Ocala area basketball standouts

Marion County may be on its way to producing more than football players. A four-star big man returned to his old stumping grounds, young guards continue to build a name for themselves, and a pair of wings had statement games this season. Let's get into the prospects.    Yeanay passes the eye test with flying colors. He's even better on the court with his ability to lead the break at 6'8, a great motor, and the feel to fit into a team with one practice under his belt. The junior showcases his athleticism, versatility, and ability to play out of the post as a face up forward and with his back to the basket. No one in the area can match him physically but his 6'6 football playing teammates, so all his production is coming from while being defended by two and three players.   Jermaine "Rockie" Jackson Jr.   Jackson is more of a football player, but his feel for scoring is undeniable. He doesn't need to dribble to get his shot and when he does, his straight line speed and physicality pay dividends. North Marion doesn't run the offense for him and he scores, anyway. He's a decisive drive and mid range shooter. Jackson finds opportunities to run the floor and draw fouls on drives.   JD Jackson   Jackson is a promising you guard with big time flashes. He's taken over stretches of games with his midrange jumper. As a lanky 6'1 freshman, he doesn't turn the ball over or look out of place with older players. He understands how to play on a team without forcing his action.Jackson is a high upside lead guard.   Aramys Rodriguez   Rodriguez is a big body 6'1 floor general. He controls every part of Dunnellon's offense from defensive rebounds to the final bucket. He's the team's leading rebounder, scorer, and assist man. His speed and nose for the ball to be a one man fastbreak. Rodriguez is a dynamic passer that can find the open man and create shots for others. He plays the at hectic pace but feels under control at all times. The junior scores in the half court with iso moves, midrange pull ups, and looks at the rim. His ability to bend the defense and create opportunities is his calling card.   Corey Johnson   Johnson just understands how to play the game. He is good at directing traffic off ball and hits stops up jumpers. He attacks closeouts and finishes with the floater. On the ball, he's a shot creator for himself and others. Corey doesn't blow by you with elite quickness. It's a lot of head fakes, timing, and understanding angles. His driving results in a ton of free throw trips. Johnson in averaging 19.5 points per game and gets to the line 7 time per game.    McCoy is a dynamic lead guard that can push the pace. He's looking to start the offense early for transition points and to pressure the defense. He can hit the three, pull up in the midrange, and score in transition. His control of the game is next level. He fills up the stat sheet with long rebounds, assists from his drive and kick game, and score on open looks. McCoy is an extension of the coach and has years of basketball knowledge from an older brother that played college ball.   P.S.: West Port sophomore deserves a mention on this list, Giovanni Wright. I wrote about him and a few more stock risers <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/01/5-stock-rising-performances-from-the-mlk-day-classic/">here</a>.

Marion County may be on its way to producing more than football players. A four-star big man returned to his old stumping grounds, young guards continue to build a name for themselves, and a pair of wings had statement games this season. Let's get into the prospects.