Team Breakdown: St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders
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12 state football championships. That is the number of titles the Raiders now hold, a record in the Florida High School Athletic Association. St. Thomas Aquinas has won nine state titles since 2007 and five of the last seven. The…
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Continue Reading12 state football championships.
That is the number of titles the Raiders now hold, a record in the Florida High School Athletic Association. 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.
However, this is about basketball. The Raiders lone championship on the hardwood was way back in 2001. The great Ed Nelson was the man on that team back in the day.
I am by no means comparing the two sports, but you gotta start somewhere. Head Coach Julius Sandi is looking to build and develop that mindset onto the court. The Raiders have talented pieces to march in that direction, albeit slowly.
Note: St. Thomas Aquinas has started 1-0 after a win over Brito.
Let’s get into the breakdown…
2022 Andrew Akuchie Andrew Akuchie 6'8" | PF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State FL 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 Yale, Colorado and Princeton. Akuchie has a 3.9 GPA so his Ivy League interest comes as no surprise
2021 Zachary Zibelli Zachary Zibelli 5'11" | PG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2021 State FL 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.
2022 Matthew Cadogan 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.
2021 Dallas Turner Dallas Turner 6'4" | CG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2021 State FL will be getting some work on the court before heading to Tuscaloosa to play football for Alabama. 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 JC Latham 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 Bryant-Denny Stadium next season. The Raiders also have 2023 Markos Myrtidis Markos Myrtidis 5'10" | PG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2023 FL (Chaminade-Madonna) and Matthaios Andreopoulos in the fold. Both players should bring depth to the backcourt and provide a punch with their shooting ability.
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