Class 4A – District 14 Championship Capsule (Part Two)

Over in Hallandale Beach, I took in the 4A-District 14 semifinals to determine the championship match-up set for Saturday.

In the night cap, top seed University School  maintained a double-digit lead throughout to defeat the #4 seed Mater Lakes Academy Bears, 77-50. The Sharks swarmed out on the Bears early, opening up a 20-4 lead in the opening minutes of the first quarter. Just over eight minutes later, the back-to-back state champions would hold a 42-24 lead at the break. To put a synopsis on U-School's first half success, one only has to point to the size and length of its starters on the floor. The Sharks were able to disrupt the Bears passing lanes while causing Mater Lakes to shoot 10-for-29 in the first half. Overall, University was able to get scoring contributions from eight different players and saw four scorers in double figures. Currently, the Sharks sit 9th overall in the Florida High School Athletic Association rankings. 

It was a gritty performance for Mater Lakes Academy, who is a young group led by 2023 guards Anthony Floyd and Jamai Tejada. I profiled the pair earlier this season and neither should be discouraged by a defeat to one of the most successful programs in the state over the last two years. Both players are quick in the back-court and elusive when creating their own shot. Floyd finished with ten points for the Bears while Tejada chipped in with eight.

Size Factory

The combination of 2020 forward Jace Howard (6-7) and 2020 forward Taylor Hendricks (6-8) proved to be too much for Mater Lakes Academy all night. Howard, who is committed to Michigan, finished with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Hendricks, who is one of the top sophomore prospects in the country, added a double-double of his own with 18 points and 11 rebounds. When they were not dominating around the rim, the pair combined for 16 shot attempts at the free-throw line. In particular, Hendricks is a nightmare to box out and consistently finds himself above the rim for put-backs or conventional lobs on the fast-break. 

More Youth for Mater Lakes Academy

As I stated above, the Bears are a young team who won 16 games this season. Add to the mix 2023 power forward Andruw Rondon-Delacruz, who finished with a team-high 14 points. At 6-foot-6, Rondon-Delacruz was around the rim often for the Bears for easy lay-ins. On a couple occasions, the freshman whittled his way into the paint for short field goals behind the Shark defense  off inbound plays. Rondon-Delacruz is a long player who will only get better around the glass as he puts more side onto his frame. His performance against U-School should give him a good indicator of the player he could be. Quite frankly, you are not going to play against that level of competition every night. Furthermore, 2021 shooting guard Juan Garcia hit three 3-pointers to finish with 12 points, giving the Bears another strong returnee for next season. Garcia seemed unabashed in taking long range shots and stretched out the length of the Sharks backcourt. With that being said, you can see why I believe Mater Lakes Academy is a team to watch led by Lance Tejada.

Roger That

From a physical standpoint, 2020 guard Roger McFarlane is one of the bigger back-court players in South Florida. In the semifinal, the size difference seemed to be more apparent as the Bears guards are listed at about 5-foot-9. Consequently, McFarlane took advantage using his frame to score 17 points, slicing into the Mater Lakes defense with strong drives in the second half. Once he gets accelerated to the rim, it is hard for anyone at any size to defend McFarlane. As I have mentioned, McFarlane has improved his college stock as much as any player I have seen this season. Some might call him underrated, but I believe he is a top level talent that should be mentioned with other D-1 area players. 

For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on instagram or follow him on twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.