“Starting Five”: Weeks 1 & 2 (North Florida)

It has been an eye-opening two weeks for FHSAA schools in North Florida. We have seen some great matchups and even better performances individually. Some teams decided to play the week of Thanksgiving, and some elected to wait the week after the holiday. I will combine both weeks within this article. Count on this being a weekly segment highlighting five players from the North Florida area that excelled on the floor. Here are my Starting five for the first two weeks. 

Lajae Jones Lajae Jones 6'5" | PG Fletcher | 2022 State FL l 6-6 G l Fletcher

The point forward has put the city on notice with his versatility. Jones is averaging a smooth 25 PPG throughout four games and double-digit rebounds. Fletcher has started the season off hot; Jones is a major reason. He possesses all of the physical tools and skills at his size to be successful. Jones is making a statement with his performance on both ends of the court. He is shooting a high clip from the perimeter, attacking the basket at will, and just getting what he wants when he wants it. The addition of Seth Allen Seth Allen 6'2" | CG Providence | 2022 State FL in the offseason has contributed to the success as well. (Week 1) 

Diego Dionisio l 5-9 G l Bishop Kenny

Dionisio has improved offensively since this past season. He was scoring from all over the court and seemed to hit the big shots time and time again. Dionisio has a high IQ. Highly skilled offensively and is poised to lead this young Bishop Kenny team this year. He is a confident player who does not rattle easily. (Week 1)

Ben McGraw Ben McGraw 6'3" | CG Bolles | 2022 State FL l 6-3 G l Bolles

McGraw picked up where he left off from the fall league. He has averaged 25 ppg for the week through two games (31 and 19). McGraw gets almost all of his points on three or fewer dribbles. He is another highly skilled young man with an exceptional IQ level. McGraw may end up being a 180 player (50% FG, 40% 3PT, and 90% FT). He is the engine to the car for this Bolles team. A colleague suggested putting a defender on him soon as the bus arrives at the school; I believe that is a pretty good scouting report. (Week 1)

Jake Drummond l 6-2 W l Yulee

Drummond had himself a week averaging a double-double through two games (20 PPG and 13.5 RPG). Drummond stepped up big for the Hornets with his performances. Drummond is making an immediate impact with his new program already. He finishes around the rim and is a good glue guy to have on your team. Does all the little things that most are not willing to do. (Week 1)

Jaden Golden Jaden Golden 6'9" | PF Atlantic Coast | 2022 State FL l 6-9 F l Atlantic Coast

Big-time transfer to the area and program. Golden logged a triple-double in his game for the Stingrays (15 PTS, 15 REBS, 10 BLKS, 3 STL, and 3 AST). He is efficient and gets busy around the rim on both ends of the court. Light feet with good footwork as well. Golden attacks the basket with a purpose. He gives the Stingrays an edge on most teams in the city with his height. His effect on the court on both ends is what I like about the kid. Good energy. (Week 1)

Caleb Williams Caleb Williams 6'5" | PG Sumner | 2025 #191 Nation KS l 5-10 G l Ribault

The Trojans are 3-0 to start the season; Williams is one reason for their early success. He leads this very balanced scoring team. They have five players that could go for 20+ points on any given night. An unselfish team led by Williams; He is the motor to the car. The team averages 82 points per game and is off to the races as the ball tips off. Only through three games but averaging 17 PPG, 8 APG, and 5 RPG. Not too shabby for the sophomore guard. (Week 2)

Isaac Tapia l 6-6 G l NFEI

Tapia has strung together an impressive couple of weeks. Much of his work is inside the arc. Tapia does not force shots, has an exceptional IQ, and knows how to get to his spots on the court. Tapia is quicker than he looks as well. Only a junior, so the perimeter game is bound to come. Not too much you can dislike about this kid overall. He shows up when the lights are bright. The Eagles are 4-2 through two weeks with losses to The Rock and Auburndale. (Week 2)

David Compere David Compere 6'2" | CG Oakleaf | 2022 State FL l 6-2 G l Oakleaf

Solid-two way player with a motor. Exhuberates maximum effort on both sides of the ball. The ability to shoot the perimeter jumper at a high clip. He is physically fit enough to withstand contact in the paint. I like the combination of Dylan Lewis and David Compere David Compere 6'2" | CG Oakleaf | 2022 State FL for the Knights moving forward. The production night in and night out has been consistent. Solid combo guard, to be on the lookout as the season continues. (Week 2)

Mason Sword Mason Sword 6'5" | SF St. Joseph | 2023 State FL l 6-4 W l St. Joseph’s Academy

Sword has been on a tear offensively the first couple of weeks of the season. He is producing more than 40% of the team’s total production offensively. He has a motor that is non-stop. Sword shoots the ball at a high clip from the perimeter but excels in the mid-range. There aren’t many spots on the court that he cannot score from currently. Scores within the system. Sword is a player to keep an eye on this season. (Week2)

Nathan Bunkosky Nathan Bunkosky 6'0" | PG Ponte Vedra | 2023 State FL l 6-0 G l Ponte Vedra

Bunkosky is the second-leading scorer thus far. Ross Candelino Ross Candelino 6'5" | SG Ponte Vedra | 2022 State FL and Bunkosky have become a nice one-two punch for the Sharks. Bunkosky contributes in a plethora of ways. He rebounds the ball well for a guard, is a pest on defense, and is unselfish with the basketball. I like this Ponte Vedra team overall. (Week 2)

Honorable Mention: 

Jalen Gilmore Jalen Gilmore 6'3" | CG Bishop Snyder | 2022 State FL – Bishop Snyder (2022)

Dominick Scott Dominick Scott 6'5" | SF Riverside | 2023 State FL – Riverside (2023)

Ahman Greenidge Ahman Greenidge 6'4" | SF Fleming Island | 2022 State FL – Fleming Island (2022)

Mason Lee Mason Lee 6'6" | SF Providence | 2023 State FL – Providence (2023)

Michael Swift Michael Swift 5'11" | PG Andrew Jackson | 2023 State FL l 6-3 G l Andrew Jackson

For any North Florida Prep Hoops news or information, contact Mark Holland on Twitter @Mark__Holland