Polk County Edition: Players of the Year
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The high school basketball regular season has concluded with Polk County’s local standouts being awarded player of year honors in their respective districts. Prep Hoops scout Andrew Johnson will provide the list of players and a summary of each prospect’s…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball regular season has concluded with Polk County’s local standouts being awarded player of year honors in their respective districts. Prep Hoops scout Andrew Johnson will provide the list of players and a summary of each prospect’s stats and season contributions.
The class 2A Player of the Year, LJ Cason could make a run for the state of Florida’s Gatorade player of the year with the output he’s displayed throughout his junior season. The 6’3, 185-pound point guard dominated his way to a District Championship title while raising his overall recruitment status. Cason has been under recruited but has made plenty of noise this season, averaging 27.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists. He’s received offers from Murray State, VCU, and FGCU. Cason has been praised by Victory Christian’s head coach Steve Fitzgerald as the leader of the team and someone that can affect the game even without scoring the rock.
Highlights
Tate Darner Tate Darner 6’0″ | SG Santa Fe Catholic | 2025 State FL has been the most improved player I’ve watched during the regular season. He was initially a floor general and second scoring option but has evolved into the main focal point of the Santa Fe offensive scheme. This class 3A Player of the Year finished his sophomore season with 13.4 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals. Darner has plenty of time to add needed weight to his frame and deepen his bag of skills.
Kervin Knaggs Kervin Knaggs 6’1″ | PG Auburndale | 2023 State FL has truly impressed while actively developing his overall game throughout the season, earning himself the class 5A Player of the Year. The 6’1, 180-pound senior has led the Bloodhounds with 16.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Had the opportunity to watch Knaggs play against various competition and he seemed to always find ways to contribute and be productive. He has a solid jump shot from mid-range or from three with above average body control when finished at the rim. Knaggs holds an offer from Polk State.
The senior linebacker and Navy football commit has dominated on the hardwood this season, earning both a state championship for football and contributed to the Dreadnaughts winning the District Championship. The 6’1, 230-pound combo guard has totaled 15.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.7 steals. Hardy has a promising career on the gridiron but also excels on the basketball court, earning the class 6A Player of the Year.
Celiscar could be the most promising recruit listed in Polk’s Edition of the Player of the Year. His overall game is already developed enough to contribute at the next level but the junior even has another year to continue improving. The class 7A Player of the Year led the Winter Haven Blue Devils to a District Championship while averaging 16.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He can score the rock in a variety of ways: natural shooting stroke with an understanding how to use his length to his advantage. Holds offers from USF, FAU, and Yale but expect the big-time schools to become interested during the offseason.