Top Shooters, Miami Beach/North Miami
Timothy Rodriguez, Miami Beach High
Unless you are a fan favorite, a 4.6 GPA student, or you bring entertaining on-bench theatrics (a la the fabled Monmouth bench), minimal glory comes with being a mop-up man.
It’s easy to crumble under the frustration of being buried on the bench.
And so the resurgence of once seldom-used Rodriguez has been a feel-good story that’s circulated Miami this winter.
After playing walk-on caliber minutes last season, Rodriguez’ potent 3-point touch and reliable scoring has vaulted him into one of the area’s best guards.
He’s currently shooting 41 percent from beyond the arc.
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound guard has been a 13 PPG scorer.
Not too shabby, especially when you consider Rodriguez’ paltry and ineffective 1.8 PPG scoring average last season.
The emergence of Rodriguez has been an inspirational story, indicative of what happens when you devote extra focus to your craft.
Richard Charles, North Miami Beach
With his knack for spotting up and getting open, coupled with his smooth stroke and quick release, Charles has all the intangibles to be a certifiable 3-point assailant.
During his season, Charles has been just that. Charles erupted for 11 3-point field goals during a thorough win against Gulliver Prep, en route to a dazzling 43-point performance at the Junior Orange Bowl Classic last month.
Charles has pioneered the team’s 3-point assault while simultaneously becoming a steady force on the glass, a factor that’s made him a thorough double double threat.
Reynald Laurent, North Miami
The 6-foot-1 combination guard’s production has given North Miami two dagger men instead of one.
Laurent has knocked down 54 3-pointers on the season thus far (three behind Charles at 57).
He’s shot the ball at a 44 percent clip beyond the arc.
Laurent turned in a game-best 29 points during a recent over Krop on Jan. 16th, hitting a fusillade of shots from all over.