Standouts: Buckshot O’Brien Classic
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – The first annual Buckshot O’Brien Classic launched on Monday with a four-game slate at Calvary Christian.
Results:
- Gateway Charter 76, Bradenton Christian 71
- Wharton 67, Alonso 54
- Northside Christian 74, IMG Blue 72
- Calvary Christian 93, Charlotte Christian 58
Here’s a look at the top performers on the day.
2023 5-11 G Skyler Scull – Northside Christian
There wasn’t a better overall scorer than Skyler Scull on Day 1 of the event. The 5-foot-11 guard missed only a few shots from my count against a long and athletic IMG Blue group in a 74-72 win. Scull battled as a lead ballhandler, attacker and his mid-range and 3-point shot were both on point. With offers from Division III programs Curry College and St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Scull’s recruitment should heat up this season.
—2023 6-foot-3 guard Tobias Gunter had some speedy and tough takes to the rim in this game, totaling 19 points. His shot blocking ability and overall athleticness helps him shine for this locked in group.
2023 6-0 G Jaden Arzola – Gateway Charter
In the opening matchup of the day, Gateway Charter rallied back from a halftime deficit and Jaden Arzola was at the forefront of that effort. The 2023 6-foot guard knocked down eight 3’s on his way to a 32-point performance. Arzola’s shot was on and so was his confidence. Most importantly his teammates got him involved time and time again down the stretch.
—2023 6-foot-4 guard Jahmari Johnson (13 points) had some bright moments with his mid-range jumper and his driving ability.
2024 6-0 G Daniel MacGregor – Calvary Christian
Fresh off wins over Winter Haven and Seffner Christian late last week in the preseason, Calvary Christian continued its impressive play with a dominant win over North Carolina-Charlotte Christian. 2024 6-foot guard Daniel MacGregor totaled 27 points in the game, attacked the rim and drew numerous trips to the free throw line in the process. MacGregor is a consistent threat on both ends of the floor.
—2024 6-foot-6 guard Ace Taylor is in a groove right now and alongside MacGregor the duo are in-sync right now. His spin move in the paint, dunking and finishing ability were on full display with 25 points. 2023 6-foot guard Dominic Sarigumba did his thing with 15 points and had a great sequence late in the game. After getting a two-handed dunk called back, he went down the floor for a one-handed flush that got the crowd going.
2024 6-3 G Gerard O’Keefe – IMG Blue
It was a rock solid outing for Gerard O’Keefe against Northside Christian. The 2024 6-foot-3 guard was feeling it with his mid-range pull-up and had some crafty takes to the rim. Totaling 22 points, O’Keefe is a gifted shooter and someone who should be a steady piece for IMG Blue all season long.
—2024 7-foot-6 center Olivier Rioux came alive in the second half with 16 points and was very hard to contain in the paint.
2023 6-5 G Chandler Davis – Wharton
Wharton earned four double digit performances, topped by Chandler Davis with 17 points. The 2023 6-foot-5 guard is a true two-way prospect and his mix of shooting and finishing touch. Davis is a lengthy and athletic leader for his side.
—2023 6-foot-5 guard Karmello Branch (16 points) was a reliable scoring threat next to Davis and the two are an unselfish duo. Branch is a steady talent who likes to drive to the cup and finish. 2025 5-foot-11 G Jayson Montgomery (13 points) had his jumper working well and 2025 5-foot-9 G Ryan Womack (12 points) was equally as impressive with his outside shooting touch.
2024 5-11 G Jaden Baker – Bradenton Christian
Bradenton Christian is in regular season form and Jaden Baker came out shooting at a high clip. The 2024 5-foot-11 guard collected 22 points in a back and forth tilt against Gateway Charter. Baker is at his best when he drives to the cup with his mix of speed and strength. His jumper was working well on Monday.
—2025 5-foot-11 guard Aaron Clark (16 points) shot the ball well and continues to shine when tasked to contribute as a scorer.
2023 6-3 G Woody Machado – Alonso
Alonso hung around for quite awhile against a deep Wharton group. 2023 6-foot-3 guard Woody Machado recorded a team-best 20 points and displayed true grittiness as the lead point man. His jumper is smooth and he’s strong and quick enough to get to the bucket often. Machado is an under the radar prospect in the senior class.
—2023 6-2 guard Matthias Donaldson (10 points) came to play as he is a lightning bolt with the ball in his hands.
2025 6-5 F John Lash – Charlotte Christian
The best scorer for Charlotte Christian was John Lash. The 2025 6-foot-5 forward totaled 19 points for his side against Calvary Chrsitian in the night cap. He’s a strong versatile forward who likes to battle inside.
Jake Perper has covered sports as a writer since 2010 and a basketball scout since 2015. He was the Southeast Scouting Director for the Prep Hoops Circuit and the lead scout for Prep Hoops’ Florida site for seven years. You can follow him on Twitter @thehoopvibe.