Teams to Watch: Broward County (Part 1)

<p>I think we all know how much basketball talent exists around Broward County. While the big programs get a ton of attention, I would like to showcase some other schools in the area.</p> <p>Check out this list.</p> <p><strong>Cypress Bay</strong> - <em>(Last season: 7-9)</em></p> <p>Here is a case where there record might deceive you. The Lightning lost seven games last season by a combined 32 points. At the very least, opponents can’t look past Cypress Bay. They return two players I really like in 2022’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1062420" first="Noah" last="Kattan"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829477" first="Kevin" last="Pazmino"]</strong>. Pazmino is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard with athleticism and a jump shot. He has plenty of size to attack the rim as well. Look out for him this season.</p> <p><strong>St. Thomas Aquinas</strong> - <em>(Last season: 9-4)</em></p> <p>Congratulations to 2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="955771" first="Andrew" last="Akuchie"]</strong> on his commitment to <strong>Rice</strong> <strong>University</strong>. The 6-foot-8 wing averaged 16.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.5 blocks and 2.3 steals as a junior. I also like 6-foot-5 guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1161400" first="Matthew" last="Cadogan"]</strong> and 2023 <strong>Markos</strong> <strong>Myrtidis</strong>. Myrtidis is a crafty 6-foot point guard that can create off the dribble. He has nice agility and is a gamer. </p> <p><strong>McArthur</strong> - <em>(Last season: 10-10)</em></p> <p>The Mustangs have a tough coaching staff that holds its players to a high standard. McArthur is another example of a team you cannot look past. Seven of their ten losses last season came by a combined 38 points. One of those defeats came against <strong>Mater Academy Charter</strong> (55-51). A few corrections here and there and we could be looking at a 15-win plus season. It just goes to show the margin for error in Broward County is slim. I really like 2022’s <strong>Johaun Myles </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1065436" first="Hasmar" last="Francois"]</strong> in the backcourt. They both have length and athleticism to create. Another kid to watch is <strong>Jayden Roach</strong>. Roach is an athletic forward at 6-foot-5 that can finish around the rim. 2023 <strong>Amani Drayton</strong> also has talent. The 6-foot-5 forward should average in double-figures as a junior. Drayton also excels as a high jumper in track. 2021 <strong>Javen Bailey</strong> had a killer instinct on the court that will need to be replaced. Who will do it?</p> <p><strong>Hallandale</strong> - <em>(Last season 12-10)</em></p> <p>The Chargers lose <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068726" first="Jonathan" last="Pierre"]</strong> (<strong>Nova Southeastern</strong>) and 2023 <strong>Ashton</strong> Smith to <strong>Sagemont</strong>. In addition, 2022’s <strong>David Valcourt</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1068739" first="Charles" last="Smith"]</strong> are gone. Hallandale has reinforcements joining the program in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829495" first="Kareem" last="Barnett"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="709231" first="Anthony" last="Floyd"]</strong>. Both of those kids have familiarity with each other after playing at <strong>Mater Lakes Academy</strong>. Floyd is one of the tougher kids under 6-feet in the region. He has great body control when attacking the rim and can finish in the process.</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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>