<p style="text-align: left;">Throughout this month, I will be highlighting selected teams across South Florida. Today, my focus is on Fort Lauderdale Stranahan. The Mighty Dragons 5-5 last season under head coach <strong>Edward Schuler</strong>. 2021’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818719" first="Thaddeus" last="Squire"]</strong> (12.6 ppg) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="818692" first="London" last="Previlon"]</strong> (10.1 ppg) are key departures. The Mighty Dragons won back-to-back state titles from 2018-2020. 2024 <strong>Reece</strong> <strong>Randolph</strong> (<em><strong>Chaminade-Madonna</strong></em>) is a key departure.</p>
<p>Can they get back to that level?</p>
<p>2022 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"]</strong> has championship experience at the forward spot. The 6-foot-4 forward averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Culpepper is physical presence that can score in the post. In addition, his frame gives him leverage to create with either hand. Culpepper is a fighter and will prove his mettle on the offensive glass. He has improved off the dribble and can score from the free-throw line out. I think he wants to set his own legacy after his brother, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="828054" first="Chayse" last="Culpepper"]</strong>, led Stranahan to back-to-back championships. He is the son of former NFL star, <strong>Daunte Culpepper</strong>.</p>
<p>2023 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="963313" first="Hykeem" last="Williams"]</strong> is a bruising power forward with athleticism. The 6-foot-4 Williams averaged 8.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Also a wide receiver, his explosiveness to score above the rim is unmatched. Williams is likely headed the football route with offers from everywhere in the country. He’s a fantastic athlete.</p>
<p>2022 <strong>Jaquan Adams</strong> is a super athletic guard. The 6-foot-4 Adams averaged 4.8 points per game. He is explosive in the open floor and can finish above the rim. This kid has bounce, pure and simple. Adams’ nickname is "Miami", so you know he has some flash. He reminds me a bit of former Stranahan star <strong>Dave Herard</strong>.</p>
<p>2022 <strong>DeAndre Williams</strong> is a 6-foot-7 rim protector that is getting better offensively. You can never have enough guys that are long and play tough defense.</p>
<p>2023 Jaylin Jackson is a undersized big that knows how to use his body to rebound and set screens. He is very valuable in his role. 2024 Mekhi Murray is a stock riser as a 6-foot-4 forward. He has post moves and can finish around the basket. 2022 <strong>Jamil Youte</strong> is a transfer from <strong>Boston</strong>. The 6-foot guard is quick and can defend at a high level. 2022 <strong>Khalani Bush</strong> is long and can defend. The Mighty Dragons have plenty of depth and top talent to win a significant amount of ball games this year.</p>
<p>This is a family oriented team that is well-coached. Stranahan is a tough place to play and they will be a difficult to beat out in Fort Lauderdale.</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>
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