Class 7A 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 7A. This includes the top five teams from the class, a few…
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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 7A. This includes the top five teams from the class, a few sleeper teams, the top 10 players from the class and a list of sleeper players to watch this season.
Top 5 teams
Dillard
This team is absolutely loaded. The Panthers core returns with the exception of Dijon Farquharson. After going 28-5 and capturing a 6A title, the sixth in program history, Dillard is looking to repeat in 7A with Raiquan Gray, Jordan Wright, Robert Johnson, Joniya Gadson and Bryce Oliver are back for their senior seasons. Wright, a highly touted football prospect posted 40 points and 19 rebounds in the state tournament while Florida State commit Gray had 22 points and 22 rebounds in that span.
Pensacola
Thie group went 32-6 making an appearance in the 6A state semifinal. Javon Grimsley, Davonchae Bryant and Devin Gadson are three seniors returning for one last state title run. Add in junior Shawndarius Cowart and this is a solid unit. Those four players combined for 47 of the 54 points scored in the state semifinal loss to Largo. The Tigers will contend once again this season.
Edgewater
Louisville commit Anfernee Simons will be the pulse of this team in his junior year, but the Fightin’ Eagles have so much other talent to be proud about as well. Senior guard Elijah Williams, senior point guard Frank Foreman, junior forward Robert Allen and sophomore Trevon Cason are three important pieces to this team. Although Edgewater finished 12-14 this past season, just two years ago they were in the 6A state semifinal. This is a big year for this group.
Deltona
Two of the top scorers from the Wolves’ 6A state semifinal loss to Dillard return in sophomore forward Blake Hinson and junior forward Jalen Monroe. The duo scored nine points apiece while now departed senior guard Evan Hinson led the way with 10 points. Deltona posted a 22-9 record and has the tools to get back into the conversation. This is a solid team with a ton of potential.
Hillsborough
The Terriers made an impressive run last season finishing 16-11 with a loss to Deltona in the region final. Hillsborough has senior Florida commit Zachary Carter, senior guard Dexter Stallworth, senior forward Bryce Moragne, senior guard Tim Lawrence and junior guard Tyler Thomas. Carter and Thomas are starters on the football team and the Terriers proved this past season that they aren’t afraid to mix it up. Expect more of the same from Hillsborough in 2016.
Sleeper Teams
Miami Norland
It is certainly strange to see a team that captured a 6A state title two years ago and made a region final appearance this past season. However, this isn’t the same team anymore. Miami commit Dewan Huell and Chattanooga commit David Jean-Baptiste have moved on. This team will be run by Kennith Rolle. The senior averaged 8.7 points a year ago. Senior Tevin Jones and juniors Immanuel West and Reece Wilkerson will be a big part of the Vikings’ success.
Winter Haven
The Blue Devils went 12-15 and missed the postseason, but they have a highly talented junior wing in Dorian James. Junior guards Bryson Birdsong and Terrance Anglin are two key pieces to this team. Winter Haven took a big hit when junior Keyshawn Bryant made the move to Virginia, but the Blue Devils have plenty to carry them throughout the season.
Top 10 players from the class
- Dillard F Raiquan Gray (2017)
- Edgewater G Anfernee Simons (2018)
- Dillard F Jordan Wright (2017)
- Deltona F Blake Hinson (2019)
- Winter Haven PF Dorian James (2018)
- Wolfson G Tyriek Railey (2017)
- Estero C Ryan Rocuant (2017)
- Winter Haven G Bryson Birdsong (2018)
- Dillard F Robert Johnson (2017)
- Norland G Kennith Rolle (2017)
Sleeper players
- Dillard G Bryce Oliver (2017)
- Winter Haven PG Terrance Anglin (2018)
- Dillard C Joniya Gadson (2017)
- Edgewater PG Frank Foreman (2017)
- Northeast G Terrel Ballard (2018)
- Ida Baker F Corey Friar (2018)
- South Fork PF Caleb Edwards (2018)
- Hillsborough F Bryce Moragne (2017)
- Pensacola F Javon Grimsley (2017)
- Pensacola G Shawndarius Cowart (2018)
Photo credit: Sun Sentinel