December Top Performers of SWFL – First Five
With a number of Holiday Tournaments and fantastic matchups throughout the month of December, the SWFL high school basketball scene wrapped up an exciting year and is ready for 2024 and the ladder half of the season. Many teams competed…
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Continue ReadingWith a number of Holiday Tournaments and fantastic matchups throughout the month of December, the SWFL high school basketball scene wrapped up an exciting year and is ready for 2024 and the ladder half of the season. Many teams competed in tourneys, both locally and throughout the state, giving prospects the opportunity to display their skills to a whole another audience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the local players who filled the stat sheets this past month and who look to continue their strong play into the new year.
Marcus Kelley Jr.
Marcus Kelley Jr.
Kelley Jr., is a prospect that does a little bit of everything for his team. He can score in bunches, has great court vision, and rebounds the ball very well from the guard position. He is a shifty guard with a quick first step who can absorb contact and finish at the rim with both hands. Kelley Jr., has the ability knock down a three when needed, and also likes to move the ball around and create opportunities for his teammates. He’s a strong, tough defender who will be in your face for the entire possession. Kelley Jr., has multiple 20 point games this season, and seems to be flirting with triple-double numbers each game. He matched his season-high with a 29 point performance in the City of Palms Classic and also recorded a double-double in the prestigious tournament.
Newson averaged 21.4 ppg for the month of December, and scored in double-digits every game so far this season. The 6′ sophomore PG is a very smart player and fun to watch. He can take a game over and score at will on occasion, but really excels at getting to paint and creating shots for his teammates. He plays the game fast but under control and always has his eyes up, looking for the next playmaking opportunity. Newson is averaging 18.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, and 2.8 spg on the year, with 4+ 20 point games, and a season-high 26 points in a win over Ida Baker.
Highlights
Brady Knutson
Brady Knutson
The high-flying senior had a tremendous December after an early season injury. The 6’3″ SF is averaging 25.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and 2.2 apg, leading his Wildcats to 3-straight wins to close out 2023. He has scored 20+ points every time he’s taken the floor, with a season-high 32 points coming in a win over Immokalee, and his lowest scoring total being a 22 point and 5 rebound performance in a loss to FBA. Knutson is an above-average rebounder who can score from all 3-levels, and who likes to get the crowd involved with his multiple highlight reel dunks per game.
Konnor Vonhagen
Konnor Vonhagen
Vonhagen, a 3-sport athlete, has been the key piece to the Raiders success this season, leading them to a 5-3 record for the month of December. The 6’6″ forward has been producing all year for Riverdale, averaging 15.4 ppg and 11.3 rpg. He has recorded 6 double-doubles and four 20+ point games in 2023 and looks to build on those numbers as we head into the new year. He grabbed a season-high 16 boards in a win over Estero, and scored a season-high 23 points in a victory over Moore Haven, to go along with 12 boards he collected in the same contest. Look for Riverdale to lean on their senior prospect as they turn the corner and head into the second half of the season.
The 6’3′ CG has the ability to score 30 any given night. He’s led Gateway to one of the best records in the area (8-1), including 6-1 in December, and a 5-game win streak to close out 2023. Cook is an athletic, fast guard with a score first mentality, where he is very effective at getting to rim and finishing with contact. He’s a strong kid who can matchup with just about anybody on the court, and is an excellent 2-way player who plays very well in transition, creating offense from defense. Cook has recorded double-figures every game so far this year, including 34 in a win over Dunbar, and heads into 2024 averaging 25.8 ppg and 9.3 rpg.