The Battle Miami Standouts

The Battle Miami Standouts 

Mikey Williams:  Mikey Williams is one of the most notable and recognizable names in High School Basketball. I often joke that you know you're "that guy" when you can go by just one name. With over 3.3 million followers on Instagram, Mikey's notoriety exceeds the majority of current NBA players. In this era of elite youth basketball; growing expectations accompany his "cult-like" popularity and it's often hard to live up to them. Over the years, I've watched Mikey handle the media, crowd, and opposing defense's with ease. It was great to see him compete at The Battle Miami because his full game was on display. He facilitated and got his teammates going early and often, he attacked and put the team on his back when necessary and did it all while putting on a show for crowd. He efficiently scored from all 3 levels in both of their games and demonstrated to everyone watching that he is one of the best players in the country.

Angel Montas: Angel Montas put on one of the most impressive performances I've seen this year. He is an exceptional downhill scorer who also showed shot-making capability. He struggled from beyond the arc but was absolutely unstoppable when in attack mode. Angel has a knack for getting to the basket and the ability to finish through contact with both hands. His scoring ability coupled with great free throw shooting (11-16 over the course of 2 games) make him tough to stop. Whenever Life Christian Academy needed a basket, they could rely on Angel to make something happen and it didn't too much matter who was between him and the basket. He has superb balance and agility which allowed him to turn situations that regularly would result in a charge into "And 1" finishes. Not too many players can score 50 points in a high school basketball game, Angel Montas did just that against elite competition. The 6'5 small forward from La Romana, Dominican Republic has offers from Dayton, Illinois, Iona, FIU, SMU & Fordham. I can certainly see him making an immediate impact wherever he decides to play his collegiate ball. 

Mike Price: The biggest question always asked when a star goes down or is unable to play is "Who's going to step up!" Mike Price did just that! He was in control at all times and gave a glimpse of just how good this CBC (Sierra Canyon) roster really is. He put on a shot making clinic that consisted of dunks, floaters, pull ups, jump shots, you name it! This is a young man with an extremely diverse skillset who has obviously spent a lot of time in the gym perfecting his craft. Mike Price has the ability to score at will but the pace and maturity to pick his spots and set up his teammates for success. The CBC squad looked more in control and organized with Mike on the floor as he elevated the level of play and controlled the tempo from start to finish. ESPN has him ranked at number 36 in the Class of 2023 and he utilized the prime time matchups to show in both games that he can compete with anyone in the country. Price starred at Ribet Academy, which was one of the top programs in the state of California last year but chose to transfer to Sierra Canyon after it was announced that Ribet would not field a basketball program this coming season due to financial constraints. Scouts, College Coaches and Media should definitely have Mike Price on their short list of "Prospects to Watch" this year as he is sure to continue to open eyes and garner national attention. 

Isaiah Elohim: Isaiah Elohim was another one of those guys who stepped up big for CBC given the additional availability of minutes and shots with some of their game-time scratches. It's always good to see how younger players perform when the bright lights are on them in meaningful minutes. Isaiah Elohim did not disappoint and lived up to his pre-season #4 ranking in the ESPN Top 25 Class of 2024. He scored double-digits in both games but was extremely impressive leading CBC in scoring with 24 points in Game 1 vs. Vertical Academy. His ability to manufacture points by drawing contact and getting to the free throw line was key in not only adding to the final score but also creating foul trouble for the opposition. The play of Elohim, Price & Rudovskiy leads me to believe that Sierra Canyon is one of, if not the deepest team in the country. 

Kijani Wright: A man amongst boys! Kijani Wright was dominant on both ends of the floor! He rebounds with authority, attacks the rim with aggression and makes his presence felt every minute that he's on the floor. The USC commit was outstanding in the paint and gave Trojan's fans a glimpse of what they can expect in the Galen Center for years to come! Kijani is extremely active on the offensive glass, rebounds outside of his zone, finishes well around and above the rim, has a great catch radius and understands how to use his size and strength to his advantage. When playing through him, he understands when he has the advantage and can get a bucket but also has the wherewithal to identify open shooters on the perimeter and cutters attacking the basket. Kijani has a physically imposing presence that you can't help but notice on the floor. He was for sure the anchor for CBC all weekend and I can imagine he will have a major impact on Sierra Canyon's title run this season!

Tremayne Parker: With all eyes, and defenses; focused on Mikey Williams, Vertical Academy needed someone to step up and help shoulder the load. Tremayne Parker answered the call! The 6'3 2023 guard provided a much needed secondary scoring effort. He scored 15 points in Game 1 and erupted for 31 points Game 2. Tremayne showed an ability to get to the basket consistently as well as near NBA range while knocking down multiple deep 3's. When you have a player like Mikey Williams on your team there will always be an opportunity for someone to take advantage of the spotlight he brings and Tremayne Parker was that guy at The Battle Miami. He should have no shortage of chances to showcase himself on a National stage this season and if he continues to produce in those moments I expect to see him with plenty of Division 1 offers. 

