Team Breakdown: St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders

<p>12 state football championships.</p> <p>That is the number of titles the Raiders now hold, a record in the <strong>Florida High School Athletic Association</strong>. St. Thomas Aquinas has won nine state titles since 2007 and five of the last seven. The Raiders are a brand that produces NFL level talent year after year.</p> <p>However, this is about <strong>basketball</strong>. The Raiders lone championship on the hardwood was way back in 2001. The great <strong>Ed Nelson </strong>was the man on that team back in the day. </p> <p>I am by <strong>n<em>o</em> <em>means</em></strong> comparing the two sports, but you <em>gotta</em> start somewhere. Head Coach <strong>Julius Sandi</strong> is looking to build and develop that mindset onto the court. The Raiders have talented pieces to march in that direction, albeit s<em>lowly</em>.</p> <p><strong>Note</strong>: St. Thomas Aquinas has started 1-0 after a win over <strong>Brito</strong>.</p> <p>Let’s get into the breakdown...</p> <p>2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="955771" first="Andrew" last="Akuchie"]</strong> has been developing at a fast pace ever since I saw him last year. The 6-foot-8 wing has the size and athleticism to be a disturbance on both ends of the floor. I expect Akuchie to take more of a lead role on this year’s team. Specifically, I trust him to score away from the basket or driving into the lane. Akuchie can guard multiple positions at this level and be a rim protector. He has received strong interest from <strong>Yale</strong>, <strong>Colorado</strong> and <strong>Princeton</strong>. Akuchie has a 3.9 GPA so his Ivy League interest comes as no surprise</p> <p>2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068720" first="Zachary" last="Zibelli"] </strong>is the floor general for the Raiders. The 5-foot-11 point guard is tough as nails and won’t back down if he sees an opportunity to attack the tin. I thought Zibelli did a tremendous job last year under revolving circumstances. His decision making and vision are two traits the Raiders can trust. Zibelli has been battle tested and is a fine senior to lead this group.</p> <p>2022 <strong>Matthew Cadogan</strong> is on my radar this season. The 6-foot-5 guard has the ability to shoot from outside or put the ball on the floor. Moreover, Cadogan has an array of moves to finish at the rim. I want a guard with his length and upside on my team. Cadogan holds a 4.1 GPA so he is also getting it done in the classroom. I think he is going to have a big season on the offensive end.</p> <p>2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="548986" first="Dallas" last="Turner"]</strong> will be getting some work on the court before heading to <strong>Tuscaloosa</strong> to play football for <strong>Alabama</strong>. The 6-foot-4 weak-side defensive end/outside linebacker is ranked 8th nationally in the 247 sports composite rankings. Only fellow Crimson Tide commit <strong>JC Latham </strong>is ranked ahead of him in the state of Florida. Look for Turner to be a tough combo-guard on the floor. He will certainly bring a winning edge into the lineup and showcase his athleticism that you will see on Saturdays at <strong>Bryant-Denny Stadium</strong> next season. The Raiders also have 2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963316" first="Markos" last="Myrtidis"] </strong>(<strong>Chaminade-Madonna</strong>) and <strong>Matthaios Andreopoulos</strong> in the fold. Both players should bring depth to the backcourt and provide a punch with their shooting ability. </p> <p>&nbsp;</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>