The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

SOME of the top Bahamian high school basketball talent are expected to square off this weekend in a high profile matchup on the United States high school basketball circuit.

DeAndre Ayton and his Hillcrest Bruins are slated to face the Sunrise Christian Academy Buffaloes and its trio of Bahamian players - Rashad Davis, Godfrey Rolle and Charles Bain - in the 23rd edition of the Lawrence Hoop Duel in Lawrence, Kansas, this weekend.

Ayton, the top recruit in the Class of 2017, continues to be a dominant force for the Bruins, out of Arizona, as they continue to gain national recognition appearing in tournaments across the US. He has played himself to rave reviews at the Tarkanian Classic in Las Vegas, Mustang Madness and the Grind Session series of tournaments in various locations.

They have a national prep schedule of 10-2 thus far with Ayton averaging 24.7 points, 14.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocked shots per game.

As he continues to dominate, Ayton is taking the recruitment process slowly as programmes across the country step up the process.

The Buffaloes continue their tradition of having a strong Bahamian presence on its roster with the latest trio.

Sunrise is also the alma mater of current Division I players Buddy Hield (Oklahoma), Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairm Jr (Michigan State), Nathan Bain (Stephen F Austin) and Leashja Grant (Texas Tech).

Davis has been the most vital contributor of the group and has played his most productive basketball of late.

The former CC Sweeting Cobra and Hugh Campbell MVP was the player of the game in a 54-46 win ofer Twenty-Two Feet Academy with 20 points and 11 rebounds. He followed up with 15 points in a 71-30 win over CYM.

Rolle starred locally with Agape Christian in Abaco, while Bain made the move to the United States initially with LaLumiere Academy in Indiana before making the transfer to Sunrise.

At 19-7, the Buffaloes continue to progress on the local Kansas high school basketball scene with a recent 74-52 win over Veritas Christian in their playoff matchup.

Aside from the Bahamian connection, the matchup also features several major recruits in high school basketball as Ayton is joined by senior point guard Julian Payton, son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton.

The Sunrise team features ESPN ranked players Kameron McGusty and Isiah Jasey.