What I liked: Russ Wood From The Spring Player Showdown Day No. 1
APOPKA, Fla. --The Hoop Exchange's annual Spring Player Showcase tipped off Saturday at the C.P.S. Sportsplex this weekend with 160 high school players expected to compete in front of scouts, mixtape videographers, travel team coaches and parents during the two-day event.
The first day of the Spring Player Showcase is traditionally for freshman and sophomores, and we were in the gym all day watching games.
Who stood out on the first day? Here is my breakdown:
I continue to be impressed with 2022 Westminster Academy freshman Ben Middlebrooks. The 6-foot-8 200-pounder is a volume rebounder, runs the floor well, and has a good frame and motor. He continued to improve during his freshman season, all the way to averaging 17.5 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in two games in Lakeland to help his team win the Class 4A state championship. Saturday he put his skills on display in both the four-on-four half court games and the five-on-five portion of the day. Middlebrooks will need to get stronger and develop some counter moves around the basket and work on his face-up game, however, he is comfortable shooting open 15-footers.
Offers: None
Interest: USF
Not many high school prospects display the amount enthusiasm for the game that Michael Phillips does. The class of 2021 forward has a GREAT motor and is a great teammate. Phillips is quick to show support immediately after a teammate commits a turnover. A skilled 6-foot-8 forward, Phillips can dribble, pass and shoot. He is versatile enough to play on the perimeter, tough enough to score in the paint/traffic and will finish above the rim.
Offers: None
Interest: Lipscomb, Dayton, Miami (OH) and Air Force
Jayven Millien was terrific when we saw him early in the afternoon. The 6-foot-7 class of 2021 Sarasota Riverview wing is an athletic long, slender prospect with high major athleticism and a solid skill set. Millien is a three-level scorer who can create off the bounce to get to the rim to score and does not shy away from contact. Despite giving up about 15-pounds, Millien was able to finish through Diego Romero's attempt to block his dunk at the rim. Millien is sure to pick up offers in the spring if he plays as well during the April live evaluation period as he did today.
Offers: None
Interest: Iowa State, Florida, Georgia and Florida State
Troy Boynton is an intriguing prospect. Already receiving interest from low major Division I programs the 2021 Cardinal Gibbons guard should see an uptick in his recruitment with a good weekend during the one, and only, live evaluation period in April. Boynton is a crafty scorer with some bounce, poise and court savvy. The 6-foot-3 162 pound guard can knock down perimeter shots, beat defenders off the bounce and finish above the rim. This was my first look at Boynton and he definitely left me wanting to see more of him.
Offers: North Florida and Stetson
Interest: Colgate, Lipscomb and Liberty
Other prospects who caught my attention included:
Josh Minott: Sophomore/Saint Andrew's School
Greg Glenn III: Freshman/Calvary Christian Academy
Brian Grant: Freshman/Choctawhatchee High School
Diego Romero: Sophomore/Central Point Christian Academy
Ausar Thompson: Freshman/Pine Crest
Amen Thompson: Freshman/Pine Crest
James Repass: Sophomore/Providence School
Ven-Allen Lubin: Freshman/Orlando Christian Prep
Faheim Meran: Freshman Miramar High School
Fanbo Zeng: Freshman/Windermere Prep
Jah Nze: Freshman/Hagerty High School
Lewis Jones: Freshman/Oak Ridge High School