Preview: 5th Annual Sun Bash Tampa

The 5th annual Sun Bash Tampa is set to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 28 - Thursday, Dec. 30 at Northside Christian in St. Pete, Florida. Launched in the 2017-18 season, the Sun Bash has been the home to some of the top talent in the state of Florida.

147 prospects have gone on to the next level to play college basketball. 47 of them have participated at the Division I level with four being selected in the NBA Draft, including 2020 No. 1 overall selection Anthony Edwards (Holy Spirit Prep (Ga.)/Georgia), Josh Green (No. 18 overall - 2020), Jaden Springer (No. 28 overall - 2021) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (No. 32 overall - 2021).

This year’s Sun Bash teams are a combined 94-31 with North Broward Prep (9-0) and Olympia (8-0) both still undefeated.

Schedule:

Dec. 28: Berkeley Prep vs. East Lake, 10 a.m.; Calvary Christian vs. Auburndale, 11:30; Bradenton Southeast vs. Winter Haven, 1; Alonso vs. St. Petersburg, 2:30; Riviera Beach Suncoast vs. Clearwater, 4; Bishop Snyder vs. North Broward, 5:30; Southwest Florida Christian vs. Northside Christian, 7; Orlando Olympia vs. Choctaw, 8:30

Dec. 29: Winter Haven vs. North Broward, 10 a.m.; Berkeley Prep vs. Southwest Florida Christian, 11:30; Bradenton Southeast vs. Riviera Beach Suncoast, 1; Choctaw vs. Bishop Snyder, 2:30; East Lake vs. Alonso, 4; Auburndale vs. Northside Christian, 5:30; Clearwater vs. Calvary Christian, 7; Orlando Olympia vs. St. Petersburg, 8:30

Dec. 30: Riviera Beach Suncoast vs. Choctaw, 10 a.m.; Southwest Florida Christian vs. Alonso, 11:30; Auburndale vs. Bradenton Southeast, 1; Bishop Snyder vs. Orlando Olympia, 2:30; North Broward vs. Clearwater, 4; St. Petersburg vs. Winter Haven, 5:30; Northside Christian vs. Berkeley Prep, 7; Calvary Christian vs. East Lake, 8:30

Players To Watch by Team:

Alonso (6-1)

The Tampa based Ravens have won six in a row and have a nice mix in place with 2022 6-4 G Trent Scott Trent Scott 6'4" | CG Alonso | 2022 State FL at the forefront. The Morehead State signee is joined by 2023 6-11 big man Cole Gingeleski Cole Gingeleski 6'11" | C Alonso | 2023 State FL who is healthy and really maturing inside. 2023 6-1 G Matthias Donaldson Matthias Donaldson 6'0" | PG Alonso | 2023 FL is a versatile piece alongside them.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: St. Pete (Dec. 28 - 2:30 PM), East Lake (Dec. 29 - 4 PM) and Southwest Florida Christian (Dec. 30 - 11:30 AM).

Auburndale (6-3)

Auburndale is one of the top programs in Polk County over the last few years. The Bloodhounds opened the season 5-0 before losing to in-town rival and fellow Sun Bash team Winter Haven, 48-43 on Dec. 14. 2023 6-1 G Kervin Knaggs Kervin Knaggs 6'1" | PG Auburndale | 2023 State FL sets the tone with his high IQ point guard play. 2023 6-8 forward Nehemiah Turner Nehemiah Turner 6'8" | PF Auburndale | 2023 State FL plays with so much passion and hustle inside. Also, 2024 6-1 G Jameson Young is a blazing fast athlete and 2022 6-3 G Jaylen Scarborough has been a fast starter this season.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Calvary Christian (Dec. 28 - 11:30 AM), Northside Christian (Dec. 29 - 5:30 PM), Bradenton Southeast (Dec. 30 - 1 PM)

Berkeley Prep (3-2)

