Gauntlet on the Gulf: Day 1 Top Performers Pt. 2
2024 6-4 W VJ Edgecombe – South Florida Kings Playing up a grade in 16U, VJ Edgecombe has a knack for getting to the hoop. He’s a swift swingman that is always in attack mode. When he wants to get…
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Continue Reading2024 6-4 W VJ Edgecombe – South Florida Kings
Playing up a grade in 16U, VJ Edgecombe has a knack for getting to the hoop. He’s a swift swingman that is always in attack mode. When he wants to get to the rim, he does so using graceful body control and skill. VJ finishes exceptionally well and is a foul magnet. His long arms give him upside as a defender that can guard 1-3.
2023 6-0 PG Mardrecus Moreland – Alabama Celtics 2023
Mardrecus Moreland was wired to score, dumping in 42 points over his first two games. Moreland is great in transition, able to score at the rim and challenge defenders. He works the mid-range pull-up well and can drive and dish once defenses collapse.
2021 5-11 PG King Winkfield – Warehouse Ballers
One of the best unsigned seniors on the circuit, Winkfield went for 20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals. After watching him drain 7 threes in a game at the PassionSZN Kickoff last weekend, Winkfield’s encore was a 4 deep balls on Saturday. The shifty guard is dangerous at all three levels.
2024 6-3 F Isaiah Anderson – Team Intensity 2024
I loved what I saw out of Isaiah Anderson. A no frills forward, Isaiah Anderson doesn’t need flash to be effective. He pounds opponents in the paint as great rebounder that high points caroms and finishes everything around the rim. Anderson posts up hard and plays big, giving guards a target hand for post entries. Anderson can overpower defenders inside and score through their chest. He recorded 16 points and 8 rebounds in a Game 1 win before following up with 18 points and 9 rebounds in Game 2. Anderson plays a grown man’s game.
2025 6-0 PG Zayden Edwards – Team Intensity 2024
The upside of Zayden Edwards can’t be ignored. Playing up a grade, Zayden Edwards was quite often the best guard on the floor. He does so much to positively impact games. The lefty is wiry and has a red-hot motor. Edwards is comfortable controlling the action as both a scorer and playmaker. He uses a quick crossover to free himself and can sink the mid-range jumper. The do-everything guard tallied 10 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in his first game before pumping up his output to 22 points (12-14 FT), 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Zayden is one to watch down in Savannah at Bethesda Academy.
2024 6-4 F Michael Smith – Team Intensity 2024
Calvary Day has a difference maker in the big dual-sport standout. Smith is a big boy inside. He can outmuscle opponents for rebounds and score with a soft touch inside. What makes Smith special is his hands and feet. If he gets a paw on a board, it’s his. Smith gobbles up rebounds with ease. He has great feet that help him maneuver his way for angles to get on the glass. He wins foot races with other big men and can even beat defenders off the dribble from time to time. I liked how the wide-shouldered post cleared out space with his elbows after rebounds. If Smith sticks with basketball and grows some more, look out. If not, expect him to be a nightmare to cover on the football field has a pass catcher.