Circuit Breakers: South Florida

Michael Costeines

March 25, 2021 @ 12:59 PM

The bridge between the high school and circuit season is an exciting time for prospects. Events will becoming at full force over the coming weeks and months. In reality, many showcases have already took place to give unsigned prospects added exposure. Players should take advantage of every event and every resource they can. It only takes one program or scout to like you and give you an offer. Furthermore, the talent level that resides in South Florida is very deep. Programs at all levels put extra emphasis on finding the next student-athlete to represent them in this region. No offense to other states, but this is a mecca for a variety of sports. With that being said, let’s look at some players that should be on your radar moving forward... Khimani Hopkinson - Elite Academy 2022 Khimani Hopkinson has a wealth of talent. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged ten points and 7.4 rebounds per game on 49 percent shooting from the field this season. Against Dade Christian, Hopkinson scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. He is long and runs the floor very well in transition. This can set up lobs or layups at the rim from his teammates. That reach also netted him nine recorded games with ten or more boards. Hopkinson can comfortably play the 3-5 in most sets. I would like to see him get stronger in his upper body to sustain some of the wear and tear in the post. I also think he has more development in his face up game. He certainly brings a high level of athleticism and can explode past opponents who guard him too close. Check out his junior highlights by clicking <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHIdUkQPbVQ&feature=youtu.be">here</a>. Jordan Glass - Elite Academy Staying with the Eagles, Glass is another prospect to watch. The 6-foot guard averaged 7.1 points and 2.2 rebounds per game this season. Moreover, Glass connected on 37 percent (23-of-63) of his 3-point attempts. He was routinely knocking down shots from long range late in the season. Glass can also dribble penetrate and kick it out to open teammates on the perimeter. He has strong vision to make the extra pass in motion. His overall athleticism is also apparent as an on-ball defender. I really like his work ethic and it has shown in these areas. I have seen him put in the time to improve his game during unorganized events. Against Sheridan Hills Christian, Glass had 16 points, eight rebounds and six assists. I think the best basketball is ahead of him if he continues to push himself. [player_tooltip player_id="814907" first="Kaleb" last="Walters"] - Past: Westminster Academy Remember Walters? The 6-foot-6 shooting guard was a high flyer when he was on the floor for the Lions. Walters can seemingly paint the ceiling with his athleticism above the rim. His natural talent makes him a havoc to defend on both ends of the floor. What makes him particularly dangerous is his shooting ability. Walters plays with high confidence and will make you pay from the outside. He has a D-1 future without a doubt. [player_tooltip player_id="812637" first="Greg" last="Spate"] - Coral Springs I have been a fan of Spate ever since his early days at Northeast. He has the prototypical size you look for at 6-foot-6 to play at the one or two. He just needs to grow into his body which will come in time. Spate can use his length to create space on the perimeter. His ball skills are also strong in this instance for added separation. In addition, Spate has the athleticism to grab rebounds off the glass and push the tempo in transition. Check out his highlights by clicking <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15077430/Greg-Spate">here</a>. [player_tooltip player_id="956773" first="Warner" last="Davis"] - Miami Palmetto Davis was a tremendous scorer for the Panthers this season. The 6-foot-1 guard scored over 23 points per game and shot 40 percent from 3-point range. He was a dagger from the perimeter when I saw him play at the MLK Classic back in January. Davis can create his own shot and score in bunches. He plays with high confidence in this area and delivers at a high rate. I love his killer instinct on the offensive end. He is the kind of player you want in the closing minutes of a tight contest. For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.