Class 3A preseason preview and predictions
The high school basketball season is fast approaching, so that means it is time to make some predictions. Here are the previews and predictions, preseason edition for Class 3A. This includes the top five teams from the class, a surprise…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball season is fast approaching, so that means it is time to make some predictions.
Here are the previews and predictions, preseason edition for Class 3A. This includes the top five teams from the class, a surprise sleeper team, the top five players from the class and some sleeper players to watch this season.
Top 5 teams
Orlando Christian Prep
The Warriors lost in the 2A state semifinal to eventual state champion Grandview Prep, finishing 20-13 on the season. Orlando Christian Prep graduated four seniors including guards Cameron Corcoran (13.8 PPG) and Robert Aviles (10.5 PPG). A three-headed monster transferred over with sophomore CJ Walker and juniors Ronaldo Segu and Nassir Little. This team has tons of youth, however, to step up with junior point guard Damon Harge returning after averaging a team-best 14.3 PPG.
Trinity Christian
Staying in Class 3A, the Conquerors will be led by seniors Shaun Wade (11.7) and Rasheed Martin (9.6). Troy Jackson graduated after Trinity Christian made a region semifinal appearance with a 17-11 record. This group should be able to contend with a lot of the new programs they’ll face. Junior Tyreke Johnson and sophomore Dale Green are two other players to know on this team.
First Academy (Leesburg)
Rising seniors Kyle Beers (10.7) and Bryce Bohler (7.2 PPG) are taking over the show with Joe Lea and Tyler Cummings in college. The Eagles finished 15-9 a year ago making a 2A region final appearance. Along with Beers and Bohler, juniors Tommy Lea and Tyas Dixon, senior Tyler Hicks and sophomore Sammy Punt are going to play a part. First Academy is built for another run this season.
Florida A&M
Seven seniors departed including forward Kaliah Wooden (9.0 PPG), Dizavier Harris (8.9 PPG) and Brandon Bryant (7.9 PPG). The Baby Rattlers posted a 17-14 record making an appearance in the 2A state semifinal. Seniors Khalil Butler and Kenyatta Colvin will be the heart and soul of this team. Rising juniors Mekhi Yant and Marquis Davis and eighth grader A’Drelin Robinson will play a role. At 5’3″, 100 lbs., Robinson averaged 4.1 PPG as a seventh grader.
Southwest Florida Christian
Junior point guard Jacob Tracey transferred over from Riverdale to join his younger brother Jadrian, a freshman. Seniors Aiden Crume and Hunter Davis have graduated, but junior guard Caleb Catto is the leader of this team. Senior Dillon Martino and junior Jordan Weatherbee are guys to monitor for this team. The Kings finished 25-4 last season with a 2A region semifinal appearance.
Sleeper Team
Canterbury Ft. Myers
The Cougars went just 12-11 last season and missed out on the playoffs. But this group earned a big prize when junior point guard Berrick Jean Louis transferred over from Lehigh. Junior guard Edward Zurita returns as the leading scorer (21.5 PPG) and sophomore Bryson Royal (12.5 PPG) will take that next step. Junior Rickey Fernandez and sophomore Jalen Ellis are two other key contributors. Canterbury will be a factor this year in 2A no doubt.
Top 5 players from the class
- Orlando Christian Prep F Nassir Little (2018)
- Orlando Christian Prep G Ronaldo Segu (2018)
- Canterbury G Berrick Jean Louis (2018)
- Trinity Christian G Amorie Archibald (2017)
- Southwest Florida Christian F Caleb Catto (2018)
Sleeper players
- Bishop McLaughlin Catholic G Drew James (2017)
- Village Academy G Widgens Eugene (2017)
- St. John Neumann G Jack Youmans (2018)
- Seacrest Country Day F Aidan Hancock (2018)
- Saint Stephen’s G Jordan Edwards (2019)
- Evangelical Christian F Logan Pearlman (2019)
- First Baptist G Preston Urbancic (2019)
- Mount Dora Christian G Taylor Trudeau (2019)
Photo credit: OCP Hoops