Gateway Slamuary Invitational: First Team
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Saturday marked the third and final day of Gateway High School’s Slamuary Invitational in Fort Myers, Florida. Prep Hoops Scout Riley is here to recap the first, second and third teams full of the top performers from all three days.…
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Continue ReadingSaturday marked the third and final day of Gateway High School’s Slamuary Invitational in Fort Myers, Florida. Prep Hoops Scout Riley is here to recap the first, second and third teams full of the top performers from all three days.
Even with the tenacious Cypress Lake defense, there were moments Gogic connected on shots that I just couldn’t wrap my head around. It didn’t matter if he was double-teamed or not, Gogic is a shot-maker through and through with his nifty footwork and space creation. But when he’s not making near impossible buckets, there is a under-the-radar playmaking trait along with it, always looking to get the best scoring opportunity possible for the Ascenders.
Highlights
While Ochan made my defensive standouts list following day one, it was his abilities on the other end that stood out on Saturday. Still showing his lockdown defense against IMG on Saturday, racking up multiple steals from jumping passing lanes on the perimeter, the sophomore comes with a complete offensive game to complement it. Ochan can get to the basket at will with his explosive first step, mixed with a high arching floater and strong finishing game makes it a tall task containing the guard.
CJ Kerr
CJ Kerr
There was a play in Parrish’s game against Cape Coral that truly showed the kind of player CJ Kerr is. In the first quarter, the senior guard forced a steal, chased after it to save the loose ball before it went out of bounds by flipping it behind his back, and proceeded to sprint the length of the floor for a tough lay-up. And while the lights-out shooting is evident, winning plays like that is why Kerr is a problem on the basketball court. On top of this, Kerr can really dish it out, with the ability to hit his guys in stride on backdoor cuts or transition for easy baskets.
Throughout the weekend, Newson’s pure athletic ability became more impressive the more I watched. Able to go the length of the floor in four dribbles or less with blistering speed and a verticality that allows him to take off from the free-throw line, there is no stopping Newson in transition. His fearless nature and confidence to shoot it well beyond the arc makes the freshman an offensive juggernaut from anywhere on the floor. In the Seahawks win over Parrish Community, the guard scored from all over the court to finish with 22 points including 10 in the fourth quarter.
Highlights
Jayden Jones
Jayden Jones
There is no denying just how elite of a slasher Jones is. The 6-6 frame and pure athleticism forces defenses to think twice when he gets a head of steam, but Jones two-way potential showed on Saturday. Tasked with matching up against Luka Gogic Luka Gogic 6’6″ | SG IMG Academy | 2023 IL , who was averaging over 20 points through two games, Jones made things tough for the scoring machine. On the offensive end, Jones can also create offense for himself and others, always looking to make the extra pass for an open look.