Underclassmen: Part I
Jimel Lane, Coral Reef
Few freshman have entered with the type of lofty expectations and hype the high-rising Lane will entertain this season. With his springboard-bouncy style and his knack for finishing in transition, he could be one of the elite in the Class of 2022 not only in the local area but in the country.
While he’s best known for his above the rim game and finishing ability, Lane possesses a scoring mentality at all three levels. He’s shown defensive versatility in his ability to play on the ball and also front interior bangers in the post.
Many services regard him as the best Class of 2022 prospect in Miami and all of South Florida. Just how well he fares among guys significantly older and more developed than him will gauge his true value and grit this season.
Julian Garcia, Mater Lakes Academy
The Class of 2020 guard had a monstrous summer, one which witnessed his drastic improvement from a set shooter to a dual threat guard capable of scoring it in a variety of ways. He improved with his off-the-dribble shooting and pull up game while developing with his strength and quickness.
Garcia’s cerebral quality and ability to see the floor are attributes that allowed him to play varsity as a freshman. Now, with that experience under his belt and a bigger frame, expect meaningful contributions from the combo guard as a supplemental piece.
Carlos Hart, North Miami
The 6-foot-3 Class of 2020 guard has a yo-yo handle and a good deal of bounce. He displayed this on JV last season, where he wound up earning team MVP honors. He will be tasked with coming in and instantly providing quality minutes. With his set shot and ability to weave into traffic and score the ball, he’s got an opportunity to be a key figure on this year’s varsity.
Jacorey Brooks, Booker T Washington
Brooks’ game is synonymous with high-rising and jaw-dropping athleticism. A multi-sport athlete, Brooks is the type of kid who can turn in those eye-widening plays only rarified athletes can even emulate at this level.
He’s got the body of an upperclassmen already and brings a physical presence which will help the team on both sides of the court. Just how well he can develop a skill-set and apply it to the talent he already has will determine the impact the Class of 2021 prospect has this year.
Willy Vilchez, Sunset
Vilchez embodies the “calming influence” of a point guard with his shiftiness and unselfish style of play. He’s constantly playing with unbridled layers of energy and has become proficient at drawing defenders in and whipping it to an open teammate.
Sunset loses a lot in the leadership department, with Jaylen Escobar (17 points, 7 APG last year) claimed by 2018 graduation. Vilchez might not be tasked with producing these significant caliber numbers immediately, albeit he’s flushed into a prominent role as a game manager who really controls the tempo and runs everything.
Jesus Rivas, Schoolhouse
The 6-foot-8 forward/center is very raw but very promising. The Class of 2022 prospect has shown he can be effective on the glass while ultimately helping backbone the defense with his ability to influence shots and impact shot selections.
While he still needs to grasp the niceties of the back to the rim game, which would better utilize the massive presence he brings to the post. Schoolhouse has made the frontcourt an intricate component of its offense now, having picked up several sky-rising bigs this off-season.