ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Players from all over the Sunshine State made their way to the 21st annual Dodge Florida Shootout at Eckerd College for a day of basketball in front of a good number of college coaches. Here are our superlatives from the action. 

Best prospect - Mel Esso, Conrad Academy, 2017: The French import has only been in the United States for a month and he seems quite acclimated to the levels of play that comes with being a highly recruited prospect. No one played harder on Saturday in the individual camp than Esso did. The 6-foot-6 wing scored all over the floor, defended with purpose and crashed the boards with strength. He’s a good shooter and has a great feel for the game. Don’t be surprised to hear his name all over recruiting lists as college coaches get a chance to see him play.

Best scorer - Cory Kaplan, Holy Trinity Episcopal, 2017: Kaplan said he has yet to receive a college scholarship offer from anyone yet but if coaches watched him on Saturday, that narrative should change. Kaplan was a productive scorer at the event. He owned the stage with plays above the rim, was effective as a shooter and shined in the up and down structure of the games. If this were a live period event, it wouldn’t come as a shock to see Atlantic Sun schools pony up a scholarship offer. 

Best shot-blocker - Aristide Boya, Conrad Academy, 2019: The 7-footer from Cameroon was a menace in the paint. His length and presence changed a number of shots, too. Very raw in every facet of the game, Boya is very intriguing because of his speciality. There is value with his game but patience is required. Certainly a player to watch over the next three years in the Sunshine State. Playing against man child Austin Wiley at Conrad Academy won’t hurt either. 

Best motor - Shawndarius Cowart, Pensacola, 2018: You can quickly determine who is serious about a stage during drill work at exposure camps. Cowart played with high energy throughout the drills, 3 on 3 and 5 on 5 games. The athletic 6-foot-2 point guard was the best rebounding guard int he camp and was a positive presence with his teammates. He never took his foot off the gas and played with a great feel for his position. Liked what we saw from the junior. 

Best surprise - Justin Nicholsen, Atlantic Christian Academy, 2018: Playing for the first time at a camp like this, the 6-foot-4 guard made sure he maximized his day in the gym. The South Florida guard was a named the seemed to generate buzz from start to finish because of his athleticism, his scoring touch, his length and perimeter shot. Very good first impression from Nicholsen.