Polk Hoops Update — Notable Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Polk Hoops scene is in full swing with a few games to go in the regular season. It's time for an update on the area to see who's been having notable performances. This will be a two-part article with some of the top teams and prospects to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Winter Haven Blue Devils (20-1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Winter Haven basketball team is the Real Deal! Senior Yale commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1055750' first='Isaac' last='Celiscar']</strong> has blossomed into a problem for opposing defenses as he seems to be on a mission in his final high school season. The Blue Devils are on a 19-game winning streak after dropping their first game back in November. Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1055762' first='Jamie' last='Phillips']</strong> is one that has contributed immensely to his team's success. He's a smart big guard that can score at will but is more comfortable creating for his teammates and pushing the floor. Role players such as <strong>Zay Mosley </strong>(F), and <strong>Tyrese Mayo </strong>(G) could push this team over the hump for a state championship.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Victory Christian Academy (15-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Steve Fitzgerald and staff have transformed this Victory basketball program into a problem in the Lakeland area. They made noise last year but this team is legit with talent at all levels. VCA came up with a huge momentum boost after completing a tough 5 game stretch with wins over HTEA (15-3), Northwestern (10-6), Santa Fe (15-3), and Edgewater (16-6). This team is certainly battle-tested with star player <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1055782' first='Lorenzo' last='Cason'] </strong>finding his scoring groove at the right time. The overall development and combination of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296001' first='Mike' last='Andino']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1055581' first='Jordan' last='Lanier'] </strong>has completed this team. Add in the lengthy forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2299674' first='Thok' last='Gol']</strong> and other key role pieces, you have a solid team ready to push for a state championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Santa Fe Hawks (14-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Head Coach Mike Blicher is the guy for the job as he's positioned this Hawks squad right where they need to be for a late push in the playoffs. Junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1450225' first='Tate' last='Darner'] </strong>has been on fire since the start of the season and showing his game can translate to the next level. Blicher added a much-needed paint piece in 6-6 senior Danilo Stankovic who has completed this team and given a front court presence. Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1295941' first='Hudson' last='Dykhuizen']</strong> is a versatile package that provides rim protection and consistent scoring. Senior guard <strong>Antonio Wright</strong> controls the rock with other key players that give this team a chance to make a run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lakeland Dreadnaughts (14-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dreadnaughts are rolling through the regular season as they usually do but a tough slate of games to wrap the regular season up will be a test. This team is a combination of pure athleticism and chemistry as more than half the team came over after winning a football state championship. Junior guard <strong>Tre Jackson</strong> is a scoring threat for this team as he's leading in points (12.4) throughout the season. Senior guard Jameson Young and forward Jayren Dennis have added a spark to the squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>McKeel Academy (13-6)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Have been really impressed with this team and the school's marketing of the student-athletes throughout the season. Senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1055781' first='Alex' last='Sessoms'] </strong>has put together one of the more productive high school campaigns for the program. He recently set the school record with 400 career assists. Junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2217891' first='Axel' last='Acevedo']</strong> has been a problem in the paint for opposing defenders since heading into the season. He's been on our radar after a dominant event at a PH event. Guards <strong>Vann Osmon </strong>and <strong>Jackson Jonsson </strong>have put on notable performances as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->