Cameron Boozer: I recently wrote about Cameron Boozer when I posted my "Freshman 10" (https://www.thebrantleymethod.com/the-freshman-10) and seeing him in Miami was more confirmation of what I saw from him at CP3 Rising Stars Camp. Playing in front of his dad; (NCAA Champion and 2x NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer), NBA star Victor Oladipo, and other big names in the nearly standing room only crowd, Cameron Boozer dominated the competition in route to a 21 point 9 rebound outing in which he sat most of the second half. He was unstoppable and made it very clear to everyone watching that he is on a different level.  Supreme post moves, above the rim monster dunks that brought the crowd to their feet, mid-range jumpers and 5-5 free throw shooting was on display from the 6'8 Freshman who utilized the platform and NBC National Broadcast to showcase to everyone in the country his elite skillset. 

Cayden Boozer: I thoroughly enjoyed watching Cayden presiding as the floor general of the Columbus Explorers. He controlled the tempo, played with pace, played above the rim, created offensive opportunities with his defensive ball pressure in route to a 34 point victory. Cayden showed his ability to score but more importantly his basketball I.Q. to productively run the offense and put everyone in an advantageous position. At 6'4 he has positional size and when you pair that with his skillset and athleticism you have the recipe for success in High School and beyond. Keep an eye on both of the Boozer twins as they continue to develop. They will have Christopher Columbus in contention and in position to avenge last seasons loss in the Region 4-7A Championship. 

Khouri Carvey: Khouri Carvey had a solid performance in Game 1 but really came to life with 19 points in Game 2. He put on a mid-range clinic as the game flowed through him in Vertical Academy's 95-89 victory over Life Christian Academy. The 6'9 Forward knocked down multiple free-throw line extended jumpers to neutralize the zone Life Christian employed to slow down the driving abilities of Veritcal Academy. Khouri was a key component to the success of their offense with his ability to not only knock down shots but to also identify the open man and deliver precision passes out of the high post. We spoke a lot on the broadcast about players being open to HBCU opportunities, Khouri Carvey is one of the players who could flourish in those conferences. 

Jamier Jones: Jamier Jones is one of the most athletically gifted guards in the country. He jumps out of the gym and is learning how to utilize that athleticism in game settings. When he's aggressive and in attack mode he can get to the basket and finish through contact, he gets to the free throw line and converts those opportunities at a high percentage (8-10 on the weekend) and provides relentless ball pressure on the defensive end. His team came up short in both games during the event but his potential and upside was on display for those in attendance and fans watching on Peacock. He is a name that you'll hear a lot of during the next 4 years. 

Jason Jackson: Jason Jackson & Jamier Jones were all the offensive firepower "The View" had all weekend and unfortunately it wasn't enough against the high level competition of The Battle Miami. Even in defeat Jackson demonstrated his next level ability and lead his team in scoring in both games. He scored at all 3 levels and showed those in attendance and watching from home why he is viewed as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2023. He currently hold offers from Florida, LSU, Virginia Tech & Penn State and with consistent play his stock should continue to rise this season. 

Kailon Nicholls: Kailon Nicholls is a competitor and a winner! In both of the games for Rip City he led their team as they mounted late comebacks to emerge victoriously. The 6 foot Senior refused to back down and responded to numerous big plays and offensive runs with one of his own. Kailon showed range and strong shooting ability along with the capability to break down defenders and get to the basket at will. He finished through contact and willed his team to victory. Nicholls is another player who I think could have a very successful career at an HBCU. Coaches love winners and Kailon finds a way to do just that! 

Hansel Emmanuel Donato: By far Hansel Emmanuel Donato is the most inspiring story in High School basketball. Watching him compete was something that transcends the 94 feet of hardwood the game is played on. Hansel is a high level player who doesn't see or believe in limitations. He is able to do things on the court with 1 arm that the large majority of us only wish to be able to accomplish with two. He blocks shots, aggressively defends, gets to the basket, facilitates and plays above the rim. The energy, enthusiasm and confidence he plays with is an example to show players of all ages and skill levels. Beyond the motivational impact, Hansel can flat out play! He often times saw a double team as soon as he crossed half court because the opponents knew what he was capable of once he got moving towards the basket. He finished with 14 points in Life Christian Academy's loss to Vertical Academy and continuously provided sparks to get them back within striking distance. I am a big fan of Hansel Emmanuel Donato and know that his ability to impact the lives of countless people will exceed far beyond what the scoreboard shows! 

Honorable Mention: