September News & Notes: South Florida

Hello everyone...I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend.

A lot has happened over the past month in the world of South Florida basketball. The biggest announcement might have been the superstar quartet moving from Northeast to West Oaks Academy. If you have been following this site, you know who I am talking about.

Moving on from that, I would like to dive into some other stuff that has caught my attention.

2023 Jaylen Carey Jaylen Carey 6'8" | PF Westminster Academy | 2023 State #129 Nation FL looks like a different person. The 6-foot-8 big has cut excess weight and has been dominating playing for the Nightrydas Elite program. The problem for opponents is Carey still has the brute strength to punish his opponents in the post. Moreover, Carey has quicker feet and better positioning around the low block. I think you are going to see a revamped University School Sharks team with 2023 point guard Jessiah Pierre Johnson and 2021 Jordan Johnson. The latter was impressive at the Hoop Exchange Invitational back in late August and is a bit of a Swiss Army knife that can score on all three levels. Jessiah Pierre Johnson is going to be a problem with his quickness to attack the rim.

2021 Reggie Luis Reggie Luis 6'5" | CG Colombus | 2021 State FL picked up an offer from Northeastern today. The Columbus guard has great size at 6-foot-5 and has continued to improve playing for SOH Elite. Luis averaged 14.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for the Explorers last season. I am seeing Luis as more of a threat on the perimeter with his natural length aiding into his play. 

2022 Justin Abson Justin Abson 6'9" | PF North Broward Prep | 2022 State #230 Nation FL has methodically gone about his business in improving his game. The 6-foot-8 forward has polished post moves and plays above the rim. College programs have been noticing as Murray State, South Florida, Georgia State and Iowa State have reached out to him. Abson feels a bit underrated despite averaging nearly 16 points and 13 rebounds for North Broward Prep. I think your going to see a more aggressive junior as his recruitment has heated up. Specifically, his assertion and range on the glass will allow him to make more plays. Troy and Stetson University have already offered him.

2022 superstar twins Amen and Ausar Thompson recently picked up offers from the Florida Gators, LSU Tigers and Florida State Seminoles I talked to a Power 5 assistant coach who believes the Thompson twins are much better than where some ranking systems have them slotted. The 6-foot-6 pair combined for nearly 34 points for Pine Crest last season. 2021 wing Eros Carpio Eros Carpio 6'4" | CG Pine Crest | 2021 State FL is another player for the Panthers ascending up the regions ladder. Carpio is a 6-foot-4 sharpshooter, dropping a 39-point game on the circuit this summer. I am impressed with his improvement putting the ball on the floor with Team Spieghts SWFL. His craftiness and intelligence makes him a reliable player on the court. Carpio also brings that level into the classroom as he is a high-academic individual. While watching the Thompson twins at a game this season, keep an eye out on him as well.

For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.