Radar Watch: South Florida 2021’s
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Hello folks…let the basketball show go on. Last but not least, I would like to preview the rising senior class here in South Florida. While not as deep as the class of 2022, the junior crop is still loaded with…
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Continue ReadingHello folks…let the basketball show go on.
Last but not least, I would like to preview the rising senior class here in South Florida. While not as deep as the class of 2022, the junior crop is still loaded with talent. As I mentioned in previous stories, these rankings are a general list and do not specifically tie into grading. As always, if I left a player off this list, please feel free to reach out to me on my socials. With that being said, check out my rundown below.
Josh Minott Josh Minott 6'9" | PF St. Andrew's | 2021 State #30 Nation FL – St. Andrew’s: A long 6’8″ forward, Minott helped the Scots capture its first-ever state championship with 13 points in a win over Andrew Jackson. According to MaxPreps, Minott averaged a team-leading 17.2 points while pulling down 7.4 rebounds. Against Sante Fe Catholic, the then No. 1 team in the state, Minott posted a season-high 28 points on 10-for-13 from the field. With plenty of D-1 offers, Minott is a versatile scorer who can shield off defenders when he gets to the rim with his length. With Yussif Basa-Ama Yussif Basa-Ama 6'9" | PF St. Andrews | 2020 State #264 Nation FL graduating, I expect Minott to have a big senior season for coach John O’Connell.
Jimel Cofer Jimel Cofer 6'4" | CG Universal Academy | 2021 State TX Jr. – Schoolhouse Prep: A transfer from the state of Texas, Cofer is a 6’6″ lefty guard that helped the Wolfpack to a 20-win season and a trip to the 2A state semifinals in Lakeland. According to MaxPreps, Cofer put down a balanced stat line of 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. In one of the best games I saw all season, Cofer led the Wolfpack with 27 points in a frantic comeback victory over 3A state finalist Chaminade-Madonna. For reference, Schoolhouse Prep was down 27 points, at halftime. Heading into this season, Cofer has offers from schools such as Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Texas Christian, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Houston, Wichita State and more.
Wesley Cardet Jr Wesley Cardet Jr 6'5" | SG West Oaks | 2021 State #117 Nation FL – Northeast: A 6’6″ combo guard, Cardet might be the top senior prospect next season on a Hurricanes team that could be the best team in the state. In the Class 5A regional semifinals against Pembroke Pines Charter, Cardet led the Hurricanes with 19 points, adding nine rebounds. Cardet is a lethal scorer off the dribble and can elevate at the rim using his size. In addition, you are looking at one of the better rebounders from the back-court position in South Florida. I look at Cardet as a player of the year type of candidate here in the state.
Tristan Goldstein Tristan Goldstein 6'6" | PF Cypress Bay | 2021 State FL – St. Thomas Aquinas: At 6’5″, Goldstein is a physical forward that plays with a high motor. Earlier this season, Goldstein finished with a game-high 20 points against Deerfield Beach, showing off his aggressiveness at the rim while stretching the floor with a consistent outside shot. In terms of coach-ability, Tristan is a type of player who I believe you can go to war with every time he steps out on the floor. He will give you maximum effort and not back down from anyone. For a college coach, that should be a huge plus.
Zach Zibelli – St. Thomas Aquinas: A six-foot point guard, I thought Zibelli carried himself well for the Raiders on the court, even as STAQ faced some turmoil off it. A floor general, Zibelli is not afraid to put his head down and attack the rim against bigger post players. Back in December, I witnessed Zibelli play with that effort against McArthur, a game in which he finished with 14 points. Overall, you are looking at a kid who will play through contact and put pressure on you defensively in the half-court. Being battle tested, I think Zibelli can use that too his advantage heading into his senior year.
Justin Neely Justin Neely 6'5" | CG West Oaks | 2021 State FL – Miami High: One of the best scorers in the state, the 6’5″ forward can fill up a box-score in a hurry. According to MaxPreps, Neely averaged 27.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.4 steals for the Stingarees. While witnessing him a few times this season, I came away very impressed with his mid-range shooting ability. Neely is not the type of kid who will just jack up shots and is instead consistent with his stroke. He has received a wide-range of college interest from schools such as Jacksonville, Mercer, Duquesne, Florida Gulf Coast, FAU, Yale, Princeton, Baylor and Georgetown. I expect Neely to continue where he left off this season, which included a 60-point game, as a top scorer here in South Florida.
Jordan Shorter Jordan Shorter 6'5" | SF West Oaks | 2021 State FL – Fort Lauderdale: Shorter had a bit of a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde showing in the pair of games I saw him in this season. Against rival Northeast, I didn’t really see him. However, against Miami High, Shorter dropped a team-high 23 points with a pair of 3-pointers. The 6’5″ forward has a ton of talent and a big opportunity over the next twelve months to show why he one of the top players in the area.
Troy Boynton Troy Boynton 6'4" | CG Baylor School | 2021 State TN – Westminster Academy: At 6’5″, Boynton is a back court anchor for the Lions, who are well known as a state power. According to MaxPreps, Boynton finished with ten points, five assists and five rebounds per game. With the talent of Westminster Academy around him, I expect Boynton to have a big senior season and improve his college stock. Overall, you are looking at a kid with a strong basketball IQ who will limit mistakes on the court.
Noah Tovar Noah Tovar 6'4" | CG Central Pointe Post Grad | 2021 FL – Calvary Christian: Tovar helped the Eagles to a 21-win season while leading the team in assists. Averaging 13.7 points per game according to MaxPreps, the 6’4″ guard can attack the basket with his right and left hand. Against Doral Academy earlier this season, Tovar finished with 18 points and was consistently around the rim for put-back buckets. With that being said, Tovar’s effort against the Firebirds just goes too show you he has good court awareness. Jacksonville University and IUPUI are schools that have shown him interest.
For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information…please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.