This years 5th annual HoopMIA "The Warm-Up" lived up to the hype on Day 1. There were some nail biter games and blowout games but more importantly there  were prospects in the gym. As one scout/media member said, "There were at least 50+ college basketball players in the gym today." The scouting we are referring to was not speaking strictly about division one players but he did say he thought at least 20-25 prospects had the talent to be find themselves at a division one institution. This Day 1 recap will only highlight a handful of players who impressed our staff. More recaps are coming after the event. 

Top Performers:

Devin Carter(6'4/SG/2020) FTL Firebirds

Carter was electric in todays action. Carter had some electric dunks, big time shots and is putting up big numbers leading his team to a 2-0 record heading into championship Sunday. 

James Henderson(6'7/C/2021) FL Warriors

Although Henderson did not put up monster numbers while leading his team to a 2-0 record his presence in a high school setting is hard to ignore. Henderson has a tremendous body and effects the game not just with his physical gifts but with his willingness to make plays for others out of the post. While others could be highlighted on the very well coached FL Warriors, Henderson is the only prospect who's skills absolutely translate to the next level. 

Ga'Khari Laccount(6'1/PG/2020) Ram Nation

The Lynn University commit was SENSATIONAL in both games of the day for Ram Nation leading them to 2-0 heading into championship Sunday. Laccount had 36 of 52 points for his team in the first game of the day. Each and every time we see Laccount he sharpens one of the many tools he posses as a basketball player. Laccount is an absolute STEAL for Lynn University. Watch for Laccount to put BIG numbers up for Coral Park this HS season. 

Jimel Lane(6'6/W/2020) Cavalier Elite

Lane lived up to buzz surrounding his name during Day 1 of "The Warm-Up". Lane showcase ELITE athleticism and a consistent motor on the boards while making plays regularly above the rim for his team. While Cavalier Elite split during pool play going 1-1 today, Lane demonstrated the impact he can have on the game when playing with a chip on his shoulder. Lane attends Coral Gables HS who looks to have a BIG season. 

Ben Middlebrooks(6'9/2021/F) FTL Lions

Middlebrooks who of late has earned a number of high level division one offers was ultra impressive displaying great shooting touch from the 3-point line and a terrific frame for a player of his age and stature. This upcoming season is a HUGE year for Middlebrooks to establish himself as a household name in the state of Florida. Day 1 of HoopMIA "The Warm-Up" may not have gone perfectly for Middlebrooks going 0-2 in a extremely competitive pool but he showed our staff enough to know the hype is real. 

Other Notes:

-The Pack was impressive on Saturday afternoon going 2-0 in pool play. The Pack  boasts a number of scholarship level guards who all made noteworthy plays including: Jose-Luis Benitez(6'1/PG/2020) Cedrick Saint Jean (6'0/G/2020) Jimel Cofer Jr.(6'4/PG/2021) Anthony "AJ" Lopez(6'4/G/2020) & Jayven Cofer(6'1/PG/2023). Each of these guards made HUGE plays  on Day 1. The Pack squares off with Cobra Elite  in a big time match up at 1pm Sunday. Cobra Elite boasts another set of scholarship guards Arturo Dean(5'11/PG/2021) & Nick Luis-Jaques(6'3/SG/2020) who also impressed our staff on Day 1. Tomorrow's matchup should be must see TV. 

-The FL Explorers were impressive late this afternoon playing back to back games. RJ Luis(6'4/G/2021) & Scottie Middleton(6'6/F/2023) are one of the best combos in the city surrounded by a number of solid players such as Alex Perez(5'11/PG/2020) who enable this young scoring combo to find easy baskets. The FL Explorers went 1-1 battling the the bitter end against two tough opponents and will find themselves surprising opponents all year long during 19-20 season.

-The FTL Panthers boasted a potent offensive arsenal Day 1 going 1-1 falling by a few points to a cohesive Ram Nation squad. The Panthers feature Jonathan Renois(6'0/2021) Nate Montaque(6'6/F/2020) Mike King(6'2/F/2020) David Delancy(6'2/G/2022). These four guys are high level offensive players who each demonstrated at moments during Day 1 how they can take over a game whether it be by hitting tough shots or finishing through contact around the rim. The FTL Panthers will need some luck to reach the playoffs on Sunday but none the less the these guys are primed for a TOUGH 19-20 season.