Mount Dora Christian Fall League Standouts

<p>This weekend I made the trip out to Mount Dora Christian academy for some fall league action. Although each team was missing several key players due to football, the games were competitive for the most part, and I still saw some solid talent.</p> <p>These are some of the players who stood out:</p> <p>C [player_tooltip player_id="1065445" first="Clarens" last="Pierre"] 6-8 Central Florida Christian (2022)</p> <p>Pierre look poised for a great season at CFCA. Against Mount Dora Christian he led the team in rebounding with at least a dozen to go along with 11 points. The big man battled hard in the post for offensive rebound put backs, and he caught an impressive two handed alley oop dunk. He also caught me by surprise knocking down a 3-pointer, something I had not previously seen him do.</p> <p>PG [player_tooltip player_id="829405" first="Nicholas" last="Rodriguez"] 6-0 Central Florida Christian (2022)</p> <p>Rodriguez lived in the passing lanes all game long for CFCA. He anticipates well, and that resulted In a handful of steals for the senior point guard. It appears that he has spent time in the weight room as is evident by his college ready body. Passing the ball Rodriguez was also impressive connecting with [player_tooltip player_id="546226" first="Jamar" last="Houston"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1065445" first="Clarens" last="Pierre"] for some highlight reel alley oop dunks.</p> <p>SG Felipe Oliveira 6-3 (2022), SG [player_tooltip player_id="955801" first="Antonio" last="Redding"] 6-1 Central Florida Christian Academy (2022)</p> <p>Oliviera is a player who caught my eye for the first time today. Last season he was more of a role player but if his play Saturday is any indication, he is in for a solid senior season. The wing moves well without the ball, doesn’t turn it over, and makes the right reads as far as when to pass and shoot. He knocked down shots when he was open, and took a lot of us by surprise when he crushed a two handed dunk in traffic.</p> <p>Redding has been on my radar for a while now. He sank a couple 3-pointers and made some strong moves to the basket. He is especially dangerous as a shooter off the catch, but also can get to the basket with a wide array of moves. There was a Division III school in the stands watching him that seemed to be impressed with his play.</p> <p>PF Kevin Frederick 6-5 Mount Dora Christian Academy (2023)</p> <p>It has been over a year since I saw Frederick play last, and he has improved dramatically. He was battling in the post all game long with 6-8 [player_tooltip player_id="1065445" first="Clarens" last="Pierre"] and more than held his own. He displayed the ability to face up and attack, and also knocked down at least two 3-pointers showing his prowess as a stretch 4. With a year left to work on his craft and get stronger, I could see the big man finding a spot on a college roster.</p> <p>SG [player_tooltip player_id="1161411" first="K’Von" last="Ragin"] 6-3 Mount Dora Christian Academy (2022)</p> <p>Ragin led a short handed MDCA in scoring against CFCA. He had multiple and-1s using his strong upper body to absorb contact. Passing the ball, he had a few impressive assists and it’s clear that he really understands the game. The wing rebounded especially well offensively and played hard the entire game. With MDCA losing quite a bit of scoring with [player_tooltip player_id="818709" first="Rodney" last="Bryant"] moving onto the college ranks (West Florida), I could see Ragin getting more touches as a senior.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>