Mid-Summer Contenders: South Florida Edition (Part 3)

<p>It really seems like most of the days have all conjoined together. With Covid-19 affecting our everyday lives, a Monday feels like a Friday and vice-versa. In my two previous posts, many of us were relishing in a little bit of fun over the Independence Day holiday.</p> <p>In reality, we are just a few weeks out of August. Things are moving pretty fast even though they don’t appear to be. To get your mind off the world, I would like to throw in another piece highlighting some of the top teams to look forward too in the fall.</p> <p>Let’s get into it...</p> <p><strong>Wellington Wolverines: </strong></p> <p>While a 21-7 record is nothing to be ashamed about, the Wolverines have some unfinished business heading into next season. Wellington dropped a 25-point defeat to <strong>Forest Hill</strong> in the 7A-District 10 championship and suffered a bitter two-point loss to <strong>Taravella </strong>in the 7A state tournament. The good news is the Wolverines return D-1 prospects in 2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709215" first="Marvel" last="Allen"]</strong> and 2021 <strong>Christopher Walker</strong>. The 6-foot-4 Allen is a big guard college programs will covet. Moreover, his athleticism to get to the rim and score in transition leaves him a cut above the rest. Allen averaged over 18 points and nearly nine rebounds last season. Recently, the star guard picked up an offer from <strong>Virginia</strong> <strong>Tech</strong>. The 6-foot-6 Walker is a versatile playmaker as a shooting guard or small forward. Walker is particularly lethal with his length and ability to step back for a 3-point shot. The rising senior has an offer from <strong>Rider University</strong> and has picked up D-1 interest from other schools. </p> <p><strong>Forest Hill: </strong></p> <p>With a 28-3 record, Forest Hill virtually bludgeoned all of its opponents in 2019-2020. That is until the final game of the season up in Lakeland. Riding a 22-game winning streak, the Falcons suffered a tough loss to <strong>Seminole </strong>in the 7A state final four. In that contest, the West Palm Beach school shot a porous 23 of 70 from the field and committed 23 turnovers. If that is not bulletin board material heading into this year, I don’t known what is. 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818698" first="Donovan" last="Draper"] </strong>has been turning out a successful summer after his performance at the <strong>Team Parsons (CP25)</strong> event in Orlando last month. The 6-foot-6 Draper is a versatile combo guard with forward skills around the glass. Draper averaged 10.5 rebounds as a junior to go along with his 14.4 points per game. While the loss of 2020 <strong>D’Ante Daniels</strong> (13.0 PPG) is tough, the Falcons have a impressive 2021 in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="953081" first="Jalen" last="Jeter"]</strong>. Also a football standout, Jeter averaged 13 points per game last season and holds a 3.2 GPA. The rising senior holds offers from <strong>Florida Atlantic</strong> and <strong>Stetson</strong> on the gridiron.</p> <p><strong>Belen Jesuit</strong>:</p> <p>Back down I-95, Belen Jesuit is squad I believe that is being overlooked. The Wolverines won 17 games last season but muddled late in the year with losses in four of their final six games. Notably, Belen Jesuit lost to <strong>Northwestern</strong> in the district tournament after defeating them by 24-points earlier in the season. “Rumored” to return to the Wolverines is 2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962550" first="Daniel" last="Fernandez"]</strong> and 2021 <strong>David Fernandez</strong>. The pair combined for nearly 28 points, nine rebounds and eight assists per game. <em>Rumblings </em>have the pair transferring to another school. <span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">2021 </span><strong style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Daniel Del Riesgo</strong><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> is a capable double-double threat who will make a bigger impact as a senior. In addition, watch out for 2022 </span><strong style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Adrian Delgado</strong><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> as a bigger contributor. The 5-foot-8 point guard put together a string of double-figure games late last season.</span></p> <p><strong>Schoolhouse Prep: </strong></p> <p>Another team with unfinished business, Schoolhouse Prep went 20-9 last season under head coach <strong>Colin</strong> <strong>Campbell</strong>. The Wolfpack were eight minutes away from its first state championship appearance before dropping a heartbreaking 56-54 loss in overtime to <strong>Impact Christian Academy</strong> out of Jacksonville. Heading into year three, On the court, Schoolhouse Prep has two talented D-1 prospects in 2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="812618" first="Jayven" last="Cofer"]</strong> and 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="684398" first="Jimel" last="Cofer"] Jr</strong>. The Texas natives will have a greater responsibility next season without the services of <strong>Anthony Lopez Jr.</strong>, <strong>Jose-Luis Benitez </strong>and<strong> Cedrick Saint Jean. </strong>The trio combined for over 40 points of production. Specifically, I am looking for 6-foot-3 [player_tooltip player_id="684398" first="Jimel" last="Cofer"] Jr. to have a big senior season. Cofer Jr. really impressed me in a game against <strong>Chaminade-Madonna</strong> last season. The lefty guard scored 27 points in that contest, only two short of his season-high 29 against <strong>University School</strong>. Cofer Jr. has a rock list of offers from Big 12 programs such as <strong>Oklahoma State</strong> and <strong>Baylor</strong>. In addition, schools like <strong>Michigan State</strong> and <strong>UCLA</strong> have shown him interest.</p> <p>Authors Note: It is <em>rumored </em>Jimel and [player_tooltip player_id="812618" first="Jayven" last="Cofer"] will be on the move next season. Reportedly, Colin Campbell may not return as the coach of Schoolhouse Prep. </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> <p>&nbsp;</p>