The Broward County Five

Over the past week, I have seen many media publications come out with all-class and all-county teams. With the abundance of talent that exists in South Florida, this list might be one of the more difficult tabulations in the entire country. As stringent as it is, I myself flip-flopped over many choices, particularly between the first and second teams. As I have said in the past, a second or third team nomination in this region would likely be upgraded in other parts of the country. The teammates you practice with and the opponents you play against here will better prepare you for the college game. With that said, congratulations to the players below on a fantastic season. MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="709219" first="Matthew" last="Bewley"] - Northeast Hurricanes: The 2023 phenom averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game for Northeast this season. In addition, Bewley helped the Hurricanes to 21 victories and a district championship over Pembroke Pines Charter. Against rival Fort Lauderdale, the 6’8" forward poured in 28 points and 20 rebounds. Quite frankly, it was one of the more dominant performances I saw all year. In my observance, Bewley has clipped only one-fifth of his potential. Therefore, the curve of his improvement with three more years of high school left is exponential. If South Florida had a high school player draft, Bewley would be my No. 1 choice. Currently, he holds offers from Alabama, DePaul and South Florida. Expect that list to grow...fast. [player_tooltip player_id="827954" first="Inady" last="Legiste"] - Stranahan Mighty Dragons: When modeling a winner, the 6’7" Legiste would fit the description. Over the past three years, the 2020 forward helped Stranahan to 71 wins and back-to-back state championships in 2019 and 2020. As a senior, Legiste averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds per game. In a epitome of the teams "Stranahan vs. Everybody" attitude, the senior helped anchor the Mighty Dragons to a dramatic victory over University School in the 4A regional semifinal. During the final four in Lakeland, the versatile forward finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds over two games. Currently, he holds an offer from North Dakota State College of Science and has received interest from Tusculum and UMass of Boston. [player_tooltip player_id="716962" first="Brent" last="Davis"] - Miramar Patriots: I put a high value in winning championships and the 2020 guard helped finish the job for the Patriots with its first ever boys’ basketball title. The 6’3" Davis led Miramar in points (15.4) and steals (2.5) while finishing third on the team in rebounds (5.5) this season. On the glass, Davis posted a season-high 14 rebounds against Cooper City. A consistent scorer for the Patriots, Davis reached double-digits in 28 of the teams 30 games according to MaxPreps. In the fall, he intends to play for The Citadel Bulldogs. [player_tooltip player_id="716867" first="Jalen" last="Haynes"] - Dillard Panthers: A 6’9" 230-pound monster, Haynes averaged 18.4 points and 9.4 rebounds for Dillard this season. The 2020 forward helped the Panthers to the 6A final while playing the 5th toughest schedule according to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rankings. Against Mater Academy in the district championship, Haynes muscled his way for 28 points and eight rebounds while limiting 2022 star [player_tooltip player_id="814905" first="Malik" last="Reneau"] to one point. In one of his best games of the year, Haynes poured in 37 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against Coconut Creek. Currently, he holds offers from Austin Peay, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, Mississippi State, Central Florida, South Florida, Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech. [player_tooltip player_id="827896" first="Roger" last="McFarlane"] - University School Sharks: In two seasons at U-School, McFarlane helped the Sharks to 46 wins and a state championship as a junior. A 1000-point scorer during his time, the 6’4" shooting guard led the Sharks with 16.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. A gritty player with a tough mindset, the 2020 McFarlane became the lead dog for U-School after the departure of [player_tooltip player_id="827873" first="Scottie" last="Barnes"] to Montverde Academy and the graduation of Vernon Carey Jr. Against Lake Highland Prep, McFarlane posted a season-high 37 points and drilled five 3-pointers. McFarlane was a high potent scorer for U-School all season and at times could take over a game with his shooting ability. Underrated and with his role expanded, McFarlane was one the most improved players in the county. Currently, he has drawn offers from Appalachian State, Columbia and New Orleans. The Next Five: [player_tooltip player_id="827901" first="Andre" last="Weir"] - Chaminade-Madonna Lions [player_tooltip player_id="814895" first="Gregg" last="Glenn"] - Calvary Christian Academy Eagles [player_tooltip player_id="814897" first="Jett" last="Howard"] - University School Sharks [player_tooltip player_id="814903" first="Ben" last="Middlebrooks"] - Westminster Academy Lions [player_tooltip player_id="773411" first="Wesley" last="Cardet Jr"]. - Northeast Hurricanes The Next, Next Five: [player_tooltip player_id="814910" first="Ausar" last="Thompson"] - Pine Crest Panthers [player_tooltip player_id="814909" first="Amen" last="Thompson"] - Pine Crest Panthers [player_tooltip player_id="827994" first="Dallas" last="Graziani"] - Pembroke Pines Charter Jaguars [player_tooltip player_id="712115" first="Justin" last="Abson"] - North Broward Prep Eagles [player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"] - University School Sharks For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @ Steins_23 or follow him on twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.