Talent aplenty in the Future 150 Middle School Showcase

Talent aplenty in the Future 150 Middle School Showcase

By Darnell “Tate” Johnson

Several weeks ago, one of the nation’s premier talent evaluators Darnell “Tate” Johnson went to Florida to watch some of the future stars in Florida. Johnson gave us his insight on which players stood out from the Future 150 Middle School Showcase put on by Bay Area Hoops and Issa Bucket in Tampa.

Below are a few of the standout out players that attended:

2025 Shon Avbaev, 6’2 G (Miami County Day) He showed unlimited range and played with the flair of a high-level high school player. He seemed to rise to the level of the players guarding him. He showed he could put it on the floor and also be effective. When he decided to defend he made some big plays. He scared me at times because he seems to get bored. At a young age that’s not good.

2025 MJ Ward G (Coleman Middle School) He was a strong active guard that was very aggressive all day. He had no problem getting to the cup and finishing. He had no problem scoring with contact and finishing so absorbing contact wasn’t a problem. I like to see him be more dominant on the defensive end.

2025 Carter Reins, 6’6″ F : (Tampa Prep) He’s a long, physical big with very good footwork and a non-stop motor. He played aggressively on both ends with reckless abandon. He had a nice mid-range touch end is very good finishing around the basket with both hands. 

2026 Jayden Joseph, 5’11 G (Miami Country Day) From the start of gameplay this young kid played downhill and set the tone with his aggressive play. It was very impressive how he played under control. He could score at all three levels but was most effective getting to the basket and in the lane raising havoc. He has a tremendous upside.

2025 Robert Parker G (SLAM) He’s a strong aggressive guard that played with a non-stop motor that stayed on the attack. From the start to finish of camp he played with a purpose. He played 94 feet and his strength was getting to the cup and finishing.

2025 Lyrique Sartin, 5’7 G (Liberty Middle School) He was one of the most intense and engaged players all day. He played with a purpose. He has excellent handles and made good decisions all day. He didn’t dwell on mistakes and made an effort to make up for them. 
He was definitely fun to watch.

2025 Rashif Sinkfield, 5’7 G (Orange Grove Middle Magnet) He could really stroke it. He needs to be more aggressive putting it on the floor, but you cant sell short a player that can stroke from deep.

2025 Chasion Wilson, 6’3 F (Fort White Middle School) He has a lot of potentials that haven’t been close to being tapped. He has good length and a nice motor. He was a beast on the glass and finished around the basket. I loved how he ran the floor and finished. He had one of the highest ceilings at the camp.

2025 Willie Piggott, 6’0″ G (Bridgeprep Academy) He’s long with good size. I really like his IQ and how he didn’t rush his game. He played both sides of the ball and was very solid on both ends. He did get in trouble when he tried to do too much. A bad habit that should go away with time.

2025 Justin Smith, 5’5″ G (Ocoee Middle School) He had an up and down day but showed in flashes why some people feel he’s one of the best PGs in the area. He’s physical and can handle the ball on the string. His strength attacking the rim. He defends from baseline to baseline. When he decides how good he wants to be his game should take off.

2025 Jacob Douglas G (Lincoln Memorial Academy) He was a little jet quick guard that just made things happen. He got in the lane and dropped dimes and showed a nice stroke from deep. He wasn’t intimidated by taller players and definitely showed that he belonged.

2025 Xavier Perez CG (Benito Middle School) He was very skilled and played with a controlled game. He saw the whole court and made the right pass that led to positive plays. He can be very good if he doesn’t keep shying away from contact. He needs to be more aggressive.

2028 Jaiden Martin, PG He played with great maturity for his age. He was a very fun young fella to watch. He had a skill set beyond his years. He played with some flair and much confidence. He was definitely a problem.

2027 Ayden “Skoot” Donald, PG (Bridgeprep Academy)He was definitely a big standout at the camp. He was a headache on both ends. He handles the ball on the strings. He was jet quick and uses it to the best of his ability. He played with a good pace, which is very rare for a player his age. He more than once made the opponent look silly. He has a tremendous upside.

2027 O’neal Delancy, G (MMCFA) He has great size and skills for his age. He stood out in camp regardless of class. He started a little slow, but when he turned it on, he really turned it on. He plays on both ends and he let the game come to him. He had good handles and a nice touch. He seemed to be in the right place and made positive play after positive play.

2028 Trenton Williams, PG (Bridgeport Prep) He was one of the young fellas that stood out. He had nice handles and was jet quick. He played with great enthusiasm.

2027 Jaylan Johnson, G (Mcclane a middle School)He was one of the complete players in the camp. He made an impact on both ends. He could score at all three levels.
 
2027 Brandon Perkins, G (Thurgood Marshall Fundamental)He just a baller. He plays hard on both ends and seems to make the right play. He had a good feel for the game. He doesn’t let the game get bigger than him.

2028 Raiden Burke, PG (Bailey Middle School)He’s a high IQ guard that has a good feel and knows how to play. He has a good skill set and can play multiple positions. He’s active but when he gets in better shape his game will take off.

2026 Kobe Bascom, G (Hampton DuBose Academy) He played with great energy and played from the jump ball to the last whistle. He made plays that help your team win. He was a little raw but with his work ethic, his skill set should change.

2027 Chase Weismiller, G (Westlake Christian School)He was another kid that came to camp to play. He was aggressive but played with patience. He got after it from the start and stayed at it until the end of camp. He showed he makes good plays when in control of the team. He’s definitely a leader.

2026 George Daniels G (Woodmart)He set the tone from the defensive end from the start. He made it hard for his opponent to bring in up the court and he was very good at feeding the lanes on the defensive end. He was good at getting to the rim and finishing but needs to work on his jump shot.