2019 Eckerd Team Camp: East Lake wins second straight title
The annual Eckerd College Team Camp wrapped up with a busy Sunday. I took in five games on the day as East Lake won the top bracket over Naples. Here is a look at some notes from the afternoon. Back…
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Continue ReadingThe annual Eckerd College Team Camp wrapped up with a busy Sunday.
I took in five games on the day as East Lake won the top bracket over Naples.
Here is a look at some notes from the afternoon.
Back to back titles for East Lake
East Lake won for the second straight year in the main bracket at Eckerd College. The Eagles finished a perfect 8-0 on the weekend with wins over Seminole, Lely and Naples on Sunday to take home the top trophy. 2020 6’4″ guard Dionte Blanch set the pace with his ballhandling and power and the rest of his team followed. Blanch has his way as an attacker and gets to the free throw line routinely. 2020 5’10” guard Jordan Hilmon was on fire at times from 3-point land, including the corners, his favorite spot. 2021 6’4″ guard Dean Gabrelcik was a true x-factor on the boards with his jumping ability and made a difference as a cutter to the basket on lay-ins.
Dailey Jr. is on the fast track
Playing for a mixed group Team Dailey, 2022 6’7″ IMG guard Eric Dailey Jr. impressed me early and often in a 10 AM game against Mitchell. Double and triple teamed at times, he broke the press on his own with his mature ballhandling and overall strength. Dailey Jr. gets to where he wants on the floor and is not your typical rising sophomore. He has endless upside. If he can continue to add muscle to his upper body, then he will be even harder to slow down. Another talent on this Team Dailey group was 2022 6’4″ Brandon guard Joshua Watkins. A skinny and long armed athlete, Watkins was a lightning bolt in transition and someone who can dunk on you at any given moment.
Reynolds and Delancy are tough
Lakewood had its hands full with Clearwater Academy International in the opening game of the day before losing by four points to a savvy Naples squad. 2020 6’10” forward Jamille Reynolds was playing like a high major Division I prospect in that game against CAI, attacking at will and putting his body on the line offensively. Reynolds seems to play harder when he matches up with other true bigs and that was the case in that one. Against Naples, he was also locked in. As for 2021 6’4″ guard Oteman Delancy, the rising junior is likely to be the team’s leading scorer with his combination of length, shooting ability and versatility as a slasher.
Naples has a riser in Green
That was the toughest I’ve seen 2021 6’4″ Naples guard Tony Green play. He was determined, going downhill, attacking and not settling for jumpers. Against both Lakewood and East Lake, Green was going toe to toe with some true Division I athletes in Reynolds and Blanch respectively. If he can play with that aggression and effort every game, then college programs will be all over this lanky athlete very soon.
Wicks is a pure scorer
At 6’5″, Clearwater Academy International has a good one in 2020 guard Skylar Wicks. In a back and forth battle against Lakewood, he did most of the offensive work for his side. Wicks was versatile and good from the mid-range spot. He is going to be the No. 1 option for the CAI offense and defensively, he is quick and looking for the steal always. Wicks has four offers currently from FGCU, FAU, Siena and DePaul.
Mitchell goes through Kadioglu
In a tilt with Team Dailey, 2020 6’0″ Mitchell guard Efe Kadioglu proved to be the most reliable piece for his side. The Mustangs are a well-formed team who run good plays and slow things down. Kadioglu is the guy who attacks and draws contact often. He found his way inside against a long and athletic Team Dailey group. Look for Kadioglu to have a solid senior campaign.
2022 IMG guard Eric Dailey is out here catching alleys. @_edailey3 @IMGABasketball @IMGAcademy pic.twitter.com/HSkpuuM5xp
— ᴊᴀᴋᴇ ᴘᴇʀᴘᴇʀ (@JakePerper) June 30, 2019