Preseason Preview Polk Edition: #RealDeal Prospect List Part 1
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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…
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Continue ReadingThe 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!
The recent Yale commit has helped put Winter Haven basketball back on the map in the Polk area. He’s a 6-6 prospect with a long frame and athletic build to help him score at will and defend multiple positions. On the defensive side of the ball, Celiscar has displayed good anticipation skills in the passing lane resulting in steals where he finishes strong at the basket. He also crashes the boards and can rack up rebounds on offense and defense. Highly anticipated season for the Blue Devils who were one game away from a state championship a season ago. 2022 stats: 15.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.7 steals
The 6’3 rising senior point guard is a versatile scorer who can contribute in a variety of ways. Recently committed to FAU to compete at the next level. Has been one of the premier prospects in the Polk area for the last few years. Cason plays the game downhill with controlled ball-handling skills, making it tough for defenders to predict his next moves. Cason will look to lead Victory Christian over the hump and bring back the 2A state championship to Polk. 2022 stats: 27.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.2 steals
Highlights
The recent Stetson University commit is a do-it-all/versatile type of player who can score effectively in the pick-and-roll offense and create plays with his vision. Phillips excels in the rebounding department because of his size and adds a decent defending component as well. He has been a part of a Blue Devil squad the past couple years that has put respect back on Winter Haven Hoops Scene and will look to finish his senior year with some hardware. 2022 stats: 16.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals
Darner has been of the hottest names in the summer camp period because of his high scoring output and deadly shooting abilities on prime display. He’s picked up some offers heading into the season from the likes of University of North Florida, Stetson University, Jacksonville University, and Dartmouth. I’ve mentioned this now a few times, but Darner is the top sharpshooter in Polk County that has found his game heading into his junior season. Remember first getting eyes on him last season and to watch how quickly he’s developed is noteworthy. 2022 stats: 13.2 ppg | 3.3 assists | 1.5 steals
Andino is on the list for top snipers in the Polk area along with Darner and a few others. He’s a knock down shooter that thrives behind the arc and can score on or off the ball. He also mixes in the mid-range game with tough three-ball shots and can force fouls when driving to the basket. He has sneaky good ball-handling skills with decent burst to get to the basket. Andino has continued to develop heading into regular season with Victory Christian and will be a focal point for opposing defenses. 2022 stats: 16.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists
*Watch list: 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. He will be one of the leaders for the Yellow Jackets in his senior season with time to pick up college interest. 2022 stats: 4.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
This kid is a pure scorer and flashy point guard prospect that has been slept on by local colleges because of his size. Just watch the film, Rosado is electric with the ball in his hands in iso and transition situations and a deadly shooter from three-range. He’s got that DOG mentality on the defensive end as well that small guards use to be pest for opposing dribblers. He’s transferred back to Lake Wales this season with a chance to be a true leader and floor general for the Highlanders.
2022 stats: 26.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.1 steals