SWFL Hot Starts, Second Five

The high school season is underway and a lot of terrific basketball has already been played throughout the area, and across the entire state. Teams are starting to get their legs back and find their identities, while prospects are looking to improve their stock and help their teams stack victories. Let's take a closer look at a number or players who came out of the gates hot and put up some big numbers over the first couple weeks of the season.    Newson picked-up right where he left off after a tremendous sophomore campaign for NFM. He started the 2024-25 season off with 7-straight games scoring in double figures, and already has three 30-point games on the year so far. He is a quick and shifty PG who plays fast but under control. Newson is a smart player and an excellent passer, where he has the ability to create for both himself and his teammates. He's averaging just under 20 ppg early on this season and look for him to continue to put up big numbers.     The sophomore from Immokalee is off to a hot start, averaging 19.9 ppg and 8.9 rpg, leading his Indians to a 5-2 record. He has scored double-figures in every game this year and has recorded multiple double-doubles, including a 24 point, 14 rebound performance in a win over Golden Gate. Howard is a super athletic forward who is a tremendous rebounder on both ends of the floor, and his size and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions on Defense. He likes to attack the basket and play above the rim, which has resulted in 4 games of him scoring at least 20 points early on in this season.     Golden Gate's do-it-all guy is coming off back-to back double-doubles where he recorded 34 points and 11 rebounds, along with another 34 point outing and 12 rebound performance. Powell can score on all 3-levels and when he gets hot he can be deadly from behind the arc. The dual-sport athlete has scored in double figures in every game this year and has been a huge asset on the boards for the Titans. He's a tremendous 2-way player, who is averaging 23.4 ppg and 9 rpg early on in this 2024-25 season.     Castillo has really stepped up big for his Palmetto ridge squad in this his senior season. Both offensively and defensively he has done a little bit of everything for the Bears, helping lead them to a 6-1 record. The 6'3" forward has a recorded a double-double in all but 1 game this season, and notched season highs in both points and rebounds with 25 and 17 respectively in a winner over Immokalee. Castillo has scored in double-figures in his last 6 games, and is averaging 14.7 ppg, 14.1 rpg, and 2 steals on the year.     Jean-Fort is an explosive player who plays with a lot of heart and energy. He has great speed and is very quick, where he likes to attack the basket and is also excellent in the transition game. Don't leave him open though because he also has the ability to knock down the 3-ball consistently. He's a gritty defender who has both quick feet and quick hands, and likes to turn defense into offense. Jean Fort put up 17 points and 4 steals in a win over Estero, and then scored a season-high 24 points to go along with 8 steals in a victory over Ida Baker.

The high school season is underway and a lot of terrific basketball has already been played throughout the area, and across the entire state. Teams are starting to get their legs back and find their identities, while prospects are looking to improve their stock and help their teams stack victories. Let's take a closer look at a number or players who came out of the gates hot and put up some big numbers over the first couple weeks of the season.