Three teams poised for a bigger 2024-25 season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the season comes to a close, some teams stand out having closed out their regular season strong and showing a solid foundation for the future. Three programs that stood out are: Windermere Prep, Pembroke Pines Charter, and Cavalry Christian. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Windermere finished the year 24-8 overall and 1st in the 3A District. The Lakers protected home court going 14-0 on the season behind sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1660048' first='Brandon' last='Bass Jr']. leading the charge with 20.6 points per game. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1301731' first='Malachi' last='Martis'] though led the team in field goal percentage, connecting on 55 percent of his attempts. Sophomore big man [player_tooltip player_id='1891144' first='Sinan' last='Huan'] has also shown an expanding post-game as the year progressed and shot 53 percent from the floor, right behind Martis. They had three different streaks of winning at least 6 games in a row during their season. The three are poised to continue their development and growth and take the Lakers to new heights next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pines Charter closed their season on 15-1 streak and finishing 3^rd in District 6A. Though the team was led by three seniors, the Junior guard rotation that is returning all share the ball well and will have an increased role in the offense next season. Maximo Ortega may take the largest jump statistically as he will be the heart and soul of the team next year and the most ready to build on his solid outing this year. He led the team in assists and was the fourth leading rebounder for the Jaguars. Zemari Davis has the speed and quickness to blitz opposing offensive players and be that pesky defender who can get the steal and lead the break.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third program rising as the season came to a close is the Cavalry Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale. The team ended their season going 5-1 though showed they can compete with just about anyone on the floor any given night, playing some of the best teams in the country. Just a few years removed from having lottery pick Taylor Hendricks come through the program, the Eagles are returning their two leading scorers, [player_tooltip player_id='1301718' first='Shon' last='Abaev'] and Cayden Doughtry. [player_tooltip player_id='1891145' first='Collin' last='Paul'] will also see an increased role next year as well as projections on his assist numbers to improve with more weapons sharing the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Florida high school basketball scene will yet again be a big focus next year with some big names, but don't forget the underclassmen at these schools as they continue to develop and grow their games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->