Top prospects talk about their time at the Kingdom of the Sun

OCALA – The Kingdom of the Sun is alive and well at Vanguard High School. With one of its best fields in years, there have been plenty of highlights.

We were treated to Division I point guard battles, one of the best teams in Florida, and a host of out-of-state title contenders this week. At least 30 college basketball hopefuls took the court seeking a tournament title.

Throughout the week, we sat with top prospects to ask them about their experience playing in the 48th annual Kingdom of the Sun. Each had something to say about their competition level before the new year.

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Hawthorne dual sport threat CJ Ingram

Hawthorne was the first area team to play on Tuesday. The Hornets picked up their first loss of the season playing P. K. Yonge. Of course, they will need a little time to adjust to the court as more than half of their roster is still riding the high of a state title football win.

Despite some rust, CJ Ingram showed why he’s a coveted basketball and football prospect. He’s scored in double figures each night while throwing passing with the precision of a veteran quarterback.

“It’s been a very good experience," Ingram said "There’s a different type of environment in this tournament playing against the better competition so we can get ready for our playoff season and make it far.”

Hawthorne (2-2) went 1-2 during the tournament. As time expired, Ingram put his signature on their 49-46 win against Valdosta with a dunk.

Jacksonville Riverside's Dominick Scott

Riverside took a short road trip to Ocala for the tournament. The Jacksonville school finished 1-2, falling to Shady Spring and Winter Haven before beating Valdosta by 22 points.

Senior Dominick Scott led his team in scoring in all but one game. His 6-foot-4 size and athleticism make him one of the top players in Jacksonville’s senior class.

“I like the challenge. They had some pretty good teams out here, and I’m excited about the challenge,” Scott said.

Riverside is currently 4-8 after a front-loaded schedule. After experiencing the level of talent at the Kingdom of the Sun, the rest of its schedule should be easier to handle for the Generals.

Jacksonville Providence's Big 3 headed for collegiate competition

Providence joined Riverside on the trip from Jacksonville. They played in the third place game against P. K. Yonge on Friday.

They’re a loaded group with two players committed to Division I programs in their home town and a third with multiple offers. Senior Mason Lee signed with the University of North Florida, and junior Chris Arias committed to Jacksonville University on Nov. 1.

Jaylen Robinson rounds out the big three and is steadily gaining traction after picking up an Appalachian State offer days after good performances at the City of Palms tourney.

“It’s been a good experience. We played Winter Haven, tough loss, but it’s getting us ready for playoffs and tough teams down the road,” Robinson said.

Providence has a chance to get revenge on Winter Haven in three weeks at a neutral site.

Winter Haven's Dylan James headed for Georgia

The Blue Devils (11-1) have shown they’re one of the most competitive teams in the state. After a national event in Illinois and a stint at the City of Palms, they saw the two-and-a-half-hour ride to Ocala as a business trip.

“It’s been good. We came out here knowing we have to take care of business,” said Georgia signee Dylan James.

James is anchoring the defense for his state title-hopeful team. With Division I prospects and a slew of talented role players, the Blue Devils made their way to Friday night's title game against Olympia (10-0).

Jizzle James leads Covington to championship game

The Titans needed to take down Covington Catholic (10-1) to get to the championship game. From the matchup came the best individual game of the tournament. Cincinnati commit Jizzle James finished with a highlight filled 19 points. Covington Catholic’s Evan Ipsaro, who’s committed to Miami University in Ohio, matched his production with 16 points and 7 assists.

“It’s been a really good tournament. There’s a lot of really good teams down here,” said Ipsaro.

Ipsaro’s Kentucky-based team had one of the toughest roads to a placement game. They played Pickerington Central (6-3) for fifth place, where they’ll face Ohio State commit Devin Royal.

Charlotte's John Gamble holds his own

One of the team’s Covington Catholic played during the week was Punta Gorda Charlotte (5-8). The Fighting Tarpons have a 6-6 wing in John Gamble who has held his own during a loaded schedule.

“It's intense crowds and a good population popping out to the games," Gamble said. "Nice games to play because we have good competition every game so we have a lot to deal with on the court. It’s a good tournament to be in and get some work.”

Charlotte went 1-2 during the Kingdom of the Sun, beating Booker T. Washington out of Pensacola before falling short of a placement game with back-to-back losses against Covington Catholic and Providence.

Shady Spring's Braden Chapman takes over

Shady Spring was the most unheralded out-of-state team making the field. It didn’t take them long to become a fan favorite with their style of play and an edge.

After a loss to Providence in the first round, Braden Chapman took over in the second and third rounds.

“It’s been amazing. Good to play against some really good competition and it’s new for us in West Virginia. We don’t see much 6-7, 6-8 guys,” Chapman said.

Shady Spring faced Suncoast (9-4) in the consolation championship game.

Suncoast center Ian Smikle puts teams on notice

The Chargers have a big three of their own who have struggled during the tournament, but center Ian Smikle is putting teams on notice with his post play. After losing to Covington Catholic by 22 in the opening round, they’ve rebounded with back-to-back wins.

“Great tournament. Every team is good,” Smikle said. “You have to make sure you bring your A game for every game because all the teams have that dog in them and want to win. It’s a high-level tournament, so it’s all high-level teams.”

Smikle is emerging as one of the best bigs in Florida’s 2024 class. He currently holds offers from High Point and Albany State. He has his eyes set on earning a Big Ten offer before he graduates.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: College basketball prospects speak about of time at Kingdom of the Sun