Standouts: Sunshine State Preseason Classic (Day Two/Part One)

I attended day two of the Sunshine State Preseason Classic in North Lauderdale. The event provided three more exciting match-ups with plenty of D-1 talent. As previously mentioned, coordinator Marcus McGee puts on a tremendous showcase. Here is a quick rundown of the scores: Mater Lakes 62, Archbishop McCarthy 42 St. Andrew’s 68, Westminster Academy 55 Pine Crest 85, Somerset Academy (Pines) 82 Standouts: Part One [player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"] - Westminster Academy 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"] provided much of the early firepower for Westminster Academy against St. Andrew’s. The 6-foot-8 center scored 15 of the Lions 21 points in the first half alone. The University School transfer even flashed his range with four 3-pointers during that span. The offensive lift was much needed as Westminster Academy was without 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814903" first="Ben" last="Middlebrooks"] and dug itself a 17-point halftime deficit. Carey finished with a team-high 18 points and collected eight rebounds by my count. With brother Vernon Carey Jr. getting drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, Jaylen had to be eager to showcase his own skill for his new school. Carey looked physically stronger and in better condition than he was a season ago as a freshman at U-School. I think he is going to have a big year for the Lions. [player_tooltip player_id="818824" first="Devin" last="Hines"] - St. Andrew’s 2021 combo guard [player_tooltip player_id="818824" first="Devin" last="Hines"] impressed me with his backcourt athleticism against Westminster Academy. The 6-foot-4 Hines scored 17 points and flashed his way into the lane on numerous occasions. In addition, Hines bodied down his defender along the baseline for one of his scores. This shows me that he has a strong upper body and can play against contact. I like that physical play from a guard. Overall, I thought the play of Hines really set the tone for the Scots for four quarters. Therefore, edge to St. Andrew’s in guard play in this contest against the Lions. 2022 shooting guard Anquan Boldin Jr. also added a backcourt boost with eight points. The 6-foot-4 Boldin Jr. flew into the lane on one occasion and was extremely aggressive around the basket. He is the son of former NFL wide receiver Anquan Boldin, who played half of his 14-year career with the Arizona Cardinals. [player_tooltip player_id="955584" first="Andruw" last="Rondon-Delacruz"] - Mater Lakes 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="955584" first="Andruw" last="Rondon-Delacruz"] has played very well across two victories in two days for the Bears. The 6-foot-7 power forward scored 12 points against a formidable Mavericks front court. Rondon-Delacruz has a nice touch around the rim and can stretch the floor with an adequate mid-range game. I would put Rondon-Delacruz as the best rebounder/rim protector on the team along with 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="1068706" first="Maximo" last="Moratinos"]. I think his improvement from a season ago will carry the Bears even further this season. Matthew Newland - Archbishop McCarthy 2021 Matthew Newland was the best player on the floor for the Archbishop McCarthy in the loss to Mater Lakes. The 6-foot-7 forward has a rare blend of athleticism and length to cause nightmares for opponents. Newland has very long arms that he was able to utilize when finishing at the rim. The scoop shot was heavily abundant in his arsenal as well as his up and under. Moreover, that length allowed him to shield his defender from blocking or altering his lay-up attempts. Newland finished with a team-high 13 points and at least 3 block shots. His presence in the defensive paint was extremely impressive and erased otherwise easy buckets for the Bears. [player_tooltip player_id="814909" first="Amen" last="Thompson"]/[player_tooltip player_id="814910" first="Ausar" last="Thompson"] - Pine Crest Pine Crest scored 85 points in their victory of Somerset Academy. The Thompson twins were probably highly involved in nearly all of the Panthers 85 points scored. The 6-foot-6 combo guards were simply active on every play for Pine Crest. The junior superstars combined to score 41 points on numerous lay-ups and dunks. In addition, their length and athleticism accounted for numerous rebounds, assists and steals. You were pretty much witnessing two college ready players against an overmatched opponent. Folks, that is coming to happen a lot this season. Somerset Academy has nothing to be ashamed about. Pine Crest held nearly a 30-point lead and only won by three points. Why? Cause the Thompson twins exited the game before the third quarter was complete. They actually had to be brought back into the game after Somerset Prep fought back to take a late lead. Kansas, Arizona, Florida, Florida State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, LSU and Alabama have all offered both players. They might be the best prospects in all of South Florida because of how many different ways they can affect a game. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.