BY ZACH SMART
During a spirited first half power surge, it was Montverde’s Joe Philon who set the tone for an eruptive first half onslaught, en route to a 78-73 upset victory over top ranked a Prolific Prep (FL) team teeming with high major talent.
The offensively unique Philon (14 points, four rebounds, amd four assists along with high octane 2027 point guard Javion Tyndale (16 points, six assists) and Kent State-bound Dhani Miller (21 points, four assists) were a troika which shot 17-for-27 from the field.
As a team, Montverde shot 21-for-36 from the field and 10-for-16 from 3-point range. Five star Class of 2026 guard and highly coveted national recruit Caleb Holt led Prolific Prep with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Bruce Branch III added 16 points on 7-for-10 FG.A 6-foot-9 Class of 2026 recruit , Philon splashed a deep 3-pointer and proceeded to get free for a straight-on 3-pointer as Montverde seized a double digit lead.Philon has earned offers from Florida, Florida State, UNLV, Minnesota, Ohio State, South Florida and others.
On Monday, Philon told ZAGSBLOG he has been hearing from South Florida, UCLA, Ohio State, and Seton Hall the most at the moment. As 6-foot-9, multi-positional inside-outside threat with an extravagant above rim game and better passing aptitude than credited for, Philon has intangibles which very much align with today’s game. The Tampa, Fla. native broke down the schools he is currently intrigued with.
South Florida: “You gotta love the fact that its close to home. They have a really great staff. Those guys are all friends, both on and off the court. They are going to push you on the floor and also love you.”
UCLA: It’s a historic program. Being out there on the West Coast, out in Los Angeles, it would definitely be cool. I recently had a Zoom call with coach (Mick) Cronin and the coaching staff. I’m getting to know them and building the relationship.”Seton Hall: “(Head Coach) Shaheen Holloway is a crazy competitive guy. He has a really scrappy team. He loves to win. I love to win. I’m extremely competitive. We’re looking to set up a visit next.”
Florida Shuffle:
As he continues to register his imprint on both ends of the floor while shedding the label of shooter, The Rock School (FL) Class of 2026 guard Jacob Player has become a high level passer capable of whizzing assists with either hand.
Player has gone four consecutive games without a turnover and has been a stabilizing influence with his known shot making and knack for rattling off points in clusters when he buries back to back 3-pointers.
Playing a national schedule in the ultra competitive SIAA-Florida conference, however, Player has been a significant impact guy in all components of his hardwood trade.
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Highly coveted Class of 2026 recruit Jaxon Richardson had his most complete performance since transferring to SEPA in the Orlando, Fla.
The high soaring 6-foot-6 wing turned in a game of 16 points, nine boards, and a pair of blocks during SEPA’s 85-63 victory over iSchool (TX) during The Grind Session Dallas. The son of memorable NBA player Jason Richardson, Jaxon Richardson has turned in dazzling dunks with rarefied athleticism while displaying two-way uniqueness and instinctiveness. He’s become a more reliable outside shooting presence.
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