Sharpshooters: South Florida
In this article:
Richard Charles, North Miami
Charles has the type of dagger man, 3-point assailant instincts which every coach at this level longs for. The 6-foot-2 Class of 2019 guard had 43 points, on the strength of 11 3-pointers, in a single game last season. Once he catches the hot hand and can score in clusters, you would be hard-pressed to find a better shooter. He’s a wing capable of playing off guard.
As a seasoned veteran, anticipate Charles taking on some ownership of this program and leading by example in 2018-19.
Avery Brooks, Lake Worth
As a battle-tested Class of 2019 senior, Brooks has the quick-strike, automatic 3-point shooting gene. He’s become a smooth and reliable scorer at all three levels, albeit from beyond the confines of the arc is where he tends to inflict the most damage.
With fellow Class of 2019 guard and teammate Willie “Tank” Razz taking inheriting the reins of the offense (following the graduation of uber talented 5-foot-9 guard Jay Medor), Brooks will be a primary target off the ball. He can really spot up and stick under heightened pressure. He’s got the opportunity to be one of the premiere trigger men in not only Palm Beach County but all of South Florida next season.
Jordan Hamburger, SLAM Miami
The 5-foot-10 Class of 2019 guard has increased with his range and ability to get his shot off. He’s got the ability to light it up with consistency and sidesteps those agonizing funks and droughts which tend to derail other shooters. Since he was a sophomore, Hamburger has been able to churn out games of 6 and 7 3-pointers.
He’s become extremely adept at navigating the pressure cooker with critical, timely 3-pointers and ramped up defensive pressure. If there’s a big shot in the waning moments, bet your bottom buck Hamburger is pulling it this season. He’s a senior and has been through his fair share of the battles.
Chance Dixon, Santaluces
The Class of 2020 prospect has the chance to be one of the highest scoring off guards in Palm Beach County next season. With his maddening straight-away 3-pointers and ability to get free and deposit timely treys, Dixon has the tools to be a Ray Allen-type presence for a Santaluces team powered by stellar guard play next season.
With Tylor Miller transferring, Dixon will shoulder some of the leadership mantle. His deft, 3-point grenades and ability to shoot from all over the court will spearhead a deeper team featuring more interchangeability and versatility in 2018-19.
Cross Pratapas, Grandview Prep
A natural 3-point rainmaker with range and now a monstrous green light, expect Pratapas to light up scoreboards early and often this season. Given his work rate and based on his performance playing for Big Shots Elite Florida, Pratapas will be a surefire dagger man next season.
He’s an essential piece capable of spreading out a balanced offense, which will look to fill the void left by Nadav Naim (23 PPG).
Sam Rolle, Suncoast
After showing glimpes during the Suncoast tournament in Riviera Beach this past winter, Rolle has authored a tremendous summer. He’s established himself as a dual threat point guard. After being a dish-first facilitator this year, the Class of 2020 opened up his 3-point game on the AAU circuit.
Rolle shot an impressive 49 percent from 3-point territory this off-season. He led the UAA in 3-pointers made. Rolle is well versed at reading a defense and finding the right shot. He allows the game to come to him and really finds the right read. This aspect is imperative in his evolution as the engineer of this vastly improved program.
Chase Johnston, Westminster Academy
The 6-foot-5 3-point ace has solidified his status as one of the best shooters in the state and the country this summer. He’s unfurled a new weapon in his arsenal with a straight-away 3-pointer. Johnston has propelled Team Autonation with a barrage of 3-point onslaughts this summer.
Expect the Division-I prospect to carry this into 2018-19, as he’ll emerge into a primary scorer under head coach Ehren Wallhoff.
Jarrett Karant, Chaminade-Madonna
The 6-foot-3 guard has a smooth stroke, one which he’s leaned more on this summer. While Karant has displayed exemplary off the dribble scoring and has a crafty presence to his scoring game, his shooting form and 3-point game is underrated.
He’s made tweaks to his shot release and done a commendable job spotting up and firing in from the great beyond. He averaged 16 points and 3.5 assists playing for 305Elite and has stockpiled several Division-II offers recently.
Dax Kaye, Chaminade Madonna
The heady point guard has a knack for creating his own shot and has an adroit touch from mid range and beyond the arc. He’s become more reliant on scoring off the dribble, creating the necessary space to get his shot off with ease. While his shot is a considerable component of his game, Kaye has improved as an offensive engineer capable of getting everyone involved.