Standouts: Derrick Brooks Shootout (Day 1)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – The annual Derrick Brooks Shootout took place on the campus of Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate on Friday in the first of two days of action.
Results:
- Game 1: Calvary Christian 85, Seffner Christian 72
- Game 2: Brooks DeBartolo 64, Fivay 30
- Game 3: Winter Haven 83, Blake 63
Here is a deep dive into the top performers on the night.
2024 6-5 G Jamie Phillips – Winter Haven
There might not be many better starting fives at a regular Florida high school than Winter Haven. Every starter reached double digits in the win over a fast paced Blake group. 2024 6-5 G Jamie Phillips was the top scorer for the Blue Devils with 20 points and he simply used his size and strength to slash inside and hit jumpers.
—2023 6-8 F Dylan James (Georgia commit) did his usual ferocious play inside with alley-oops and lay-ins with 14 points. 2023 6-1 G Kjei Parker (Florida A&M commit) was a true x-factor as he hit tough jumpers and proved his versatility as a lay-in artist with 13 points.
—2023 6-3 G Matt Vaughn (13 points) has taken a next step and looks comfortable in his role as a transition flasher and outside shooter. 2024 6-6 G Isaac Celiscar (11 points) got into early foul trouble but still made a steady impact as a lengthy inside presence.
2024 6-6 G Ace Taylor – Calvary Christian
In regular season form, 2024 6-6 G Ace Taylor and 2024 6-0 G Daniel MacGregor both netted 33 points in a win over Seffner Christian. Combining for 66 of their teams 85 points is no easy feat but the duo were in sync from the opening whistle. Taylor used his reliable spin move in the paint and finished a handful of dunks in transition. MacGregor had 27 points at the half and is at his best when he gets to the rim and draws contact with his finishing ability.
2025 6-6 G Joshua Lewis – Blake
Keeping the game close against a deep Winter Haven squad is arduous, but Blake did that for over three quarters of action. 2025 6-6 G Joshua Lewis (17 points) got going late in the first half with some throw down dunks, athletic blocks and a few knock down jumpers. Lewis is just scratching the surface of his full potential.
—The Yellow Jackets have some speedy guards who can really knock down shots. 2024 5-10 G Mahlik Brady-Ayers (11 points), 2023 6-1 G Brandon Stokley (11 points) and 2025 5-10 G Rashif Sinkfield (10 points) were all rock solid in the matchup.
2024 6-3 G Ezekiel Udozorh – Brooks DeBartolo
Athleticness and pure hops are both on the side of 2024 6-3 Brooks DeBartolo G Exekiel Udozorh. The transfer from Patel High led his side with 19 points in the victory over Fivay. Udozorh is an active defender, a pusher in transition and someone that can finish with crafty lay-ins and one-handed slams. He’s an intriguing prospect in the 2024 class.
—2024 6-2 G Jordin Bell (13 points) had it going as a tough nosed finisher inside often in the second half. 2024 6-1 G Roy Paz (13 points) shot the ball well and proved to be a skilled ballhandler.
2026 6-0 G Vernon Lee Jr. – Seffner Christian
Seffner Christian battled all game against Calvary Christian in a loss. 2026 6-0 guard Vernon Lee Jr. really made strides as the game moved along. He is a locked-in shooter and he drives to the basket with purpose. With 15 points, Lee Jr. proved he certainly has a chance to make a name for himself.
—2023 6-1 G James Anthony (17 points) was the main ballhandler for his side and he took advantage of some transition finishes and takes at the cup.
2024 6-5 G Jeremiah Long – Fivay
It didn’t go Fivay’s way against Brooks DeBartolo but there were some players that stood out. 2024 6-5 G Jeremiah Long was active as can be defensively with four blocks and a few that were all from his leaping efforts. He posted six points and should be a factor all year long, especially on defense.
—2024 5-10 G David Willams (8 points) got to the bucket a few times with his slashing ability. He’s the lead point man for this squad.
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.