Phenom's Palmetto Winter Classic
What We're Looking For
Part 2 ' Blythewood Vs. AC Flora
These are two of the best programs in South Carolina basketball. AC Flora has a long and storied history that goes back to the days of the 80's when they produced the likes of NBA players Tyrone Corbin and Xavier McDaniel. Blythewood is 50-15 over the past 3 seasons, going 6-2 in the last two playoffs making it all the way to the 5A state championships in 2016-17.
These two teams are also filled with scholarship level players across the floor. They both are comfortable playing fast and above the rim. Each team also has great length across the lineup, to go with size in the paint and guards who are able to defend, handle and score. You'll see AC Flora do complete lineup changes (five on and five off) while Blythewood will rock with their top seven or eight for the entirety of the game.
Right now AC Flora stands 8-3 and they are coming off a year that saw them drop in the Third Round of the 4A State Playoffs. Many are talking about them possibly making another run to the lower state finals and making a big push toward a state championship.
Right now Blythewood stands 7-2. As stated previously they are coming off a 22-6 season that saw them make it all the way to the 5A State Championship game. Many out there are talking about Blythewood making another run toward representing the Lower State in the 5A title game.
Now let's take a look at the players'
AC Flora
6'1 senior Zack Foulks (Lees McRae)
The only player in this game committed to play college ball, Foulks is a high scoring guard who shoots the ball well out to 25 feet and has very quick hands on defense. When Foulks is running hot, AC Flora is a tough team to match with.
6'7 senior Diamonte Brown
Brown is a walking double/double and should be on the top of every low to mid major's recruiting boards. The explosive power player is a very strong, 2-handed rebounder, while he grabs boards and blocks shots high above the rim. Brown is a threat on the block with great hands and good footwork as well. His recruitment should really take off soon.
6'3 junior DJ Sinkler
Sinkler is a new prospect to the radar, however, he is one who needs immediate attention. Sinkler has great length to go along with good athleticism. He is a shot maker who has deep range with a quick and confident release. He is able to get into the mid-range and he finishes above the rim in transition. Sinkler's star is on the rise, start and continue monitoring closely.
6'8 sophomore Patrick Iriel
It is no secret this is an upper-class led team. However, Iriel has cracked the rotation, not only due to his size but also his skill set. He is a sure fire Division 1 prospect and one who is just tipping the iceberg with how good he could be. He has great hands, good size and footwork that pairs nicely with his toughness and touch. Watch the development closely.
Blythewood
6'9 senior Robert Braswell
Just last week Braswell earned an offer from Oklahoma State while the likes of Georgia Tech, Texas A&M, South Carolina and others were in to see him. He is rapidly becoming one of the hottest prospects in the region. Braswell is a 40% 3-point shooter while also the defending South Carolina 5A state high jump champion. He is a very unique prospect, one who is impressive each time he steps on the floor. Expect coaches at this level to continue coming to watch and eventually offering.
6'2 senior Jonathan Breeland
Somehow Breeland doesn't have any offers, Division 1 or Division 2. This is quite perplexing to us considering what he does as a player. Breeland has great size for a point guard. He handles with the ball on a string and he is a very good passer. Defensively he uses his strength and quick twitch athleticism to guard the ball the full length of the floor and he is a threat for a triple/double each time he steps on the floor. Division 1s should be watching, Division 2s should be living on him.
6'1 junior Tre Jackson
Jackson is a high scoring, flashy lead guard. He has deep range with a very quick release and he plays with the utmost confidence in himself. Jackson has a tight handle that gets him where he wants on the floor and is very quick, which helps him both on the ball as well as when defending the ball. Jackson carries Coastal Carolina, Southern Mississippi and SC State offers, expect many more to come.