40-Point Club: South Florida

<p>What top prospects have the best chance to score 40 or more points in a game this season? I set the mark at 40 as a <em>barometer</em>. I think many players can get hot and score 30+ points on any given night; so let this be a high-achieving goal. (<em>see below</em>)</p> <p>2022 <strong>Amen Thompson</strong>, formerly of <strong>Pine Crest</strong>, scored 45 points in <em>double</em>-<em>overtime</em> of the Class 4A state final. While he had some extra time, Thompson still did it.</p> <p>His brother, <strong>Ausar Thompson</strong>, had a season-high 34 against <strong>Miami</strong> <strong>Norland</strong>. 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818738" first="Josh" last="Minott"] </strong>with<strong> St. Andrew’s</strong> scored a season-high 33 points against Pine Crest. I mention those three because they were the <em>best </em>players in the area last season.</p> <p>It’s simply <em>not</em> an easy thing to do.</p> <p>Talented teams usually pull their starters in blowout games. If you’re scoring that many points, you’re likely in a tough game with the outcome in the balance.</p> <p>Furthermore, a guard or talented swingman might be the only kids that can come <em>close</em>. They have the <em>most</em> ball control and often shoot the most 3-pointers. Dominant center <strong>Vernon Carey Jr</strong>. scored a season-high 35 points his senior year at <strong>University School</strong>, and he’s one of the best high school big men to come out of this area in years.</p> <p>Let’s look into my picks....</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="546221" first="Aidan" last="Abell"]</strong> - <em>Westminster Academy</em></p> <p>2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="546221" first="Aidan" last="Abell"]</strong> can be automatic from the perimeter. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard shot 47 percent from deep as a junior. Abell knocking down six or more 3-pointers is not far-fetched. He also has a great supporting cast that could open him up for outside looks. Abell can get to the rim in the halfcourt or in transition using his size and athleticism. Thanks to his frame, he can finish through contact, unlike smaller and less athletic shooting guards. Abell’s body control could very well result in and-1 opportunities. If he gets hot, watch out.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1062420" first="Noah" last="Kattan"]</strong> - <em>Cypress Bay</em></p> <p>Everyone on this list can create their own shot and 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="1062420" first="Noah" last="Kattan"] is no exception. In fact, his offensive responsibility <em>might </em>even be higher with 2021 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068746" first="Jordan" last="Hinds"]</strong> graduating. Don’t get me wrong, Cypress Bay has players around him like 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829477" first="Kevin" last="Pazmino"]. </strong>Kattan can <em>really</em> shoot and has a great handle off the dribble. He can also squeak into the lane and finish at the rim. At 6-foot-3, he has plenty of size to hold his own. I think he could even benefit from getting bigger. Kattan can play and I continue to feel he is underrated.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="956773" first="Warner" last="Davis"]</strong> - <em>Miami Palmetto</em></p> <p>I just mentioned 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="956773" first="Warner" last="Davis"], but I can’t leave him off this list. After all, the 6-foot-1 guard scored 37 points in a game against <strong>Braddock</strong> last season. He <em>clearly</em> has instant offensive ability. With a 40 percent average from deep, Davis can volume perimeter shots. Watch out for 2022 teammate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814912" first="Jimel" last="Lane"]</strong> as well. Lane scored 35 points for Mater Academy Charter against <strong>Mater Lakes Academy</strong> at the <strong>Kreul Classic</strong>.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709256" first="Jamai" last="Hager-Tejada"]</strong> - <em>Miami Northwestern</em></p> <p>Tejada’s season-high last season was 35 points against <strong>McArthur</strong>. I just happened to be at that game and he was a killer. Tejada was on the attack all night and scored most of his points inside the key. Keep in mind he was doing this at 5-foot-10. Imagine if Tejada gets taller and bigger. In addition, he went a modest 3-of-5 from deep. He clearly has the mindset to take over a game. Sometimes that's all you need to have a big night.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1069620" first="Marcus" last="Allen"]</strong> - <em>Miami Norland </em></p> <p> 2024 [player_tooltip player_id="1069620" first="Marcus" last="Allen"] is obviously going to be a mismatch for opponents this fall. The 6-foot-7,200-pound wing is simply too quick and big to contain. Who are you going to check him with? Allen can spearhead through a defense and get to the rack. His length will set him up for rebounds and second chance points.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709245" first="Jasai" last="Miles"]</strong> - <em>Miami Country Day</em></p> <p>Miles will be one of the best players in Miami-Dade County. At 6-foot-5, he can score down low and grab rebounds. As a makeshift guard, his quickness in motion will result in baskets. Miles shot 41 percent from the field and 31 percent from the perimeter last season, so he might want to improve in those areas for a <em>really </em>big night<em>. </em>Regardless, he will be a nightmare to defend.</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>