SWFL Summer Standouts, Final Five

With travel season and summer leagues coming to a close, and these student-athletes gearing up to get back in the classroom, let's take a closer look at some of the standouts from the area who had themselves a productive summer on the court. A lot of basketball was played this past summer and number of SWFL prospects took advantage of it and made a name for themselves, and some even started garnering attention from coaches at the next level.    Louzao has taken huge strides over the summer and continues to improve his game each and every day. He is a gym rat who can be found either in the weight room or on a court putting up shots. The 6'2" CG has great size at the position, which allows him to guard multiple positions and be a huge asset on the boards. Louzao is a strong kid who can get to the rim, but also has a beautiful jump shot, where he shoots the 3-ball at a very high rate. Look for this up and coming junior to put up some big numbers this season and really make a name for himself.     The transfer from Gateway Charter has already made quite the impact with his new Eagles squad over the summer. Monteagudo has great size and is strong kid who rebounds the ball well on both ends of the court. He plays with a lot of heart and energy, and isn't afraid to back down from any assignment. He is able to guard multiple positions on D and is long and athletic, allowing him to alter shots effectively. Monteagudo has a smooth lefty stroke and is very efficient shooting it from behind the arc. I see this senior fitting in great with his new squad and having a big year in 2024-2025.     Davis is an extremely athletic prospect who plays the game hard yet under control. The dual-sport athlete had a couple great outings I saw over the summer. He can score on all 3-levels and also has a high basketball IQ, making smart plays game in and game out. He has some sneaky bounce and is quick off floor allowing him to be a huge asset on the boards. Defensively he has some quick hands and looks to force turnovers where he can get out and run. Look for Davis to be the leader of this Gateway squad and post some big numbers in his final season.     The transfer from Seacrest Country Day has fit right in with his new squad, and will be big pickup for FBA. Cassano can really fill the stat sheet, he has great court vision and is an above-average passer, rebounds the ball very well on both ends of the court, and is a big time scorer where he can score inside and out. The 6'6" CG can get into the paint and finish at the rim, but really excels shooting the ball from the outside. He has great mid-range game, and he may be one of the top 3-point shooters in the area, not too mention the state. Cassano will be looked upon to contribute right away and will be a key piece for this FBA squad in 2024-2025.     The sophomore prospect had a great first season with Venice and it carried over to his play this summer. Settles produced each and every time he stepped on the court and continues to build his game, becoming a well-known name in the area. He plays the game hard and with a lot intensity. He rebounds the ball very well and can score on all 3-levels. Settles has a smooth stroke from the outside but can also bang down low when needed. Look for the 6'4" SF to continue to mature as a player and be one of the leaders for his Venice squad, in just his second season.

With travel season and summer leagues coming to a close, and these student-athletes gearing up to get back in the classroom, let's take a closer look at some of the standouts from the area who had themselves a productive summer on the court. A lot of basketball was played this past summer and number of SWFL prospects took advantage of it and made a name for themselves, and some even started garnering attention from coaches at the next level.