4th of July Invitational (Part 3)

<p>This past weekend I went to the 4th of July Invitational put on by Each 1 Teach 1 at The Big House Sports Complex. I saw as many games as I could across three long days filled with college basketball talent of all levels. I focused primarily on the class of 2021 because they are the guys who need exposure the most. These are some of the athletes who stood out:</p> <p>G/F [player_tooltip player_id="818707" first="Tony" last="Green"] 6-6 Team Speights High School: Naples</p> <p>One of Team Speights most consistent performers this weekend, the long armed 6-6 wing posted double-digit point totals in all three games. On defense, Green showed great potential beating his man to the spot, poking the ball loose on several occasions leading to transition buckets. However at times he plays the game standing to straight up. On offense he showed solid lateral agility getting to the basket, and the athleticism to create his own shot at the next level. Shooting the ball from 3- point land Green is streaky, but when it is falling he is a mismatch nightmare. Already with an offer from Coppin State, there is no doubt that the Naples wing is a Division I player, what level will correlate directly with how hard he works over the next ten months.</p> <p>G/F [player_tooltip player_id="818666" first="Dean" last="Gabrelcik"] 6-4 Team Speights High School: East Lake</p> <p>A coach on the floor, the best part of Gabrelcik’s game is that he knows what to do to help his team win. The wing is not a high light reel guy, no big time dunks or killer crossover dribble. He is however extremely efficient particularly shooting the ball. When Gabrelcik is feeling it, whether or not the defense gets a hand in his face does not matter, the ball is going through the hoop. He may not have flashy handles, but he rarely turns the ball over, and can attack bad close outs. Gabrelcik also has a solid mid-range game, and rebounds well for his position, especially on the offensive end. Right now I am convinced Gabrelcik is a scholarship player, what level depends on playing style and fit.</p> <p>PG [player_tooltip player_id="714983" first="Tarence" last="Guinyard"] 6-1 Team Speights High School: Bayshore Christian</p> <p>A quick shifty lead guard, Guinyard had some great moments this weekend. On offense, he excels using his quick first step to get by defenders for the score. A streaky shooter, Guinyard hit some step backs, and 3-pointers to keep defenses honest. What stood out the most was his ability to harass the opposing teams point guard, getting steals leading to points in transition. Consistency shooting the ball is an area for improvement, however there is a lot to like about Guinyard as a prospect.</p> <p>SG [player_tooltip player_id="818917" first="Anthony" last="Bertucci"] 6-3 TNT Hoopsquad High School: Family Christian</p> <p>At first glance Bertucci looks nothing like someone who would stand out on a basketball court. Opposing teams often did not respect him,putting their slowest guy on him. I can tell you this: every single player Bertucci played against left with great respect for him by the end of the game. Against an athletic SOH Elite team he scored 35 points, sinking three pointers, taking guys off the dribble often using spin moves, and scoring on runners in the mid range. Averaging 24 points per game across three games, the guard also rebounded well for his position, and created for others. With a year left to get in top physical condition, whichever college coach ends up with Bertucci is going to be a very happy person.</p> <p>G/F [player_tooltip player_id="818719" first="Thaddeus" last="Squire"] 6-4 Florida Rams High School: Stranahan</p> <p>Last season Squire’s play helped lead Stranahan to their second state championship in as many years. This weekend the versatile wing continued his strong play, attacking the basket often using spin moves, and scoring in the post. Playing the game with extreme energy, Squire is a tough cover for guards because of his physicality, and big men because of his quickness. On defense he will be able to defend multiple positions at the college level. Expect for Squire to have a more featured roll on Stranahan next season.</p> <p>Other Notes:</p> <p>SG Denzel Luna 6-2 TNT Hoop Squad High School: Timber Creek</p> <p>Luna has clearly been working since his season ended just over four months ago. Known as a knock down 3-point shooter, this weekend he showed there is more to his game attacking the basket, often finishing through contact. As he continues working on his explosiveness, expect the hardnosed guard to be a stand out for Timber Creek high school next year.</p> <p>F John Macon 6-6 TNT Hoop Squad High School: Timber Creek</p> <p>A skilled forward, Macon may be the most improved player I had seen from the Orlando area. This past weekend he showed the ability to stretch the floor knocking down three-pointers, attacked off the dribble, and score off of post ups. Like his teammate Luna, the forward has completely changed his body looking leaner and more athletic than ever. Across three games Macon averaged double digits, and had some very impressive moments.</p> <p>SG Devin Leath 6-2 Q6-All Stars-Anderson High School: Apopka</p> <p>Known as an energy and defensive guy at Apopka, Leath showed that he is capable of stepping into a bigger role next season. In the short time that I watched him he continued his niche as a rugged-lock down perimeter defender, and also put an unsuspecting defender in a poster on a break away. Off the court the guard is an outstanding student with a 4.4 GPA.</p>