Bartow Shootout Preview Series Wrap Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sarasota</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top-tier teams in the field this weekend after finishing 28-3 last season. The Sailors return big-time production, headlined by rising <strong>2027 standout John Lackaff,</strong> who averaged an impressive 21.9 PPG. Also back is rising senior <strong>David Young</strong>, a double-digit scorer who added 7.0 rebounds per game. Sarasota has the firepower—now it's about keeping the momentum going into the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Howell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Silverhawks are looking to make a statement after a strong 23-7 campaign last season. Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2522725' first='Isaac' last='Buckley'] </strong>is back after leading the team with 16.5 PPG and will be counted on even more with a heavy senior departure. Also returning are <strong>Jedarian De Los Santos</strong>, who brings energy and rebounding, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2522695' first='Jaydon' last='Samuels']</strong>, who saw meaningful minutes and could step into a larger role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Discovery</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans are entering a reset phase after a 21-7 season and significant loss in senior scoring. Two names to watch: 6-4 senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2406268' first='Jordan' last='Gunter']</strong> and 6-10 big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2435247' first='Kaiden' last='Zenkner']</strong>. If both are still with the program, Discovery has a strong chance to stay competitive. This weekend will give us some answers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Plant City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After finishing 19-9, the Raiders are in rebuilding mode with the majority of their core graduating. Eyes will be on 2027 guard <strong>Vare Miller </strong>and 2026 scorer <strong>Akeim Young</strong>, who both showed double-digit scoring ability last season. If they take the floor, expect this group to remain scrappy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Marion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finished 18-9 and brings back a few key pieces despite graduating some experience. <strong>Lamont Sweeting Jr</strong>. (2026) is a name to circle as a rising junior leader. Seniors <strong>Jedarrius Jackson </strong>(3.7 steals/game) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633109' first='Tekelvin' last='Jackson']</strong> (6-3 guard) will help carry the load.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers finished 7-17 but bring back some underclassmen talent with upside. <strong>Elijah Stratton (2027)</strong> averaged 8.8 PPG last season, while <strong>Karmarion Grade</strong> and promising <strong>2028 guard Timothy Mack</strong> are names to know as this young core continues to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kathleen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough 4-20 season last year, but this is a program with history and potential. Dual-sport athlete <strong>Rashard Kelly</strong> returns as last season's top scorer. <strong>Corey Swanson (2028) </strong>is a fast-rising forward with strong upside, and senior <strong>Jordan Jones </strong>alongside fellow <strong>2028 Jayshaun Fredrick</strong> will look to bring the Red Devils back to relevance.<strong>Sarasota</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top-tier teams in the field this weekend after finishing 28-3 last season. The Sailors return big-time production, headlined by rising <strong>2027 standout John Lackaff,</strong> who averaged an impressive 21.9 PPG. Also back is rising senior <strong>David Young</strong>, a double-digit scorer who added 7.0 rebounds per game. Sarasota has the firepower—now it's about keeping the momentum going into the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lake Howell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Silverhawks are looking to make a statement after a strong 23-7 campaign last season. Senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2522725' first='Isaac' last='Buckley'] </strong>is back after leading the team with 16.5 PPG and will be counted on even more with a heavy senior departure. Also returning is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2522695' first='Jaydon' last='Samuels']</strong> who saw meaningful minutes and could step into a larger role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Discovery</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans are entering a reset phase after a 21-7 season and significant loss in senior scoring. Two names to watch: 6-4 senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2406268' first='Jordan' last='Gunter']</strong> and 6-10 big man <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2435247' first='Kaiden' last='Zenkner']</strong>. If both are still with the program, Discovery has a strong chance to stay competitive. This weekend will give us some answers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Plant City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After finishing 19-9, the Raiders are in rebuilding mode with the majority of their core graduating. Eyes will be on 2027 guard <strong>Vare Miller </strong>and 2026 scorer <strong>Akeim Young</strong>, who both showed double-digit scoring ability last season. If they take the floor, expect this group to remain scrappy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Marion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finished 18-9 and brings back a few key pieces despite graduating some experience. <strong>Lamont Sweeting Jr</strong>. (2026) is a name to circle as a rising junior leader. Seniors <strong>Jedarrius Jackson </strong>(3.7 steals/game) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1633109' first='Tekelvin' last='Jackson']</strong> (6-3 guard) will help carry the load.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers finished 7-17 but bring back some underclassmen talent with upside. <strong>Elijah Stratton (2027)</strong> averaged 8.8 PPG last season, while <strong>Karmarion Grade</strong> and promising <strong>2028 guard Timothy Mack</strong> are names to know as this young core continues to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kathleen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A tough 4-20 season last year, but this is a program with history and potential. Dual-sport athlete <strong>Rashard Kelly</strong> returns as last season's top scorer. Senior <strong>Jordan Jones </strong>alongside fellow <strong>2028 Jayshaun Fredrick</strong> will look to bring the Red Devils back to relevance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->