Scouting Notebook: South Florida (Week 1/Part 2)

Michael Costeines

December 3, 2020 @ 06:45 PM

For many programs, the high school basketball regular season officially began this week. Moreover, other schools are set to tip-off in the coming days or next week. Personally, it is exciting to get into the swing of things and attend live action. I would like to remind people that some states are not having winter sports due to Covid-19. Be blessed if you are lucky enough to play or watch these games happen.

I will be observing many games across the South Florida region throughout the course of this season. Below is some of my thoughts during the opening week.

Here is part two of my observations...

2022 Justin Abson Justin Abson 6'9" | PF North Broward Prep | 2022 State #230 Nation FL had a great all-around game in the loss to Calvary Christian Academy. The 6-foot-9 power forward scored 11 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and had five blocks against the visiting Eagles. Abson was a big reason why North Broward Prep kept the game close going into the fourth quarter. His dominance on the defensive glass limited possessions for Calvary Christian Academy early on. Moreover, Abson was very effective around the interior denying shots. Abson has the length and powerful lower body you look for in a forward. Moreover, he looks to be in great shape and it showed in his offensive game. Even so, I thought at times he could have been more aggressive attacking the rim. The off-set of that is he has great vision finding his teammates in passing lanes. His versatility as a frontcourt big is impressive and should continue to improve. Abson has been offered by FGCU, Troy and Stetson.

2022 Rickey Ballard Rickey Ballard 6'6" | CG Westminster | 2022 State FL was a warrior for four quarters in the Lions loss to Pine Crest. The 6-foot-6 wing scored 18 points, had three assists and two blocks against the Panthers. Ballard was aggressive attacking the basket and active around the rim. He showed a lot of heart and toughness to the final buzzer going after rebounds. Ballard had the highest grade of any player I watched for Sagemont against Pine Crest. His athletic versatility makes him a valuable asset to his teammates. Ballard can pop out for a 3-pointer or drive baseline and get above the rim. He has received interest from Appalachian State, Loyola-Chicago, Florida Atlantic, Marshall, Liberty, Leigh and Gambling State.

2021 Dylan Canoville Dylan Canoville 6'5" | SF Ft. Lauderdale Calvary Christian | 2021 State FL played a pivotal role in the Eagles victory over North Broward Prep. The 6-foot-5 wing scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Canoville is a physical looking player that weights upwards of 225 pounds. He has that "big guard" look and toughness to make plays in the paint. Moreover, Canoville is a good bet to grab 50/50 balls thanks to his frame. Canoville would be a top player on many other teams in South Florida. His unselfishness should not hide his value and talent to the Eagles. Canoville is as underrated as they come.

2023 Jessiah Pierre-Johnson Jessiah Pierre-Johnson 6'3" | PG Sagemont | 2023 FL gave the Lions the backcourt play against the Panthers. The 6-foot-3 combo guard scored 12 points and was active on defense. Moreover, JPJ hit a few acrobatic layups and looked good in transition attacking the rim. This was a great test for him going against D-1 stars Ausar Thompson and Amen Thompson. McNeese State and Bryant have offered him.

Jamai Hager-Tejada Jamai Hager-Tejada 5'10" | CG Mater Lakes | 2023 FL - Mater Lakes

2023 Jamai Tejada enjoyed a terrific game in a win over Somerest Academy-Canyons. The 5-foot-10 combo guard scored 14 points, dished four assists and had four steals. Tejada is a steady offensive hand on a Mater Lakes unit just beginning to reach its potential. The combination of Tejada and 2023 Anthony Floyd Anthony Floyd 5'7" | CG Hallandale | 2023 FL gives the Bears a reliable backcourt. The pair earned valuable playing time as freshman that should benefit them this season. Tejada can shoot the ball from outside and get to the rim on a consistent basis. Look for Mater Lakes to surprise a lot of its compettion