Mark’s Scoutbook: Ponte Vedra Sharks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The guys from Ponte Vedra over the past few years have made it to the big game but just fell short both times. Ponte Vedra is a well-coached, highly disciplined unit. Notable players have graduated, but the Sharks have found the fountain of youth through incoming transfers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games</strong>:<br>At home, in the tank vs. Paxon 11/21/23. Signs lead to a high-octane game filled with high-level play and coaching. Sharks head over to Main Street to battle against the Jackson Tigers on 1/9/24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Wilson is entering his 3rd season at Ponte Vedra High (2nd as Head Coach). Wilson has a FHSAA championship title (2016 via Windermere Prep) and is looking to win another at a different school. The Sharks were state finalists the past two seasons. Could it be another State playoff run for the Sharks this year? Coach Wilson stated the goal this year is to make another playoff run. The Sharks have the depth compared to most schools to make it happen. Let's dive right into it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Returning Player</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1859283' first='Sam' last='Ritchie'] l 6-1 l Guard<br>Ritchie has been on the radar for the past few years and had a breakout junior campaign last year. The guard is smooth as butter offensively. He has a knack for scoring. Ritchie currently holds an offer from Rhodes College in Tennessee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The X-Factor</strong>: Brendan Hynes l 6-2 l Forward<br>Every successful team has that one guy who keeps it all together. Hynes is the glue guy for the Sharks. Plug and play for multiple positions during pivotal moments in the game. He is a piece that most teams would want on a nightly basis. So much attention will be on Ritchie, that teams just forget about him. He does all the work that doesn't get listed on the stat sheet. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hidden Gem:</strong> Tyler Cowen l 6-5 l Forward<br>Cowen can stretch the floor for the sharks. The size and frame of Cowen allow him to take advantage of the mismatch on switches in the post. Keep eyes on him on the perimeter, not one to leave open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impactful Transfers</strong>:<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1633086' first='Trace' last='Westercamp'] l 6-8 l Forward<br>Here is a unique talent. Long frame with a silky-smooth jump shot, and decent footwork but more comfortable on the perimeter. Look for Westercamp to improve month by month as the season moves along. I would not be surprised if he has an impact down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1633068' first='Maddox' last='Palmer'] l 6-5 l Guard<br>Rated as my top talent in his class for the North Florida area, Palmer takes his talents over to PV. His Basketball IQ is exceptional at his age; He can get to where he needs to go on the offensive side. Palmer is a match-up nightmare; He can be used in multiple lineups for the Sharks this season. He holds an offer from Jacksonville University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Impactful Underclassmen</strong><br>Ryan Speace l 5-11 l Guard<br>The Sharks are really good at grooming their farm system. Speace is another product of that. He is active on both ends of the floor. Speace is a tempo-pushing scorer who is also a willing passer. Do not be surprised if he cracks minutes for varsity this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Noah Simmons l 6-0 l Guard<br>Simmons has some playmaking abilities and can shoot the ball. Another young talent for the Sharks who may get some minutes this season on the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>For any Florida Prep Hoops news or information, contact Mark Holland on Twitter&nbsp;</em></strong><a href="https://twitter.com/mark__holland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>https://twitter.com/mark__holland</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->