The Buccaneers are a sound group each and every year. With 2023 6-1 G George Kimble III George Kimble III 6'2" | CG Berkeley Preparatory | 2023 State FL transferring in from Brooks DeBartolo, Berkeley Prep has a true lead guard and playmaker at the helm. Holding an offer from USF, the future is bright for the no non-sense point man. 2022 6-6 F CJ Hawkins CJ Hawkins 6'7" | SF Berkeley Prep | 2022 State FL (Stanford football commit) returns from a deep state run with the football team. He is a dangerous weapon inside and out.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: East Lake (Dec. 28 - 10 AM), Southwest Florida Christian (Dec. 29 - 11:30 AM), Northside Christian (Dec. 30 - 7 PM)

Bishop Snyder (3-5)

The Cardinals lost two games to out of town teams at a Thanksgiving tourney to start the campaign. As for the other three losses, they came against Riverside, Providence and Central Florida Christian, who own a combined 23-7 record. Bishop Snyder has the guns to hang with just about anybody. 2022 6-3 G Jalen Gilmore Jalen Gilmore 6'3" | CG Bishop Snyder | 2022 State FL is a true floor general and an underrated one at that (offer from NC A&T). 2022 6-4 G Moise Balungu Moise Balungu 6'4" | SF Bishop Snyder | 2022 State FL is a physical presence while 2022 6-9 F Manok Lual Manok Lual 6'8" | PF Bishop Snyder | 2022 State FL and 2022 6-1 G Nick Lowery Nick Lowery 6'2" | SG Bishop Snyder | 2022 State FL can hurt you defensively.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: North Broward Prep (Dec. 28 - 5:30 PM), Choctaw (Dec. 29 - 2:30 PM), Olympia (Dec. 30 - 2:30 PM)

Calvary Christian (9-2)

Always a hard working and in-sync group, Calvary Christian knocked off SIAA powerhouse Central Pointe Christian on Monday morning in Ocala. The Warriors have one of the most hard nosed point guards you’ll see in the state in 2024 6-0 athlete Daniel MacGregor Daniel MacGregor 5'11" | PG Clearwater Calvary Christian | 2024 State FL . He simply doesn’t back down from anyone. 2022 6-3 G Trevor Parks Trevor Parks 6'4" | CG Clearwater Calvary Christian | 2022 State FL is the team’s most gifted shooter while 2023 6-0 G Dom Sarigumba and 2024 6-1 G Jordan Lanier Jordan Lanier 6'4" | PG Victory Christian | 2024 State FL do a lot of the dirty work for this squad.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Auburndale (Dec. 28 - 11:30 AM), Clearwater (Dec. 29 - 7 PM), East Lake (Dec. 30 - 8:30 PM)

Choctaw (3-6)

The top five scorers from last year’s Class 5A state semifinal team have all graduated and Choctaw lost 2022 6-3 key transfer Kion Hayes Kion Hayes 6'3" | CG Choctaw | 2022 State FL (via Fort Walton Beach) to a knee injury before the season. 2024 6-9 guard/forward Asa Newell Asa Newell 6'8" | PF Montverde Academy | 2024 State #29 Nation FL is coming along nicely and really locked in. He holds offers from Alabama, Wake Forest, Arkansas, UF, Oklahoma State and more right now. His brother, 2022 6-8 forward Jaden Newell Jaden Newell 6'8" | PF Choctaw | 2022 State FL is a banger inside while 2022 6-7 Elijah Johnson Elijah Johnson 6'7" | PF Choctaw | 2022 State FL does more of the same and 2023 5-11 G Jayce Brown Jayce Brown 6'0" | PG Choctaw | 2023 FL handles the rock with purpose.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Olympia (Dec. 28 - 8:30 PM), Bishop Snyder (Dec. 29 - 2:30 PM), Dec. 30 (Suncoast - 10 AM)

Clearwater (2-2)

A run and gun type team, Clearwater never goes down easy. The Tornadoes feature 2022 6-1 G C.J. Lee (Western Carolina football commit), who can flat out fly and hurt you on both ends of the court. 2022 6-3 G Michael McLaughlin Michael McLaughlin 6'3" Clearwater | 2022 FL has gotten stronger and his jumper is steady. 2024 6-2 G Nicho Simes Nicho Simes 5'10" | PG Clearwater | 2024 FL is an x-factor who can handle the rock and get up and down the floor.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Suncoast (Dec. 28 - 4 PM), Calvary Christian (Dec. 29 - 7 PM), North Broward (Dec. 30 - 4 PM)

