Twinning and Winning: Two Scoops at a Time
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We often discuss the “Up and Coming” or “Diamonds in the Rough” in many of my articles. This week, I would like to take a moment to recognize some well-known national talent with ties to the Sunshine State. Florida has…
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Continue ReadingWe often discuss the “Up and Coming” or “Diamonds in the Rough” in many of my articles. This week, I would like to take a moment to recognize some well-known national talent with ties to the Sunshine State. Florida has proven to be fertile recruiting ground, year after year to many sports we all know and love. Basketball has become one of them. So, when it comes to hooping why are the duos below so special? You guessed it! Everyone below is a TWIN! Dig in!
This young man has grown an inch since the last time I saw him play. His now 6’8 frame still allows him great change of speed on offense, while anticipating greater shot-blocking angles on defense. He often chooses wisely between a soft touch or hard dribble when attacking the rim. These skills, plus great hands and footwork compliment his basketball roots. Cameron’s gather is textbook. His presence is well known on his power-up. Several teams are after this 14-year-old phenom… as they should. This will be an exciting year for him!
Cayden is stylish, cunning, and has a little duck-and-under layup that is too pretty. He is a great example of a combo guard that compliments his team well. He dishes nicely at the point, while scoring savagely as a two-guard. He throws spot-on oops to his teammates, especially to his brother Cameron. They make a great team. I look forward to seeing him settle into an all-around leadership role with his team in the next three years.
My first chat with Cooper was in Tavares, FL three months ago. Maine United had just secured a solid victory, so I walked up to interview the special talent whose play reminded me so much of my fundamental basketball roots. Cooper does well with creating space and knows when to pull. His stop-and-pop gets quicker every tournament. Mind you, this is without so much as a hesitation or a flinch. His eyes are locked in on that rim. His long, lean stature allows him to slip between defenders easily. He is a threat both inside and out. Beware of the short corner bunny! He is a treat to watch live. I look forward to watching him improve even more on both ends of the floor.
Ace Flagg
Ace Flagg
Ace compliments his brother Cooper a lot, but I would like to talk about this savant on his own two. If he is ever referred to as “Babyface,” it will be a compliment to his gangster on the floor. His game is far from infancy. He has this consistent “bunny-hop” type of shot, in which he gets high off the ground and releases quickly. He hypes his team up constantly! I love how Ace starts to cut when a teammate drives. He loves to sneak baseline and grab that no-look pass in the short corner. Ace never gives up on a play. He reminds me of a “blue-collar baller”- he doesn’t care how difficult the work is, he just gets the job done with sacrifice and pride. I look forward to him catching audiences off guard real soon.
CHRISTOPHER MAXON CHRISTOPHER MAXON 6’1″ | PG Fort Pierce Central | 2024 FL Christopher is relentless with his shot. He is not afraid of contact at the rim and is a true hot shot. He rebounds quite well for his size. He is fearless, pulling up often with little notice of defenders flying towards him. His shot selection is well calculated, but he tends to dribble until he can find an opening. I look forward to him moving well without the ball, playing unforgettable defense, and orchestrating team movement like the true leader he is.
Christian is one of the boldest shooters I have ever seen. He pulls up at the drop of a pin. He pulls up at a red light. He pulls up mid sentence… That’s how much he shoots. When he is hot, his streak is unreal. He is quite shifty, so he loves to use his handles to separate him from his opponents. I look forward to seeing more team ball and lockdown defense next time we meet.