Florida National Memorial Day Classic (Standouts)

WRITTEN BY ERIK YOUNG This past weekend I was able to attend the Florida National Memorial Day Classic at The Big House in Taveres. I was only able to stay for a few games Saturday but was able to watch more on Baller TV. These are a few of the players who caught my attention: Florida Pro SF [player_tooltip player_id="829389" first="Elijah" last="Wyche"] 6-5 Pembroke Pines Charter (2022) With the Thompson twins no longer playing with Florida Pro after signing with the Overtime league, it was nice to see what other players were capable of with more opportunity. One player who stepped up in a big way for Florida Pro was [player_tooltip player_id="829389" first="Elijah" last="Wyche"]. Last March in Lakeland Wyche dominated the state final 4 while leading his Pembroke Pines Charter team to a state championship. In my second time watching Wyche live I have an even further appreciation for his game. The wing is the definition of versatility, especially on the defensive end. At 6-5 with a sturdy built and long wing span, this uber athletic wing can guard just about anyone on the floor. Through out the weekend he guarded the opposing teams best player, and was making plays all over the floor blocking shots, getting deflections and steals leading to points in transition. Offensively Wyche is at his best when he gets going down hill or running the floor on the break. He also gets quite a few points battling underneath the basket for put backs or on post ups. While his jumper and left hand could improve, there is no doubt in my mind that this kid is a scholarship player. Any college coach looking to add defense and toughness to their lineup should look no further. Recruiting wise Wyche is hearing from low major Division I and high major Division II schools. F [player_tooltip player_id="955771" first="Andrew" last="Akuchie"] 6-9 St. Thomas Aquinas (2022) Fresh off his first Division I scholarship offer from Albany, Akuchie had a strong showing this past weekend at The Big House. With above average athleticism and a wingspan that looks to be in 7-foot territory, Akuchie can flat out shoot the ball. In each game I watched he sank at least two 3-pointers blocked some shots, rebounded. In the post, Akuchie showed off some nice footwork and the ability to finish with either hand. While adding muscle to his long frame will be a priority over the next year, Akuchie has a skill set that could translate very well at the next level. Don’t be surprised to see him add a few schools to his offer list over the summer. SG [player_tooltip player_id="1161400" first="Matthew" last="Cadogan"] 6-5 St. Thomas Aquinas (2022) After watching some Cadogan highlights online, I was finally able to catch him live in person. The rising senior has prototypical size for a shooting guard at the next level and has the ability to knock down the 3 or fake and maneuver his way to the basket. He moves well off the ball and uses his size and length on the perimeter to his advantage. With a 4.5 GPA high academic schools should monitor Cadogan closely. Ball4Lyfe SG [player_tooltip player_id="955602" first="Anquan" last="Boldin Jr"]. 6-4 St. Andrew’s (2022) Saturday was my first time watching Boldin since his sophomore year. The past two years Boldin has played on the same high school team as Memphis commit Josh Minnott and several other college players at St. Andrews. Last year, he was a role player averaging around 6 ppg, but if last weekend was any indication of what is to come, Boldin is going to be the go-to guy for his high school team next year. As expected of a son of a former Professional athlete Boldin has elite athleticism. He made himself quite a few posters on Saturday including a nice dunk on a 6-9 defender that made all onlookers gasp. The wing has a motor that never stops and a quick second jump which also helps him defensively. Right now Boldin does his best work as a slasher and also uses his pivot and up fakes to score in close. With a year left to polish his game and more opportunity, Boldin is certainly a player college coaches should keep tabs on. C Gavin Ayodelotte 6-10 The Benjamin School (2023) When you are 6-10 and have the ability to shoot the basketball you get written about. In my first time ever watching the young big man it was very evident that he has a nice stroke. In the few games I watched, he knocked down three’s as a trailer, off the catch and shoot and sank a few mid-range shots. Ayodelott also uses his big frame to battle for offensive rebound put-backs and on post-ups. While foot speed is his main area for improvement, you can’t teach 6-10 and guys that size with a jump shot don’t grow on trees. This kid has a chance. CP25 National F Pape Momar Cisse 6-10, C [player_tooltip player_id="1062412" first="Pape" last="Lamine Niang"] 6-10 Central Point Christian (2022) Two 6-10 guys with the same first name caught my eye for CP25. The first, Cisse has some versatility as a guy who can face up or go back to the basket. He has clearly been working on his game as he appeared more than comfortable finishing with both hands and showed the ability to knock down the 15 footer. The forward ran the floor with ease and used his length to block shots and snag rebounds around the basket. He also found his teammate [player_tooltip player_id="1062412" first="Pape" last="Lamine Niang"] for some dunks with a couple excellent passes from the high post. The other 6-10 guy, Niang is more of your traditional center. He runs the floor, blocks shots, rebounds and dunks. Both players seemed to have great chemistry on the court. Niang will benefit greatly when he gains the confidence to drop step both ways in the post and finish with both hands. But for right now a right-handed hook shot over his left shoulder seems to be his bread and butter.