2024 Florida Jam: Friday Night Notebook
WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — The inaugural Florida Jam tipped off on Friday night inside the beautiful Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex in Wesley Chapel, Florida. While we’re in south Florida with some in-state talent, several out-of-state teams made the trip South for the NCAA Live Period event.
Friday’s action flew by with only four game slots, but there’s plenty of notes to digest. Without further adieu, here’s a couple of quick thoughts from the night…
BRYCE FITZGERALD WASTES NO TIME
Here at HoopSeen, we’re no stranger to 2025 Miami (FL) Christopher Columbus guard Bryce Fitzgerald. A lot of the country is familiar with him on the gridiron — after all, he’s a high-major defensive back — but if he’s done anything the past few summers, he’s proven he can excel on the hardwood, too.
The 6-foot-1 guard was a top performer playing up in the 17U division last season at Best of the South. He wasted no time announcing his presence on Friday night, scoring 33 points in a win for Mark Black All-Stars. Fitzgerald excelled as a slithery slasher attacking the rim, doing much of his damage around the rim. His athleticism and body control helped him tremendously.
Fitzgerald is being recruited hard by Florida, Florida State, Miami, and other schools as a football prospect. However, he’s one of the few prospects that could play multiple sports at the next level. He would fit right in on a college basketball roster.
ADD ANOTHER ONE TO THE ALABAMA LIST
Everyone knows I love a good Alabama sleeper. Needless to say my ears perked up when I heard 2025 Panhandle Prospects guard Javion Dailey hailed from Daphne (AL).
Dailey was impressive in a come-from-behind win for the Prospects. Trailing by as many as 16 points at one point, the rising senior piloted an impressive comeback for his team. He utilized his quick first step and athleticism to get in the lane while also making some plays in transition. Whatever the case, Dailey kept the defense on its heels by keeping his foot on the gas. He finished with a game-high 26 points in the victory.
LIGHTING UP THE SCOREBOARD
The 9 o’clock game slot brought some fireworks to end the night, but nothing was more impressive than 2027 guard Luigi Martelli’s opening-night performance.
The lefty sharpshooter made nine three-pointers en route to 40 points to help pace Rise & Grind 15U to a win. He mixed up his scoring arsenal, whether it was shooting off the catch or putting the ball on the floor and scoring the basketball.
Yes, it’s only Friday, but I’m not sure we’ll see that offensive output out-done for the rest of the weekend. Credit to Martelli for his big game. However, I was more impressed by his teammates. The Rise & Grind squad realized he was hot and they sought him throughout the game. You don’t see much of that at any level of basketball.
Kudos to the entire Rise & Grind team on their fun basketball and victory.
