Spring Watch: 2024’s to Know

<p>Happy April! The spring basketball season is upon us with circuit events across the country. South Florida will be well represented.</p> <p>Therefore, I would like to spotlight players you might see in the Class of 2024. As with the freshman, there are a wide range of prospects.</p> <p>Let’s jump into some players....</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1055708" first="Casey" last="Etienne"] Jr. - Cardinal Gibbons</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1055708" first="Casey" last="Etienne"] Jr. had a huge season for Cardinal Gibbons. The 6-foot-3 point guard averaged 17.3 points, seven rebounds, 5.4 assists and three steals while shooting 43 percent from the floor. Etienne Jr. was recently named All-County 2nd team by the Sun Sentinel. He is an aggressive guard with an array of finishes at the basket. Moreover, his quickness and overall speed is impressive on the court. Etienne Jr. is also a decorated football player at safety and a two-time state champion. He owns a 4.1 GPA in the classroom.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1163388" first="Kaiden" last="Francis"] - South Plantation</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1163388" first="Kaiden" last="Francis"] is an underrated guard in Broward County. The 6-foot prospect averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game. In addition, Francis shot 33 percent (28-of-85) from deep and 84 percent (42-of-50) from the free-throw line. Overall, he scored in double-figures in 13 games. Against Pembroke Pines Charter, Francis scored 20 points. He also scored 21 points and hit four 3-pointers against Monarch. Francis is a three-level scorer and solid defender.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1306091" first="Jeremy" last="Elyzee"] - Flanagan</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1306091" first="Jeremy" last="Elyzee"] was one of the best double-double prospects in South Florida. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 13.3 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 3.5 steals and 4.7 blocks per game. Overall, Elyzee had a remarkable 20 double-doubles and two triple-doubles. He is a powerful kid with a tremendous amount of athleticism. Essentially, he has guard skill with the body of a forward. On defense, he had 13 games with four or more steals. Elyzee is a mismatch on both ends of the floor. I think he has a big-time future.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1055758" first="Dylan" last="Burrowes"] - Fort Lauderdale</p> <p>Burrowes should develop this spring and moving forward. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 42 percent from the field. Overall, he had five double-doubles. Increasing his efficiency around the rim should be a point of emphasis. If that improves, Burrowes already has plenty of size to be a damaging frontcourt prospect. Add-in a shot to the 3-point line and he might become even more of a problem for defenders.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1163362" first="Ralph" last="Blanc"] - Mater Lakes</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1163362" first="Ralph" last="Blanc"] should get better with more repetitions on the court. He’s 6-foot-5 with plenty of athleticism and movement at the forward spot. Moreover, he has ability from long range. Against Westminster Christian, he scored 20 points and hit two 3-pointers while shooting 8-of-14 overall from the field. I think that is a good indicator of his potential. Overall, his ball skill and shooting ability should translate into a versatile player.</p> <p>For any South Florida Prep Hoops news or information...please contact Michael Costeines @Steins_23 on Instagram or follow him on Twitter @Mungertown_Mike23.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>