MLK “The Dream is real” Classic Notes

<p>This past Monday, I made my way to Oak Ridge High for the MLK “The Dream is Real Classic.” The showcase featured six of Orlando/ Polk Counties top teams playing three back to back games. These are some of the notes that I took:</p> <p><strong>Apopka 65</strong></p> <p><strong>Central Florida Christian 51</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong><strong>Apopka</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>Starting the season off with eight wins, Apopka went on a five-game losing streak playing against some of Orlando’s top programs. In desperate need of a win, the Blue Darters turned to their senior  6-1 PG [player_tooltip player_id="714918" first="John" last="Latimer III"] (2021) for leadership. Up by four points at intermission, Latimer took over the second half when he began to aggressively attack the basket and get to the free throw line. Scoring 16 of his game-high 24 points in the second half the point guard sank 12-of- 14 of his free throw attempts. He also made a few mid-range pull-ups and got to the rim often.</p> <p>….. The Blue Darters also got a major contribution from 6-2 SG [player_tooltip player_id="1068611" first="Devin" last="Leath"] (2021). Known last year as a defensive stopper and energy guy, it has been nice to see him take on a bigger role on offense this season. The guard sank a pair of three pointers, a midrange pull up, and got on the glass for a pair of offensive rebound put backs to finish with 12 points.</p> <p><strong>Central Florida Christian </strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>Against an Apopka team known for it’s stingy defense, not many baskets came easy for Central Florida Christian, but that didn’t stop 6-2 SG [player_tooltip player_id="546226" first="Jamar" last="Houston"] (2022) from having a standout performance. The guard was able to get his feet set and knock down five catch and shoot 3-point attempts and finished with 23 points. Houston also had perhaps the highlight of the game when he caught an alley-oop on a breakaway crushing down an impressive two-handed dunk. The future looks bright for Houston and this young CFCA team.</p> <p><strong>Olympia 66</strong></p> <p><strong>Auburndale 49</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong><strong>Olympia </strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>Much like Apopka in the game before Olympia received a major performance from it’s senior leader. This was easily the best game that I have ever seen 6-5 SF [player_tooltip player_id="818881" first="Tyeree" last="Bryan"] (2021) play. The long athlete showed off his range knocking down six 3-point attempts to finish with a game high 25 points and I don’t recall him missing many shots. He was also able to get to the free throw line, and maneuver his way to the basket and score in close.</p> <p><strong>Auburndale </strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>The Bloodhounds received a strong performance from 6-1 PG [player_tooltip player_id="1060163" first="Kervin" last="Knaggs"] (2023). The sophomore guard finished the game 13 points and is a problem when he gets down hill and attacks the basket. In the second had Knaggs had a beautiful spin move to a finish that really caught my attention. With Auburndale graduating a very good 2021 class expect Knaggs to take over this team next season.</p> <p><strong>Orlando Christian Prep 59</strong></p> <p><strong>Oak Ridge 56</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong><strong>OCP </strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>For just the third time all season 17-0 Orlando Christian Prep was tested with a close game. Leading the way for the Warriors 6-7 F Ven Allen Lubin (2022) was again a major factor. With great size and athleticism there are few players in the state that can match his physicality in the post, and his developing perimeter game allows him to attack the basket and score often. The forward has some quick moves, and the body control to be able to maneuver his way through traffic to avoid getting called for a charge. On the game, Lubin finished with 18 points and had to have close to double digit rebounds.</p> <p><strong>Oak Ridge </strong></p> <p><strong> </strong>Playing the number one ranked team in the city without SMU signee [player_tooltip player_id="548985" first="Jalen" last="Smith"] due to injuries to both wrists, the Pioneers had their work cut out for them. Stepping up in a major way was 6-3 PG [player_tooltip player_id="814920" first="Fabio" last="Basili"] (2023) who finished the game with 19 points. The sophomore knocked down four 3-pointers and used his crafty handles to get to the basket and the free throw line often. The guard also has great vision and can set the table for his teammates for scoring opportunities. The talent to play at the highest level of college basketball is there, if the young guard puts the work in the sky is the limit.</p> <p>…. Oak Ridge also received major contributions from 6-6 G/F [player_tooltip player_id="714770" first="Michael" last="James"] (2021). The Louisville signee has impressed me this year with his skill development and has been shooting the ball very well from deep. On the evening James finished with 20 points.</p>