On The Rise: Florida

Anthony Headley, Coral Reef HS

The 6-foot-5 guard/forward is an oft-attacking guard who really knows how to get into defenders and finish with contact. He’s got exceptional body control and adjusts his shot accordingly, finishing in crafty style through traffic. With the burst and explosiveness his possesses, he continues to create fits for frontline defenders on his surges to the rim.

Headley is also a multi-dimensional threat with a wealth of scoring tools. He’s as polished as any player head coach Steven Lopez had on Florida Gulf Coast this summer.

Christian Cruz, Miami Christian

As a 6-foot-7 Class of 2020 combination forward, Cruz is still developing a feel for the game. While he may be perceived as raw, he’s got tremendous upside with his length and finishing ability and burgeoning soft touch from 12-15 feet. Sold on his athleticism and high ceiling, Miami Christian head coach Juan Cordona is sold on his high ceiling.

Sebastian Martinez, Miami Christian

A versatile 2019 forward who has the look of a 4/3, Martinez is a versatile defender who can really hound high-scorers and provide a pesky presence to multiple positions. While he will roam the post and play in the low blocks, he’s got the potential to transition to the wing because of his knockdown ability. If he can become a mainstay in the perimeter onslaught Miami Christian has traditionally been known for, expect him to create matchup nightmares down the stretch. His IQ and on-court awareness are impressive components of his game, according to Alvarez.

Keano Calderon, Potter’s House Christian Academy

If anyone has the chance to catapult their stock into the high-major category this season, it’s the uber-athletic Class of 2020 prospect. The 6-foot-6 playmaker has a nose for the rim and can finish extravagant dunks anywhere around the basket, a facet that computes to his 50+ field goal percentage. Now that he’s got enough viable role players and highly-lauded surrounding pieces, Calderon could potentially ratchet up his recruiting this season.

He’s tough, he’s got a motor, he pickpockets other guards with his quick hands and active on-ball tactics. He’s also got the all three levels scoring acumen and deliberate style that aligns with the high major game. He doesn’t try to seize the spotlight. He allows the game to come to him and reads what the defense opens up for him.

While mostly mid-majors are recruiting him, Virginia appeared enamored with his style of play on the AAU circuit this summer. They should pull the trigger sooner than later. Auburn and North Florida have also been in active pursuit of the stock riser as of late.

Gabe Taylor, Coral Gables

The diminutive but shifty 5-foot-10 guard is very similar to Jay Medor of Lake Worth. Given the senior season Medor etched his legacy with, that’s certainly a good sign for Coral Gables. Taylor is a rugged and pesky defender who can really disrupt the offensive flow with his ability to outwork and smother both guard positions. He’s got a smooth and shifty style offensively and can really beat defenders in the one-on-one game. After flying under the radar this best season and undergoing spurts of obscurity despite promising numbers, expect a breakout senior campaign from Taylor.

After averaging 15 points and six assists as a junior, Taylor will inherit some ownership of this team. Both player and coach appear to want it that way, as he leads by action and words as the team’s unquestioned quarterback and chief locker room presence.

Saint Vincent, Miami Beach

The cerebral and crafty guard has the potential and work ethic to leave a lasting legacy with a stellar senior season. Given the production rate he put forth this summer, a season in which he averages 25 points and 12 assists is expected at this point.

The combination guard averaged 20 points and 10 assists as a junior and added on new facets to his game this summer. Vincent is an old-school kid with his affinity for the unrequired work and ability to be coached. Similar to Mater Lakes Academy’s Cyrus Largie, Vincent is receptive to positive criticism and picks up on it the next day. These are attributes that appeal to coaches at the next level. What everyone may not know is that Vincent is a young senior. If the opportunity to re-classify emerges, it’s hard to argue of the rewards he would reap with it.

Dominic Shaw, McArthur High School

The Class of 2020 prospect averaged 18 PPG at Monsignor Pace and will look to transition that scoring engine to Warren Gale’s program. Shaw boasts a smooth and controlled offensive game. He’s able to really penetrate and find seams and score the ball inside. On the perimeter, he’s got considerable range on his 3-point stroke. He mixes this up well with his slashing game.

He still needs to add some muscle onto his slim frame. This will be a necessity as he prepares for the 7-footers who will surely be waiting for him at the rim at the next level. Adding that mid-range game to his arsenal would also fill a void and make him a lethal scorer with a wide-ranging arsenal.