X-Factors: Regional Semifinals (South Florida)

The class field has been trimmed to sixteen after Thursday’s quarterfinal action across South Florida. Semifinal matchups will take place across the region tomorrow. Big names continue to be the talk of the tournament as we move one step closer to Lakeland. However, an entire roster is needed to reach championship glory. In this segment, I would like to spotlight players whom you should also be watching. These prospects could determine if a team moves on or goes home. [player_tooltip player_id="1065427" first="Tyler" last="Hendricks"] - Calvary Christian Academy The younger brother of 4-star [player_tooltip player_id="712107" first="Taylor" last="Hendricks"] exemplifies the depth the Eagles have on their roster. The 6-foot-5 guard is averaging 4.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game across 18 recorded contests. Against Jupiter Christian in the quarterfinals, Hendricks finished with 11 points and knocked down three 3-pointers. It shows that Calvary Christian can produce big-time efforts from a multitude of players. Hendricks appears to be hitting more attempts as he went 5-of-10 from deep in four games prior. Therefore, his confidence shooting the basketball seems to be growing. He already provides natural length and athleticism to Calvary's backcourt. Hendricks currently holds an offer from UCF and his interest should continue to multiply. Watch out for him in the matchup with the Scots on Tuesday night. He is another weapon they need to be aware of. Anquan Boldin - St. Andrew’s Instantaneous momentum can be a huge factor in the playoffs. The 6-foot-4 Boldin ignited his team with a huge block late in the fourth quarter to preserve a win over Westminster Academy in the Class 3A quarterfinals. Boldin has that “it” factor. Those are the type of plays that can carry over round by round. Boldin can also use his athleticism to help the Scots in transition. This can be especially damaging to opponents off turnovers. St. Andrew’s has a ton of playmakers to get athletes like Boldin and company the ball. Little things like his play could determine if the Scots defeat the Eagles on Tuesday night. Leo Ghiloni/[player_tooltip player_id="818794" first="Ben" last="Brodsky"] - Pine Crest [player_tooltip player_id="814909" first="Amen" last="Thompson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="814910" first="Ausar" last="Thompson"] are going are going to be keyed on in every game the Panthers play. The ability to contain them as opposed to stopping them might be the best chance for most teams. This becomes more evident as we dive deeper into the playoffs. 2021 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id="818820" first="Eros" last="Carpio"] can also score off the dribble and finish at the basket. There might be moments where the Thompson twins facilitate and give up the ball. The 6-foot-6 combo guards are just as deadly passing the ball, but I’d rather get the ball out of their hands if I can as a coach. Seniors Leo Ghiloni and [player_tooltip player_id="818794" first="Ben" last="Brodsky"] could be the benefactors to open looks in this instance. The pair have combined to average 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. The attempts they have in critical moments down the stretch could play a role. I am going to make someone else other than two 4-star brothers beat me if a state title opportunity is on the line. The 6-foot-5 Ghiloni is shooting 35-of-69 from the field this season. Against Coral Gables, he scored 14 points on 7-of-11 shooting. He certainly has the capability of hitting big shots around the rim. Brodsky has ability to drive at the basket and knock down shots from the outside. The 5-foot-11 guard has gone 18-of-54 from deep this season. Alex Viera - Florida Christian The Patriots have a lot of shooters and play at a fast pace. Six players on their roster have 79 or more 3-point attempts. 2022’s [player_tooltip player_id="829513" first="Nicholas" last="Mate"] and [player_tooltip player_id="814930" first="Jose" last="Amat"] lead the team with a combined 93 3-pointers made. That is why a player like Alex Viera is important. The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 7.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game on 53 percent shooting from the field. Viera’s work on the glass is a team-best and creates extra opportunities for the Patriots. In addition, he has record eight games with three or more offensive rebounds. Against Archbishop Carroll, Viera had 13 points and eight rebounds (six offensive). The Patriots play the Bulldogs again on Tuesday night. 6-foot-3 [player_tooltip player_id="953479" first="Joey" last="Brown"] also averages over five boards per game. Moreover, the Patriot point guard leads the team with four assists per game. His vision goes hand in hand with Florida Christian’s ability to knock down shots from the outside. Ben Daniels - North Broward Prep I have seen Ben Daniels hit some big shots for North Broward Prep. The Eagles might need him to against sixth-ranked Pine Crest. The 6-foot-1 guard is averaging 4.6 points per game on 45 percent shooting from the field. Moreover, Daniels is 18-of-49 (37 percent) from deep. He has multiple contests in which he has hit three or more 3-pointers. It is going to take a team effort to beat one of the best teams in the state and Daniels could be a factor in that. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or Follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.