East Lake (8-1)

The Eagles are always a fun and floor stretching squad. They started the season 6-0. 2023 6-0 guard Henry Hurst Jr. Henry Hurst Jr. 6'0" | CG East Lake | 2023 State FL is the glue for this young team. He carries the rock, attacks the rim and plays tough defense. 2023 6-0 guard Justin Kruszewski Justin Kruszewski 5'11" | SG East Lake | 2023 State FL is shooting a high clip to open the year while 2022 6-2 G Noah Chatman Noah Chatman 6'1" | CG East Lake | 2022 State FL can flat out fly down the floor with his track and field hops.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Berkeley Prep (Dec. 28 - 10 AM), Alonso (Dec. 29 - 4 PM), Calvary Christian (Dec. 30 - 8:30 PM)

North Broward Prep (9-0)

One of two undefeated teams in this year’s Sun Bash, North Broward Prep is making noise down south once again this season. 2023 6-8 F Guilherme Tesch Guilherme Tesch 6'8" | SF North Broward Prep | 2023 FL is currently the Eagles’ leading scorer with 17.9 PPG. 2022 6-9 F Justin Abson Justin Abson 6'9" | PF North Broward Prep | 2022 State #230 Nation FL (Appalachian State commit) is a constant double double while 2022 6-1 G Michael Kalina Michael Kalina 6'0" | PG North Broward Prep | 2022 State FL has been a major leader as a ballhandler and finisher after transferring in from Boca Raton. 2022 6-5 G Adren Roberts Adren Roberts 6'5" | SG Somerset Canyons | 2022 State FL and 2022 6-2 G Maximus Fuentes Maximus Fuentes 6'2" | CG North Broward Prep | 2022 State FL are talented pieces as well.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Bishop Snyder (Dec. 28 - 5:30 PM), Winter Haven (Dec. 29 - 10 AM), Clearwater (Dec. 30 - 4 PM)

Northside Christian (5-1)

With a roster of only eight players, Northside Christian has been playing impressive basketball out of the gates. 2023 6-2 G Tobias Gunter Tobias Gunter 6'3" | CG Northside Christian | 2023 State FL has been the best consistent offensive threat thus far. 2023 6-0 G Hayden McCain Hayden McCain 6'0" | CG Northside Christian | 2023 FL is a keen shooter while 2023 5-10 G Skyler Scull Skyler Scull 5'10" | PG Northside Christian | 2023 State FL can hurt you with his handles and finishing ability.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Southwest Florida Christian (Dec. 28 - 7 PM), Auburndale (Dec. 29 - 5:30 PM), Berkeley Prep (Dec. 30 - 7 PM)

Olympia (8-0)

The other undefeated squad in the Sun Bash this year, Olympia has been flat out imposing to start the season. The Titans upended Orlando Christian Prep in the second game of the year. 2023 6-2 G Edgerrin "Jizzle" James is scoring in bunches and carries this team night in and night out. He holds offers from Georgetown and FGCU. Length is on the side of Olympia with 2022 6-5 F Clodner Pierre Clodner Pierre 6'6" | PF Olympia | 2022 State FL , 2023 F Jackson Outlaw Jackson Outlaw 6'8" | SF Olympia | 2023 State FL and 2023 6-5 F Kevins Charles Kevins Charles 6'5" | SF Olympia | 2023 State FL all making plays often.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Choctaw (Dec. 28 - 8:30 PM), St. Petersburg (Dec. 29 - 8:30 PM), Bishop Snyder (Dec. 30 - 2:30 PM)

Southeast (5-2)

