The Forest high school basketball shootout was the first chance for fans and coaches to see Marion County high school basketball players in an organized setting in three months.
A handful of players have used the time to establish themselves as breakout candidates of the summer. With two live periods in June, a string of good games over the next 30 days could change the recruiting life of an athlete.
The shootout had Forest, North Marion, and Meadowbrook representing the home team. Eustis, Gainesville and New Smyrna beach highlighted the top out of town teams. With all the talent in Forest’s gym this weekend we’re here to tell you the name on five standouts.
Trey Chisolm, Forest
It’s hard to call a player of the year award winner a breakout candidate but Chisolm has so much upside. He’s become a much more aggressive offensive player in the last three months. Whether in the half or full court he’s constantly pushing the ball towards the basket. At 6’4 he’s become a physical mismatch for most high school guards. His combination of physical tools and playmaking are a great foundation for a college basketball player.
John Miller, Eustis
Eustis made a final four appearance last year on the strength of its depth and senior talent. One of the helpful players was Miller, a 6’2 combo guard. With a quartet of seniors off the roster he’s stepped into a much needed scoring role. Miller was on fire from the floor knocking down 50% of the shots he took on Saturday.
Justice Phillips, North Marion
The Colts added Phillips, a 6’6 wing transfer from Bronson, to an already competitive roster. His size and length give him the defensive versatility to guard both guards and forwards. Phillips got hot beyond the three-point line against Eustis giving North Marion a much needed outside shooting threat and a win. The rising senior is working on his foot speed to improve his ability to get to the rim and on ball defense.
Cordarius White, Gainesville
Having a 6’5 guard like White on your roster is a game changer at the high school level. His height and frame make him a tough cover on both ends of the floor. He’s a physical player who finishes layups through contact and contributes to the boards. White completes a potent back court that shoots and gets to the rim.
Tyler McKnight, New Smyrna Beach
McKnight average 16 points per game to become the tornadoes leading scorer. The 6’3 combo guard took a minute to find his shot on Saturday but left the crowd in awe when he made back-to-back threes from the volleyball line. McKnight, a 40% three point shooter last year, has range well beyond the college three-point line. If his shot is consistent throughout June he could see a major spike in his recruiting.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: College ready? Five standouts from the Forest high school basketball shootout
Reporting by Allen Pettigrew Jr., Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
