Battle of the South Notebook (Part 1)

<p>This weekend I made another trip out to the Big House Sports Complex in Taveres for the Battle of the South tournament. Of all the tournaments that I have attended this summer, this was by far the most competitive I have seen. With several of Florida’s best teams in town from all over the state, the field was packed with college level talent. In the championship game Team Speights came out on top of Team Florida 63-61 avenging it’s only loss of the weekend. These are a few of the players who stood out for the championship teams:</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Team Speights</p> <p>SF [player_tooltip player_id="818666" first="Dean" last="Gabrelcik"] 6-4 East Lake</p> <p>What a summer this long range bomber has had. Across six games against some of the states top talent Gabrelcik averaged just under 10 PPG with defenses well aware of his capabilities. An elite 3-point shooter who rarely turns the ball over, and is great at slipping screens, it has been nice to see his recruitment on an uptick. With recent offers from Stetson and American, Gabrelcik would be perfect for a team who plays a Princeton offense, and zone defense. East Lake should be a fun team to watch with Speights teammates [player_tooltip player_id="714843" first="Anthony" last="Bittar"] and [player_tooltip player_id="818720" first="Mikey" last="Shane"] joining the mix. Shane will give the Eagles another deadeye 3-point shooter while Bittar, who is the most athletic of the three, will keep defenses honest getting into the paint.</p> <p>SF [player_tooltip player_id="818707" first="Tony" last="Green"] 6-6 Naples</p> <p>Another tournament, another solid showing out of the Naples star. Averaging over 11 PPG on the tournament, Green was at his best scoring 19 points against an Each 1 Teach 1 team loaded with Division I talent. Recruiting wise the wing holds an offer from Coppin State, and with his mix of length and athleticism, I will be shocked if that’s his last offer. Tons of upside for this three level scorer!</p> <p>PF [player_tooltip player_id="773463" first="Michael" last="Phillips"] 6-8 2021 post grad</p> <p>Every single college coach can appreciate a guy that knows what his job is, and buys into the team’s ultimate goal. Phillips is a physical defensive big man who enjoys blocking shots and doing the dirty work. Most of his points come from playing hard, but there were also a few occasions he scored off post moves showing off some solid footwork.</p> <p>SG [player_tooltip player_id="818669" first="Charles" last="Crews"] 6-2 Bayshore Christian</p> <p>The first time I watched Crews play he scored 20 points in 15 minutes in the state semifinals. In the Battle of the South semi final he had a similar offensive outburst scoring 24 points including seven 3-pointers often toying with defenders with his crafty handles and step back jumper. On a few plays he also drove the lane and found teammates when the defense collapsed for the assist. Stetson represents his first and only offer.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Team Florida</p> <p>PG [player_tooltip player_id="818648" first="Trey" last="Moss"] 6-3 Windermere High</p> <p>It is evident that Moss has been working hard over the summer despite not playing a lot of AAU basketball. While he has always been able to jump, this weekend he was much bolder than I’ve seen him in the past with some of his dunk attempts. Anticipate seeing a poster dunk or two out of the future South Florida Bull next season at Windermere. The best part of Mosses game is the way he creates for others, but that’s not to say he can’t score too. In the finals against Team Speights he went for 27 points. At a lanky 6-3 Moss loves to post up smaller guards, and find cutting teammates. Although he needs to work on shooting the three at a more consistent rate, the lead guard should find himself on the floor early in his college career. For now, he looks to lead a young but talented group at Windermere High as Orlando high school basketball looks to be as strong as ever.</p> <p>G/F [player_tooltip player_id="714780" first="Ramses" last="Melendez"] 6-7 Central Pointe Christian</p> <p>At 6-7 and sporting a long wingspan, Melendez is a fluid athlete who is without a doubt a high major prospect. With a smooth jump shot, he also obtains enough athleticism to keep defenders honest with his dribble. A high IQ player, Melendez never seems to force offense letting the game come to him, and is willing to make the extra pass. Across the weekend he was often Team Florida’s leading scorer including 18 points against the Raptors Elite in the semi final. As he continues to pack muscle onto his long lanky frame the offers should continue to roll in. Right now Melendez holds offers from several Big 5 conference schools including the Florida Gators.</p> <p>PF Jeremy Foumena 6-9 Central Pointe Christian</p> <p>Another season means one thing at Central Pointe Christian, a new group of college prospects. This year CPCA loaded up on several big men including Foumena who recently transferred in from Quebec. In the limited time I watched the Foumena, it was obvious that he has scholarship level talent. He passes very well out of the high post and is active around the rim with a soft touch. As he adjusts to a much faster, more physical game in America, don’t be surprised to see another Canadian find his way to the Division I ranks.</p>