City of Palms Classic Virginia Standouts

The 52nd annual City of Palms Classic once again brings together the nation's top teams for a 6-day event in Fort Myers, FL. Three of Virginia's top programs join 23 others teams to play in front of college coaches, NBA scouts and big crowds at Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida Southwestern State College. He are some of the top performances over the first two days of action.    One of the nation's top prosects looked like he was on a mission to move up the rankings at the nation's top high school basketball tournament. Smith averaged 30 points over two wins for PVI on Thursday and Friday. The 6'3 senior could not be stopped getting to the rim and was relentless on the defensive end. The Panthers will next play in the semifinals on Monday night.     The PVI point guard looked very comfortable near his future college home and playing in front of his future college coach as Brown averaged 13 points and 4 assists per game during the first two days in Fort Myers. The Florida Gulf Coast signee knows how to run a team and continues to prove he can be a scoring option as well.     Mitchell continued his strong junior season in Fort Myers. The strong, sharp shooting wing led the was with 23 points in a win over Calvary Christian. Mitchell can also get downhill and finish through contact and can be a productive rebounder. The junior is a priority prospect for mid major programs at this point.     The Mississippi State commit scored 25 points in a narrow loss to Montverde Academy. The high volume scorer can create his own shot when needed and is a creative finisher in the paint. Burnett should have an early impact on the Bulldogs offense next season.     The Miami native was dominate in the paint at times for Gillion Academy on his way to 8 points and 16 rebounds against the Eagles. The Florida State signee moves well for his size and and is a force in the lane at both ends of the floor. Continued offensive development and improved understanding of the game will give Ponder a chance to be an impact freshman for new Head Coach Luke Loucks in Tallahassee.     The Oklahoma State signee was very productive for Head Coach Ty White in a 70-60 win over Imhotep Charter (PA). Allmond scored 21 points and grabbed 6 rebounds and looked like one of the best forwards in the country. He has inside/outside versatility at the offensive end and is mobile, athletic, and strong enough to bring versatility to the defensive end of the floor as well.     Despite first half foul trouble, Givan has him most productive game in my 15+ evaluations of the Mississippi State pledge. The senior changes ends of the floor with ease, can catch and finish in transition and displayed impressive mid range offensive skill. Posting 15 points in 19 minutes of action, Givan looks the part of a a big man with plenty of upside.     Anderson looked like one of the top guard in the nation's sophomore class on Thursday in Fort Myers. The 6'3 scorer put the ball in the basket at all three levels and was efficient on his way to 19 points in the game. Anderson is a reliable shot maker from beyond the arc and can also be a secondary ball handler and decision maker.

The 52nd annual City of Palms Classic once again brings together the nation's top teams for a 6-day event in Fort Myers, FL. Three of Virginia's top programs join 23 others teams to play in front of college coaches, NBA scouts and big crowds at Suncoast Credit Union Arena at Florida Southwestern State College. He are some of the top performances over the first two days of action.