Class 4A 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 4A. 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 4A. This includes the top five teams from the class, a surprise sleeper team, the top players from the class and some sleeper players to watch this season.
Top 5 teams
First Academy
I know this team didn’t win the 3A state title a year ago, finishing 18-3 while losing in OT to Westminster Academy in the state semifinal. However, the Royals are absolutely loaded with seniors Chaundee Brown, Malik William, Elijah Jordan and Greg Summers. Brown recently committed to Wake Forest, so with that out of the way he can focus solely on this season. This kid is the real deal, a true old school player who isn’t afraid to put his body on the line. The Royals are poised for a deep run.
Providence
The Stallions finished 17-5 last season falling in the 3A region final to First Academy. After winning the state title in 2015, Providence is not the same team, but with senior point guard and UAB commit Zack Bryant controlling the floor this new-look group has a chance. Add in junior wing Will Erickson, entering his third season on this team and Providence will contend. Also, junior Bryce Hunter is a versatile piece coming off his latest football season.
Westminster Academy
The Lions fell four points short of a 3A state championship in a 23-7 season. They return junior stud Zach Scott Division-I commit Paul Atkinson (Yale), sophomore spot up shooter Chase Johnston and welcome Northeastern commit Jason Strong to the mix from Cardinal Gibbons. Atkinson had 34 points and 21 rebounds in the state tournament. Westminster will compete with those two running the show in 4A.
Archbishop Carroll
Here’s a team that went 20-2 last season making it to the 3A state semifinal round. The Bulldogs lost six seniors including leading scorer and point guard Christian Anglada (15.6 PPG), guard Luis Fred (7.5 PPG) and forward Christian Garcia (6.1 PPG). However, this team is still built to make a run this season with senior guard Christian Silva (13.1 PPG) ready to take the next step forward. Archbishop Carroll also has junior guard Gus Deribeaux (6.4 PPG) and 6’10” freshman Bright Okongwu.
Calvary Christian
The Warriors didn’t last long in the 3A playoffs, losing to Seffner Christian in the region quarterfinal. However, Calvary Christian went 20-9 and will bring back two impressive seniors in Paxton Wilson (16.3 PPG) and Eddie Williams (12.4). Add seniors Juice Thompson and Caleb Dials and junior spot shooter Austin Meloche to the mix and this Warriors group has a lot of offensive weaponry. I expect Calvary Christian to step up this season.
Sleeper Team
Tampa Prep
The Terrapins went 19-11 last season losing in the 3A region final to Windermere Prep. Senior guard Tyson Ward (16.4 PPG) is off at North Dakota State, but Tampa Prep has some young talent to really be excited about. Sophomore guard Jaren Phillips (12.3 PPG) gets better with each game and plays beyond his years while junior forward Trey Sibert (10.1 PPG) is a solid presence inside. Running the point is crafty senior Amari Goulbourne (7.6 PPG). Don’t be shocked to see the Terrapins find themselves back in the state tournament.
Top players from the class
- First Academy F Chaundee Brown (2017)
- Providence G Zack Bryant (2017)
- Westminster Academy PF Paul Atkinson (2017)
- Providence F Will Erickson (2017)
- First Academy F Malik William (2017)
- Westminster Academy CG Zach Scott (2018)
Sleeper players
- P.K. Yonge G Byron Smith (2019)
- Seffner Christian G Reid Walker (2017)
- St. Joseph G Michael Dishmon (2018)
- Benjamin G Philip Lyttle (2018)
- Seffner Christian F Derek Webster (2017)
- University Christian G Donell Stubbs (2017)
Photo credit: Orlando Sentinel