Bartow Fall Shootout: Preview and Notable Prospects (Part 1)

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One of the premier high school basketball events in the Polk County area has returned. The Bartow Fall Shootout is back for two days on Saturday and Sunday at Bartow High School and the Carver Recreation Center. The event is listed to feature around 22 games with over 15+ teams participating. Prep Hoops scout Drew Johnson will preview and attend the showcase to provide adequate coverage for our readers and college coaches.

Lake Region vs. Viera @ 9:00 a.m.

Thunder: 2022 (21-5)

*Polk Watch List:

Brenton Mckinney Allen | G | Class of 2024 | Lake Region | @BJ_mckinney2

2022 stats: 13.9 ppg | 1.4 rebounds

The two-sport athlete gets it done on both the gridiron and hardwood as he led Lake Region in points per game last season.

Victory vs. King @ 10:15 a.m.

VCA: 2022 (24-6)

*Polk County Edition: The class 2A Player of the Year and recent FAU commit, LJ Cason dominated his way to a District Championship title last season while averaging 27.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. Cason has been praised by Victory Christian’s head coach Steve Fitzgerald as the leader of the team and someone who can affect the game even without scoring the rock.

Don’t sleep:

One of the deadlier snipers in the state behind the arc will look to have a big-time senior season to raise his stock for potential college offers.

KING: 2022 (18-10)

Jabriel Hakeem | CG | Class of 2024 | King | @Jabriiel1

Hakeem is set up to lead the Lions after a solid 18-10 season last year. He scored 15.0 points while contributing 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. King lost some firepower on offense but still looked solid playing in a spring tournament that I watched. Eager to see how the coaching staff game plans around Hakeem for this season.

Sebring vs Charlotte @ 11:30 a.m.

Charlotte: 2022 (16-14)

*Under the Radar Prospects:

Chris Cornish | CG | Class of 2024 | Charlotte | @jamil_chris

Cornish has done nothing but raise his stock with consistent performances during the AAU session. A high-motor team player who can score off pure athleticism and physicality. Still growing and could put on more size while keeping his explosive demeanor. Finishes everything strong around the rim and always looking to cut to the basket.

Sebring: 2022 (15-8)

*Polk Watch List:

2022 stats: 9.7 ppg | 5.3 rebounds | 4.5 blocks

Lewis is a lengthy forward prospect standing at 6-foot-10 with good athletic ability and defensive instincts as he racked up nearly five blocks per game last season.

Winter Haven vs. King @ 12:45 p.m.

WH Blue Devils: 2022 (27-5)

*Polk Watch List:

Celiscar could be the most promising recruit listed in Polk’s Edition of the Player of the Year. His overall game is already developed enough to contribute at the next level but the junior even has another year to continue improving. The class 7A Player of the Year led the Winter Haven Blue Devils to a District Championship while averaging 16.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He can score the rock in a variety of ways: natural shooting stroke with an understanding of how to use his length to his advantage. Holds offers from USF, FAU, and Yale but expect the big-time schools to become interested.

Don’t sleep:

Phillips averaged 6.0 assists per game combined with 16.1 points per game and 6.3 rebounds. A do-it-all type of player who can score effectively in the pick-and-roll offense and create plays with his vision.

Bartow vs Osceola @ 2:00 p.m.

Bartow (14-13)

Thompson is a reliable three-point shooter and can score around the rim if needed.

8.8 points | 2.7 rebounds

Don’t sleep:

Wiggins was a standout at the last Bartow Mosaic, earning the game MVP in one of the Yellow Jackets matchups. He has a good motor and stays active on the boards. Wiggins also has a good game around the rim and scores in transition.

Jayson Williams | F | Class of 2024 | Bartow | @certifiedjay014

Two-way star that balls on both the gridiron and the hardwood.

12.5 points | 8.5 rebounds