Most Improved: South Florida
Kentron Poitier, Palmetto
The high-rising 6-foot-6 forward has bouncy athleticism and gets from rim to rim at a frenetic pace. His ability to attack and soar to the rim above helpless defenders has catapulted him into the conversation of “who’s who” in Miami this season.
To circumvent being a tweener-type at the ensuing level, Poitier needs to develop some guard skills and tighten up his handle. It’s hard to argue his athleticism and ability to playmake, which should land him a surplus of mid-major offers this season. His IQ and motor are key components mirroring his ascension. He’s thrust into a more important role this season and is a proven commodity, no longer an unknown as he was at this point last season.
Craig Starks, Miami Beach
The 6-foot-6 man-child will have more freedom to score the ball this season, as Miami Beach will utilize his ability to barrel to the bucket. He’s equally as effective as knocking back the short range jumper and taking big rim protectors away from the paint.
Hugo Galden, Sunset
The 6-foot-4 Class of 2020 prospect showed some playmaking aptitude and fearlessness on both sides of the glass this summer. He’s gritty and can really impose his will on the defensive side when he’s focused through the grind of four quarters.
Galden’s jumper has improved and he’s got some sneaky bounce to him. With several key pieces claimed by 2018 graduation, Walden will inherit more freedom offensively will serving as a stabilizing force on the other side of the court.
Lian Lopez, Hialeah Gardens
The Class of 2020 off guard/wing showed his scoring acumen this summer, turning in several promising 20+ point performances and really barreling through defenders.
Lopez is a widebody who is cognizant of the advantages he has on smaller players. He uses this advantage well, backing down smaller defenders and really bulldozing guys on his forays to the paint.
Chris Spenkuch, Norland
The powerful 6-foot-7 lefty has improved tremendously with his defensive instincts and above the rim game. He’s playing with more of a drive and a focus, factors which will propel him into a leadership role as a 2019 senior this season.
An ambidextrous finisher who plays to his strengths, Spenkuch is an underrated passer in the half-court set. Expect him to develop into more of an all-around scoring threat this season. With his defensive motor and an all three levels’ scoring skill-set, his best days are right there in front of him moving forward.
Josh Dawkins, Coral Gables
The 5-foot-10 Class of 2019 combination guard has opened up a reliable long range game and shoots it an efficient clip from out there.
Buoyed by a motor and an ability to fly from rim to rim, Dawkins has become more controlled as an open court finisher. He’s developed a new nose for the rim and should see an increase in points, shooting percentage, and steals/deflections. He played very poised this summer. Poise and veteran savvy will soon be synonymous with Coral Gables, as newly arrived Mater Academy transfer Jorge Becceril will spark the backcourt instantly.
Alex Rodriguez, Palmetto
The 6-foot-6 Class of 2019 forward has superior bounce and great body control, aspects that make him such a constant threat to score the ball while floating rim-side. Even when he doesn’t punch home an extravagant dunk, Rodriguez has a stealth ability to get free for easy baskets down low.
He’s got the aerials to dunk from within two feet of the rim. This is translatable to the defensive end, where he can block and manipulate shot attempts very effectively within the confines of the paint.