Players To Watch By Class: 7A (Districts 1-8)

The FHSAA boys basketball season is just around the corner. Practices started this week with preseason games to be played in a week’s time and the regular season tipping off on Nov. 23. We will be looking at the top players to watch in all seven classes. Here is a peek at the top prospects to keep an eye on in Class 7A (Districts 1-8). <h2 style="text-align: center;">2019-20 state champion: Miramar</h2> Region 1 - District 1 [player_tooltip player_id="818668" first="Alijah" last="Kuehl"] (Bartram Trail) Recently committing to San Diego, the 6-10 Kuehl is a dynamic big who can shoot it and handle the rock. As a junior, he averaged 11.6 PPG and 7.5 RPG and should improve further on those numbers as the top piece at Bartram Trail. [player_tooltip player_id="953491" first="CJ" last="McGee"] (Sandalwood) Averaging 10.7 PPG a season ago, McGee has the path to a major breakout senior season at Sandalwood with 2021 forward [player_tooltip player_id="818730" first="Bryce" last="Turner"] now at Andrew Jackson. The 2021 6-1 guard is a gifted 3-point shooter who plays strong and confidently. [player_tooltip player_id="829469" first="Logan" last="Ryan"] (Nease) One of the most talented shooters in the Jacksonville area is Ryan. The 2022 6-1 guard averaged a team-best 13.4 PPG while shooting 43 percent from 3-point land. Ryan is in line for even more opportunities at Nease this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="714935" first="Markel" last="Allums"] (Oakleaf) A bigger-bodied 2021 guard, Allums averaged 11.1 PPG and 5.0 RPG last season for Oakleaf. He commands a lot of attention on both ends of the floor and should be the alpha dog for this squad. Joshua Swann (Mandarin) Swann, a 5-11 guard/forward played an undersized big role for Mandarin a season ago. He will find his spot at the wing as a junior after averaging 6.4 PPG and 3.6 RPG. The 2022 athlete is going to carve out a name for himself. Other names to know: 2022 G [player_tooltip player_id="1065462" first="Bennie" last="McDuffie"] (Mandarin), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="818896" first="Corey" last="Humbles"] (Oakleaf), 2022 G [player_tooltip player_id="829476" first="Matt" last="Guzie"] (Nease), 2021 G [player_tooltip player_id="818809" first="Darian" last="Johnson"] (Bartram Trail), 2022 G Tyreek Hicks (Sandalwood). Region 1 – District 2 [player_tooltip player_id="546211" first="Demari" last="Henderson"] & [player_tooltip player_id="546212" first="Jacari" last="Henderson"] (Sanford Seminole) The 7A state runner-up featured a ton of speed and athleticism. Sanford Seminole returns 2022 6-1 the Henderson twins. The guards are super quick and athletic and will be tasked to run the show this season. Alongside them will be a true interior piece in 2021 6-7 Lake Howell transfer [player_tooltip player_id="1068741" first="Jonah" last="Pierce"]. [player_tooltip player_id="1069200" first="Jerek" last="Evans"] (West Port) Reaching double digits in all but six games a season ago, Evans is a true feature piece at West Port. The 2021 6-2 guard averaged 13.0 PPG and is in line for a heavy workload once again. [player_tooltip player_id="962499" first="Braeden" last="Marshall"] (Lake Mary) Currently in football season, Marshall is a gifted athlete. The 2023 5’11" guard led his Lake Mary squad with 14.3 PPG as a freshman. He is stronger, quicker and ready to improve further on the basketball court this season. [player_tooltip player_id="956789" first="Noah" last="Van Bibber"] & Luke Van Bibber (DeLand) The Van Bibber brothers are the top two pieces for DeLand. Noah, a 2022 6-3 forward averaged 12.5 PPG last season which featured a 31-point game against Lake Mary as he shot 10-of-11 from the field. Luke, a 2021 6-3 forward averaged 8.7 PPG and had a 22-point outing against Deltona. Other names to know: 2022 F Welsey Snipes (DeLand), 2021 F Kariden Hardrick (DeLand), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="818875" first="Hunter" last="Verling"] (Lake Mary), 2022 F [player_tooltip player_id="955775" first="Giovanni" last="Toscanini"] (Lake Mary), 2022 F Youssef Morkous (Spruce Creek), 2022 G [player_tooltip player_id="956821" first="Trayvon" last="Barbary"] (Orange City University). 