Polk Edition: Prospect Watch List

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Hoops scene in Polk County is starting to heat up as the fall basketball season approaches. Prep Hoops scout Drew Johnson has compiled a list of must-know prospects in the Polk area for coaches and readers. Watch for updates on their progress and see who rises to the top. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!'</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1055763' first='Edward' last='Wiggins'] | F | Class of 2024 | Bartow | @Edubbb10</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wiggins has a good motor and stays active on the boards as he uses his 6-6 frame to dominate in the paint at the Prep level. In the games I've got eyes on Wiggins, he's also displayed a solid game around the rim on both sides of the ball and scores in transition well. Wiggins will be one of the leaders for the Yellow Jackets in his senior season with time to pick up college interest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong><em>Porter Stiles | G | Class of 2024 | Lakeland Christian | @StilesPorter</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2022 stats: </em></strong><em>18.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more productive sleepers in the Polk region nearly scored 20.0 points per game last season for the Vikings. He's a decent framed combo guard at 6-4, and a bucket man at the top of the key. Just check the film, Stiles abuses defenders in 1v1 situations and can score from deep or take opponents to the basket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Film: </em></strong><a href="https://x.com/stilesporter/status/1605760800303595520?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong><em>https://x.com/stilesporter/status/1605760800303595520?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2415594' first='Derrick' last='McBride'] | G | Class of 2026 | Lake Gibson | @dmcbridejr_</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2022 stats: </em></strong><em>8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The youngest prospect on the list and only other dual-sport athlete is McBride who scored nearly double digits per game last season for the Braves. He's a long-armed kid with great athleticism that he brings over from the gridiron to the basketball court. Good hands and feet on both ends of the floor and should see an improvement in his overall game from the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Film: </strong><a href="https://x.com/dmcbridejr_/status/1669146298828705792?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ"><strong>https://x.com/dmcbridejr_/status/1669146298828705792?s=46&amp;t=E0s2L9z46AqxWmKm25SmTQ</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1295941' first='Hudson' last='Dykhuizen'] | F | Class of 2024 | Santa Fe | @HudsonDykhuizen</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2022 stats:</strong> <em>9.9 ppg | 4.9 rebounds | 1.3 assists&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dykhuizen has been the backbone of the Hawks' paint offense/defense as he protects the rim and is a bruiser for rebounds on both ends. He's seen an improvement in the athleticism department. Ready for Dykhuizen to put it all together this season and be productive in all three phases. Dykhuizen has been an integral part of Santa Fe's success on the hardwood because of his high motor and leadership mentality that boosts his team when he's on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px"><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1055775' first='Derajah' last='Hardy'] | G | Class of 2024 | Lakeland | @DERAJAHHARDY</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2022 stats: </em></strong><em>10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 steals</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other dual-sport athlete featured is Hardy who has played the defensive back position on the gridiron. He uses that DOG mentality on the court as he's a menace on the defensive side who is also smart with the ball as a point guard prospect. Really impressed with Hardy last season but should see some development on the offensive side where he can generate some interest from basketball schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->