Risers: Palm Beach County 4.0

<p>As we move right up the South Florida coast, I would like to next highlight players in Palm Beach County. In my opinion, this area is underrated in basketball talent. This past season, a tremendous run by <strong>Boca-St.Andrew’s</strong> gave the region a well deserved boost. Below, you can see why the Scots will be a Florida favorite for the time being. In continuing the tradition, here is my follow-up piece to the county original.</p> <p>Let's look at list 4.0.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709217" first="Jeremiah" last="Augustin"]</strong> - <em>Jupiter Christian Eagles</em></p> <p>Promising 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709217" first="Jeremiah" last="Augustin"] helped Jupiter Christian to a 19-7 record after averaging 6.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. While listed as a 6-foot-5 forward/center, his highlight <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13566927/5e6fd84ae9852419ac832f0d">tape</a> proves he has the athleticism of a floor guard. Against <strong>Benjamin</strong>, Augustin posted a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds. Additionally, the rising sophomore posted a 17-point effort against <strong>Glades Central</strong>. Furthermore, Augustin extends his talent on the Eagles football team as a defensive end/wide receiver.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818873" first="Matt" last="Ansah"]</strong> - <em>St. John Paul II Academy Eagles</em></p> <p>In Boca Raton, Ansah returns as the Eagles leader in points (8.5), rebounds (4.0), assists (4.0) and steals (2.0). The crafty 6-foot guard can do a bit of everything on the floor. Against <strong>Benjamin</strong>, the 2021 scored a season-high 18 points and had seven steals. Ansah followed up that performance with 17 points and seven assists against <strong>FAU High. </strong>A case can be made Ansah was playing some of his best ball late in the season. The rising senior runs the floor extremely well and can finish at the basket with either hand. You can check out some of his highlights by clicking <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12936215/Matt-Ansah">here</a>.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962554" first="Darrell" last="Sweeting"]</strong> - <em>Benjamin Buccaneers</em></p> <p>2023 [player_tooltip player_id="962554" first="Darrell" last="Sweeting"] finished second on the Buccaneers in both scoring (11.9) and assists (2.2) a season ago. The 5-foot-11 guard can also contribute around the glass after averaging just over three boards per game. With a base of natural athleticism, Sweeting should see his game improve dramatically as a sophomore. Alongside 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829401" first="Mark" last="Cueto"]</strong> and 2023 <strong>Isiah Nesmith</strong>, the Buccaneers have a trio of young stars to build around. Additionally, Sweeting is a promising cornerback/wide receiver on the football team. Check out some of his highlights <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13301232/5da22ba7b53f74130cc9a79e">here</a>.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="953436" first="CJ" last="Leslie"]</strong> - <em>Oxbridge Academy Thunderwolves</em></p> <p>Over in West Palm Beach, Leslie appears to be a player that should be receiving more attention. The 2021 has efficient size at 6-foot-4 to play as a small forward or as a shooting guard. As a junior, Leslie led the Timberwolves in points (13.2) and rebounds (4.8) per game. Against <strong>Cardinal Newman</strong>, Leslie scored a season-high 27 points and knocked down three 3-pointers. Moreover, his ability to hit from three is a strong part of his game. As you can see in his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13987593/CJ-Leslie">highlights</a>, Leslie has a quick first step and shows strong ability to get to the basket. Additionally, his size makes him a respectful force on the glass. In three games, Leslie recorded ten rebounds or more. If you are in this region, Leslie should be a kid you should be on the lookout for.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="953685" first="Kenny" last="Turner"]</strong> - <em>St. Andrew’s Scots</em></p> <p>The kings of Palm Beach County, Turner helped the Scots to a 3A state championship after averaging 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. In this case, stats do not tell the whole story. Turner is a 6-foot-6 power forward who should see an increased role with the graduation of Yale bound <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="827884" first="Yussif" last="Basa-Ama"]</strong>. It also doesn’t hurt that Turner is playing alongside fellow 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818738" first="Josh" last="Minott"]</strong>, who might be the best overall player in the state. Off the court, Turner holds a 3.85 GPA at the elite school and should hover as a double-double man for the Scots as a senior.</p> <p><em><strong>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>