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Top performers from the Dodge Shootout

Dodge Shootout
29, Sep 2014

Top performers from the Dodge Shootout

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL - A number of Florida's top players came to the Dodge Shootout with a mission on their minds - play against top competition, get better and enter the upcoming high school season better prepared to compete. They did that. Here's a look at some of the top competitors from the one-day showcase  in Central Florida.

Troy Baxter, PF, The Rock, 2016 (pictured above)
Reggie Rankin of ESPN and I had a conversation that lasted two days about Baxter's athleticism. He's a game-changer when he leaves the floor. The 6-foot-9 big man has special hops and plays well above the rim. He was at head level with the rim on several occasions. In the very competitive all-star game, Baxter looked especially good. He stepped out and knocked down a pair of NBA range three-pointers off the bounce. There is still quite a bit of fundamental work to be done with Baxter but from a natural ability perspective, the Floridian is a rare player.

Keon Clergeot, SG/PG, Auburndale, 2016
To be noticed at individual player camps, you have to be consistent and Clergeot was just that. He never took his foot off the gas and went hard from tip to final buzzer. The 6-foot-1 guard has the tools become a major on-the-ball defender. He has good footwork, fearlessness and a nose for position in the backcourt. Clergeot has football speed and uses it well in transition. North Florida recently offered him a scholarship and Clergeot said he plans on visiting the Jacksonville school soon. Bucknell, Central Florida, Florida, East Carolina, Louisiana Tech, Miami, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, South Alabama and South Florida are all interested, he said.

TJ Holyfield, PF, Elev8, 2015
Put his name on the watch list for big men. The New Mexico native was a productive player on Saturday's action. He showed off his versatility, passing skills, rebounding touch and soft scoring shot inside the paint. It wasn't a sexy game but it was certainly effective. He's fully-qualified and worth a look for mid-majors looking for a versatile post player.

Tobias Howard, PG, IMG Academy, 2015
As the list of available point guards grows smaller in the class of 2015, Howard will certainly see his recruitment grow this high school season. The former North Gwinnett (GA) point guard is now in the Sunshine State and cemented his name as one of the better availables in Florida. Howard can get hot as a shooter and plays with good speed in the backcourt.

Vaughn McCall, SG, Ocoee, 2015
His calling card is his shooting touch and it hard to argue with that. The 6-foot-2 guard can dial it up from deep with confidence and accuracy. McCall can score in bunches and has a nice bounce to his game, too. Currently, McCall said Flagler College was the most active in his recruitment.

Jamari Wheeler, PG, Suwanee, 2017
What a weekend for the 5-foot-10 floor general. He was as good of a passer there was on both days of action in Orlando. He has good change of speed and good awareness when he's playing quickly. Wheeler made a lot of friends with his pin-point passes. Wheeler didn't force the issue and played within the tempo of the game, whether it was in the half-court or in the open floor. He explodes to the iron and plays with confidence. End to end, he was one of the most consistent players at the event.

Romello White, PF, IMG Academy, 2016
Simply put, the new Floridian was the best big man at the Dodge Shootout. He punished the frontline players with his 6-foot-9, 220-pound frame. No one could contain him on the glass and on the offensive end. White, a former Peachtree Ridge player, did whatever he liked inside the paint.There wasn't much resistance in the process. It was a nice first impression on Saturday for those that were unfamiliar with him.

Brion Whitley, SG, Sarasota Christian, 2017
Whitley had his good moments at the individual player camp, showing off his trademark jump shot. He can score at all three levels and shoots with a textbook shot. There's a lot to like with the sophomore. Whitley has good size (6-3) and nice length for his position. His improved ball-handling and athleticism will help him grow his game even further. Florida, Florida Gulf Coast and Liberty have all been in to see him this fall.


Justin Young
Editor-in-Chief

Justin Young has been the editor-in-chief of HoopSeen.com since 2013. He manages the day-to-day operations on the site and in conjunction with our national and regional events. He was the national basketball editor for Rivals.com and a contributing editor at Yahoo! Sports. Young has been earned numerous awards for his work in sports journalism, including the Georgia Press Association Columnist of the Year. His Justin Young Basketball recruiting service has been in existence since 2002 and worked with over 300 schools from all levels. He is the director of HoopSeen Elite Preview camps and our national Preview camp series. 

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