Lake Highland Prep vs. The First Academy: Five Standouts
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The First Academy Royals pulled off a thrilling 57-56 victory over Lake Highland Prep on Friday here in Orlando, Florida. Prep Hoops scout Riley Sheppard witnessed all four quarters and is here to tell you his five standout performers. Lorenzo…
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Continue ReadingThe First Academy Royals pulled off a thrilling 57-56 victory over Lake Highland Prep on Friday here in Orlando, Florida. Prep Hoops scout Riley Sheppard witnessed all four quarters and is here to tell you his five standout performers.
De Jesus was all over the place Friday night, and as the cherry on top, scored the game-winning bucket for The First Academy. There are so many things to like about the junior guards game, his quick release and high arching shot, the acceleration with the basketball in hand. But just as he did with time ticking down, De Jesus’s best ability is his seamless second gear when attacking the basket and body control once getting there to finish at a high percentage.
Donovan Williams Jr.
Donovan Williams Jr.
As just a freshman, Williams is as gifted as they come on the basketball court with or without the ball in his hands. When the guard is running the Royals offense, his explosiveness makes it near impossible to slow down, and once he does get to the rack it appears that Williams freezes in mid-air as he just continues elevating before laying the ball up. On the other side of the floor, he moves quickly from side-to-side and plays excellent help defense, recording a highlight reel chasedown block in the first half of the win.
Rylan Jean-Baptiste
Rylan Jean-Baptiste
The leading scorer of this Royals offense this season, Jean-Baptiste can generate offense from anywhere on the floor. A true three-level scorer, the junior floor general has a gentle touch around the rack where he never shies away from contact, and is equally as dangerous from long range, knocking down two long-balls in the victory. Defensively, Jean-Baptiste is electric on the perimeter, deflecting passes left and right that comes from his quickness and nonstop motor.
The definition of a floor general, any ball club would be lucky to have a point guard as skilled as Clarke. With excellent court vision whether on the fast break, while driving to the basket or just dissecting the defense, the junior point makes difficult passes look routine. When he’s looking to create his own offense, Clarke is just as skilled a finisher, making multiple strong takes to the cup around longer and bigger defenders.
If you see Lewis with the ball in his hands on the fast break…good luck because you’re gonna need it. Appearing like he just got shot out of the cannon when he sees numbers, the junior guard can pick up a head of steam in a hurry on his way to the tin with his quick-chain dribble that comes equipped with a nasty crossover and between-the-legs.