SWFL Showcase Series Standouts, First Five

High School basketball is officially underway across the state, and teams have now started their respective journeys in becoming State Champs of the 2024-25 season. It's been a long summer and fall with a lot of basketball being played, and I'd like to take a closer look at a recent event held in Charlotte a couple weeks ago, The SWFL Showcase Series. It was a tremendous day of basketball with a lot of teams and players gearing up for the regular season, and here are a number of players that look to be in mid-season form and ready to turn some heads in 2024-25.    The heart and soul of his Cougars squad, Clayton looks to continue his success and lead his team to a successful campaign in 2024-25. The 6'3" PG has a tremendous basketball IQ and just plays the game right. He has great handles, to go along amazing court vision which make him a true floor general. Clayton plays the game with poise and under control. He can beat you off the dribble and attack the basket, or hurt from outside with his smooth stroke. He may be the top 3-point shooter in the area, and if you leave him open he has the confidence to shoot from anywhere.     Jones is coming off a huge season for the Griffins last year, and looks to help lead his squad to a third-straight District title and a deep playoff run in 2024-25. The lefty sharpshooter has a great mid-range game, but is also a tremendous 3-point shooter. If you play up on him though he has a quick first step and likes to attack the basket and finish above the rim. The senior CG is long and athletic which allows him to guard multiple positions. Jones is a kid who just loves the game, and who plays with both energy and emotion.     Chin is a strong, smart PG who's a key piece for this Charlotte squad. He is an unselfish player with tremendous handles and great court vision, who looks to get his teammates involved. The 5'10" PG has great elevation and release on his jump shot, where he shots the 3-ball at a high-rate, to go along with an excellent mid-range game. Chin has sneaky bounce which allow him to attack the basket, and also be a big asset on the boards from the guard position. This is another kid who plays the game with a little swag, and you can tell he just loves being on the court.     This senior guard really caught my eye during the showcase, and proved he should be a huge asset for the Pirates this season. Leferense is a great two-way player who can score in bunches. He isn't afraid to attack the basket, but can really hurt you from outside with his smooth stroke. He is a smart player who plays the game hard, yet under control. He's a vocal player who is also very active on the defensive side of the ball. Leferense is an above-average rebounder from the guard position, who won't back down from any challenge in his way.     Williams is a feisty guard who is a tremendous player on both ends of the court. The 6'0" CG has quick feet and great speed, where he has a knack for forcing turnovers and is excellent in the transition game. He can score on all three-levels, and has the ability to put up big numbers when he gets hot. He's effective at getting to the basket where he can finish with both hands, or draw the foul and get to the line. Williams is an exceptional free-throw shooter, and is very efficient from the outside with his jumper, especially from behind the arc.

High School basketball is officially underway across the state, and teams have now started their respective journeys in becoming State Champs of the 2024-25 season. It's been a long summer and fall with a lot of basketball being played, and I'd like to take a closer look at a recent event held in Charlotte a couple weeks ago, The SWFL Showcase Series. It was a tremendous day of basketball with a lot of teams and players gearing up for the regular season, and here are a number of players that look to be in mid-season form and ready to turn some heads in 2024-25.