Notable Tuesday Night Game-Changers
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What a way to kick off high school Prep’s coverage with one of the top games of the week going down in Polk County. Two local state-runner-ups in Winter Haven and Victory Christian went head-to-head in an early regular season…
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Continue ReadingWhat a way to kick off high school Prep’s coverage with one of the top games of the week going down in Polk County. Two local state-runner-ups in Winter Haven and Victory Christian went head-to-head in an early regular season matchup to get a feel for how the season may go. WH pulled out the win 96-79 and there were some standouts on both sides. This article will highlight the featured game and list a few other standouts from Tuesday night’s slate of games. Let’s get into it!
It was great to get eyes on Celiscar after interviewing the young man who recently committed to play for Yale University. This kid is Power 5 material on the ball court and should have early production at the Ivy League level. He plays the game with ferocious energy to crash the boards, play solid defense, and score at will near the basket or in transition. The way he hustles when he misses his shot to follow it with a rebound put back was eye-opening. A decent shooter who made all his free throws. Showed great leadership tendencies from warm-ups.
This kid has been circled on my breakout list since he put on a show at the Prep Hoops Freshman event before the season. Delancy is a rising 2027 combo guard that is a pure scorer with the rock in his hands who can pull from deep three range and catch defenders off guard with the sneaky handles and speed to get to his spots. He helped the Gladiators improve to 5-1 with a 93-65 victory over Boca Ciega. Delancy scored 27 points while adding 4 steals on the defensive side.
The FAU commit is known in the city for his ability to simply take over a game for VCA as he’s done for the past two seasons. Last night was a big-time early season matchup for Cason and his squad who made it to the 2A state championship game a season ago. Cason can do it all on the hardwood hints to his major in-state recruitment. A great young man on and off the court with a bright future. He impacted the game in all phases last night but mainly by drawing in the defense where he could kick it out to teammates. Early test for Cason who will only remember this matchup for motivation as the year progresses.
Highlights
This kid is the definition of BIG GUARD U. Stetson University has a gem coming their way as Phillips is a true threat on the hardwood because of his frame, IQ, and overall skill set. Victory attempted to double him on the wing throughout the night but he handled the game plan with ease. He found teammates, worked the baseline, and scored in transition. He also brings the ball up a lot to initiate the offense. High upside for Phillips who will contribute early at the next level.
Dev Ossinac
Dev Ossinac
The 5-9 senior combo guard came up big for Lake Wales who earned its first win of the season in a 51-49 defeat over Davenport (3-3). Ossinac scored 11 points with 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 defensive steals to add. LW picked up its first win but more importantly, it was an early district matchup against the Broncos. He has a decent game where he likes to drive and dish the rock near the basket, but he also has a good jump shot which he uses to rack up points.
Isaiah Gonzalez
Isaiah Gonzalez
The New York native had his breakout game in the Sunshine State on Tuesday as he dropped 20 points in a 65-50 win over Hardee. He’s starting to find his confidence and groove with the Dragons as he’s a 5-8 point guard prospect who lights it up in the scoring column. Good game for Gonzalez and I will be keeping an eye on his progression throughout the season.
I continue to be impressed with Lanier’s overall game and development since watching him a season ago. He’s still growing into his build and seemingly has a longer frame each time I see him. His hustle and love for the game is obvious when watching him take the floor. The definition of a do-it-all player who can guard multiple positions and score with a variety of tools. For sure a riser in the Polk area that deserves college attention. He provided all he could on Tuesday and really picked it up in the second half with transition points and defensive prowess.
Highlights
Eric Dailey
Eric Dailey
Shooter!! That’s what opposing defenders yell out before grabbing the ball out of the net. This kid was lights out last night and someone I didn’t even have on my list heading into the game. That’s why it’s important to be present at these games because the hidden gems are there for you to find. Dailey gave Winter Haven a needed early game spark with hot shooting from behind the arc and some strong finishes near the rim.