Scouting Notes: South Florida (End of January – Pt. 2)

Scouting Notes: South Florida (End of January &#8211; Pt. 2)

Michael Costeines

January 28, 2021 @ 02:04 PM

The end of January has featured exciting weekend showcases and individual games across South Florida. I took in a number of games and received player information over the course of the week. As always, I encourage anyone to reach out to me on my socials regarding notable player performances. I can’t be at every game so transparency helps! Let’s look into it...part two. [player_tooltip player_id="1062420" first="Noah" last="Kattan"] - Cypress Bay 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1062420" first="Noah" last="Kattan"] is probably the best pure shooter the Lightning have. The 6-foot-3 combo guard scored 25 points and knocked down five 3-pointers against Stranahan Tuesday. Moreover, Kattan has a good release and rotation off his shot. In addition, he can create his own space and connect from long range off ball screens. Kattan is an elusive ball handler that can get into the lane with his quickness. He is the type of kid that can get hot and carry a team in certain stretches. I also thought he displayed a solid mid-range game. He is a nice backcourt playmaker for Cypress Bay. Please view his highlights by clicking <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13889871/Noah-Kattan">here</a>. Javen Bailey - McArthur 2021 Javen Bailey delivered the big shot when it counted. The 6-foot-2 guard hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining to lift the Mustangs to a 54-52 victory over Stranahan Wednesday. McArthur began the fourth quarter down eleven and held the Mighty Dragons to just three points over the final eight minutes. Bailey finished with a team-high 23 points and was aggressive attacking the basket throughout the night. His body control and subsequent toughness resulted in ten made free-throws. While his final shot was clutch, Bailey should be rewarded for his play leading up to it. His latest available statistics have him averaging just over 17 points and four rebounds per game. Bailey gets the highest grade of the night thanks to his heroics. [player_tooltip player_id="829449" first="Gabriel" last="Kincy"] - McArthur 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="829449" first="Gabriel" last="Kincy"] played a big role in the Mustang’s comeback. The 6-foot-6 wing scored 12 points on four 3-pointers made. Moreover, a pair of those shots came late in the game during the McArthur rally. Kincy’s outside stroke looked good for a player of his size. I can only imagine the damage he can do with more repetitions around the rim. Therefore, I think Kincy has untapped potential. I also want to give credit to 2022 Johaun Myles. The 6-foot-3 guard made a huge backside block when it looked like the Mighty Dragons had a chance for an easy bucket to tie the game during the final moments. [player_tooltip player_id="818719" first="Thaddeus" last="Squire"] - Stranahan Back-to-back games and I feel like [player_tooltip player_id="818719" first="Thaddeus" last="Squire"] was Stranahan’s best player in both of them. The 6-foot-5 point guard scored a team-high 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds by my account. While I called him a wing yesterday, Squire was bringing the ball up the floor and took command in the Dragons half court sets. However, his versatility certainly allows him to play off the ball. His ability to dribble penetrate into the lane and make the defense react was on full display. Therefore, Squire can breeze past his opponent on his way to the rim or make the extra pass as they collapse. As I said before, his length allows him to grab rebounds and get second chance opportunities at the basket. I think the flow of the offense is better when the basketball is in his hands. Tusculum and JUCO's seem to be interested in Squire. However, I think more programs should be in contact. Similar can be said about 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="818692" first="London" last="Previlon"]. The 6-foot-6 forward combined for 25 points and 12 rebounds by my account over the last two games. He is an athletic frontline player in the Dragons system. [player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"] - Stranahan 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"] played well in the second half against McArthur. The 6-foot-3 forward scored 12 points to help the Mighty Dragons extend their third quarter lead. Culpepper can body you up on the low post and spin inwards toward the basket. His muscle allows him to create space and finish with either hand. Culpepper also fights for 50/50 rebounds on the glass, resulting in possible free-throw opportunities. The 225-pounder can also facilitate off dribble penetration to teammates underneath the rim. His combination of toughness and touch around the paint is a luxury for the Mighty Dragons. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.