Day 1 Takeaways from the BOTBFL Middle School Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='2748873' first='Marcus' last='McGee'] once again assembled some of the top middle school talent from across the Southeast for the Best of the Best Florida (BOTBFL) Middle School Showcase, and the opening day did not disappoint. Here are my immediate takeaways from several prospects who stood out…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3043797,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Keyston-Campbell-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Keyston-Campbell-C.png?w=240" alt="" class="wp-image-3043797" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Keyston Campbell</strong> (6'1/SF/'30/Villages Charter School) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: K_campbell3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Kesyton had an impressive 1st day at camp, showing potent scoring prowess and a budding floor game. He scored the rock with variety and was aggressive looking for his offense. He showed a lot of craftiness in his game off the bounce as well as when finishing in the paint and at the rim. He has a scoring arsenal that is going to serve him well as he continues in the game, but I learned that Keyston is fighting through some growing pains right now, which is hampering him slightly, but he is a prospect to keep an eye on.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3043798,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Stephen-Baldi-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Stephen-Baldi-C.png?w=240" alt="" class="wp-image-3043798" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Stephen Baldi</strong> (5'6/SF/‘32/Lake Nona Middle School) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: stephenlovesbball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Stephen had a solid showing on day one as he showed his ability to be a fundamental scorer with touch inside the arc. He is not the quickest, but he was one of the more skilled players in his class, and he did a good job using his skill set to create offense off the bounce. He has a nice mid-range jumper in his arsenal that he showed, which caused defenders to have to be aware of when guarding him. He showed a young cleverness to his game when the ball was in his hands, and he has go-to moves that allowed him to get to his spots.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3043799,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Zavier-Whidden-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Zavier-Whidden-C.png?w=240" alt="" class="wp-image-3043799" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Zavier Whidden</strong> (6'5/Wing/2030/The Gem Academy) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: zavierwhidden</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @zavierwhidden</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Zavier is a lengthy wing with positional size and a versatile scoring arsenal, which he uses to score with in a variety of ways. He impacted the game across the stat sheet, from all levels, and on both ends of the floor. He showed really good shot-making ability throughout the day, and I saw his confidence as a scorer grow as the day went on. Zavier was extremely difficult to guard, as he showed a perimeter game and an interior game that impacted the overall game in both areas. His versatility is one of the most intriguing aspects of his game and something to keep an eye on as he prepares for the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3043800,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Dalton-Xavier-Paul-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Dalton-Xavier-Paul-C.png?w=240" alt="" class="wp-image-3043800" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Dalton Xavier Paul</strong> (5'9/Wing/2030/Allapattah Flats K-8) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: daltonpaul.06</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @0star_daltino6&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Dalton is a young wing who showed a lot of grit and passion as a slasher who lived in the paint off the bounce. He has end-to-end speed that helped him to push pace and find his way to the cup while putting defenders on their heels. He was aggressive and kept getting downhill, forcing the defenses into a state of chaos, in which most were already in, with this being a showcase. There is no doubt that the strength of Dalton's game is his penetration off the bounce. It looked as though he tweaked his ankle, so hopefully, he will be ready to go tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3043801,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Kelvin-Akins-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Kelvin-Akins-C.png?w=240" alt="" class="wp-image-3043801" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kelvin Akins</strong> (6'2/SF/2030/Hope Preparatory Academy) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: kelvinakins2030</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @KelvinAkins2030</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">I have to admit that there was nothing flashy about Kelvin's game, but he was one of the most impressive players throughout the entire day. He plays with a motor and competes relentlessly on both ends of the floor. He scores it well when attacking off the bounce as well as when getting put-backs off the offensive glass. He has a really good understanding of when to keep the offense moving and when to pick his moments to make something happen. Defensively, he is an aggressive defender who showed his ability to defend out on the perimeter as well as on the block. He is the epitome of a player who will do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3043802,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Chris-Dunn-Jr.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/PHN-Chris-Dunn-Jr.png?w=240" alt="" class="wp-image-3043802" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Chris Dunn, Jr.</strong> (5'5/PG/2030/Starkey Ranch K-8) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: cantguard_cj.05</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Chris had a solid showing at camp and proved to be a young talent whose name is one to remember. He knows how to initiate the offense and set the table for his teammates. He balances facilitating and scoring, something many his age have not found the delicate balance. He showed his ability to create offense off the bounce and did a good job getting his own as well as getting the rock to his teammates, where they could get into quick action and attack. He has the markings of an emerging floor general who can be trusted to run the show. Hopefully, he will see a growth spurt over the next year as he eyes life at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Maxo Clermont</strong> (5'3/PG/2030/Ridgeview Global Studies Academy) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Showtime.maxoo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Maxo is a lead guard who showed his ability to create for others as one of the most sound floor generals in his group. He plays with a nice pace and poise when pressured with the ball in his hands. He has court vision and awareness, along with a budding PG IQ that stood out for a player so young. He is a reliable ball-handler and initiator of the offense, and he showed his ability to distribute the rock and keep his teammates engaged. He is a multi-level scorer when opportunities presented themselves for him to look for his offense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->