Team Preview: Charlotte (Punta Gorda) Tarpons
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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 Charlotte Tarpons, who are coming off a 19-10 season in…
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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 Charlotte Tarpons, who are coming off a 19-10 season in 2021-2022. The Tarpons also have a new head coach after Tom Massolio resigned after 25 seasons during the offseason.
HC: Mike Williams, 1st Season
Class: 6A
2021-2022 Record: 19-10
Key Returners: John Gamble John Gamble 6’6″ Charlotte | 2023 FL 6-6 CG (2023)
Gamble is a slasher and a finisher at the rim, whether he’s getting put backs or collecting rebounds. He is long and athletic, as well as capable of playing multiple positions. Gamble currently holds offers from Florida Gulf Coast, Mississippi Valley State, North Carolina A&T, Ole Miss, Portland and Stetson. Last season, Gamble averaged 15.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Tarpons.
Key Returners: Chris Cornish Chris Cornish 6’4″ | SF Charlotte | 2024 State FL 6-4 SF (2024)
Cornish is at his best when he’s finishing lobs at the rim, as he provides superb athleticism and quickness to his game. He has made a strong case to be one of the best wing guards in the state. Last season, Cornish averaged 4.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Tarpons. Cornish is also unafraid to finish at the rim with contact and has a dangerous mid-range game to him as well. Expecting a big junior season for the two-way player.
Sleeper Prospect: Noah Cutler Noah Cutler 5’9″ | PG Charlotte | 2024 FL 5-9 PG (2024)
While he may be underestimated due to his size, Cutler is one of the best decision makers in the SWFL area when it comes to making the right play. Cutler has tremendous basketball IQ and is always getting his teammates involved. During the travel season, Cutler was averaging a double-double while running for SWFL Hoops.
Highlights
Key Newcomer: Kirby Schmitz Kirby Schmitz 6’6″ | C Charlotte | 2023 State FL 6-6 PF (2023)
Schmitz comes to Charlotte High from Urbandale (Iowa) where he was a force in the post. His presence will be a huge help this upcoming season for the Tarpons as he will be running the frontcourt alongside John Gamble John Gamble 6’6″ Charlotte | 2023 FL . Expecting a big senior season for Schmitz, as he averaged near a double-double last season in Iowa.
Sleeper Prospect: Jordan “JT” Taylor 6-7 PF (2025)
Taylor has the size and the length to be one of the best sophomores in the state, now it all comes down to his confidence level. The 6-7 wing shined at the FABC Showcase over the summer where he was a force in the paint. Taylor is going to continue to get better and stronger, so be on the lookout as he enters his sophomore season.