Strong Starts: Hillsborough County Prospects

The high school basketball season is in full swing, with numerous teams and players off to a strong start. This article highlights some of the standout performers in Hillsborough County as we approach the season's midpoint.    Tampa Catholic has had a .500 start this season, yet they've faced a challenging schedule and overcome significant injuries to key players. Piggot has been outstanding, averaging 16.0 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, and a steal per game. The young man is tenacious, playing with a level of grit that intimidates his opponents. Piggot's physical attributes are exceptional. He possesses a collegiate-level physique and remarkable leaping ability. His capacity to shoot from distance, coupled with the strength to navigate the court at will, makes him a difficult matchup for any defense.     Grace Christian School, though modest in size, competes in the Florida Christian Conference (FCC). While they may not face many larger schools, their roster boasts a standout player, Mark Dudley. Dudley is a versatile tweener capable of dominating the inside with his rebounding and physicality, creating space for easy layups, or controlling the perimeter with his shooting and playmaking as a facilitator. The game seems to slow down for Dudley, making him appear as a man among boys at times. With few players in the FCC able to match his size and IQ, he is aware of his prowess. Having recently entered the 1K club, expect Dudley to cap off his high school career with an outstanding senior season     Blake High School may well be one of the top teams in the state, boasting a roster brimming with collegiate-level talent. The team has had a fiery start to the season, maintaining an undefeated record. Philon III has been posting remarkable statistics, averaging 19.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.7 steals, 2.0 blocks, and only one turnover per game. His performance is particularly impressive considering he plays alongside [player_tooltip player_id='1301754' first='Joshua' last='Lewis'], another top player in the state. Together, they form a daunting pair that challenges any opponent. Philon stands out as a uniquely versatile prospect; at 6'8", his ability to handle the ball, make pull-up shots from anywhere, and be an aerial threat, all while possessing a delicate touch around the basket, defies expectations. Defensively, he's just as impactful, terrorizing the opposition with his active hands, anticipating passes, use of verticality, defensive awareness, and his ability to demoralize opponents with big-time blocks. The young man has a bright future ahead.     Wharton High School has had a strong start with an 8-2 record. Womack, the tough and gritty point guard, has played a significant role in their success. His skill in making smart decisions from pick-and-roll sets is impressive. He remains calm coming off screens, patiently using his vision to execute passes and deceive defenders, allowing for smooth finishes at the rim amidst traffic. He also possesses a mid-range pull-up, a skill many players overlook. As a willing passer, he consistently provides his teammates with easy scoring opportunities, particularly from drive-and-kick plays. Despite being undersized, he plays with a presence that allows him to play much bigger than he is.     Midway through the season, Freedom High School's record is around .500. Radigan has established a significant role for himself with his strong inside game. Averaging a double-double, he scores 14.8 points and secures 15.6 rebounds per game. His ability to capitalize on second-chance points through rebounds and putbacks is remarkable. He excels in early box outs and tracking the ball's trajectory to secure rebounds for his team. Additionally, his utilization in the high post to orchestrate the offense, setting solid screens, and being an effective roller, adds great value to the team.     Tampa Prep is currently at 7-1. Their strength of schedule is expected to increase in the coming weeks, and they aim to maintain their momentum. Fuller has been a standout performer for the Terrapins this season contributing 13 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Fuller allows the game to come to him. His jump shot mechanics are textbook, and no matter where he shoots on the court, you think it's going in. Fuller isn't flashy; he's proficient. When he dribbles, he does it with intent. He also gets to the rim easily because he attacks defenders' hips. He plays low and finishes well off two feet or simple 2 step layups. He does an excellent job of taking what the defense gives him. His offensive game can easily translate to the next level.

The high school basketball season is in full swing, with numerous teams and players off to a strong start. This article highlights some of the standout performers in Hillsborough County as we approach the season's midpoint.