Early Season Standouts SWFL – First Five
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We are three weeks into the Florida High School Basketball Season and we’ve had some great matchups and tremendous games to begin the year. We’ve seen a lot of talented players take the court and produce at a high-level here…
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Continue ReadingWe are three weeks into the Florida High School Basketball Season and we’ve had some great matchups and tremendous games to begin the year. We’ve seen a lot of talented players take the court and produce at a high-level here in SWFL. Let’s now take a dive into this 2-part series and highlight some of the standout prospects from the area and how they’ve produced on the court early in 2023-24.
Jaden Wolner
Jaden Wolner
Wolner has a been a force right out of the gate. Defensively his size, strength, and quickness allow him to guard any position. He is an above-average rebounder with great knowledge of the game. Where he has really turned heads this season is with his scoring ability. The 6’4″ CG has had multiple 20 point games, two 30 point games, and finished one contest with 45 points. He is a 3-level scorer who can knock down the 3-ball, beat you off the dribble and be quick of floor to finish at the rim, and has developed a beautiful mid-range game with great touch. Keep an eye on Wolner as I see him to continue taking his game to the next level and his stock rising game by game.
Calven Charles
Calven Charles
This senior prospect has been doing a little bit of everything for his Palmetto Ridge squad this season. Charles has been filling the stat sheet, leading his team to an undefeated record early in 2023-24. The 6’4″ CG is averaging 19 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and 3.4 apg, to go along with shooting 55% from behind the arc. It doesn’t stop there though, he is averaging over 3 steals and over 3 blocks per game on the defensive side of the ball. Charles has proven his a legitimate 2-way player who ranks up there as one of the top prospects in SWFL. Look for Charles to continue to put up strong numbers throughout the year and provide some highlight reel plays as he and his team look to build off their early-season success.
Rodriguez looks to be the leader of this revamped FBA squad early into this season. The 6’6″ senior plays the game hard and will do whatever the team needs. He is a big, strong kid who rebounds the ball well on the both ends of the court and isn’t afraid to bang down low. He has great athleticism for his size which make him very tough defend. He is quick off the floor and likes to finish at the basket, but also has very nice 3-point shot which he knocks down consistently. Rodriguez has helped propel his team to a 7-1 record, most notably with a 24 pt performance in a win over then undefeated Cypress Lake.
Highlights
The 6’8″ junior has showed signs of dominance early in the 2023-24 season. He has been an absolute monster on the glass on both ends of the court, and his strength and quickness off the floor make him an intimidating presence in the middle for opposing offenses. He scores majority of his points down low, but has developed a decent outside shot, where he has connected on a number of 3’s this year. Johnson opened the season with an eye-opening performance against Wharton putting up 28 points and 15 rebounds, and is averaging 20 ppg and 13.4 rpg so far this season. Continue to monitor this prospect as he keeps developing his game in becoming a more all-around player.
Cornish, one of the areas top prospects, is off to another hot start. Averaging 15.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 2.5 blocks per game, he has been taking care of business on both ends of the floor and helping lead his Tarpons to a 3-1 record. The 6’6″ SF never takes a play off and can beat you in a number of ways. He has an explosive first step and is quick off the floor, where he likes to attack the basket and play above the rim. Cornish can absorb the contact in the paint and finish with both hands consistently. He is a smart player with excellent speed who plays great transition basketball. This prospect is an absolute gym rat, who’s always looking to make himself better, and should be on every coaches radar.