Polk Hoops Update — Notable Performances
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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…
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Continue ReadingThe 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.
Winter Haven Blue Devils (20-1)
This Winter Haven basketball team is the Real Deal! Senior Yale commit Isaac Celiscar Isaac Celiscar 6'6" | SG Winter Haven | 2024 State #263 Nation FL 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 Jamie Phillips Jamie Phillips 6'5" | CG Winter Haven | 2024 State FL 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 Zay Mosley (F), and Tyrese Mayo (G) could push this team over the hump for a state championship.
Victory Christian Academy (15-4)
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 Lorenzo Cason Lorenzo Cason 6'2" | PG Victory Christian | 2024 State #75 Nation FL finding his scoring groove at the right time. The overall development and combination of Mike Andino Mike Andino 6'0" | PG Victory Christian Academy | 2024 State FL and Jordan Lanier Jordan Lanier 6'4" | PG Victory Christian | 2024 State FL has completed this team. Add in the lengthy forward Thok Gol Thok Gol 6'8" | PF Victory Christian | 2026 State FL and other key role pieces, you have a solid team ready to push for a state championship.
Santa Fe Hawks (14-3)
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 Tate Darner Tate Darner 6'0" | SG Santa Fe Catholic | 2025 State FL 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 Hudson Dykhuizen Hudson Dykhuizen 6'3" | PG Mckeel Academy Of Technology | 2024 State FL is a versatile package that provides rim protection and consistent scoring. Senior guard Antonio Wright controls the rock with other key players that give this team a chance to make a run.
Lakeland Dreadnaughts (14-2)
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 Tre Jackson 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.
McKeel Academy (13-6)
Have been really impressed with this team and the school’s marketing of the student-athletes throughout the season. Senior guard Alex Sessoms Alex Sessoms 6'1" | PG McKeel | 2024 FL 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 Axel Acevedo Axel Acevedo 6'6" | PF Mckeel Academy | 2025 State FL 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 Vann Osmon and Jackson Jonsson have put on notable performances as well.