Scouting News & Notes: February Roundup

<p>The season has come to an end for most programs in South Florida. It was one for the history books as schools battled through the Covid-19 pandemic to play as many games as possible. That in of itself is something to be proud of, especially in this area of the state. </p> <p>I would like to recognize a group of players for their accomplishments this season...</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068736" first="Tristan" last="Gee"]</strong> - <em>Trinity Christian Academy</em></p> <p>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="1068736" first="Tristan" last="Gee"] looks like he will finish near the top in scoring for South Florida. The 6-foot-5 forward averaged 23.7 points per game on 46 percent shooting from the field. The team captain scored a season-high 61 points on 24-of-36 shooting against <strong>Glades Day</strong>. Gee also grabbed 15 rebounds and recorded four blocks against the Gators. The scoring output was a school record. While his night was impressive, he proved his offensive explosion wasn’t a fluke. Gee scored in double-figures in 15 of 16 games. He also averaged 8.9 rebounds per game thanks to his effort and natural size. In addition, Gee has great footwork and plays with composure in the post. <strong style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Eastern</strong> <strong style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Nazarene (MA) </strong><span style="font-size: 1rem; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">offered him back on February 4th. </span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829393" first="Jesus" last="Rivas"]</strong> - <em>Brito</em></p> <p>The Brito Panthers will play later tonight against <strong>Grandview Prep</strong> in the Class 2A regional final. 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="829393" first="Jesus" last="Rivas"] is a big reason why the Panthers are playing for a chance to head to <strong>Lakeland</strong>. The 6-foot-8 center leads South Florida in rebounds with 12.6 boards per game. That number is good for 7th in the entire state. Rivas has not recorded a game with less than eight rebounds and grabbed 20 against <strong>Miami Christian</strong>. He has the athleticism and workhorse mentality to vacuum shots off the glass. Rivas has also blocked 110 shots, so teams might not even get an attempt off on him. His average of five rejections per game gives him the state lead. Therefore, he deserves a ton of credit for slashing points off the board in both categories. Rivas is also averaging 11.6 points per game. Moreover, he has scored in double-figures in ten straight contests. Colleges should take a look at him moving forward.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="955612" first="Brandon" last="Garcia"]</strong> - <em>Brito</em></p> <p>I think you can see why the Panthers are still playing for a state championship. 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="955612" first="Brandon" last="Garcia"] has some of the best passing skills in South Florida. The 5-foot-9 point guard leads the region with 7.4 dimes per game. Garcia also averages 9.2 points per game for the Panthers. He limits his mistakes and doesn't put his team in bad situations. Garcia complements a well-balanced Brito group.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="953477" first="Hubertas" last="Pivorius"]</strong> - <em>Columbus</em></p> <p>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="953477" first="Hubertas" last="Pivorius"] is one of the best outside shooters in the Sunshine State. The 6-foot-1 guard averaged 17.1 points per game and knocked down 76 3-pointers. Moreover, Pivorius hit at a 42 percent clip from deep. His makes from behind the arc were the best in South Florida. Pivorius hit four or more 3-pointers in 11 games. His 46 percent shooting from the field proves he was more than just a deep threat. His offense was a big help in the Explorers 15-7 overall record.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="714859" first="Micah" last="Octave"]</strong> - <em>Olympic Heights</em></p> <p>2021 [player_tooltip player_id="714859" first="Micah" last="Octave"] gave opponents fits this season with his on-ball defense. The 6-foot-4 guard recorded 4.5 steals per game for the Lions. Moreover, his 67 total swipes places him 7th in the state. His volume would have undoubtedly been higher if Olympic Heights played more games. Octave also averaged 20.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 blocks per game on 49 percent shooting from the field. He is a big guard with a long wingspan on the floor. His attributes make him college ready in my mind. </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> <p>&nbsp;</p>