CFE Grant Hill 17U Advances at Palmetto Road in 3SSB

By Michael Wholey 7/28/23 7:00 AM EST   Closing out the July eval period, Central Florida Elite wrapped up the back end of July in Rock Hill at the Palmetto Road 3SSB National Championships.  Taking care of business in the team's first 3 games, by defeating JBS 17U, [program_tooltip program_id='716237' first='Always' last='100'] Elite 2024, and Indiana Elite Thunder, CFE advanced to the Quarterfinals behind a loaded roster.  The event was highlighted by a double OT win over Indiana Elite in the Quarterfinals in a back and forth battle that came down to the wire with CFE pulling out the win 57-46.      [player_tooltip player_id='217664' first='Lexi' last='Blue'] - 6'1 Wing   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/07/F1fexiqX0AUwLjE.jpeg?w=838" alt="" class="wp-image-722523" width="174" height="213"/></figure>   While Blue was not able to lead Central Florida Elite to a championship at the Palmetto Road 3SSB National Championships, her play was a big part of CFE's success.  The 6'1 wing who recently verbally committed to Virginia Tech is a difference maker at both ends of the court.  She uses her height and wingspan well on both office and defensive and rebounds the ball exceptionally well from the perimeter.  She has a versatile offensive skill set and has a huge upside.        Camila De Pool – 5'9 Guard   De Pool recently picked up a scholarship offer from Marshall for her play this summer with Central Florida Elite.  She is a big guard that can score from the wing off the dribble and from 3.  With a loaded back court, De Pool played an exceptional role this spring / summer for CFE, playing major minutes, finding opportunities to score, as well creating shots for her teammates.  She played hard and aggressive with good energy on both ends of the floor.      [player_tooltip player_id='243885' first='Jada' last='Eads'] – 5'7 Guard   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/04/Jada-Eads.jpeg?w=540" alt="" class="wp-image-635824" width="230" height="230"/></figure>     Eads and Blue were a big 1-2 punch for CFE this summer.  Playing both the point guard and shooting guard position, Eads is a threat with the ball in her hands anytime she crosses half court.  The recent Seton Hall verbal commit has nasty open court moves, blowing by defenders and attacking in transition.  When she is not attacking off the dribble, she is either letting it fly from 3 or dropping dimes to her teammates, getting them easy buckets!       Sophia McCartney – 6'3 Forward / Center   McCartney followed up a big season with Neumann HS out of Naples, with a solid performance with Central Florida Elite this spring / summer.  The 6'3 F/C is a big presence in the paint.  She shoots a high percentage from the paint, rebounds the ball well on both the offensive and defensive end, and is a shot blocker.  She is one of the top unsigned front court players in the class of 2024.      [player_tooltip player_id='219929' first='Raeanne' last='Eccleston'] – 6'2 Forward   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/07/Rae-Eccleston.jpeg?w=811" alt="" class="wp-image-729149" width="147" height="186"/></figure>     Eccleston is one of the top post players in the class of 2024.  She moves well for her size, scores in the paint, and rebounds on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor.  She uses her length well, getting her hands on a lot of balls by being active and pursuing balls out of her area.  She is a potential major stock riser with a ton of potential.        [player_tooltip player_id='426332' first='Teodora' last='Ivanovic'] – 6'2 Forward   Ivanovic is a 6'2 Forward that mainly plays faceup.  She has 3-point range with a high release and good range.  She sees the floor well for a front court player, making passes to teammates for easy shots both from the top of the key and the low block and short corner.  She is a skilled offensive player with a strong skill set and a high basketball IQ.      [player_tooltip player_id='223784' first='Nicole' last='Carreno'] – 5'10 Wing / Forward   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/06/FtekqXAWYAAi4mg.jpeg?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-667383" width="146" height="182"/></figure>     Carreno is a big guard / wing that can shoot the 3.  She can play multiple positions and is dangerous when left open at the 3-point line as she shoots a high percentage from the top of the key and the wing on catch and shoot opportunities.  Her size and strength really stand out, making her a matchup nightmare.        Michael Wholey is the lead scout for Florida Prep Girls Hoop Florida and a former division one Assistant Coach at American University, University of Memphis, and Georgia Tech.  Wholey and the rest of the Prep Girls Hoop staff, seek to cover the entire state of player, keeping subscribers up to date with player evaluations, recruiting info, and statewide news.  Our audience often supplies us with some of our best information.  If you have any information on players, teams, or statewide news in the state of Florida, emailing Michael Wholey at WholeyPrepHoops@gmail.com or DM him through Twitter or Instagram @WholeyPrepHoops.

By Michael Wholey 7/28/23 7:00 AM EST