District Play Standouts, SWFL
Last week was a busy time for high school basketball, where District Champs were crowned for the 2023-24 season. We witnessed a lot of great matchups and performances during district play throughout the entire state, but let’s take a closer…
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Continue ReadingLast week was a busy time for high school basketball, where District Champs were crowned for the 2023-24 season. We witnessed a lot of great matchups and performances during district play throughout the entire state, but let’s take a closer look at some of the standout performances of our local prospects here in SWFL. From near record-breaking scoring performances to capturing your third-straight title in as many years, SWFL has produced night in and night out throughout these playoffs.
Lubsey, who was just named FACA District 16 MVP, has had himself one phenomenal senior year. The 6’8″ forward has been doing it all for the Bobcats this season, where he is averaging 21.4 ppg and 11 rpg. Lubsey can be force down low, but also has a nice touch and efficient outside game. He’s a tremendous rebounder on both ends of the court and has led North Port to the #5 seed in their region. Lubsey showed out in district play with a 31 point and 18 rebound performance in round 1, and followed that up with a 25 point, 13 rebound outing in the semi-finals.
Asa Rogosich
Asa Rogosich
SFCA’s sharpshooter has had a terrific junior year, where he is averaging nearly 22 ppg on the season. Rogosich is an offensive-minded guard who can shoot the lights out. He has a solid mid-range game, and is deadly from behind the arc, not too mention one of the best free-throw shooters in the area. The 5’11” PG has great handles and a tremendous knowledge of the game. Rogosich put up 31 points in a win over Gulf Coast Heat in round 1, and then led his Kings to a District Title with a 35 point performance in a victory over Saint Stephen’s in the championship.
Newson has been in the headlines lately after a stellar sophomore campaign. In a round 1 victory over Ida Baker Newson set a school-record with 69 points, which came right after he recorded his 1,000th career point in just his second year of high school basketball. He led his Red Knights to the District Championship but came up short and finished with 20 points in a tough loss to Charlotte. The 6′ PG is definitely making a name for himself throughout the state as a high-level prospect. Newson recorded 550 total points this season, and averaged 25 ppg, 2.4 apg, 3.7 rpg, and 2.8 spg on the year.
Highlights
Justin Gollopp
Justin Gollopp
Gollopp is another local prospect who seems to just fill the stat sheet night in and night out. On the year the 6’2″ CG averaged 14.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 4.3 apg, and brought constant energy to the gym every time he stepped on the court. Gollopp is a do it all guard who has a great basketball IQ and plays the game hard. He’s a player who’s willing to get on the floor and do whatever it takes to win. In round 1 of the districts he nearly recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds in a win over Venice. After falling to a tough Sarasota squad, look for Gollopp to be a key piece for Lehigh in the 2024-25 season.
Brady Knutson
Brady Knutson
Estero’s top-scorer continued to get buckets in District play, after averaging almost 25 ppg in the regular season. Knutson is an athletic forward with tremendous jumping ability, and always likes to get the crowd involved with one of his highlight-reel dunks. He does more than just play above the rim though, the 6’3″ senior has a great mid-range game and can knock down the 3-ball when left open. Knutson scored 34 points in a win over Lemon Bay and then recorded a 26 point, 9 rebound outing in a loss to Gateway in the District Championship.
Jayden Jones
Jayden Jones
Jones was a key piece of this revamped Cypress Lake squad. The 6’4″ junior forward was asked to do many things for the Panthers and he delivered throughout the year. He is a strong, athletic prospect who is able to guard multiple positions and is a great rebounder on both ends of the floor. He has a solid outside game but excels at getting to the rim, and has the strength to finish with contact. He finished the year averaging 13 ppg and led his team in rebounds averaging 5.3 per contest. Jones had a solid postseason, where he recorded 25 points and 5 rebounds in a win over Port Charlotte and finished up his junior campaign with 16 points in a loss to Mariner in the District Championship.