Top Performers: 12th Annual Beach Blast
BRADENTON, FLORIDA – The 12th annual Beach Blast at IMG Academy kicked off with both postgrad and prep schools on Friday.
I took in the full Friday slate as the event continued through the weekend.
Here are my thoughts on the top performances I saw on the day.
2023 6-8 G/F Eric Dailey Jr. – IMG National Post Grad
Spending another year at IMG to do a post grad year was quite a smart move by Eric Dailey Jr. The Oklahoma State commit is college ready. His body is strong and lean and he’s knocking down shots at a high clip, especially from the mid-range. Scoring 22 points, Dailey Jr. did the majority of his damage in the opening half against DME Post Grad before his side pulled away midway through the second half.
—2023 6-7 F Gavin Walsh (13 points) proved his worth getting to the cup and scoring with strength and confidence. He’s a gifted slasher.
2023 6-1 G Marcellus Edwards – TMS Academy
In a back and forth tilt with Middle Georgia Prep, Marcellus Edwards was in full control of the offense for TMS Academy with a team-best 22 points. He hit some important jumpers down the stretch, got to the rack with his pure grit and speed and simply made plays. Edwards is a highly skilled point man who can help any college program next fall with his natural leadership.
2026 6-5 G Imahri Wooten – Redemption Christian
It is quite difficult to not imagine the progression of Imahri Wooten over the next three years. The mature and highly skilled 2026 guard was electric in a win over 212 Academy with 28 points. At 6-5, he’s lengthy, handles the ball up the floor and can flat out shoot. I love his floater game which was working well in this game. Georgia Tech, Wichita State, Arizona State, Albany have all offered already.
—2023 6-7 G Javoy Thompson (20 points) had a very nice outing, getting to the basket time and time again and using his burst and long arms to finish inside.
2023 6-1 G Lidon Pate – The Skill Factory
The Skill Factory Post Grad squad is a deep group. Lidon Pate excelled all game long against IMG Academic Post Grad. In total control of the backcourt, he netted 16 points and handed out a plethora of assists to setup his teammates. Pate is smooth and didn’t miss many of his shots. He is a high IQ point man.
—2023 6-5 G Destin Logan (15 points) is a lengthy, speedy and super athletic wing who can get downhill in a hurry and hurt you with his jumper or attacking ability. 2023 6-3 G Myles Che (12 points) is a smooth operator out of the backcourt and it is no wonder South Florida brought him in for its 2023 class.
2023 6-6 G/F Jahni Summers – DME Post Grad
Up against IMG National Post Grad, DME Post Grad battled. 2023 6-6 guard/forward Jahni Summers proved his worth with a versatile game. With a team-best 20 points, he shot the ball well from deep and also was gritty defensively. Summers has the ability to play on or off the ball and do some dirty work inside at his size.
—2023 6-8 F Hayden Abdullah (16 points) has very good length and quiet confidence to his game. He shoots it well and plays a point forward type role. If he continues to add muscle, he will be hard to slow down.
2023 6-10 F Luca Ace-Nasteski – IMG Academic Post Grad
The IMG Academic Post Grad team plays with patience and purpose. 2023 6-foot-10 forward Luca Ace-Nasteski was very solid in set plays and getting open down low to finish. With 17 points, he is not afraid of the pressure from defenses and made his touches count.
—2023 6-4 G Jake Goldberg (17 points) has a lot of confidence to his game and his ballhandling and shooting ability were on full display.
2023 6-11 F Yann-Elie Brive – Florida Coastal Prep
In an overtime win over Central Pointe Christian Post Grad, Yann-Elie Brive took over the game time and time again for Florida Coastal Prep. A lengthy big man, he has very good foot speed and can handle the rock for a 6-foot-11 prospect rather well. With 14 points, Brive got to the rim and scored often showing he wasn’t afraid of contact at all.
2024 6-6 F Misael Cruz – Central Pointe Christian Post Grad
Playing fast and poised, Central Pointe Christian Post Grad didn’t make life easy for Florida Coastal Prep. 2024 6-6 forward Misael Cruz flashed his combination of length and scoring prowess with 18 points for his side. He’s a confident and skilled versatile athlete.
2023 6-4 G Kaymen Brown – 212 Academy
You can see the tenacity and passion with Kaymen Brown. He has a college ready body and really thrives going downhill and scoring and dishing to his teammates. With 14 points, I really liked what Brown did for 212 Academy and I think he will do well in the fall wherever he lands.
2023 6-3 F Kennez Bozeman – Middle Georgia Prep
Middle Georgia Prep fought back all game long against TMS Academy and it was Kennez Bozeman who really stood out in my eyes. He has a smooth jumper and plays a hybrid role for his squad, getting in the paint and also finding openings on the perimeter. He scored the bulk of his 11 points in the second half.
Must Attend: Spring Showcase
Looking to get your prospect to play against the top competition while also earning coverage from The Hoop Vibe scouts as well as media and college coaches in attendance evaluating? Make sure to attend the Spring Showcase on Saturday, March 18 at Bradenton Christian to further your game. Use the code JPerper10 to receive $10 off your purchase.
Jake Perper has been a sports 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.