Team Preview: Rockledge Raiders
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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 2023-2024 season. Our next team feature are the Rockledge Raiders who are arguably one of the top…
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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 2023-2024 season. Our next team feature are the Rockledge Raiders who are arguably one of the top favorites to represent in the Class 5A Final Four in Lakeland.
Head Coach: Colin Kearns, 2nd Season
Class: 5A
2022-2023 Record: 24-5
Key Returners: Colin “CJ” Kearns 6-8 SF (2024). The 6-8 rising senior forward has a knack for scoring across all three levels and plays a very versatile role on the offensive end. Kearns is also considered to be an above average passer for his size and sees the floor exceptionally well. On the defensive end, he is an excellent rebounder and is quick to get the ball out in transition. He also plays with a ton of physicality and uses his length to an advantage whether it’s on the interior or guarding against the perimeter.
Highlights
Terrence Shannon
Terrence Shannon
Key Returners: Terrence Shannon 5-11 PG (2025). Shannon is a quick, athletic and scrappy guard who can impact a game on both ends of the floor. He plays with a high IQ on the offensive end finding the open shooter with his passing abilities. On the defensive end, he plays with active hands and good footwork where he can defend multiple positions. Shannon led the team in charges and steals last season as a sophomore.
Key Newcomers: Ryan Blount Ryan Blount 6’6″ | CG Rockledge | 2024 State FL 6-6 CG (2024). The 6-6 senior guard comes to Rockledge from Oviedo where he was playing out on the wing, as he can be a multi-dimensional force this upcoming season for the Raiders. Blount can score on all three levels on the offensive end and dominate on the glass. He has the tendency on the defensive end to guard against mismatches with his quickness. Blount is a hidden gem prospect who should start gaining interest from college coaches once the high school season starts.
Highlights
Mark Christian
Mark Christian
Key Newcomer: Mark Christian 6-7 PF (2025). Christian plays with a physical presence on both ends of the floor as he uses his strength and length to an advantage. On the offensive end, he has continued to improve to be a threat on the interior showing he is unafraid to finish around the rim while absorbing contact. His ability to pass from the low block has been an underrated skill of his with his size. He is a tremendous shot blocker on the defensive end as well.
Conlan Oakley
Conlan Oakley
Sleeper Prospect: Conlan Oakley 6-5 SF (2026). Oakley does all the dirty work whether it’s his rebounding on the offensive or defensive glass. He is also very active in the passing lanes where he can turn his defensive presence into points on the other end. On the offensive end, Oakley has good footwork on the interior and plays a huge presence in the paint. The rising sophomore will look to gain more confidence in his perimeter shooting, but his mid-range game has been consistent this summer.