SIAA State Tournament Preview
Tuesday night is a busy one in the state of Florida.
On top of the 56 regional games in the FHSAA which will decide next week’s state tournament for all nine classes, the SIAA will hold its state tournament.
Eight teams remain with the semifinals being played on Friday night and the championship following on Saturday evening at DME Academy in Daytona.
Here is a look at the matchups.
Note: All games to be played at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday
Superior Collegiate (No. 4 seed – South) at The Rock (No. 1 seed – North)
—After beating Downey Christian on Saturday in a home game, Superior Collegiate earned a first round tilt with The Rock. These two programs met back on Dec. 14 where Superior held the lead at the half before The Rock won 82-57.
—The Rock has size, speed and strength with 2019 FSU signee Zimife Nwokeji, 2019 guard BJ Greenlee, 2019 guard Jaden Campbell, 2019 FAU signee Dardan Kapiti, 2020 guard Alec Oglesby and 2021 forward Lynn Kidd. For Superior Collegiate, 2019 Eastern Florida signee Robert Hardy leads the charge alongside 2020 guard Godwin IIumoka, 2020 guard Jouldan Velez, 2020 guard Eric Lee, 2020 guard Khalil Shaheed and 2020 guard Terrell Sanders.
—This game will come down to who has more energy and speed. The Rock has an early advantage with its size, but Superior Collegiate has endless speed.
Potter’s House (No. 3 seed – North) at Victory Rock (No. 2 seed – South)
—These are two teams that look much different than a season ago. At times, Victory Rock has been in a really good flow offensively with its young cast. Potter’s House has had bright moments and has a slew of athletes to keep an eye on.
—Victory Rock features 2019 guard Kolton Mitchell who has raised his stock a ton this season. 2021 guard Tyler Delevante, 2022 forward Prince Mosengo and 2022 forward Jermaine Charles are all contributing for Victory Rock this season. For Potter’s House, 2019 guard Marsei Caston is dangerous night in and night out alongside 2020 guard Mayoum Mayoum, 2019 point guard DeAndre Harvey, 2020 guard Keano Calderon, 2019 College of Charleston signee Dontavius King and 2019 guard Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander.
—Team basketball will decide this one as Victory Rock tends to lean on Mitchell and Delevante to score and distribute to the bigs in the paint. Potter’s House spreads it out and gives you different looks down the floor with Harvey, Caston, Mayoum and Calderon handling the rock.
DME at West Oaks (No. 1 seed – South)
—It will be DME with the daunting task of beating West Oaks at its home gym on Tuesday. DME and West Oaks met back on Nov. 9 where West Oaks held on for a 94-92 road victory.
—2019 Auburn signee Tyrell Jones sets the tone for this West Oaks offense and they go with him. 2019 forwards Marvens Petion and Alic Troutman do the dirty work inside while 2020 guard Selton Miguel stretches the floor. There is more speed with 2021 guard duo Jameon Harris and AJ Neal and 2019 guard Jordan Smith. For DME, 2021 forward Moussa Diabate is a special player who can shoot, handle the rock and drive on his own. Alongside him is 2019 Arkansas State signee Malcolm Farrington, 2020 guard Freddy Johnson, 2019 forward Vadim Clanet and 2021 guard Cherif Kanoute.
—DME will have a handful with the defensive pressure and effort in transition that West Oaks employs. It is really a pick your poison of who you should slow down since Jones and Miguel are dominant at times and Petion and Troutman are so reliable inside.
Oldsmar Christian (No. 3 seed – South) at Central Pointe Christian (No. 2 seed – North)
—On Nov. 9, Central Pointe Christian beat Oldsmar Christian 59-55 at DME. A lot has changed for the two sides since then. Central Pointe Christian continues to surprise many and play solid ball while Oldsmar Christian knocked off some high-quality opponents.
—Starting with the home team, Central Pointe Christian has 2020 sharpshooter Victor Rosa at the forefront. His stock is rising quickly. Next to Rosa is 2020 forward Jonathan Aybar, 2021 forward Diego Romero, 2020 guard Luis Rolon and 2020 forward Harry Sosa. For Oldsmar Christian, 2019 Lynn signee Braxton Bartlett is the go-getter as a shooter, passer and all-around calming presence. 2019 forward Jelal Williams, 2020 forward Braylan McIntyre and 2019 guard Shawn Esajas help the cause.
—Central Pointe Christian plays the same way every time they hit the floor together, fast and with a ton of vocalness and energy. Oldsmar Christian fares better with a 30-second shot clock and that bodes well in this road playoff matchup.