Florida Grassroots – Team Preview: NightRydas Elite
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We all know Cameron Boozer Cameron Boozer 6'9" | PF Columbus | 2025 State #2 Nation FL and Cayden Boozer Cayden Boozer 6'5" | PG Columbus | 2025 State #28 Nation FL are the headliners of NightRydas Elite, but as…
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Continue ReadingWe all know Cameron Boozer Cameron Boozer 6'9" | PF Columbus | 2025 State #2 Nation FL and Cayden Boozer Cayden Boozer 6'5" | PG Columbus | 2025 State #28 Nation FL are the headliners of NightRydas Elite, but as grassroots seasons kicks into high gear, we’re shining the light on the supporting cast that will help them close out games and have a successful circuit.
Benny Fragela Benny Fragela 5’11” | SG Columbus | 2025 State FL is first up. The team’s sharpshooter, Fragela averaged just under 40% from deep last season and plays off the Boozer twins extremely well. With his 6’5” frame, Fragela has the length to be a serviceable two-way player also. Whether it’s drawing up out-of-bounds plays for Fragela or having him come off screens, his off-ball movement frees him up for open looks that he converts at a high level. Fragela has the green light above the arc and makes opposing teams pay.
Another great floor spacer with multi-level scoring ability is Dante Allen Dante Allen 6’5″ | SF Riviera Prep | 2025 State #57 Nation FL . Though he plays more off the ball with NightRydas, Allen also has the skills and playmaking ability to be a lead guard when called upon but can take over a game offensively too. His smooth jumper was on display all over the court last year and will continue to allow him to put up points that lead to success in the win column. With a very fluid motion in his jumper and a high release point, Allen has shown his shot making ability is a key part of his teams’ success, but don’t sleep on his slashing and finishing at the rim.
Next up is Alex Lloyd. Though his frame is slight, he knows how to operate in the paint and float into that short corner for a drop off pass and play to his strengths. More of a slasher, Lloyd has shown a great ability to take the punishment and still finish in the paint with either hand. His package of finishing moves at the rim always keep a defender guessing. Lloyd’s basketball IQ is on display as he moves around the court and finds his creases to get open. Boozer finds him easily on high-low action just based on Lloyd’s movement without the ball. Don’t let his bucket getting around the basket fool you though, Lloyd can stretch the floor as well and shoot it with confidence from behind the arc. Finding that next level this year on the circuit will help immensely in the win column as well as expanding his profile.
A two-sport athlete, with basketball in his blood, Dwayne Wimbley Dwayne Wimbley 6’6″ | SG Dillard | 2025 State #175 Nation FL Jr. brings a 6’6” frame and great hands. Whether he’s receiving a lob for a finish at the rim or a bullet pass behind the arc for a look at the deep ball, Wimbley Jr. does a great job corralling the ball and going to work. His jumper pulls to the right a bit, but he still hits at a high clip due to the work he puts in to get open before the catch. Wimbley Jr. remains in constant motion orbiting around the Boozer twins and taking advantage of looks when they arrive for him.
NightRydas Elite will surely have some highlights again this season. Now you know who to keep an eye on to get a feel for the flow of the game and to see how the staff is developing their talent. Stay tuned for more team previews as things get rolling on the circuit.