Names to know in the 2A regional tournament
2A schools around the state are loaded with talent. This year’s road to the state has prospects of carving out a name for itself. This is the second article in the series highlighting the play of players that pushed their…
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Continue Reading2A schools around the state are loaded with talent. This year’s road to the state has prospects of carving out a name for itself. This is the second article in the series highlighting the play of players that pushed their team into the postseason. We’ll focus on lesser-known players today. Here’s a link to part 1.
Jones showed flashes his junior year, and now he’s turning that potential into production. The 6-foot-8 forward plays hard physically in the paint. He’s a rebound away from averaging a double-double in scores, primarily off of putbacks. His effort level, willingness to go after every board, and using physicality to create opportunities on the boards highlight what he does best as a player. He currently holds offers from division three schools. Before the season started, Jones turned heads at the Tampa Bay coaches Association camp, where he emerged as a top five big man prospect in Hillsborough county.
Highlights
Sword continues to go under the radar in his senior, but his production and frame scream next-level talent. He’s an athletic 6’4 wing with the physique of a college player. The senior’s highlight reels are riddled with above the rim finishes, three-point shooting off screens, and an ability to slash to the basket. What sells me on Sword is his development over the last year. He’s gone from tweener to legitimate wing with a crisp jumper. Add in a high motor and toughness, and you have yourself a prime candidate for the steal of Florida’s 2023 class.
Kenneth Lopez – Sagemont
Lopez is a 6’9 big man with a grown man’s body that isn’t done filling out. He currently holds an offer from Southern Miss, but more teams will roll in as he continues to polish his game. Lopez is raw, but with his international experience, size, and nose for the boards, he could turn into a feature frontcourt player in the state.
Naylor emerged from a talented group of 2024s in last summer’s Prep Hoops Circuit. The strength and athleticism he showcased translated to a significant jump in production in his junior season. His near 20 and 10 season is punctuated with his one dribble shotmaking beyond the arc and in the midrange. He’s always had the physical, but with the added scoring pop, rebounding, and defensive edge Naylor is a sleeper with tracking.
Kaleb Oriol – Admiral Farragut
The Oriol family has already produced one college player, and Kaleb could be the next. He’s a shade under 6 feet, but his speed and quickness allow him separation at the rim. Oriol gets to his spots in the halfcourt and gets hot beyond the arc, 41% from three on 155 attempts. He’s a blur in transition and finishes well with both hands.