Practice Breakdown: McArthur Mustangs

<p>I made the short drive over to watch the <strong>McArthur Mustangs</strong> practice. Head Coach <strong>Warren Gale</strong> is preparing his team to play in the <strong>Kreul Classic</strong> starting on Friday. The Mustangs lost seven seniors from last year’s team that finished 15-15 overall.  The 2020’s gone are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="828079" first="Jordan" last="Howard"]</strong>, <strong>Damien Alford</strong>, <strong>Trevor Ward</strong>, <strong>Dominic</strong> <strong>Shaw</strong>, <strong>Malachi Greenwich</strong>, <strong>Emanuel Zayas</strong> and <strong>Andres Garcia</strong>. That group combined for nearly 50 points per game. 2021 forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="953499" first="Tyshaun" last="Daniels"]</strong> (10.2 PPG) is also gone for McArthur.</p> <p>Let’s look into the Mustangs..</p> <p>2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068623" first="Isaiah" last="Gissendanner"] </strong>is a three-year veteran and current captain. The 5-foot-11 guard has a compact frame and is stout defensively. Moreover, he moves his feet well sideline to sideline and can recover on his defensive assignment if necessary. I thought his on-ball defense and communication were on point during drills. Gissendanner has the athleticism to dribble penetrate and find open teammates with his vision around the rim. In addition, he will be counted on to provide more of a scoring lift offensively. Gissendanner holds a 4.2 GPA in the classroom. He has received looks from D3 and NAIA programs.</p> <p>2022 <strong>Johaun Myles </strong>started six games on last year’s senior laden team. The 6-foot-3 combo guard is a crafty playmaker and can score on all three levels. Myles played AAU ball for the <strong>South Florida Elite</strong>. His guard skills and athleticism have college potential. Myles has length and could even benefit with added muscle. Low D1 schools to NAIA programs have shown him interest.</p> <p>2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829449" first="Gabriel" last="Kincy"]</strong> has a world of talent. The 6-foot-6 guard/forward runs the floor well and has the size to finish inside. Kincy is a bit raw as he has missed two years due to injury. A healthy season could see his potential skyrocket. I am hoping the mental part of his injuries are behind him. Kincy might be the most talented player on the roster. He is a prospect to be on the lookout for in Broward.</p> <p>2021 <strong>James Jackson</strong> is a returner from last year’s group. The 6-foot-5 forward should provide big minutes for the Mustangs in the frontcourt. His experience as a senior should be welcomed, especially in the early part of the season. </p> <p>2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1065436" first="Hasmar" last="Francois"]</strong> is a transfer from <strong>Flanagan High School.</strong> The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 15 points and six assists as a sophomore for the Falcons. His shooting ability is a weapon on the Mustangs roster. Hasmar is also a great student with a 4.0 GPA.</p> <p>2021 <strong>Javen Bailey</strong> brings a wealth of experience after transferring over from <strong>Miramar High School</strong>. The Patriots won 24 games and were state champions a season ago. The 6-foot-1 Bailey averaged 4.5 points across 28 games for Miramar. Interest for Bailey has come from D2 schools on down. He should provide scoring ability from different levels on the floor.</p> <p>2021 <strong>Brian Richards</strong> gives McArthur power on the defensive end. The 6-foot-5 forward is a tough rebounder and strong rim protector. Moreover, his motor and hard-working attitude will gravitate onto the rest of the team. Richards played JV as a 9th and 10th grader but did not play last season. One area I would like to see him improve is on the offensive end. He has received interest from <strong>Ulster CC</strong>, <strong>Penn College</strong> and <strong>Richard</strong> <strong>Bland</strong>.</p> <p>2020 <strong>Keldrick Brown</strong> is another skilled post player for the Mustangs. Brown certainly has the size at 6-foot-7 to make an impact. He is only in his second year playing basketball so he is still raw in terms of in-game repetitions. Brown should provide an inside presence on both ends of the floor. Ulster CC, Penn College and Richard Bland have looked at him.</p> <p>2022 <strong>Jayden Roach</strong> was the leader on the junior varsity team last season. The 6-foot-4 forward led that group in points and rebounds. Roach is a big-time athlete who should see opportunities at the rim. He is a kid who should have a learning curve on the varsity roster this season.</p> <p>2023 <strong>Amani Drayton</strong> is a transfer from <strong>South Broward</strong>. The 6-foot-5 forward is raw but plays with a high motor. Drayton has natural athleticism and should use this year to develop his game.</p> <p>2021 <strong>Allan Singletary</strong> played JV as a 9th and 10th grader. The 6-foot-1 guard did not play last season as a junior. Singletary is a tough kid that should give McArthur an edge on defense. I think a player like Singletary is essential to the nucleus of a team.</p> <p>2021 <strong>Marsell Johnson</strong> played JV as a 9th and 10th grader. The 6-foot-2 guard also did not play last season as a junior. Johnson has AAU experience playing for the <strong>CSE Elite</strong>. His shooting ability and toughness is expected to be relied upon.</p> <p>2022 <strong>Thaddeus Ambrose II</strong> is a first-year varsity player. The 6-foot-2 guard is expected to provide a lift with his outside shooting. Ambrose II can certainly find his identity and make plays for this team. I think a lot of this group can make contributions as the roster has been turned over. Ambrose II and company should take advantage of any opportunity.</p> <p>Overall Breakdown: <strong>McArthur</strong> will be tested as it brings an influx of new players into this season. The group needs to find its chemistry and play as a team against some of the area programs. The Mustangs have a ton of length and talent that needs to polish a bit on both ends of the floor. I am looking for Gissendanner to be a big factor on/off the court with his leadership. Kincy is a player I am really high on if he stays healthy. </p> <p><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></p>