The Quarantine Report: South Florida Hoops

<div class="page" title="Page 1"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><strong><em>submitted by Jay Nelson</em></strong></span><br /> <br /> A scoop on a number of players from South Florida.</p> <p>Don’t forget about these hoopers:</p> <p>James Nichols - 6’5 2021 (Highlands Christian Academy)<br /> With his frame and size, Nichols has the ability to play multiple positions. Spending time at the 5, Nichols averaged over 20 a game last season along with 7.5 rebounds, earning 1st Team all district honors for the Knights. Nichols has a respectable mid-range that is refreshing to see in a player his age, and shows he does not solely rely on his athleticism. Nichols has a good stroke and is able to space the floor, with how well he finishes around the rim, he is a constant left hand away from being a dangerous wing player at the next level, standing at 6’5.</p> <p>Paxton Kafka 6’4 2021 (Cardinal Gibbons)<br /> I think the change of scenery will gift him the opportunity to focus solely on guard-play before he steps foot on a college court. The move from Douglas is something I project will only help Kafka as he translates into the next level. He shoots the mid-range as well as the three with ease, he will make plays for others at 6’4, with more than enough handle to run an offense. Not only does he pass it well, the rising senior can create for himself when need be, to me, as long as he defends, he is college ready right now.</p> <p>Dylan Canonville 6’5 2021 (Cavalry Christian)<br /> A strong build along with a motor that will jump out at you on film, Canonville can change a game with his athleticism. His ability to make a big play at any moment makes him super valuable for an Eagles team who finished with 20-plus wins last season. Averaging double figures as a junior. Going into his senior year, Canonville’s ability to develop an outside game will be important for his translation to the college level.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="818754" first="Khamaury" last="McMillan"] 6’0 2021 (Miramar)<br /> McMillan is a confident player, and he backs it up. His explosiveness and athleticism allow him to defend the full length of the floor. He has the ability to knock down a jumper as well as get to the rim. What makes him most dangerous is his ability to consistently break down a defense and make the right play, his change of pace is something that stood out to me. A willing and gritty defender, McMillan can cause problems for opposing back courts on the defensive end. Going into his final stint, he is a proven winner with a record of 44-14 starting at PG, leading the Patriots to two district championships, one regional championship, and a state title in 2020. He currently is drawing interest from University of New Orleans, Southern Illinois, New Jersey Institute of Technology.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="page" title="Page 2"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="818740" first="Jaylin" last="Bain"] 5’9 2021 (Fort Lauderdale)<br /> Most electric in the open court, with his speed Bain lives in the paint. A willing defender that will guard 94 feet, he possesses a High basketball IQ playing out of the pick n roll, an ability that will help the Flying L’s next season. An unselfish point-guard who can create for others, Bain has a ton of upside as he will lead a young group in 2021.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="818719" first="Thaddeus" last="Squire"] 6’3 2021 (Stranahan)<br /> A nightly double-double threat, the 6’3 combo guard averaged 11 ppg last season for two time state champion Stranahan High School. A crafty player who can score as well as see the floor with point guard-like ability. Squire can hit the 3, and is a very underrated rebounder from the wing. He will be a key component for the Mighty Dragons as they look to 3 peat as state champs.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"] 6’4 2022 (Stranahan)<br /> A do-it-all wing/post player, Culpepper off the bench was key for Stranahan last season. Athletically he is gifted, his scoring and activity on the glass make him a threat. He is an able passer as well, who had a great state tournament to help the Mighty Dragons win back to back titles. Culpepper will help the two time champs as a Junior.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="829407" first="Kamdyn" last="Ayers"] 6’0 2022 (Western)<br /> A physical and strong guard who can get in the lane, Ayers’ passing ability when attacking is what I like most. He will penetrate to distribute, but also has a nice floater and can finish through contact. His ability to run an offense and get teammates involved along with a high IQ make him solid at the Point Guard spot as a rising Junior.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="953072" first="Matthew" last="Robinson"] Jr. 6’3 2021 (Western)<br /> A marksmen from deep, Robinson Jr. shot 41% from three last season. His length and athleticism make him a stand out, he can guard multiple positions. The lefty guard can change the momentum of a game with a dunk and not only has the range to hit a deep three, he pulls them like second nature. The first team all-county selection scores the ball with ease, his quick release and confident stroke paired with his athletic ability will get him on the floor at the next level.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>