Tuesday, November 19th, brought forward the battle of the two programs of Top 10 National Ranking caliber, together to compete, on the sunny, humid, campus of Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton. With a last minute announcement, and minimal notice, our expansive & dedicated network of analysts / contributors were still able to attend and witness, the clash between, consensus Top 100 High School Aged Basketball Athletes, unfold in person. After a incredible starting game to the 2024/2025 Elite High School Basketball Season, our team is proud to present their observations, and thoughts, of the following prospects.
Winters Grady || Prolific Prep || SF 6'5 || C/O 2025 || #83 Class Ranking
Grady is probably the best shooter on Prolific. He shot the ball well from the 3pt line
coming off motion and in catch and shoot situations. Grady moved well without the ball to
get his open looks. Michigan coaches were in attendance and probably game planning how
to get him open looks next year as he knocked down a corner 3 on the move and I looked
over and they were huddled up. Defensively, he was serviceable but can improve more on
this side of the ball. Areas of improvement would be defensive intensity and being able to
anticipate the offensive players movement and create more deflections or steals.
Obinna Ekezie Jr. || Prolific Prep || C 7’0” || C/O 2027 || #15 Class Ranking
Offensively, he played his role effectively, finishing well through some contact. As a
younger prospect, not being heavily relied on offensively at this time, he is mostly scoring
on put backs. Defensively is where he shined. Even though he’s a ’27, Ekezie made some
great reads and had some wonderful blocks. If his defensive intensity can remain locked in,
he can become an even scarier rim protector by the time he’s ready to decide on college.
Areas of improvement, I’d like to see him develop some post moves or see if he has any
mid-range ability.
Darryn Peterson || Prolific Prep || G 6'6” || C/O 2025 || #3 Class Ranking
Easily the best player on the court tonight. After shaking off some “me ball” moments early
going 1-on-1, Peterson settled in and let the game come to him. Offensively, he showed
skill as a three-level scorer, having a wildly efficient night against top talent. Peterson
finished 11-17 from the floor adding in 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. He
simply willed Prolific to this win. On the defensive side, he was making impressive reads
and getting into passing lanes or timing his jumps right when Columbus went up without
protecting the ball better. Areas of improvement for Peterson come from the early
struggles. He MUST be locked in from the tip and cannot play as if it’s 5 against 1.
Nikola Bundalo || Prolific Prep || PF 6'11 || C/O 2025 || #27 Class Ranking
Bundalo is extremely active in transition, both as a ball-handler or filling the lanes, finishing
at the rim. He can step outside and knock down the three-pointer as well. Bundalo has nice
bounce on the second jump and was able to grab offensive rebounds or tip in a miss on a
few occasions. Defensively, he was impressed by utilizing his length to apply pressure on
the perimeter switches, as well as getting deflections & steals on passes coming into the
post. Areas of improvement for Bundalo would be adding to his frame without losing his
quickness and athleticism as he did get pushed around a bit by Cameron Boozer.
Cameron Boozer || Columbus || PF 6'9” || C/O 2025 || #2 Class Ranking
Offensively, he finished well in and around the lane and from deep. He also played the
dunker baseline area well, making good cuts along the baseline and ducking in from the
dunker for shots at the front of the rim. Defensively, he did a good job protecting the rim,
blocking and altering shots. He also crashed the defensive boards, getting his head up
quickly looking for outlets to start the fast break. Areas of improvement this night was just
being more assertive in the course of the game. It felt like in the 2nd half, the team got away
from what was working in the first, getting the ball in the paint and having cutters slash
through and draw defenders, creating motion and some more open looks.
Cayden Boozer || Columbus || G 6'3” || C/O 2025 || #23 Class Ranking
Cayden is the lead guard on this Columbus squad who can also successfully play off-ball
when needed. He does a bit of everything, showing high IQ, knocking down a couple of
perimeter shots, pushing the pace and involving teammates. What changed in the 2nd half
was slowing the pace of the game and trying to grind out the offense and slow Prolific and it
backfired. Defensively, he was matched up against Peterson at times and didn’t make it as
difficult as many had hoped. Areas of improvement would be to just stick to the game plan
that is working. He cannot become passive in his role.
Caleb Gaskins || Columbus || SF/PF 6'8 || C/O 2027 || #13 Class Ranking
Gaskins was a late transfer down from Montverde. His game is best utilized as a slasher
and in the mid-range. With a soft touch on his jumper and floater/push shot, he tried to
keep Columbus in it. He also did a good job on the glass. Defensively, he’s able to use his
frame to absorb drives and hold his ground but his length and reach are able to get into
passing lanes and get deflections. Though he did not register a steal, he did disrupt Prolific
on a few possessions, they were just the more together team. Areas of improvement would
be getting more confident in his shooting stroke and not working just around the basket and
in the mid-range. If he can develop a stronger three-point shot, he will become a more full
prospect.
Written by: Max Rosenberg
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