5A All Tournament Team

<p>The Class 5A tournament did not disappoint. Both semifinal games were extremely tight, but the championship ended up as a lopsided 24 point victory for Stranahan over St. Petersburg. 5A is loaded with talented juniors, setting up for an exciting 2022-23 season next year. The following players impressed, landing them on my 5A All Tournament Team.</p> <p><strong>First Team:</strong></p> <p>G- Marquris Curry Jr., 5’9", Jr. - The junior guard exploded for 21 points and 4 assists, leading St. Pete to the final. Curry only averaged around 9 points per game this season, but really came to play in the state tournament. He should see a huge role next year for the Green Devils.</p> <p>G- Keishaun Robinson, 6’3", So. - The talented sophomore posted 17 points and 12 rebounds to go along with 4 steals. Robinson is a phenomenal rebounder for a guard, or for any position really. He shot 60% from the field and created offense for Jones High.</p> <p>G- [player_tooltip player_id="1060200" first="Jalon" last="Cole"], 6’2", Jr. - Cole scored a tournament high 25 points in the semifinal on 12-19 from the field. In addition, he grabbed 5 boards and 3 steals. [player_tooltip player_id="1060200" first="Jalon" last="Cole"] has a high motor and played the entire game plus overtime for Jones. </p> <p>F- Dylan Kramer, 6’5", Jr. - Kramer had a phenomenal 2 game stretch in Lakeland. He posted 16 points, 7 boards, and 2 blocks in the semifinal. He did not slow down in the final, totaling 14 points, 7 boards, and 2 steals. Kramer is a legit threat on offense and makes St. Petersburg a contender again for next year’s tournament.</p> <p>F- [player_tooltip player_id="963313" first="Hykeem" last="Williams"], 6’4", Jr. - Hykeem arguably had the most impressive performance in the final four. In the semifinal, he scored 11 points while grabbing 15 rebounds. To follow up that great showing, Hykeem went off for 19 points and 10 boards to win the state championship. </p> <p><strong>Honorable Mention:</strong></p> <p>G- Tristin Gross, 6’5", Jr. - In my opinion, Gross is one of the best players in 5A. He possesses the ability to score the ball and crash the boards effectively. He had 16 points and 4 boards in the semi and 8 points and 8 rebounds in the final. The junior holds offers from SMU and Wake Forest, but I expect several more to roll in, including high majors.</p> <p>G- [player_tooltip player_id="1306089" first="Telario" last="Pringle"], 6’0", So. - Pringle is a pure scorer with range as well. He had 17 points in the semifinal against St. Petersburg. Only a sophomore, Pringle still has plenty of time to work himself into being a legit D1 prospect.</p> <p>G- [player_tooltip player_id="962457" first="Sam" last="Ducksworth"], 6’0", Jr. - Ducksworth is really talented and is an offensive spark for St. Petersburg. He totaled 17 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds in the semifinal game. </p> <p>G- [player_tooltip player_id="1164253" first="Ozell" last="Purifoy"], 6’0", Jr. - Purifoy posted a game high 17 points with 9 rebounds. Expect him to have a breakout year in 2022-23.</p> <p>G- [player_tooltip player_id="829402" first="Houston" last="Culpepper"], 6’3", Sr. - Culpepper is a leader on the court and can rebound very well from the guard position, He had 12 points and 6 rebounds in the semifinal and 10 and 7 in the championship. </p> <p>F- [player_tooltip player_id="814924" first="Omarayon" last="Turner"], 6’5", Sr. - Turner had a really solid game against the soon to be state champion Stranahan Mighty Dragons. The 6’5" senior totaled 14 points, 10 boards, and 4 blocked shots in a 1 point loss.</p>