By Jordan Davidsen and Scott Golden
TAVARES, FL — Florida’s best Travel Team programs got off to a great start at last weekend’s Travel Team Jamboree hosted by Hoop Exchange and Source Hoops. The event’s first day, Saturday, produced instant classic games and great performances from both well-known programs and some under-the-radar squads. Here are some of the highlights from Saturday’s action!
Well-known recruit and Tampa Catholic star Karter Knox (#6 ESPN 2024) went crazy over the weekend with the Florida Rebels, showcasing his elite athleticism and well-balanced offensive attack. Unsigned senior Nathan Ojukwu of DME Academy made the case for the best unsigned senior at the event, as the 6-7 guard showed his ability to do everything: shooting, driving, and defending at a high level. Jamie Phillips, Jr. showed why he’s an intriguing guard prospect, absolutely demolishing guards in the low post and scoring at will. Daniel Macgregor, one of the most underrated guards in Florida, showed his ability to run an offense and attack defenses all weekend.
GameSpeed introduced the AAU world to Lucas Lima, a 6-7 Brazilian import who plays for Montverde Academy’s varsity team. Lima can do it all: fly to the rim for flashy dunks, shoot the three, push the ball up the floor, and pass at a high level. He was aided by some incredible play from his teammates, like Jaylen Sammy, who showed that he can score from literally anywhere on the floor. He’s an athletic guard who can score in bunches from downtown or around the rim.
Harrison Jackson, a North Florida native who plays ball for Brewster Academy in New Hampshire stood tall in the event for Judah Nation. He’s a strong and able guard who shoots effortlessly. He was able to stuff the stat sheet with his high-level scoring instincts and solid frame. Seth Childers also led the charge, a high-IQ guard who is able to score and facilitate at a high level.
Rainey Premier offered some high-level hoops all day Saturday. They were led by 17U standout Brendan Mahoney, who turned heads with his high-flying antics and great feel around the basket. He was able to overpower bigs that were larger than him and score over high-level defenders. He showed flashes of utilizing a guard skillset and the ability to shoot the ball.
South Florida Elite touted one of the best prospects of the weekend: Lake Worth’s Jeremy Innocent. The 6-9 forward has developed his ball handling and perimeter shooting to where he looks like a true wing. He was able to play very efficiently around the basket, scoring on bigger defenders while also scoring easily on smaller guards. He could put the ball on the floor to go to the rack and was also able to dial up shots from the midrange off-balance. He is an intriguing forward who should turn heads all summer long.
The three best freshmen included Florida Rebels’ forward Chris Washington who was a standout this year for The Villages Charter. Washington showcased his intriguing frame, with long wiry arms and incredible athleticism. He can put the ball on the floor, run the floor very well, and has elite instincts. He was aided by Herly Brutus, one of the state’s most underrated freshmen. His size, skill, and quickness at his age will develop him into one of Florida’s best guard prospects for the next few years. Marcis Ponder remains the most imposing player in the gym at all times with unreal size and power for Team Breakdown.
