Florida Freshman Showcase: Eye Catchers

The Freshman came out to play Saturday, and just like the sophomores, the Class of 2028 put on a show with some tremendous basketball. Another extremely talented and deep class here in Florida, proved that future of high school basketball is in some good hands, with some exciting prospects putting there own stamp on the game for years to come. Let me take a closer look at a some of the prospects that really caught my eye and impressed me throughout the day.    Giles impressed me from the start of 3 on 3 play all the way through his final game. He is an athletic guard, with both quick feet and quick hands making him an elite defender. He was always communicating on D, had his hands in the passing lane, and consistently forced turnovers. Offensively, he likes to attack the basket with his quick first step, but also sees the court well where he is an above-average passer. As Giles continues to mature and gain more experience I see his stock continuing to rise amongst the many talented guards in his class.     Shannon started the day off hot during 3 on 3 play. I don't remember seeing his team lose, and he was the main reason for that. He was knocking down 3's consistently, and also using his size and scoring down low when he had the right matchup. He is smart player with an athletic frame and plays the game hard. Defensively he was typically guarding guys bigger than him but did an exceptional job keeping them in check. He is always in an athletic stance and giving it 100% on D, and offensively he has a well-rounded, mature skillset. Shannon is a prospect with high upside and one to keep a close eye on as he continues to add to his game as he enters high school.     The shifty PG had some highlight reel moves and finishes throughout the showcase. Gillard has tremendous handles and a little bit of swag to his game. He plays the game fast, but under control, and likes to attack the basket with his quick first step. He can change direction on a dime, and is quick off the floor with his solid mid-range game. You can tell he has a strong knowledge of the game and works hard on his craft. Gillard looks to turn some heads in his freshman year, and will be a player to monitor as he continues to mature and develop his game into a high level prospect.     Ratteree is a strong-bodied guard who seems to play with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He goes hard to the hole and has the ability to finish strong at the rim with either hand. He has a smooth jump shot, but is also crafty with the ball in his hands, where he looks to beat you one-on-one or drive and dish with his great court vision. Defensively, I didn't see him back down from any assignment and you can he tell he just locks in on that side of the ball. The 6'0" PG also rebounded the ball very well throughout the showcase. Ratteree is a name to know and follow as he looks build on his game in his freshman season at Bartow.     This kid impressed me as soon as he stepped on the court this past Saturday. Pride is a strong kid who did a little bit of everything during the showcase. He was one of the top rebounders from the guard position and always had his head up looking for the open man. He was able to score inside and out, and really excelled getting into the paint and attacking the basket. He has this cool and calm demeanor on the court, but also plays hard and with intensity. The 6'0" CG had quite the outing and I see it carrying over into the high school season, as he should continue to see his stock rise.

The Freshman came out to play Saturday, and just like the sophomores, the Class of 2028 put on a show with some tremendous basketball. Another extremely talented and deep class here in Florida, proved that future of high school basketball is in some good hands, with some exciting prospects putting there own stamp on the game for years to come. Let me take a closer look at a some of the prospects that really caught my eye and impressed me throughout the day.