler</strong> was the most active player on his team. The 6'3" guard scored seven points in the game and has shown a keen ability as a true attacker and ballhandler. 2022 6'5" guard/forward <strong>Ven-Allen Lubin</strong> led the Warriors with eight points.</p>