Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
Orlando, FL (Future150) -- The Showdown in O'Town is an interesting showcase in the sense that it pits four of Orlando's top public school programs against four of the best private school teams in the city.
The result was three really good games that were decided in the final minute, and one blowout that saw a four-star prospect make a case to rise in the rankings in a big way.
In the end, the leagues ultimately split the series 2-2, and a number of division one and two prospects turned in big time performances throughout the afternoon:
Jasen West, 2018 PG, Trinity Prep: West was a one man fast break at certain points, as the point guard showcased his incredible speed. In a game that went back and forth, he hit a step-back three that essentially iced the game for his team. West has a slender frame and needs to get stronger with the ball in his hands, but with high academics, he's an ideal Ivy/Patriot league recruit.
Marlon Bradley, 2019 CF, Trinity Christian Academy: At this stage, Bradley is more of an undersized four man rather than a true three, but regardless he is incredibly talented. His big time motor allowed him to grab close to 15 rebounds and he easily notched a double double. A long and physical prospect, Bradley is going to become more dangerous once he expands his range and improves his handle.
Ickson Masson, 2017 SF, Evans: An athletic wing forward, Masson was able to keep Evans close for a majority of the game against TCA. A very good slasher, Masson proved that he can finish well above the rim with a fantastic slam over Bradley. He didn't really shoot the ball yesterday, but could provide value to a program looking for a slasher and wing defender.
Nassir Little, 2018 SF, Orlando Christian Prep: Little was already in line to rise in our next rankings update, but may have picked up an extra couple of spots with his play on Saturday. The 6-foot-7 wing put points up on all three levels en route to finishing the first half with 25. Early in his career, his shooting was a concern, now it's a strength. His progression over the past eight months is staggering, and with another jump in his game, Little may be looking at five-star status before his high school career is over.
Brooks Cluxton, 2017 PF, The Master's Academy: The Master's Academy almost squeaked out the upset against Osceola and Cluxton was a major reason why. The skilled 6-foot-7 big showed the full offensive arsenal, using a lot of step-throughs and ball fakes on his way to a big night. Cluxton was also a very good rebounder against multiple division one bigs. With an offer from Army in hand, it wouldn't be surprising to see things pick up for the big man.
Isaiah Palermo, 2019 SG, Osceola: Out of everyone in the field, few have the upside that Palermo does. The 6-foot-5 wing is a big time athlete and slasher, something that Osceola needed in order to get by TMA. Right now he is at his best when attacking on straight line drives, but as he progresses it appears he will have the ability to break his man down off the dribble.
Amorie Archibald, 2017 SG, Trinity Christian Academy: A Louisiana Tech commit, Archibald looks as though he is going to be a big time scorer at the college level. A confident shooter, Archibald is capable of scoring off the bounce or in catch and shoot scenarios. At 6-foot-3, he has the size to post up smaller guards as well thanks to his physical frame. At the end of his college career, it won't be surprising to see Archibald as a 1,000 point scorer by any means.
Jose Placer, 2018 PG, The Master's Academy: Simply put, Placer had as good of a game as anyone not named Nassir Little. The floor general made a number of high level passes and knocked down multiple threes throughout the game. A crafty ball-handler and finisher, Placer was also very dangerous when he got into the lane. The highlight of the night for him was a crossover into a pull up three that put TMA up 4 with 2 minutes to play. While his team ultimately could not hold on, Placer looked fantastic and is certainly one to keep an eye one heading into AAU season.
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