SEFFNER, Fla., – This past weekend the Tampa Titans practiced one last time before the high school season begins in a few weeks. Program Director Rob Walker brought together 21 male high school athletes to work on the fundamentals of the game while also giving them a chance to compete at the end of practice. Here is a run down on the top performers from Friday night’s workout.
By: @JLHemingwayPSB
Titan Workout Standouts
Drew Bethoney – Seffner Christian Academy – 2017
Bethoney set himself apart in this workout as the best shooter in the gym, which is a big statement given the amount of long-range snipers that were practicing. The 6-foot-3 guard demonstrated a quick release and efficiency with his shot. Not to be overlooked is the junior’s feel for the game. He has the ability to put the ball on the floor and beat defensive pressure when the time is right. There are high expectations this season at Seffner Christian and Bethoney is a big reason why.
Isaiah Islam – Newsome High School – 2018
Islam is an impressive looking athlete standing at 6-1. His length and athleticism immediately put the thought that Islam’s best playing days are still in front of him. The sophomore guard shot the ball very well in drills, which is a positive sign in his development according to his coaches. In game play Islam split time as a point guard and a shooting guard and displayed solid play-making ability when he put the ball on the floor. His body control in the lane was as good as any guard in the gym on Friday night. The challenge for Islam in future months is to continue to string all of his talents together to translate into consistent production when he hits the court.
Donald ‘DJ’ Jorden – Seffner Christian Academy – 2017
Jorden could have the highest ceiling of all prospects that participated at the Titan workout. Standing 6-6 with a wingspan that appeared much wider, he has the athleticism to defend both inside and out. His specialty at the moment is his motor and willingness to rebound. He gives instant production on the glass on both ends of the floor. The range that he has on the offensive end is a work in progress. With attention to a consistent follow through, he should develop into a solid spot up jump shooter in years to come. As it stands right now, Jorden is transition threat to finish above the rim.
Christian Noskey – Seffner Christian Academy – 2017
While Bethoney might have earned the reputation as the best shooter, Noskey certainly made a case as the best shooting big man in the gym. Standing at 6-6 he has he the size to play on the interior, however his specialty is to nail daggers from beyond the arc. His smooth release and understanding of spacing makes him a threat to stretch the floor consistently. He also demonstrated ball skill and athleticism to attack the rim when the defense closes out long. His ability to maximize his athleticism will determine how successful he will be in the upcoming season.
Jadyn Strauder – Strawberry Crest High School – 2019
Walker and his coaching staff had several underclass prospects in the building. Freshman guard, Jadyn Strauder, showed as much promise as any young player on the floor. Standing at 6-3 he appears to have even more physical maturation left in front of him. His game, however, is far from immature as he showed an array of skills that if continually developed could lead him to becoming an impact player in years to come. He showed handling ability and the range to the arc with his feet set. It will be important for him to work on his footwork to stay square, especially when catching off the move. However, Strauder’s tremendous length and ability to defend his position give great hope for him as a prospect.
Nick Stuck – Newsome High School – 2017
The toughest question to answer for the evening is ‘What is the hole in Stuck’s game?’ Stuck has the package of skills you want to see from a point guard at the high school level. He is skilled, a competitor and a play-maker. The 6-1 point guard’s jumper is as pure as you are going to find from a prospect at this level. While Stuck is not an elite athlete, he has better athleticism than many give him credit for upon first glance. His IQ allows him to balance getting others involved while getting his own shot when the situation calls for it.
Derek Webster – Seffner Christian Academy – 2017
Of all the prospects in the gym at the workout, it is easy to say that Webster has the frame that is most ready to translate to the next level at this moment. The 6-6 combo-forward demonstrated terrific lift to finish around the basket while also displaying solid skills while facing the basket. His strength in the lane makes him a threat to snag double digit rebounds nightly this season at Seffner. He is a match-up nightmare for many front-line forwards, because of his blend of strength and athleticism. Webster’s perimeter skills are in the process of blossoming. He has range on his jumper and has the necessary feel to distribute from the wing. His challenge will be add efficiency to his game. Figuring how to get from point A to B in fewer dribbles will make him a solid full-time wing.
Trent Wienert – Bloomingdale High School – 2017
The 6-5 forward proved to be one of the most versatile producers in the gym on Friday night. The junior hit the trail 3-pointer while also showing that he can finish around the rim with both hands. Although he played most of his time in the 4-spot, he demonstrated ball handling skills and vision with the pass that are normally reserved for guards. His high energy attitude and solid skill set make him a consistent performer in all of the game slots that he played in on Friday evening.
Bricen Williams – Leto High School – 2017
There was not a guard in the building that could keep Williams in front of them. The 6-1 point guard is super slick with the ball and fast end to end in transition. He found ways to score again and again at the rim. His play-making ability made him one of the top players in the gym on Friday evening. To complement his play-making ability, he was also a willing distributor when the help defender slid over to stop him. That makes Williams a fun point guard to play with, because he can create space that other point guards cannot create. Adding consistency on his jumper is a must for Williams in upcoming months. He will need that range to keep defenders honest during this high school season.
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Jonathan Hemingway is the owner of Coach Hemingway Basketball, Inc. Hemingway is on the Board of Selectors for the Naismith Trophy. He has worked within the basketball community since 1995 as a coach, camp director and journalist. He works as the assistant director of scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com and the OTRHoopsReport.com, which are scouting reports that service over 200 college and universities nationwide. Reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com.
