Gauntlet At The Gulf Day 1 Standouts

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The Prep Hoops Circuit’s second visit to Daytona is topping the first. With teams now in mid-season form, the flow of games is smoother, and the competition is higher. Day 1 is now in the books, so let’s unveil the day’s standouts.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1060262" first="Kyle" last="Jones"]<strong> | North Florida United 2023</strong></p> <p>Jones brings 6’2 size and a muscular frame to the basketball court. His above the rim athleticism and size helped him finish on the break. He made defensive plays in passing lanes and at the rim. The 2023 prospect scored as a cutter and off ball shooter in the halfcourt.</p> <p><strong>Ben Cahill | Jupiter Jaguars 2023</strong></p> <p>Cahill was one of the best off movement shooters in the gym. He runs off screens at full speed with the balance to stop on a dime and hoist a beautiful jumper over closeouts. He makes shots off side steps when defenses got in his space. The 6’ guard made tough layups when attacking his man.</p> <p><strong>Quamar Hobbs | G1 Sports 2023</strong></p> <p>G1 made choosing their top prospect of the day tough, with Hobbs, Ben Bailey, and Keon Snyder all having standout days. Bailey shot the cover of the ball early while getting to the basket and Snyder did the little things every single game to produce double digits points and multiple assists in each time out. Yet it’s Hobbs who earns the spotlight thanks to his two-way presence. The 6’5 forward has a high activity level that leads to boards on both ends of the floor. His bounce allows him to score in the paint and block shots on the other end. Hobbs continues to sharpen his shooting, especially in the midrange while flashing shooting from beyond the arc.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1457207" first="Nate" last="Boakye"]<strong> | G1 Sports 2024</strong></p> <p>G1’s 16U squad is in a similar situation with multiple high level performers, but it’s Boakye who steals the show thanks to his defense. He guards 94 feet and possesses the hips and quickness to stay in front of every guard that lines up with him. Steals and deflections came with ease as pressured ballhandlers. He turned those turnovers into transition points for himself and his teammates. He can run an offense in the halfcourt while using his quickness to get into the paint for looks at the rim and drive and kick opportunities for guys in the corner.</p> <p><strong>Mekhi Benn | MDBA BallGame Elite</strong></p> <p>Benn was an offensive hub for his team, with his ability to create offense for himself and others. He can get downhill to put pressure on the rim, but it’s the three point shooting that allows him to open up the game. Once the game becomes faster and free flowing, his passing takes over where he throws darts to cutting teammates for easy finishes.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1055718" first="Chris" last="Cornish"] <strong>| Athletes Of Influence 2024</strong></p> <p>Cornish dominated 16U once again, as no one has found an offense for the athletic 6’4 wing. He’s a terrific slasher with a soft touch around the rim and the power to throw it down at the rim. You always have to watch out for him on the offensive boards at this level. He averaged 30 points a game on day 1.</p> <p><strong>Max Gonzales | Team Trilogy 2024</strong></p> <p>Gonzales is a 6’3 guard with the shotmaking needed to space the floor. He has range just inside the college line. The 2023 prospect can make shots off the dribble and run the floor for easy looks. He’s not afraid to put the ball on the floor for drives to the cup.</p> <p><strong>Jeremiah Ways | No Sleep 2023</strong></p> <p>Ways played hard to produce for his team. The effort and athleticism he uses on the court lead to two-way production. He can cause offenses to scramble in the paint thanks to his 6’4 size and agility. On the offensive end, it helps him operate as a rim runner and cutter.</p> <p><strong>Joseph Gayle | Athletes Of Influence 2025</strong></p> <p>Gayle is earning a spot on the next 2025 rankings update thanks to above average athleticism and his ability to play with others. He doesn’t force offense but isn’t afraid to assert him in an offense when getting hot. He knocked down three threes, including two off the bounce. Gayle can go downhill and make plays for others. The 2025 prospect is a good defender, with all the physical tools to be disruptive on the ball and as a help defender.</p> <p><strong>Justin Squire | Jax Stangs 2024</strong></p> <p>Squire showed three level scoring potential with his 15 points game. He knocked down a corner three, a midrange pull up, and scored at the rim. The 2024 prospect has good size for the guard at 6’3. Several Stangs players are worth a shout out including knockdown shooter Ridge Patterson, next level athlete Dylan McCleod, and shotmaking our man Isaiah Bunso.</p> <p><strong>Damian Jones | Dream Team 2023</strong></p> <p>Armed with game changing speed, Jones changed the pace of the game every time he touched the ball. Few defenders could stay in front of him on the break where he carved defenses up for transition points. Jones has a solid handle, but it’s the way he uses it to get to his spots, coupled with his speed, that makes him dangerous.</p>