Amari Haynes looks back at state final loss and his career ahead
Amari Haynes carried his team to the Class 6A state title last week.
The senior forward scored 21 points and nine rebounds on 9-of-11 shooting in the 6A state semifinal win over Palatka. Haynes did all that in just 21 minutes on the floor.
At 6’8″, 185 lbs., Haynes is tough to handle all over the court. He was limited to 15 points and eight rebounds on 5-of-9 in the 57-53 loss to Leesburg in the state final last Saturday.
The Tritons erased a 17-point halftime deficit to a near comeback win. Haynes was very proud of his group regardless of how it all ended.
“Our season was a blast we went to City of Palms, New Orleans and competed in high-level tournaments,” Haynes told Prep Hoops Florida. “We came short up last year and that motivated us as a team and we set a goal to get to states. During that stretch to states, we prepared ourselves for the run we made. The feeling after the last game wasn’t disappointing, I felt like we fought through all the distractions that had passed and came out as a unit to make it to states.”
Haynes says there are a handful of schools showing interest in him including Kansas State and Stetson right now. He added that he’s focused on school and getting to that goal.
Here’s how he views himself fitting in at the next level.
“What I want to bring to a college is just all my talents and hard work I do on and off the floor even in the classroom,” he said. “I wanna study business also.”
The high-flying dunks are there from Haynes. The smarts are there from Haynes. The hard work and dedication is there from Haynes. Now, it is about finding the right fit and opportunity. He most certainly will be able to do that here soon.