Dark Horses: Broward County

<p>In response to my four Miami-Dade County pieces, I would like to unveil the first edition for Broward County. As with the previous lists, I fully expect to introduce future editions in regards to Broward. In case you are not familiar, the county is well known on the high school basketball scene. Schools like <strong>Dillard</strong>, <strong>Westminster Academy</strong>, <strong>Blanche</strong> <strong>Ely</strong> and <strong>University School</strong> are local powers.</p> <p>Let’s take a look at this version...</p> <p><strong>Isaiah Gissendanner</strong> - <em>McArthur Mustangs</em></p> <p>Gissendanner brings three years of varsity experience heading into next season for head coach <strong>Warren Gale</strong>. The 2021 point guard will likely be counted on as a leader with the graduation of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="828079" first="Jordan" last="Howard"]</strong>, <strong>Trevor Ward</strong>, <strong>Damien</strong> <strong>Alford</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="828278" first="Dominic" last="Shaw"]</strong>. The 5’11" point-man is a tough kid that will play hard on both ends of the floor. Gissendanner shined against some of the areas best competition last season. Against <strong>Gulliver Prep</strong>, Gissendanner scored 18 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. In addition, the rising senior scored 18 points against <strong>Dillard</strong> and knocked down four 3-pointers against <strong>Pembroke Pines Charte</strong>r for 13 points. With a big game feel, Gissendanner will bring an edge to him next season. In the classroom, he holds an equally impressive 3.5 GPA. Currently, he has received interest from D3 and NAIA schools. For more on Gissendanner, take a look at his highlight tape by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9Hztgux4y4">here</a>.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="953075" first="Javen" last="Flowers-Smith"]</strong> - <em>Pembroke Pines Charter Jaguars</em></p> <p>Flowers-Smith stood out to me as a junior on a loaded Jaguars club. The 2021 concluded his season averaging 12.7 points across 27 games. In four games against powerhouse <strong>Northeast</strong>, Flowers-Smith scored a combined 72 points. The 6-foot guard helped the Jaguars to a 26-win season and a spot in the 5A state final. With heavy losses to graduation, Flowers-Smith will be key to the Jaguars success heading into 2021. Back in January, he was named the MVP of the <strong>Adidas Holiday Slam </strong>after averaging 16.5 points and 4.5 assists per game. Overall, he is a good shooter with a steady tenacity on the defensive end. As a senior, a 20-point scorer on any given night is well within his capability.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829389" first="Elijah" last="Wyche"]</strong> - <em>Cooper City Cowboys</em></p> <p>Wyche brings a lot of intrigue into his upperclassmen years as he has shown the ability to play multiple positions.  On the glass, Wyche collected 15 rebounds against <strong>Cardinal Gibbons</strong> and <strong>South Broward</strong>. In addition, Wyche rejected five shots against <strong>Monarch</strong>, <strong>Gulf Coast</strong> and <strong>Western</strong>. In a 3-game stretch, the 6’3" 2022 scored 54 points on 25 of 35 from the field. Overall, Wyche is an athletic player who can cause a disturbance on the defensive end with his size and length. Out in Cooper City, he deserves to be getting more recognition.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829406" first="Maximus" last="Fuentes"]</strong> - <em>North Broward Prep Eagles</em></p> <p>Fuentes is a strong choice to up his stock next season alongside D-1 prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="712115" first="Justin" last="Abson"]</strong>. The 2022 averaged 10.7 points and 4.4 rebounds a season ago for North Broward Prep. At 6’2", Fuentes has good size for a back-court player and a strong handle. On the free-throw line, Fuentes shot 82% on the season. Against <strong>Riviera Prep</strong>, Fuentes scored 21 points on 8 for 11 from the field. As mentioned above, the rising junior is a physical player capable of making a contribution on the glass. In a pair of games this season, Fuentes snagged ten rebounds. If there is one thing I love, its a guy like Fuentes who will stick his nose on the boards.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814928" first="Kamren" last="Ramsarran"]</strong> - <em>Coral Springs Charter Panthers<br /> </em></p> <p>A 6’1" combo guard, Ramsarran returns to the Panthers as the leading scorer next season. The 2022 averaged 13.5 points and 3.2 rebounds across 24 games. A confident shooter, Ramsarran knocked down three or more 3-pointers eight times last season. Against <strong>McArthur</strong> in December, Ramsarran scored a season-high 25 points on 9 for 16 from the field. Moving forward, I would like to see him become more of an efficient shooter. However, his versatility to play even at the three makes him an intriguing value. With more work, this kid has a real chance to shine.   </p> <p><strong><em>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23</em></strong>.</p>