Mark’s Scoutbook: Matanzas Pirates
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Next up on our road trip of team previews in Florida, we head south on I-95 to Matanzas High in Palm Coast. Matanzas finished the year 9-17. Coach Robinson is entering his 3rd year in the program. I believe this…
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Continue ReadingNext up on our road trip of team previews in Florida, we head south on I-95 to Matanzas High in Palm Coast. Matanzas finished the year 9-17. Coach Robinson is entering his 3rd year in the program. I believe this will be a sneaky good team. Coach Robinson stated his goal for the season is to make the playoffs. The Pirates have the grit and height to make a run in districts. Let us take a deeper dive into the program.
Key Games: 11/28 @ Ponte Vedra & 1/31/24 @ Windemere Prep
To be the best, you must beat the best. Ponte Vedra is a good test for this gritty group. PV is one of the top programs in the state, and Matanzas looks to knock them off the throne.
Another top-tier program in Windermere Prep is a key game for the Pirates. Windermere Prep keeps D1 talent year in and year out. I look forward to seeing Brandon Bass Jr Brandon Bass Jr 6'5" | SG Windermere Prep | 2026 State FL . going against Henry Robinson Jr. Henry Robinson Jr. 6'7" | SF Matanzas | 2027 State FL Expect these two nationally-ranked guys to have a great duel. I will have my popcorn ready.
Top Returning Player: Tariq Shakir l 6-0 l Guard
Tariq is a gritty playmaking point with an ability to score at will. The senior guard led his team in assists the past two seasons. Shakir is a leader on this team. Expectations are for him to lead the team to their first district title in school history.
Most Impactful Player/Underclassmen: Henry Robinson Jr. Henry Robinson Jr. 6'7" | SF Matanzas | 2027 State FL l 6-7 l W/F
If you have not seen him play, you are missing out. The 6-7 true freshman walks on campus and is immediately impactful to the team. He is well-rounded, ranging from scoring to blocking shots to rebounding. Robinson Jr. will lead the team in a few statistical categories. He just recently posted 54 points in one game during the preseason.
The X-Factor: Alexander Davis Alexander Davis 6'8" | PF Mantazas | 2026 State FL l 6-9 l Forward
Davis only played in 8 games due to injury but was quite effective in his time on the court. Davis is another walking double-double as well. He racked in 16 PPG, 13 RPG, and 2 BPG in his short sample size last season. Teams will have their hands full dealing with him and Robinson on a night-in and night-out basis. Davis looks to be the anchor in the middle of the defense for Matanzas this upcoming year. Production should sustain or increase this upcoming season.
Hidden Gem: Ryasir “Rock” Jefferson l 6-0 l Guard
Jefferson is another tough combo guard that can score in a blur. He is a 20-point game waiting to happen. Jefferson was a late transfer at the end of the year, so it will be his first season playing for Matanzas. Don’t be surprised if “Rock” leads the team in scoring.
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