The Bradenton area Seminoles have been strong this season 2022 6-3 G Karmani Gregory Karmani Gregory 6'0" | CG Southeast | 2022 State FL (transfer from Braden River). He has really come into his own this season after a nice AAU summer. He can shoot, dish and finish well. 2022 6-0 G Malik Banks Malik Banks 5'11" Southeast | 2022 FL is a nice backcourt partner with his ability to handle the rock and drive. 2023 6-1 G Aaron Barton Aaron Barton 6'1" | SG Southeast | 2023 FL compliments both of them in a variety of ways. Starting off the season 4-0, Southeast’s two losses have come by a combined two points to Sarasota Riverview and Lakeland.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Winter Haven (Dec. 28 - 1 PM), Suncoast (Dec. 29 - 1 PM), Auburndale (Dec. 30 - 1 PM)

Southwest Florida Christian (6-3)

One of the top teams in Class 2A and the Southwest Florida area, Southwest Florida Christian has 2022 6-1 G Jaylen White at the helm. He is a gamer who can win games with his high IQ passing and shooting touch. 2022 6-0 G Joshua Rogosich Joshua Rogosich 6'0" | SG SWFL Christian | 2022 State FL is a dangerous shooter while 2023 6-5 G Eiram Ceuvas and 2023 6-1 G Yadniel Sanabria can both score in a hurry.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Northside Christian (Dec. 28 - 7 PM), Berkeley Prep (Dec. 29 - 11:30 AM), Alonso (Dec. 30 - 11:30 AM)

St. Pete (7-1)

The lone loss of the season for St. Pete came against Norland, 52-44 in Orlando early this month. St. Pete has earned steady scoring from 2023 6-5 G Tristan Gross Tristan Gross 6'4" | CG St. Pete | 2023 State #194 Nation FL , a transfer from Calvary Christian and 2022 6-5 G Derrick Mitchell Derrick Mitchell 6'5" | CG St. Pete | 2022 State FL , a transfer from Tampa Catholic. Gross is a very gifted shooter and slasher who holds offers from Wake Forest, USF, FGCU and SMU with plenty more to come. He has matured over the last year in a major way and continues to become a gifted a ballhandler and strong finisher. Mitchell can hurt you at the rim at both ends of the floor with lots of speed and is for sure a college prospect. 2024 6-3 G Kenyon Clarkson Kenyon Clarkson 6'3" | CG St. Pete | 2024 FL , 2023 6-1 G Sam Ducksworth Sam Ducksworth 6'1" | CG St. Pete | 2023 State FL and 2023 5-10 Marquris Curry are all key contributors.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Alonso (Dec. 28 - 2:30 PM), Olympia (Dec. 29 - 8:30 PM), Winter Haven (Dec. 30 - 5:30 PM)

Suncoast (5-1)

The Chargers have a very energetic and talented trio in place in: 2024 6-0 G Stone Bureau Stone Bureau 6'0" | PG Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale | 2024 State FL , 2023 6-6 G/F Nate Sasser Nate Sasser 6'6" | SG Suncoast | 2023 State #207 Nation FL and 2024 6-8 F Ian Smikle Ian Smikle 6'9" | C Suncoast | 2024 State FL . Bureau has matured over the last year and is a locked-in attacker. Sasser has offers out from USF and FGCU and can hurt you in the blink of an eye with his length and athleticism. Smikle is a banger and a gifted finisher at his size.

Opponents at the Sun Bash: Clearwater (Dec. 28 - 4 PM), Bradenton Southeast (Dec. 29 - 1 PM), Choctaw (Dec. 30 - 10 AM)

Winter Haven (9-2)

Winter Haven has only one loss to a Florida program in Tampa Catholic this season. The other loss came to a Oregon program out in a tournament in Washington this past week. A young and gifted trio lead the charge for the Blue Devils: 2023 6-8 G/F Dylan James Dylan James 6'8" | SF The Rock | 2023 State #48 Nation FL , 2024 6-6 G Isaac Celiscar Isaac Celiscar 6'6" | SG Winter Haven | 2024 State #263 Nation FL and 2024 6-5 G Jamie Phillips Jamie Phillips 6'5" | CG Winter Haven | 2024 State FL . James has offers from Miami, Alabama, UF, USF, VCU and more due to his length and all-around upside. Celiscar is a gritty and long bodied slasher. Phillips leads the offense with his ballhandling and outside shot.