Florida Middle School District Select Camp: Standouts of the Stop - Part 1
- aauselecttour
- Aug 27
- 6 min read
August 25th, 2025 | The Wells Activity Center – Apopka, FL
The AAU Select Tour made its Florida stop at The Wells Activity Center in Apopka, and the gym was filled with excitement from start to finish. The middle school division brought an impressive level of energy, skill, and hunger to compete, leaving our staff encouraged about the future of the game. Over the course of the camp, players were evaluated in drills, skill stations, competitive matchups, and live gameplay.
As always, our staff focused on the qualities that truly translate to the next level: effort, coachability, basketball IQ, and the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. After careful consideration, we selected a group of athletes who consistently stood out with their play. It is important to note that not being featured in this list does not mean a player did not perform well. Many athletes had strong moments and continue to show great promise, but these particular names rose to the top across the full day of competition.
This is Part 1 of 2 for the Florida Middle School District Select “Standouts of the Stop.” Below you will find the first half of the standout players recognized for their efforts at camp.
Frederik E. Perez Ramirez
Class of 2030 | Howard Middle School | 6’1”
Frederik has all the physical tools to develop into a big-time player in the future. With his size, length, and strength, he already looks like the kind of prospect high school coaches dream about. Off the bounce, he shows the ability to create for himself while using his frame as a shield to finish through contact. He is a rebounding magnet, reading the ball well off the rim and rising above others to secure extra possessions. Around the basket, his soft hands allow him to control tough passes and quickly convert them into points. Defensively, he is a force, protecting the rim with blocks and altering shots that make opponents think twice. Combine that with a promising shooting stroke, and Frederik’s upside is extremely high.
James Cotter
Class of 2030 | Avalon Middle School | 5’9”
James is a long, rangy athlete with deceptive quickness that makes him hard to guard. He uses his length and handle to slip past defenders and finish with extended layups around the rim. His scoring versatility stands out, as he is comfortable finishing inside, pulling up in the midrange, or stepping out to hit shots when needed. James shows strong composure with the ball, consistently reading defenses and making the right decision to pass or attack. His basketball IQ is advanced for his age and allows him to maximize his skill set in different situations. With his combination of length, poise, and offensive skill, James is a player to watch closely as he continues to grow.
Dean Collins
Class of 2032 | Renaissance Charter at Tradition | 5’3”
Dean shows an impressive understanding of the game for a young guard. His steady handle allows him to penetrate the paint under control and keep his eyes up to make the right read. In the lane, he uses floaters effectively, finishing over taller defenders with touch and creativity. Dean plays with high energy on both ends, competing hard on defense and making his presence felt against older players. His poise with the ball and ability to contribute in multiple areas make him an exciting young prospect with a bright future.
Messiah Oliveira
Class of 2027 | Millennium Middle School | 5’5”
Messiah plays the game with relentless aggression and toughness. Offensively, he thrives in transition, attacking downhill with force and finishing plays through contact. He brings a physical edge that stands out for his age, never backing down from challenges around the rim. On the boards, he rebounds with determination and consistently creates second-chance opportunities for his team. His ability to combine toughness, energy, and scoring makes him a difficult matchup and a player with a lot of long-term upside.
Daniel Barnard
Class of 2030 | PK Yonge | 5’11”
Daniel already has the build and presence of an upperclassman, and he knows how to use it. He finishes strong around the rim, using his body to absorb contact and carve out space for scoring angles. On the glass, he is dominant, securing rebounds with power and making it look effortless. Daniel’s motor is consistent, as he battles on every possession and plays with a love for the game that is easy to see. His strength, effort, and production in the paint make him one of the most impactful players in his division.
Eduardo De Oliveira Santos
Class of 2032 | Windy Hill Middle School | 5’10”
Eduardo is a blur with the ball in his hands and very few players his age can slow him down once he turns on the jets. He thrives as a coast-to-coast threat, finishing at the rim with confidence and control. His midrange game is also impressive, displaying a smooth shooting touch that makes him dangerous in multiple areas of the floor. What separates Eduardo is his motor—he plays with nonstop intensity that impacts the game on both ends. Defensively, he seems to cover the entire floor, pressuring ball handlers and jumping passing lanes. With his speed, effort, and developing skill set, Eduardo is poised to be a name to watch for years to come.
Prynce Merzius
Class of 2030 | Franklin Middle School | 5’4”
Prynce is a high-IQ guard who makes everyone around him better. He runs his team with composure, even in high-pressure situations, showing maturity beyond his years. His vision is outstanding, often seeing plays develop before they happen and creating opportunities for teammates with precise passing. On defense, he positions himself well and understands how to make life difficult for his opponents without overextending. Prynce’s ability to lead, think the game, and consistently make the right play makes him a valuable floor general and a prospect to follow closely.
Luciano Perez
Class of 2030 | Mount Dora Middle School | 5’9”
Luciano is a rare blend of strength, speed, and athleticism for his age. His body control and power allow him to attack downhill and finish through contact in traffic. Defensively, he makes his presence felt everywhere, using his motor to create turnovers and spark transition opportunities. In the open court, he is a force, turning defense into easy points with his athleticism and hustle. Luciano’s ability to combine physical tools with relentless effort makes him one of the most impactful two-way players in his division.
Romeo Hurndon
Class of 2030 | Deerfield Beach Middle School | 6’2”
Romeo’s size and physicality immediately set him apart at this level. He is a powerful finisher around the rim, often forcing defenders to think twice before challenging him. On the boards, he has an outstanding feel for positioning and secures rebounds with authority. His hands are reliable in traffic, allowing him to catch tough passes and convert them into points. Defensively, his presence alone alters shots and forces opponents into difficult decisions in the paint. Romeo’s combination of strength, size, and toughness makes him one of the most dominant interior players at camp.
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