Scouting Notebook: South Florida (Week 1/Part 1)

<p>For many programs, the high school basketball <em>regular</em> season officially began this week. Moreover, other schools are set to tip-off in the coming days or next week. Personally, it is exciting to get into the swing of things and attend live action. I would like to remind people that some states are <strong><em>not </em></strong>having winter sports due to Covid-19<em>. </em>Be blessed if you are lucky enough to play or watch these games happen.</p> <p>I will be observing many games across the South Florida region throughout the course of this season. Below is some of my thoughts during the opening week.</p> <p>2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"]</strong> was game MVP against <strong>North</strong> <strong>Broward Prep</strong> on Tuesday night. The 6-foot-9 power forward scored 24 points and grabbed ten rebounds in the Eagles 64-48 victory. Hendricks showed off his mid-range jumper (3X) early in the first quarter and was dominant around the interior. He is an impressive leaper who will burn you at the rim if you don’t box him out. Hendricks stepped-up his game without  2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814895" first="Gregg" last="Glenn"]</strong> and 2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709228" first="Carl" last="Cherenfant"]</strong> in this contest. He has been offered by <strong>Florida</strong>, <strong>Florida State</strong>, <strong>Iona</strong>, <strong>Iowa State</strong>, <strong>LSU</strong>, <strong>Penn</strong>, <strong>Miami,</strong> <strong>Yale</strong>, <strong>USF</strong>, <strong>Wake Forest</strong> and <strong>Virginia Tech</strong>.</p> <p>2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818653" first="MK" last="Ashmore"]</strong> impressed me in the loss to <strong>Calvary</strong> <strong>Christian Academy</strong>. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard/small forward had a team-high 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Ashmore brings a ton of offensive versatility thanks to his size and athleticism. I thought he showed a high motor throughout the entire contest. Ashmore is also a great student with a 3.5 GPA at one of the top schools in the area.</p> <p> 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="546221" first="Aidan" last="Abell"]</strong> continues to shoot the rock well early in the season. The 6-foot-5 combo guard scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds against national power <strong>Montverde Academy</strong>. Moreover, Abell knocked down six of his nine 3-point attempts. The <strong>Westminster Academy</strong> star followed that up with 23 points in a win over <strong>Charlotte High</strong> (<strong>Punta Gorda</strong>) the next night. Abell again went all <strong>JJ Redick</strong> and knocked down six more 3-pointers on seven attempts. While deadly from outside, Abell can beat you off the dribble and get to the rim. Interest for Abell has come from <strong>Clemson</strong>, <strong>Wake Forest</strong>, <strong>Davidson</strong>, <strong>Northeastern</strong>, <strong>Loyola-Chicago</strong>, <strong>FAU</strong>, <strong>FGCU</strong>, <strong>Charleston</strong>, <strong>Kent State</strong>, <strong>Miami (OH)</strong>, <strong>Ohio,</strong> <strong>North Florida</strong> and <strong>Belmont</strong>. </p> <p>2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068706" first="Maximo" last="Moratinos"] </strong>has played well in three early season games for <strong>Mater Lakes</strong>. The 6-foot-6 wing had a pair of 16-point efforts in the <strong>Sunshine State Preseason Classic</strong> last week at <strong>Somerset Academy</strong>. In the regular season opener, Moratinos scored 13 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and had six steals against <strong>Somerset Academy-Canyons</strong>. All three of those games resulted in Bear victories. Moratinos has the size to finish inside and can beat you off the dribble with his athleticism. Furthermore, he is one of the Bears best interior defenders due to his length. Rim protection and playing above the rim are trademarks in his game.</p> <p>2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818820" first="Eros" last="Carpio"]</strong> gave Pine Crest a huge boost in a victory over <strong>Sagemont</strong>. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard/small forward scored 21 points and went 4-of-6 from 3-point range.  Carpio showed a good release on his shot and squared up well in his motion. In addition, he was aggressive in transition and attacked the basket. That style got him to the free-throw line on a pair of occasions. Carpio plays fundamental basketball alongside 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814909" first="Amen" last="Thompson"] and 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814910" first="Ausar" last="Thompson"]. He makes the right passes and takes advantage of opportunities when bestowed upon him. Carpio was a big reason why the Panthers beat the Lions by 17 points. Pine Crest is dangerous when he plays well as the Thompson twins are two of the best players in Florida.</p> <p><em><strong>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong></em></p>