Fort Lauderdale: Stock Risers 2.0

In these unprecedented times, avenues for high school athletes to get exposure has become much more difficult. With limited resources, it is ever more apparent to highlight prospects. Therefore, I would like to showcase some individuals in the Fort Lauderdale area. In the shadow of Miami, the FTL region is a hotbed for basketball talent. Let’s look into the list, version 2.0. [player_tooltip player_id="546221" first="Aidan" last="Abell"] - Westminster Academy Keep a strong eye out on Abell, who averaged 13.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.4 rebounds at powerhouse Westminster Academy. For one, the 2022 has great size at 6’5". With his measurements, Abell can plug in adequately at the point or shooting guard positions. The Coral Springs Charter transfer is a superb outside shooter who can cause mismatches with his length. Abell is a D-1 prospect with a contingent of talent around him, including 2022 Ben Middlebrooks, 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814907" first="Kaleb" last="Walters"] and 2021 [player_tooltip player_id="527365" first="Troy" last="Boynton"]. [player_tooltip player_id="955771" first="Andrew" last="Akuchie"] - St. Thomas Aquinas Over the course of this past season, Akuchie made as good of a stride as any player I saw. The 2022 has the natural length you look for at 6’7". Using it to his advantage, Akuchie can step out behind the 3-point line while also driving past a defender on his way to the basket. Furthermore, I am impressed with his athleticism to get to his spot on the floor. While being a stretch four, I would like to see him continue to work on his post skills and get stronger in the weight room. On the flip side, that added strength will help him defend similar sized players in the paint. If that happens, opponents are going to have a tough time matching up with him on both ends of the floor. To his advantage, Andrew has two older brothers, Michael and Matthew, with college basketball and football experience. With that as a tutelage, the possibilities for Akuchie to grow are exponential. [player_tooltip player_id="953109" first="Mario" last="Bynes"] - Stranahan While stats tell one story, so can tape. The 2021 Bynes is an athletic talent who can run the floor in transition and hit open shots. On a loaded Mighty Dragons club, Bynes averaged 5.9 points per game. However, the junior showed up for Stranahan in some big moments. Against Piper, Bynes scored 18 points and knocked down a pair of 3-pointers. In addition, the 6’0" guard scored 13 points against powerhouse Westminster Academy and 12 points against state runner-up Dillard. Simply put, this kid can hit shots in bunches. Along with [player_tooltip player_id="818719" first="Thaddeus" last="Squire"] and [player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"], Bynes will look to carry the championship momentum that was left by Chayse Culpepper, [player_tooltip player_id="827954" first="Inady" last="Legiste"], [player_tooltip player_id="828125" first="Daquion" last="Vickers"] and Dave Herard. Zachary Zibelli - St. Thomas Aquinas At the point guard position, Zibelli has the trademark skills you look for. For one, the 2021 has great vision and can anticipate a play before it happens. On many occasions, I saw Zibelli take the reigns of an offensive set and be assertive attacking the basket. Moreover, Zibelli has good body control and will take on contact at the rim. In a season that was in a bit of flux for STAQ, he showed good composure and poise. Moving into his senior season, I think that is something he can use to his advantage. Overall, he is a player who knows how to handle adversity and will leave it all out on the floor. Tyler Hendricks - University School The brother of D-1 prospect [player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"], Tyler is a currently a 6’2" guard for the Sharks. While light on stats at the moment, Hendricks did score 11 points and knock down three 3-pointers against Mater Lakes Academy. However, Hendricks has the opportunity to shine alongside his brother with more playing time moving forward. While showing flashes, Hendricks now must show the consistency to take him to the next level. Luckily for him, he can learn a lot from 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="814897" first="Jett" last="Howard"] and 2021 Jaden Grant in the back-court. Hendricks is a player on the cusp of stardom. [player_tooltip player_id="709227" first="Jaylen" last="Carey"] - University School Since I included him in my South Florida draft, it would be silly not to add him in as a stock riser. The 6’7" 2023 is already a mammoth in the paint for U-School. When you add in his 260-pound frame, very few kids are going to be able to move him at the center position. Other than [player_tooltip player_id="827901" first="Andre" last="Weir"], how many kids in this area have the combination of height and size as Carey? Furthermore, is he even done growing? If you look at his older brother, Vernon Carey Jr., the answer is probably...no. Right now, he can already block out the sun for a rebound without much effort. The evolution of Carey as he improves his conditioning and footwork in the paint is scary. A dominant player in the making who is just getting started. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.