X-Factors: Regional Finals (South Florida)

<p>The class field has been trimmed to <strong>eight</strong> after Tuesday’s semifinal action across South Florida. Regional final matchups will take place across the area <em>tomorrow</em>. This is the last hurdle before programs converge onto <em><strong>Lakeland</strong></em>. Big names continue to be a huge force for their respective programs. However, each round stresses the importance of having a complete team. This has been emphasized even more as some schools battle through the uncertainty of Covid-19. </p> <p> I would like to recognize some of those players as we get ready for tomorrow. Here are my observations.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818880" first="Malik" last="Siggers"]</strong> - <em>Miami Norland</em></p> <p>Siggers has guided the Vikings to a 20-8 overall record and a spot in the 5A regional final against <strong>Pembroke Pines Charter</strong>. The 5-foot-8 point guard has averaged 6.7 points and 4.2 assists per game on 51 percent shooting from the field. Moreover, Siggers has dished out six or more assists in eight games. The Viking floor general is quick and complements 2021 <strong>Cameron</strong> <strong>Johnson</strong> and 2024 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1069620" first="Marcus" last="Allen"]</strong> well. His leadership down the stretch of the season is also valuable. Siggers has the moxy to make some tough plays when games are on the line. 2023 <strong>Isaiah Joseph</strong> is coming off a season-high 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field against <strong>Miami</strong> <strong>Northwestern</strong>. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard went 3-of-5 from deep against the Bulls and is 7-of-14 from three over his last four games. A boost from either of them could propel Norland up to Lakeland.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818907" first="Pete" last="Laidley"]</strong> - <em>Pembroke Pines Charter</em></p> <p>The Jaguars have a ton of talent and depth at the guard position. 2022 <strong>Kolby</strong> <strong>King</strong> leads the team averaging 15.4 points per game. 2022 <strong>Geoffrey</strong> <strong>Sprouse</strong> scored 19 points in the regional semifinal against <strong>Boyd Anderson</strong>. 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1065434" first="Caelum" last="Ethridge"]</strong> is long with muscle on his frame and averages 13.2 points per game. 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829389" first="Elijah" last="Wyche"]</strong> is a versatile playmaker that can defend multiple positions. This is a tremendous junior group for South Florida to watch. That is why I am looking at [player_tooltip player_id="818907" first="Pete" last="Laidley"] to counteract the length of Norland and give an added boost to the group above. The 6-foot-6 forward has averaged 9.3 points per game for the Jaguars. Moreover, Laidley has reached double-figures in seven of his last eight games. He could be a huge presence on both ends of the glass for the Jaguars in this game. Laidley grabbed 13 boards and blocked six shots against the Cobras. Look for a possible repeat effort tomorrow.</p> <p><strong>Torrence Shelman</strong> - <em>Mater Academy Charter</em></p> <p>The Lions have a pair of outstanding players in 2021 <strong>Ryan Sanchez</strong> and 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814912" first="Jimel" last="Lane"]</strong>. The pair have combined to average 36.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game for Mater Academy Charter. Not lost in the fold is the play of Torrence Shelman. The 6-foot-4 forward has averaged 7.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Lions. Shelman is coming of an 11 rebound (five offensive) effort against <strong>Doral Academy</strong> in the 6A regional semifinals. He gives a ton of effort on the glass, as recognized by his 58 recorded offensive boards. Shelman has also reached double-figures in five games so you know he can score. Mater Academy Charter faces Martin County tomorrow.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709260" first="Marc" last="Wendrow"]</strong> - <em>Miami Country Day</em></p> <p>The 3A regional finalists have a terrific sophomore in 6-foot-5 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709245" first="Jasai" last="Miles"]</strong> that averages 20.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818876" first="Jordan" last="Cooke"]</strong> is dangerous from deep while averaging 16.7 points per game. That is why <strong>Archbishop Carroll</strong> should look out for 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="709260" first="Marc" last="Wendrow"]. The 6-foot guard is averaging 10.1 points per game on 46 percent shooting from the field. Moreover, Wendrow has connected on 25-of-61 (41 percent) from deep for the Spartans. The Bulldogs certainty need to be aware of his shooting capabilities. </p> <p><strong><em>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</em></strong></p>