Notebook: Florida Gulf Coast Camp
In this article:
I stopped over to the second session of the Florida Gulf Coast team camp on Saturday at Alico Arena.
Taking in a full slate of games, here is a look at the top performers.
Trinity Prep
In front of the FGCU coaching staff, 2022 5-10 guard Javon Bennett Javon Bennett 5'11" | CG Trinity Prep | 2022 State FL came out red hot against Southridge in an early evening tilt. He hit two corner 3’s that had some serious arc right in the face of a taller defender. In the second half, the defense made life tough on him with double teams and pressure but he continued to do well. Bennett is a gamer who can lead an offense with speed, IQ and scoring. Jacksonville and Stetson represent his two offers.
Charlotte
Expect a very nice season ahead for Charlotte after appearing in the Class 6A state semifinals a season ago. There are athletes and shooters aplenty here. 2023 6-6 guard John Gamble John Gamble 6'4" | SG Charlotte | 2023 FL continues to be a slasher and athletic finisher. He dunked quite a few times in an early morning tilt. His jump shot is coming along as well. 2022 5-11 guard Jordany Reyes Sanchez Jordany Reyes Sanchez 5'11" | PG Charlotte | 2022 State FL hit a game-winning mid-range jumper in that game at the buzzer. He is a speedy and purposeful lead guard.
Clearwater
The guard play for Clearwater is steady as it comes. 2022 pair CJ Lee CJ Lee 6'2" | CG Clearwater | 2022 State FL and AJ Wright AJ Wright 5'10" | CG Speights Academy | 2022 State FL are in sync and crafty as drivers to the hoop. Lee is a jumper at 6-1 and someone who can get up for dunks and sweet lay-ins. He is a leader by example. Wright, a 5-11 guard is equally as talented as a finisher with both hands and his burst and toughness are fun to watch.
Doral
For a second straight week, I came away flat out impressed by 5-11 guard Gabriel Hernandez Gabriel Hernandez 5'10" | PG Doral Academy | 2023 State FL . Leading the way for Doral in the absence of 2023 6-7 guard/forward Justin Johnson Justin Johnson 6'7" | PF Doral | 2023 #229 Nation FL (injury), Hernandez shined as a shooter, playmaker and floor pusher. He makes all the right reads and rarely gets rattled. He is strong in his lower and upper body and plays the game hard.
Admiral Farragut
Leading the charge for Admiral Farragut was 2022 6-3 guard Kamrin Oriol Kamrin Oriol 6'2" | PG Admiral Farragut | 2022 State FL . He has really taken the next step forward in his progression with his instinctive game and willingness to attack. A strong body and natural leader, Oriol is in for a banner senior campaign. 2022 6-5 guard Eric Ahlers (transfer from Northeast) was striking from deep at a high clip and is a very skilled shooter. 2024 6-9 forward Vuk Lazarevic Vuk Lazarevic 6'10" | PF Admiral Farragut | 2024 State FL certainly has a chance. He has a smooth jumper and long arms to mix it up on both ends. Holding an offer from Portland, he is just scratching the surface.
Miami Country Day
All the tools are there for Miami Country Day. 2023 6-6 guard Jasai Miles Jasai Miles 6'5" | CG Miami Country Day | 2023 State #241 Nation FL was rock solid. As always, he can shoot it, drive and kick and play hard-nosed defense. Miles is a true two-way performer and someone who continues to make strides. 2025 6-4 guard Shon Abaev is a flat-out good shooter. He has a rangy body who is going to be special with more seasoning. 2023 6-7 forward Cole McCabe Cole McCabe 6'7" | SF Miami Country Day | 2023 State FL had back to back chase-down blocks in the second half of a game against West Lake Prep. McCabe is an intruiging prospect.
Southridge
The core of South Miami moved over to Southridge. 2023 6-5 guard/forward Koree Cotton Koree Cotton 6'4" | SF Souhtridge | 2023 State FL was the top piece for this new look squad. He is a hard-nosed defender and a heck of a mid-range touch shooter and driver. Cotton is going to have a big junior year. 2023 6-3 guard Josh Middlebrooks Josh Middlebrooks 6'2" | PF Southridge | 2023 State FL hit a few long-range shots and took smart ones at that. 2023 6-4 guard Mister Dean is an unselfish and speedy athlete for this team. The third of the Dean brothers (Toru and Arturo), he is raw but dangerous out there on both ends of the floor.
Impact Christian
Two versatile 2023 forwards did their thing for Impact Christian in Jordan Mikell Jordan Mikell 6'7" | SF Impact Christian | 2023 FL and Issac Edwards. Mikell, a 6-5 forward finishes well around the rim and has a good mix of length and burst. Edwards is a bit stronger and at 6-4, he can push it in transition on his own and slam it down with power. Impact Christian should be a fun Class 2A squad once again.
Viera
A well-put-together unit, 2023 5-11 guard Justin Weatherspoon did the most as a scorer and facilitator. He sets up a lot with his driving ability and passing touch. 2022 6-1 guard Avery Keith Avery Keith 6'2" | PG Viera | 2022 State FL is a gifted shooter who can get going in a hurry. 2022 5-11 guard AJ Toney is a gifted mid-range shooter and transition pusher. This team is very active.
Lake Nona
2023 6-6 forward Grant Chamberlain is very fundamental. He can shoot it with confidence and is the clear-cut top versatile option for Lake Nona. I like Chamberlain’s ability to make the right decisions and score often. 2022 5-11 guard Keven Saint-Louis was a really good compliment as the point man for this team. He is a good ballhandler and an active shooter.
.@FGCU_MBB Team Camp:
2023 G Gabriel Hernandez Gabriel Hernandez 5'10" | PG Doral Academy | 2023 State FL is a talented point man and scorer. @Doral_Academy @DoralBoysBball pic.twitter.com/3KXBYpY2sT
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) June 19, 2021