2021 Outlook – Morningside Academy

<p>Next up on our Season Preview we travel to Port St Lucie and preview Morningside Academy. Morningside has created a buzz in the area with some high-level transfers coming in this season which should quickly put them on the map as these student-athletes will be a welcomed addition. With Morningside the focus is always academics first and ensuring student-athletes have high character and lead by example on and off the court. Coach Montero does a great job of getting the most out of his players and running schemes that fits the style of play from his players.  Let’s take a deeper dive into the upcoming season with our preview below:</p> <p><strong>2021-2022 Morningside Eagles  </strong> </p> <p>Last year’s record: 7-15   </p> <p><strong>Returning Starters:</strong>  Ryan Van Yek 2022 - Solid player who is primed for a breakout year (last year’s averages: 6 points per game, 2 assists per game, 4 rebounds per game)  </p> <p>Logan Brancaccio 2025 - Big Guard, who came on late last season and really showed his potential and is looking to build on it. (Last year’s averages: 5 points per game, 3 rebounds per game, 2 assists per game and 2 steals a game)  </p> <p><strong>Newcomers: </strong> Damon Leigh 2022 a recent transfer from South Fork is one of the best guards in the region. He currently holds several offers and I believe he will finish the year as an all-state nominee. Damon has a quick first step and can get to the rim with ease. He is very consistent from beyond the arc and has elite ball-handling skills. Damon will make an immediate impact to this team and draw attention from several college coaches throughout the upcoming season (last year’s averages: 16 points per game, 4 assists per game, 4 rebounds per game, 2 steals a game)  </p> <p>Mitchley Kercy 2022 transfer from Port St Lucie is not only a big with a 6’6 frame but is one of the best shooters for his size in the area. Mitchely fits this team great by adding size and another true scorer. Mitchely has a "college-ready" frame and has a tremendous amount of upside heading into his senior season. Mitchely also currently holds several offers and is looking to have a huge year in an offense that looks to have him as one of their leading scorers. (last year’s averages: 6 points per game, 2 assists per game, and 4 rebounds per game)  </p> <p>Caden Holland 2022 6’4 transfer from Westwood – Strong Small Forward, who colleges are beginning to follow and has the potential to make a huge impact. Caden is very athletic and adds a ton of value to this team.    </p> <p>Ryan Scerbo 2023 transfer from Treasure Coast Baptist – Big guard, who runs the floor and attacks the rim very well. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1310899" first="Darious" last="Moore"] Jr 2023 transfer from Florida State Christian – Quick guard, who runs the floor well and can light it up from 3. Darious can get hot in a hurry and fill up the stat sheet. I expect a big season ahead from him coming off a strong summer on the Prep Hoops circuit (last year’s averages: 13 points per game, 5 assists per game, 2 rebounds per game, and 4 steals a game)  </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1295936" first="Damon" last="Folds"] 2024 transfer from John Carroll – Damon will be called upon to contribute early. Can really shoot the ball and has incredible floor vision. Damon is coming off a strong summer on the Prep Hoops circuit where his team won the 15u National Championship. Damon is an unselfish guard who is a big time playmaker on the court. Very high potential and a big season ahead for this sophomore. </p> <p>Dylan McMahon 2022 - Smart player who is looking to make an impact in his senior season. Goes hard on both ends of the court and is always looking to make a play for his team.</p> <p>Jedd Liberal 2022 - Another solid big who can put it on the floor and has the ability to use his body very well. </p> <p>Coach Montero said he expects success in the areas of academics and teamwork. Coach says he feels confident his group can compete for the school’s first ever district title. "We have a competitive schedule to prepare ourselves for a possible postseason run and hopefully gain attention of college scouts for other players to gain opportunities to play collegiately." Captains Leigh and Kercy will be called upon to lead the Eagles in their final year. Transfers Caden Holland, [player_tooltip player_id="1295936" first="Damon" last="Folds"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1310899" first="Darious" last="Moore"] look to make a huge impact. Lastly, coach adds that his team is still a work in progress as a unit and that they are working hard to be at full throttle when the games begin.  I believe this will be the best season in the history of the school for the Morningside Eagles. The transfers mixed in with the returning players should make for a solid rotation and a very competitive season. This will be a program to keep an eye on during the upcoming season and we thank Coach John Montero and Athletic Director Jonathan Elardo for their efforts. Best of luck to the Eagles!</p>