2021 Prospects To Remember (Part 1)

<p>The 2021 class is eager to play basketball this summer and with college coaches watching film now more than ever, things are starting to ramp up.</p> <p>Tournaments are starting to be run in certain spots around the country including in Oklahoma this weekend and Tampa Bay next weekend.</p> <p>Here is a look at some 2021 prospects to keep a close eye on.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="953508" first="Aaron" last="James"] (Ocala Vanguard)</p> <p>In Ocala, [player_tooltip player_id="953508" first="Aaron" last="James"] led the way for a young Vanguard squad. The 5’10" guard averaged 16.2 PPG, reaching double digits in all but two games with five 20 plus point outings. His season-highs were 27 points against Gainesville and 26 points against West Port. Speedy and flashy in transition, he gets going on the attack and his ballhandling is superb. James is a playmaker and someone to keep a close eye on as he enters his senior season. Watch: <a href="https://youtu.be/2tCVQxdEvfI">Junior Year Highlights</a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="818881" first="Tyeree" last="Bryan"] (Olympia)</p> <p>A 6’4" combo guard, [player_tooltip player_id="818881" first="Tyeree" last="Bryan"] had a standout junior year as he averaged 16.0 PPG and 6.3 RPG at Olympia. He was a steady performer as a sophomore, averaging nearly 9.0 PPG in a lesser role which included a 23-point performance against Edgewater. Against Dr. Phillips, Bryan added 24 points this season. A long and rangy body, he flourishes from deep and can sneak to the basket with this mix of speed and athleticness. Bryan has room to fill out but he’s a pure athlete who will continue to improve. Watch: <a href="https://twitter.com/highlevelhoops_/status/1243259869928599553">Highlights</a></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="818717" first="Jayden" last="Battle"] (First Academy)</p> <p>A dual-sport athlete playing basketball and football at Orlando First Academy, [player_tooltip player_id="818717" first="Jayden" last="Battle"] flourished on the hardwood this past season. The 6’3" guard averaged 15.6 PPG and 4.1 RPG as a junior. His breakout game was against a tough Lake Highland Prep program (<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13830152/5e77bb20d45ff0137c70437a">highlights</a>) where he dropped 31 points, netting 14-of-15 free throws as he was aggressive all game long. Battle can really light it up from deep and he likes to mix it up as an attacker using his one-handed floater to his advantage. His side to side speed makes life hard on teams as he’s always looking for the steal or block defensively.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="818746" first="Josh" last="Mims"] (Melbourne)</p> <p>A 6’1" shooter, [player_tooltip player_id="818746" first="Josh" last="Mims"] has gotten taller and his shot is efficient. He averaged 10.0 PPG and 3.0 PPG on the season for Melbourne and competed summers prior overseas for the U-15 England National Team. An efficient jump shooter and an overall smart kid, Mims had a season-best 17 points (5-of-6 three’s) and 15 points (5-of-5 three’s) against Timber Creek. Mims knows his role and he will continue to be a dangerous shooter for Melbourne this fall. Colleges will love to have a shooter like him. Watch: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVbmwHdniJU&amp;feature=youtu.be">Junior Year Highlights</a></p> <p><strong>Pierce Blount (Tampa Prep)</strong></p> <p>Growing in height at 6’1", Tampa Prep has a savvy lead guard in Pierce Blount. He can do a variety of things with the ball in or out of his hands. With a deep senior class headed off to college, he will earn more playing time and get plenty of opportunities to run the offense. Blount is a smart player who is loaded with intensity and thrives with his pump fake. I expect him to take the next step this fall.</p>