By Jerome Reed
Saturday’s “The Cage Showcase”, hosted by Rangeman Films, saw some of the best Palm Beach has to offer when it comes to up & coming talent. Hoopers who were anywhere from sixth grade to seniors in high school came through to learn how the game is played at a higher level. Coaches from Hoop Dynasty & The Hoop Vibe led the players in various drills, then put the knowledge into action with a couple of 5-on-5 runs to end the day. Here’s Part One of the top standouts from the event.
Christian Maxon – 2025 Fort Pierce Central: It’s no secret that throughout the state of Florida, Christian Maxon is known as one of best scorers around. He’s going into his fourth straight season on varsity, averaging at least 14 points per game in his high school career. Maxon did an incredible job finishing at the rim in-traffic and at one point, sank FOUR STRAIGHT triples. Whether it was in-transition or off the catch, Maxon, who has a thin frame at about 6’2” and plays the wing, was nearly automatic from deep. He possesses a solid handle when the rock is in his hands, and demonstrated his leadership abilities as he was caught motivating his team on the defensive end multiple times. Look for him to have a standout year for the Cobras in the coming months.
Sean Standifer – 2025 Lake Worth: Standifer is going to be a key piece for his Trojans this season. Standing at 6’5” with a college body, Standifer showed his explosiveness all day—finishing at the rim with strong slams after taking defenders off the dribble. He can hit the three with ease. He runs the floor hard and with solid pace. Defensively, he was a problem for those looking to attack the rim. Standifer did an awesome job contesting layups and protecting the rim. Keep an eye out on him at Lake Worth High School, this season.
Christopher Maxon – 2025 Fort Pierce Central: Sometimes, basketball is a sport that runs in the family. Clearly, there’s evidence of that with Christopher and the Maxon twins. What strikes you about Christopher’s game more than anything, is his passing ability in the half-court. He has some of the best vision you’ll see out of a player, especially on the dribble-drive into the paint. He found his teammates on the block, fit dishes into tight spaces, and racked up assists all day. Maxon was great at finishing with contact, and avoiding contact at the rim altogether. He can also sink the trey and midrange jumper when needed.
Joshua Fequire – 2025 Fort Pierce Central: Another Cobra who came to The Cage to make a statement, Fequiere’s wiry frame and large wingspan made it difficult for ball-handlers to get around him. If he was in or near the paint, players would have to totally adjust their shots because of his length. Offensively, he did a lot of his damage close to the rim, snagging offensive boards & getting easy putbacks, or by using his explosiveness to power home two-handed flushes. Josh will be a staple for Fort Pierce Central in his senior campaign.
Xavier Police – 2028: This freshman is absolutely someone you want to keep on your radar. He played with ZERO fear, finishing tough lays over larger defenders, and was competing for rebounds on both sides of the floor. Police did a solid job of hitting his outside jumpers, and punched home a slam off a breakaway steal. In the second game of the day, Police went on a 7-0 run BY HIMSELF. During transition defense, look for him to meet players at the rim, searching for the block. He is going to be a solid prospect as the years go by.