Rumble Under The Palms: 6th Grade Standouts (Pt. 1)
Winter Haven, Fla. — Although the sixth-grade division at the Prep Hoops Next Rumble Under The Palms featured the event’s youngest players, this group of talented teams and prospects wasted little time in making their presence known. In addition to…
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Continue ReadingWinter Haven, Fla. — Although the sixth-grade division at the Prep Hoops Next Rumble Under The Palms featured the event’s youngest players, this group of talented teams and prospects wasted little time in making their presence known. In addition to the top performers selected for 1st Team All-Tournament honors, this three-part series will provide a more in-depth look at the best prospects in attendance from the Class of 2027…
Jomar Bernard | Orlando, FL | Class of 2027
While it was Whit Bynoe that received the 1st Team All-Tournament nod from Rumble Under The Palms, Bernard was the most versatile contributor for Central Florida Rising Stars (FL) sixth-grade group, earning 2nd Team honors for his weekend performance. He has continued to stretch out since my last evaluation (Fall 2020) and remains an intriguing prospect based on his blend of size and skills. The lanky forward is a reliable rebounder with impressive hands and coordination and is comfortable with the ball on the perimeter. Bernard should become a greater offensive threat as his confidence continues to grow and his aggressiveness ramps up.
Chanse Bost | Mooresville, NC | Class of 2027
The sixth-grade CLT1 Sports (NC) team were not only the Rumble Under The Palms champions but were one of the most exciting teams to watch at the event regardless of grade division. Featuring a five-guard line-up with a fast-paced offense, Bost was perhaps one of the more underrated performers of the weekend despite his 3rd Team All-Tournament selection. His timely scoring in the title game to the tune of 12 points ensured that SPSA Runs (FL) did not threaten the outcome down the stretch. Bost constantly played in attack-mode and nearly each time he got into the lane the result was a positive for his club.
Zacuras Dawson | Miami, FL | Class of 2027
Back with his hometown club, Miami Top Risers (FL), for the Rumble Under The Palms, Dawson was immediately his squad’s go-to performer. Playing with the sixth and seventh-grade teams, he flashed range with his perimeter jumper, and the handle to get wherever he wanted or needed to go on the floor. Dawson’s 19-point performance against Central Florida Rising Stars (FL) stamped his 2nd Team All-Tournament selection. Older brother, Ezacuras Dawson III, was a bit of a late-bloomer before becoming a high-major recruit in the Class of 2017, so I’m very curious to see how the younger Dawson blossoms physically in the coming years.
Ayden Donald | Tampa, FL | Class of 2027
Affectionately known as “Skoot”, Donald continued to impress with the Florida Phantom (FL) group on the Prep Hoops Next circuit, gliding across the hardwood. It was basically a weekend at home during the Rumble Under The Palms for the Tampa, Florida resident, as the lead guard once again showed his slick handle and passing flair on his way to 3rd Team All-Tournament honors in the sixth-grade division. The Class of 2027 prospect brings adequate size to the backcourt at this stage, but his confidence and poise are what define Donald, and continue to separate him from his peers on the court right now.
Neomar Flores | Tampa, FL | Class of 2027
The “yin” to the aforementioned Donald’s “yang”, Flores is the ideal running mate, and logged a notable weekend of his own during the Rumble Under The Palms tournament. The chemistry of the Florida Phantom (FL) backcourt duo is obvious, so it was not surprising to find that the pair are classmates as well. Each possesses the ability to not only facilitate but also create their own offense when called upon to do so. In fact, it was perhaps Flores that had the most impressive individual outing of the event, hanging 16 points and a handful of assists and steals on the Triple Double Tarheels (FL) in an opening pool play victory.
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