Bartow Shootout Preview Series

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bartow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The host team deserves their flowers as they welcome over 10 programs for a loaded summer event. Despite some roster turnover, Bartow always reloads with talent. The Yellow Jackets finished 20-9 last season, making it to the regional semifinal, and they'll be a tough out again. Keep an eye on 2028 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2804162' first='Derwyn' last='Link']</strong>—one of the top players in his class statewide. <strong>Ja'kylen Crossley</strong> is a promising shooting guard, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2527379' first='James' last='Ratteree'] </strong>might be one of the top 2028 guards I've seen. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2804140' first='Jah'mir' last='Wallace']</strong> continues to rise and could open more eyes this weekend. Dual-sport standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2397081' first='Jaiziah' last='Battle']</strong> brings athleticism and toughness to the floor. Expect Bartow to compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Victory Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The standard remains high at VCA under Coach Steve Fitzgerald and staff. This program continues to churn out high-level talent, and this year is no different. Nationally ranked 2028 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2802209' first='Quinton' last='Wilson']</strong> is the headliner, following in the footsteps of LJ Cason (now at Michigan). Supporting him is sharpshooter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633075' first='Tucker' last='Fox']</strong> (2026), who recently hit 23 of 37 threes in three games. Big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299674' first='Thok' last='Gol'] </strong>(6-8, 2026) returns from injury and will be a major impact piece. Add in international prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2871920' first='Arik' last='Arik']</strong> (2028) and some underrated depth, and this is a group built for another deep playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santa Fe Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Consistency is the name of the game for the Hawks under veteran head coach Mike Blicher. Even with the departure of Tate Darner, the Hawks remain loaded with young talent. Top-ranked 2028 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194979' first='Ethan' last='Knox']</strong> leads the charge with a high-motor game and scoring punch. He'll be flanked by scrappy 2026 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633082' first='Toby' last='Lane']</strong> and fast-rising 2027 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2827196' first='Shannon' last='McArthur']</strong>, who's beginning to turn heads. Don't underestimate this disciplined, well-coached squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gibbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team has gone viral for a reason. Gibbs brings high-flying athleticism and headline talent, starting with 6-10 center <strong>Mike Broxton</strong>—yes, the same Broxton who made noise on the football field this spring. Holding it down in the backcourt is nationally ranked 2027 scorer <strong>Oneal Delancey</strong>, one of the most dynamic guards in the country. But it's not just about the stars—expect a few under-the-radar names to break out this weekend too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lake Highland Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talent, depth, and leadership—that's what this group brings. Led by rising senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633116' first='Michael' last='Madueme']</strong>, who's been tearing up the offseason circuit, Lake Highland Prep enters the weekend as one of the most well-rounded teams in the field. Senior guards <strong>RJ Ingram</strong>, <strong>Robert Oskarsson</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1660046' first='Shiva' last='Atwal']</strong> bring poise and experience, and they'll look to control tempo and limit turnovers. This is a well-coached squad that should be right in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->