Polk Hoops Shootout: Top Standouts
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With the high school basketball regular season nearly wrapped up, ten teams throughout the state of Florida met at Lakeland High School for the annual Polk Hoops Shootout on Saturday. Prep Hoops scout Andrew Johnson was in attendance to provide…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school basketball regular season nearly wrapped up, ten teams throughout the state of Florida met at Lakeland High School for the annual Polk Hoops Shootout on Saturday. Prep Hoops scout Andrew Johnson was in attendance to provide the tournament’s top standouts with instant takeaways.
The state championship linebacker completely took over the game in the fourth quarter and willed the Dreadnaughts to a 16-point comeback win. The 6’1, 230-pound combo guard finished with 17 points against a talented King High squad. Hardy displayed incredible strength and put back tenacity in the paint. A sneaky jumper that he uses at his disposal whenever teams collapse on the drive. Hardy has a promising career as a linebacker, but he’s also gifted on the hardwood.
Knaggs had an overall tremendous game and similar to Hardy, willed the Bloodhounds to victory on Saturday night. The 6’1, 180-pound senior guard recorded 17 points against Seminole High. He has a high motor and runs the floor well. Knaggs created his own shot in 1v1 isolations or scored during off ball scenarios. He plays the game aggressive and physical when driving to the basket. Really solid mid-range game and can shoot the three at an efficient clip. What was most impressive was Knaggs ability to get to the free throw line which majority of his points came.
Jayson Perry
Jayson Perry
Perry showed off a solid jumper from mid or three-point range. The 6’0 senior guard displayed hounding perimeter defense that caused turnovers and fast break opportunities. Perry along with his teammate, Kyle O’Hare Kyle O’Hare 6’6″ | PF Sickles | 2023 FL , combined to take control of the game for Sickles and close Lake Wales out. O’Hare did it all for Sickles: blocked shots, crashed the boards, and dominated on the offensive end. Came away impressed with the duo’s performance against a local and good basketball program.
Way is simply a ball player. He did everything for Seminole tonight, finishing with 18 points and 6 rebounds with countless effort plays. Way played multiple positions tonight while being the primary offensive scorer. The 6’4 junior has really high upside. Good jumper, physical at the rim and standouts with his hustle.
Even though Bass played on one of the more developed teams, he likely had the most upside from a prospect standpoint at the tournament. The freshman combo guard will be a phenom. Really good shooter from spot up or off the dribble. Displays high confidence for a young player which shows he puts in the work. High defensive awareness with untapped potential.