December Top Performers of SWFL – Second Five
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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 up the stat sheets this past month and who look to continue their strong play into the new year.
Adrian Llamo
Adrian Llamo
The junior PG has tremendous knowledge of the game and is a true floor general on the court for his Golden Eagles. He’s a team first guy who does whatever is asked of him, and is constantly working on his game. Llamo has great court vision and is always looking to get his teammates involved, and is deadly from behind the arc, where he shoots the 3-ball at an extremely high rate. Defensively, he is a strong, quick guard who likes to pressure the ball and force turnovers. The shorter guard has no problem finishing at the basket with contact, and is very efficient from the line. Llamo impressed me most in a back and forth game with Estero where he connected on seven 3’s and scored a game-high 23 points to give Naples the victory.
Brendan Overbaugh
Brendan Overbaugh
Overbaugh has had a tremendous start for Oasis this year, averaging 16.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 2.2 apg. He has helped lead this much improved Sharks squad to a 10-3 overall record, including 6-straight wins to close out 2023. The 6′ junior is a solid 2-way player who handles the ball well, and is an above-average rebounder on both ends of the floor. Overbaugh isn’t afraid to get to the hole, but compliments it nicely with a smooth outside shot. He has four 20+ point games this season, including multiple double-doubles. He recorded a season-high 27 points in a win over Ida Baker. Look for Overbaugh and his team to build on their early season success and continue their solid play into 2024.
This 6’6″ CG isn’t afraid to bang down low, he can beat you in the paint or from the outside. Rodriguez is solid in the post, but also has a quick first step which allows him to get by the smaller guards and create mismatches. Not only can he score at the rim with both hands but has an above-average mid-range game, and can knock down the 3-ball consistently. With his size and athleticism he is able to guard any position, and is a double-double machine for FBA. He’s averaging 21.8 ppg, 13 rpg, and 1.5 apg, with a season-high of 27 points coming in a huge victory over Lehigh, where he knocked down the game winner with seconds to go. Look for Rodriguez to continue to lead his FBA squad in 2024, after a 10-1 start and an undefeated month of December.
Highlights
Riverasoto has had a great start to his senior campaign. The 5’9″ guard knows the game very well and is a true leader for his Gulf Coast squad. He has tremendous court vision and likes to play with the ball in his hands, facilitating the offense. Riverasoto is a quick, shifty guard who can score in bunches. He can beat you off the dribble and get to the paint to create, or pull-up and knock down the jumper when needed, but where he can really hurt you is from deep, as he scores from behind the arc at a very high-rate. He has multiple double-digit scoring games and recorded a season-high 22 points in a matchup with Naples earlier this year. Look for him to continue his hot start as the Sharks gear up for the second half of the season.