Team Preview: Bell Creek Academy Panthers
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The Prep Hoops staff is taking a closer look inside the elite Florida high school basketball programs, as they gear up for the 2022-2023 season. Our next feature is the Bell Creek Academy Panthers, out of the Tampa Bay area.…
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Continue ReadingThe Prep Hoops staff is taking a closer look inside the elite Florida high school basketball programs, as they gear up for the 2022-2023 season. Our next feature is the Bell Creek Academy Panthers, out of the Tampa Bay area. The Panthers finished 16-10 last season and had their season end in the district quarterfinals.
HC: Garrett Ruppel, 3rd Season
Class: 3A
2021-2022 Record: 16-10
Jermal Jones
Jermal Jones
Key Returners: Jermal Jones 6-5 CG (2026)
Jones makes a strong case to be one of the best combo guards in the state for the upcoming freshman class. He can score at all three phases, whether he’s finishing at the rim, pulling up from mid-range or shooting from beyond the arc. Last season, Jones averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game as an 8th grader. He’s one of the most underrated defenders you will find in the Tampa Bay area as well.
Key Returners: Tahir Bibbs Tahir Bibbs 6’6″ | PF Bell Creek Academy | 2024 State FL 6-5 SF (2024)
Bibbs can play any of the five positions, as well as stretch the floor with great length and athleticism. Last season, Bibbs averaged just 5.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Bibbs is considered to be an underrated rebounder and finisher at the rim. Expect a stellar junior season for the 6-5 wing.
Sleeper Prospect: Evon “Neil” Falconer 5-11 PG (2023)
One of the best two-way guards you will find in the Tampa Bay area. Falconer has a high basketball IQ and plays with an unselfish attitude. He also has being a good teammate and leadership qualities while out on the floor. Big senior season coming for Falconer.
Sleeper Prospect: Ben Walker 6-2 CG (2023)
Walker plays with intensity and purpose, as he’s known to be the “high energy” guy on the team. Tenacious at all three scoring phases, whether he’s at the rim, shooting from mid-range or from beyond the arc. He also brings a high basketball IQ and intangibles to help lead a championship caliber team.
Highlights
Key Newcomer: Elijah Payne Elijah Payne 6’7″ | SF Bell Creek | 2024 FL 6-4 SF (2024)
Payne comes to Bell Creek Academy from Brooks-DeBartolo where he was a double-double machine last season for the Phoenix. He is known to be one of the best inside/outside players you will find on the floor. Outside of his scoring and rebounding, Payne has also been known to be a great passer which is big for kick-out three-pointers. Expect a big junior season for the 6-4 small forward.