Top Performers From State Semifinals: 1A-3A

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">These next four days will be a sprint to a new piece of jewelry for 7 teams. Day 1 is reserved for 1A-3A. Thanks to some potent private schools and small public schools experiencing a renaissance of talent, there are plenty of prospects to talk about. Below is each team’s key player of their semifinal matchup.</p> <p><strong>Orlando Christian Prep</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="712105" first="Ven-Allen" last="Lubin"] used his size and athleticism to rack up 20 points and 8 rebounds. 5 of those boards came on the offensive end. He converted those second chance plays, resulting in half his points. It wouldn’t be a good Lubin game if he didn’t throw an alley oop through the rim. The Notre Dame signee stretches the floor with a three from the left wing.</p> <p><strong>First Baptist</strong></p> <p>Latrell Davis is muscular 6’2 guard. His volume shooting led to a game high 25 points. His handle allowed him to score in isolation. Davis scored from all levels, showing a mix of on ball and off ball scoring. He was perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line. The 2A player of the year had a great scoring outburst against a team full of mid major and high major prospects.</p> <p><strong>Sagemont</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1161407" first="Adrian" last="Cruz"] posted the most efficient 40 point game I’ve seen this season. The 6’3 guard knocked 16 of his 18 free throws while connecting on 11 of his 20 field goals and four of his three point attempts. Cruz plays really well out of the pick and roll. He can read the defense for scoring opportunities for himself and others. The unsigned senior gets downhill, can finish with both hands, and finish through contact.</p> <p><strong>North Florida Educational Institute</strong></p> <p>Issac Tevarus put the entire state on notice by willing his team into overtime with 44 points. Everything clicked for the 6’5 junior in the second half, where he scored 34 in 19 minutes. He’s an athletic wing that grabbed rebounds against a frontcourt with 6’9 and 6’7 forwards. Tevarus has a knack for turning those boards into a one man fastbreak where his speed and ability to finish in transition were on full display. Finishing through contact and making shots from awkward angles were routine.</p> <p><strong>Holy Trinity Episcopal</strong></p> <p>It’s hard to not mention a 6’5 8th grader holding his own against one of the best 3A teams in Florida. Caleb Gaskins already has the size it’s now about adding in the production over his next four varsity eligible seasons. He knocked down his lone three from the corner and made a lay up in the face of a 6’10 shot blocker.</p> <p><strong>Riviera</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1062414" first="Edward" last="Nnamoko"] made this choice hard with his shot block prowess at 6’10 but it was Lynn University signee [player_tooltip player_id="814913" first="Esteban" last="Lluberes"] that takes the cake. He scored from all the levels, made plays for others, and most importantly, had 0 turnovers. Lluberes plays with pace switching between speeds to get past defenders. The ability opens up passing lanes for a guy that has the court vision and precision to zip passes around the court.</p> <p><strong>Florida High</strong></p> <p>Tre Donaldson was masterful in this comeback win over Tampa Catholic but its [player_tooltip player_id="962426" first="Thaddeus" last="Burns"], who earns the spotlight. He’s a good on ball defender with the frame and length to bother both backcourt spots. He was the team’s leading scorer raining in 4 of his 8 shots from deep. A block, a steal, and an assist fill out the rest of his stat sheet. The goose egg in his turnover column is a bonus.</p> <p><strong>Tampa Catholic</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1055791" first="Karter" last="Knox"] plays with force. The 2024 scores on all levels, but where he’s really special is in the paint. He gets above the rim with ease, powers through contact on drives, and grabs offensive boards for putbacks. As Knox sure up his shot outside of 15 feet and limits turnovers, he’ll only get better.</p> <p><strong>Hawthorne</strong></p> <p>Jailen Ruth is a bouncy 6’3 forward. His spring loaded legs get him above the rim in a flash, making him a great option for dump off passes.</p> <p><strong>Bradford</strong></p> <p>Shayne Davis had an efficient night in all aspects. The 6’1 combo guard uses his burst to get in the paint of screens. He’s a good slasher that can draw fouls on the way to the rim. He has a pretty solid shot beyond the line going 2 for 4 from beyond the line.</p>