Proving Grounds: Day 2 Standouts (17U)

The Prep Hoops Circuit continues after another successful weekend in Tampa. Take a look at some of the names that stood out in the 17U division from the Proving Grounds.

Yohandry Ortiz – 6’5 Wing/Forward – SWFL Hoops Inc. 

Ortiz is an emerging presence on the wing to keep an eye on with SWFL Hoops Inc. He showed off a knack for getting to his spots as a downhill threat and was quite the floor space as he went off for five made 3-pointers in an early morning victory on Sunday. He’s a lengthy sharpshooter with upside as a rim-runner as well.

Rodney Vilsaint – 6’3 Guard/Wing – Team Trilogy 2023

Vilsaint was an impressive name in the Team Trilogy 2023 rotation at the Proving Grounds and really found his stride on Day 2. He knocked down 24 points in their final game with 15 coming in the first half to set quite the tone with his ability to create off the bounce and on the perimeter.

Christian White – 6’2 Guard – KU Elite 2023 (2022)

White is an unsigned senior that’s bouncing back from injury and had quite the game shooting the ball on the perimeter to open things up for KU Elite 2023 on Day 2. He knocked down five 3-pointers to the tune of 20 points to show off his ability to create in space with and without the ball in his hands.

Timarion Bardwell – 6’3 Guard – Building Good Habits 2023 (2022)

Bardwell was quite the creator for Building Good Habits 2023 backcourt on Sunday at the Proving Grounds. He went off for 33 points, showing off his ability to get to the free-throw line, knock down shots on the perimeter and finish strong in traffic as an unsigned senior prospect. He’s a name with potential to keep an eye on this summer.

Carl Monplaisir Carl Monplaisir 6'3" | SF Vero Beach | 2022 State FL – 6’4 Forward – Building Good Habits 2023 (2022)

Monplaisir used his 6-foot-4 frame well at the forward spot for Building Good Habits 2023 as they closed things out with a 3-1 record. He’s a prospect that showed he can operate in the post and make things happen around the rim on both ends after finishing with 17 points in their final victory. He utilized his strength/size well in the frontcourt.

Jimar Franklin – 6’4 Forward – NEB Elite 2023

Franklin was back on the Prep Hoops Circuit stage after earning game-changing honors in Daytona Beach. He was a relentless presence once again around the rim on both ends as he finished with 25 points in their final game at the Proving Grounds. He’s an energy prospect worth a look in Florida’s 2023 class.

Tajiri Green – 6’0 Guard – Athletes of Influence 2023 Stewart

Green was a high-level defender and downhill threat that made waves in the backcourt for Athletes of Influence 2023 Stewart. He showed off his ability to create turnovers and make plays in the paint for himself and others. He’s a name to track with AOI with an ability to make things happen on both ends of the floor.

Max Sims Max Sims 6'5" | SG Jesuit | 2023 State FL – 6’5 Forward/Wing – Pro Holmes Skills Academy Navy

Sims is an intriguing prospect with an ability to knock down shots on the perimeter and operate in the post defensively. He was dialed in from deep as he knocked down four 3-pointers apiece across two victories on Sunday. He’s a sharpshooter with potential with this squad. 

Justin Kruszewski Justin Kruszewski 5'11" | SG East Lake | 2023 State FL – 6’1 Shooting Guard – Pro Holmes Skills Academy Navy

Kruszewski was another top shooting threat with Pro Holmes Skills Academy Navy. He knocked down five 3-pointers in their final victory against Florida Elite SW 2023 as he showed off his ability to knock down shots on the perimeter with the ball in his hands. He plays his role well for a sizeable Pro Holmes Skills Academy squad.