2023 FHSAA State Semifinals: Class 7A Notable Standouts
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The Class 7A State Semifinals continued in the RP Funding Center on Friday afternoon with the Columbus Explorers (25-4) dominating their way over Colonial Grenadiers 71-28 in a lopsided matchup. The Winter Haven Blue Devils (27-4) took down the Oak…
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Continue ReadingThe Class 7A State Semifinals continued in the RP Funding Center on Friday afternoon with the Columbus Explorers (25-4) dominating their way over Colonial Grenadiers 71-28 in a lopsided matchup. The Winter Haven Blue Devils (27-4) took down the Oak Ridge Pioneers in a 61-58 shocker to move on as well. Both winning teams will have off on Saturday for the state championship trophy. Prep Hoops scout Andrew Johnson was in the building to provide the notable playmaker standouts with proper analysis.
The 6’9, 225-pound sophomore phenom dominated has dominated his way to the Class 7A State Championship game with an imposing inside game and developing jump shot. The five-star Columbus product recorded 10/16 field goals for 22 points, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. He simply did whatever he wanted inside and even had few offensive rebounds and put back dunks. The game got out of hand early on in the first half with Columbus holding Colonial to to below 20 points before the fourth quarter. Boozer is the son of a former NBA forward and has offers from nearly every school in the country. With his size, frame and determination to develop his overall game, college coaches will surely be keeping in contact.
Celiscar has impressed all season with consistent offensive play and scrappy work on the boards. He’s a player that can do it all at 6’6, 190-pounds – he can bring the ball up court, shoot the rock, and gets what he wants to the basket. Celiscar recorded 17 points and 8 rebounds to help to Blue Devils move on to the state championship finals. He plays very real physical and to his frame. I expect his overall recruitment to explode during the off season or when AAU begins taking off in the next months.
The UCF commit has one of the quickest shooting triggers I’ve seen and can make it at a consistent clip. The 2024 combo guard is somebody you have to get eyes on at all times. He hit three 3-pointers in the second half to help tie the game late in the third with 15 total in the quarter. The 6-foot-6 Oak Ridge product finished the night with 21 total points. He’s a deadeye shooter with sharp shooting catch and shoot abilities.
Highlights
Johnson was the motor and spirit for Oak Ridge despite falling to a buzzer beater. He started the game with a tough layup to break ice and didn’t stop there. Johnson finished the night with 17 total points and countless effort plays. His overall game and upside are incredible. He can shoot the three and draw fouls to get to the line. The mid-range shot was there, and he had some strong finishes at the rim. He was simply the spark for his team until Simpson was able to catch fire in the third.
Parker made the notable standout list because he played the floor general position well for his team on Saturday and hit the game winning three point shot to send his team to the state championship. I’ve watch Parker consistently grow this past season and he could likely be one of the most improved players in the area. The FAMU commit can finish strong at the rim and shoot the rock decently but more importantly, he can control the offense and limit turnovers. It’ll be interesting to see how he produces in the big one on Saturday.