Key Transfers: South Florida

<p>Over the past several months, there has been a heavy amount of high quality players transferring to different schools. One of the biggest announcements to move thus far was former University School standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814897" first="Jett" last="Howard"]</strong> to <strong>IMG</strong> <strong>Academy</strong> in Bradenton. With offers from <strong>Michigan</strong>, <strong>Vanderbilt</strong> and <strong>Florida</strong> under his belt, Howard is well on his way to an elite career at one of the most prestigious prep schools in the country.</p> <p>However, the cupboard is nowhere near bare here in South Florida. With a heavy amount of players already in place, let’s take a look at some names who will continue to shine at their new programs in the region.</p> <p><strong>Maximo Moratinos</strong> - <em>American Patriots (Hialeah) to Mater Lakes Academy</em></p> <p>Coach <strong>Lance Tejada</strong> continues to build a strong roster with the addition of Moratinos to Mater Lakes Academy. The 6-foot-6 2021 has a powerful lower body that allows him to move well in the open floor and finish at the rim. Check him out <a href="https://twitter.com/MaximoMoratinos">here</a> as evidence of his talent. Additionally, the point-forward is efficient with his mid-range game and has the natural length to body down smaller defenders around the low post. Moreover, Moratinos can use his size to defend multiple positions. The agile two-way player will be a nice asset to the Bears roster.  Currently, the rising senior is looking to expand on his shooting range. With 6-foot-4 <strong>Tomas Koski</strong> coming in from Atlanta, the Bears have locked down a pair of impressive players who have the ability to stretch the floor. Keep in mind, already in the foundation for Mater Lakes Academy is 6-foot-6 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="955584" first="Andruw" last="Rondon-Delacruz"]</strong>, 5-foot-9 guard <strong>Jamai Tejada</strong> and 5-foot-7 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709231" first="Anthony" last="Floyd"]</strong>. All of those players are 2023’s and led Mater Lakes Academy to a 16-win season. It looks like the Bears are coming up fast and should be taken seriously.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="714889" first="Tristan" last="Goldstein"]</strong> - <em>St. Thomas Aquinas to Cypress Bay</em></p> <p>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="714889" first="Tristan" last="Goldstein"] moves back to Cypress Bay after a year with the Raiders in Fort Lauderdale. Goldstein cited a familiarity with coach Jason Looky as one of the reasons he was returning to Weston. With built in chemistry established, the 6-foot-5 forward should be in for a big senior season. As I have said in the past, Goldstein is a 15-20 point scorer with a high motor and relentless toughness. The more Goldstein can work on his ball handling as a forward, the better off I think he will be as a prospect. The rising senior already has the physical and mental makeup to be a nice addition to any collegiate program. Goldstein has a strong shooting stroke from the outside and can muscle down defenders around the basket. Last season, the Lightning went 13-11 with a handful of close losses. The addition of Goldstein can really propel the school to an even better year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="812631" first="Jessiah" last="Pierre-Johnson"]</strong> - Dade Christian to University School</p> <p>With the loss of Howard to IMG and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="827896" first="Roger" last="McFarlane"]</strong> to graduation, coach <strong>Ron Oliver</strong> gets a nice pickup with [player_tooltip player_id="812631" first="Jessiah" last="Pierre-Johnson"] out of Dade Christian in Miami. Pierre-Johnson already has adequate size at 6-foot-3 with room to grow. The 2023 is ahead of the curve with his guard skills and has a natural base of athleticism to score at the rim. I have additionally come away impressed with his jumper from around 15-feet. In recent years, the Sharks have built a winning program and already have a coach with an impressive resume of professional experience. Both of these reasons should give Pierre-Johnson a huge lift to excel at his new home.</p> <p><strong>Gregory Spate</strong> - <em>Northeast to Coral Springs</em></p> <p>Former Hurricane Gregory Spate will look to make an instant impact as he moves to Coral Springs next season. As a point guard, Spate will naturally make his new set of teammates better with his decision making and ability to read a defense in the open floor. Additionally, a 6-foot-6 ball handler like Spate will create nightmares for coaches and opponents to match-up with. The 2023 has sky-high ceiling with three years remaining at the varsity level.  When he is not facilitating, Spate has the confidence to shoot over smaller defenders or drive by guards equivalent to his size. That blend of athleticism should allow Spate to flourish in his new system for coach Devin Barta. In my judgment, Spate should have nothing but confidence with the Colts. <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">With enhanced playing time, Spate should see college offers and post-season accolades in his future. I am all-in on him.  </span></p> <p>Others to look out for:</p> <p>2021<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="953009" first="Steve" last="Laurent"]</strong> - <em>Godby (Tallahassee) to Blanche Ely -  6’3"/PG)</em></p> <p><strong>2021 Logan Lord</strong> - <em>St. Thomas Aquinas to Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale) - 6’10"/C</em></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>