The High Academic Files (Part 1)

Finding the right balance of on-court talent and commitment to excellence in the classroom is paramount for prestigious academic basketball programs. College coaches at elite academic institutions are tasked with finding players with skills on the court, as well as intellect in the classroom. These are some of the prospects who have mastered the balance between academics and athletics.

PF David Mazon David Mazon 6'5" | CG Sarasota Riverview | 2021 State FL (2021) 6-5 195 Riverview Sarasota

GPA: 4.5 Desired Major: Sport Medicine/Biology

Starting for class 7A state quarterfinalist, David Mazon David Mazon 6'5" | CG Sarasota Riverview | 2021 State FL is a true stretch 4. Sinking 28 threes on the season at a jaw dropping 41 percent, David can really score the ball at all three levels. This was evident in a game verses Riverview – Tampa when he dropped 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. After averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds per game as a junior on a senior laden team, David should be in for a big senior season. As he continues to work on perimeter defense and ball handling more opportunities should come his way.

PF Ryker Vance Ryker Vance 6'6" | PF Community School of Naples | 2021 State FL (2021) 6-7 195 Community School of Naples

GPA: 4.1 Desired Major: Undecided

With a seven-foot wingspan, and above average athleticism, Ryker Vance Ryker Vance 6'6" | PF Community School of Naples | 2021 State FL was one of Florida’s most feared shot blockers averaging five swats per outing. Vance’s intelligence carries over onto the basketball court as is evident by the way he takes advantage of mismatches, and gets into excellent position on post ups. This past season Community School of Naples made it to the class 4A state semi finals, and the big mans 17 point 9 rebound per night numbers were a big reason why. As he continues to pack muscle onto his long, lanky frame and work on his jumper, his list of suitors will continue to grow.

PG Alan Cedeno Alan Cedeno 5'10" | CG Fort Myers Canterbury | 2021 State FL (2021) 5-11 175 Canterbury School

GPA: 4.5 Desired Major: Sport Management / Sports Therapy

A quick crafty ball handler, Cedeno does an excellent job of finding his open teammates. On offense the slick point guard does a majority of his damage driving to his left, or bombing three pointers at 41 percent per clip. As a junior, Cedeno lead Canterbury in points (19.8 ppg) and assists (4.7apg). With scoring from the midrange, and defense as areas for improvement, this floor general is certainly a name to remember.

SG/SF Declan MacFadyen Declan MacFadyen 6'1" | CG Lake Brantley | 2021 State FL (2021) 6-4 175 Lake Brantley

GPA: 4.0

A wing with some size, MacFadyen is an excellent catch and shoot guy. On offense he also does a good job of using shot fakes and jab steps to get defenders off balance to drive to the basket,or pull up from mid range. After averaging 12.7 points shooting 43 percent from three on a young Lake Brantley squad, Declan will look to continue to catch the eyes of college coaches. Foot speed, and defense will be areas for improvement in the coming months.

SF/PF Jack Cocchiarella Jack Cocchiarella 6'6" | PF Winter Park | 2021 State FL (2021) 6-6 190 Winter Park

GPA: 5.2 SAT: 1490

A combo forward, Jack does an excellent job of getting into position, when rebounding. In the post the big man often uses pump fakes to initiate contact, or go under opposing defenders to score. This past season the long 6-6 forward averaged 5.9 points and 4.8 rebounds on a rebuilding Winter Park team. One of the first to hit the deck, Cocchiarella always runs the floor hard and looks to have a bright future as a college basketball player in the right fit.