Preseason Class 5A Florida All-State Team
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The 2023-2024 Florida High School Basketball season tips off in a little over a month and Prep Hoops is your destination for basketball coverage 365 days a year. Prep Hoops Florida is taking a look at the preseason all-state teams…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023-2024 Florida High School Basketball season tips off in a little over a month and Prep Hoops is your destination for basketball coverage 365 days a year. Prep Hoops Florida is taking a look at the preseason all-state teams for the upcoming season. We have a lot of new faces in new places this season and are excited to tip-off next month. Here are some of the top players to watch for in Class 5A this season:
Ian Smikle, A 6-9 senior power forward and recent University of Tulsa commit is athletic and provides a ton of length for his size. Smikle can finish above the rim as well as build confidence in a perimeter shot on the offensive end. On the defensive end, Smikle is very versatile where he can guard positions 1 through 4 with his length and strength to get out on the perimeter. He also does a great job at challenging shots for the opposition and gets timely rebounds getting the basketball out in the open floor.
Marcus Allen, A 6-7 senior small forward and University of Missouri commit as he has long arms and is explosive around the rim. He has also improved his lateral movement where he is unafraid to defend multiple positions. He is also unafraid to play with a little physicality as he got bigger over the summer where he is strong enough to contain with bigger players on the interior. On the offensive end, Allen is a smooth finisher around the rim and isn’t afraid to play through contact. His outside shooting is still in work in progress but could have some potential in building an outside shot this season.
Ryan Blount, A 6-7 senior wing who transferred from Oviedo to Rockledge over the summer has continued to improve his playmaking skills. He is explosive in the open court on the offensive end where he can knock down shots at the rim as well as from the perimeter. His defensive mechanics have also continued to improve as he forces turnovers with rips and intercepting the passing lanes. Blount is also a great rim-runner for his size as well as an above-average rebounder. Expect Blount to have a big senior season this year.
Highlights
Joshua Lewis, A 6-7 junior power forward is becoming a true inside-out threat where he can score off the catch as well as off the bounce at a high level. Lewis also showcases great length on the defensive end where he can guard multiple positions and is quick to cover a lot of ground. He also has a smooth handle for his size where he can occasionally bring the basketball up the floor on the offensive end. He also has a knack where he can score off put-backs or lobs thrown at the front of the rim as his vertical leap is also worth making note of. Lewis holds offers from Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech and several others.
Jordyn Buchanan, A 6-6 senior wing who can occasionally play both guard positions as he brings strength, length and athleticism to his game. He is unafraid to play with physicality on both ends of the floor as he is very active on the defensive end. He is a menace on the glass at both ends of the floor where he can score off put-backs or tips. Buchanan is one of the most exciting prospects to watch in the senior class as he has also gained confidence in building an outside shot. His burst of speed has also been fun to watch this summer and in the early stages of the fall.
Trey Murray, A 6-2 senior point guard and recent Saint Leo University commit can do it all on the offensive floor whether it’s scoring off the bounce or off the catch. Murray is explosive on the offensive end where he also displays great court vision and has a strong IQ. His defensive mechanics have also continued to improve as he can guard on and off the ball at a high level. His rebounding and rim protection have also continued to improve as Murray brings athleticism and length to the table. I expect Murray to have a big senior season this year.
JT Tipton, A 5-10 sophomore combo guard who can distribute the basketball as well as score across all three levels. Last season as a freshman, Tipton averaged nearly 20 points and six assists per game for Lecanto. Tipton’s potential is only going to increase as his confidence rises. He is also an above-average rebounder for his size where he uses his length to crash the boards. Tipton also provides a lot of activity in the passing lanes where he can get steals which led to transition points on the offensive end. College coaches should start taking notice on Tipton as he is just now entering his sophomore season.
Highlights
Chris Moliere, A 6-1 senior guard who can move with and without the basketball in his hands by creating offensively. Moliere is a true three-level scorer who can impact the game in a variety of ways whether it’s scoring off the bounce or off the catch. His defensive mechanics have also improved as he is showing a better understanding at reading the passing lanes. Over the course of last season, Moliere has also played under control and when to slow the game down. Expect Moliere to have a great senior season this year.