2021 G Adam Garcia (Orange City University). 2022 G Jerry Addo Boetang (Sanford Seminole), 2022 G [player_tooltip player_id="814929" first="Uchenna" last="Kellman"] (Sanford Seminole), 2023 F [player_tooltip player_id="1060231" first="Joshua" last="Cooper"] (Sanford Seminole), 2021 G Dante Staff (West Port). Region 1 – District 3 [player_tooltip player_id="814902" first="Ernest" last="Udeh"], [player_tooltip player_id="546239" first="Denzel" last="Aberdeen"] & [player_tooltip player_id="829411" first="Riley" last="Kugel"] (Dr. Phillips) Dr. Phillips has a dangerous 2022 trio in place that will certainly make some serious noise in 7A-3. 6-10 forward [player_tooltip player_id="814902" first="Ernest" last="Udeh"] looks primed for a major junior year (offers: UF, FAU, FGCU, Stetson & USF). He is a dangerous shot blocker and long and strong body. 6-4 guard [player_tooltip player_id="546239" first="Denzel" last="Aberdeen"] (USF offer) is a locked-in 3-point shooter. The last part of the three-man crew is 6-5 guard [player_tooltip player_id="829411" first="Riley" last="Kugel"] who transferred in from Central Florida Christian. He is a dangerous shooter who has offers from Middle Tennessee, FAU, Stetson and UNF. [player_tooltip player_id="714918" first="John" last="Latimer III"] (Apopka) It took some serious grinding and hard work, but 2021 6-1 guard John Latimer proved his worth plenty this summer. He earned offers from Holy Cross, NJIT, Presbyterian and Rollins. The hard nosed lead guard averaged 18.1 PPG for Apopka last season. [player_tooltip player_id="812627" first="Edgerrin" last="James Jr."] & [player_tooltip player_id="818881" first="Tyeree" last="Bryan"] (Olympia) Olympia has a dynamic duo in 2021 6-3 forward [player_tooltip player_id="818881" first="Tyeree" last="Bryan"] and 2023 6-1 guard [player_tooltip player_id="812627" first="Edgerrin" last="James Jr."] For Bryan, he is a rangy guard/forward who is really a hybrid player on both ends of the floor who uses his athleticism to his advantage. James Jr. is a lightning bolt and a confident playmaking point man. [player_tooltip player_id="953460" first="Mike" last="McCalister"] & [player_tooltip player_id="818686" first="Elliott" last="Yorke"] (West Orange) Committing to Division II Embry Riddle last month, McCalister has been a steady presence at the high school level. He averaged 17.1 PPG and 10.2 RPG at West Orange. Yorke returns to West Orange after spending time at Windermere. He is a confident point guard who lifts up this offense plenty. [player_tooltip player_id="818805" first="Declan" last="MacFadyen"] & [player_tooltip player_id="953516" first="Jack" last="Klinger"] (Lake Brantley) Lake Brantley has a high IQ and long duo in MacFadyen and Klinger. MacFadyen, a 2021 6-3 guard/wing averaged 12.7 PPG leading the charge all season long. Klinger has made serious strides and 2022 6-7 forward will certainly improve on his numbers (9.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG and 2.8 BPG). Other names to know: 2021 G [player_tooltip player_id="1068611" first="Devin" last="Leath"] (Apopka), 2023 F [player_tooltip player_id="1060194" first="Kyle" last="Behrle"] (West Orange), 2021 G Jonas Polynice (West Orange), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="1069620" first="Marcus" last="Allen"] (West Orange), 2023 F [player_tooltip player_id="962385" first="Joseph" last="Poventud"] (Dr. Phillips), 2022 F [player_tooltip player_id="1065478" first="Henry" last="Calixte"] (Evans), 2022 G [player_tooltip player_id="955607" first="Jyshaun" last="Melvin"] (Evans), 2022 G [player_tooltip player_id="1065409" first="Jivenson" last="Sylvestre"] (Evans), 2022 F [player_tooltip player_id="1065445" first="Clarens" last="Pierre"] (Ocoee), 2022 F [player_tooltip player_id="955801" first="Antonio" last="Redding"] (Ocoee), 2022 F Tyrhan Lloyd (Ocoee), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="715009" first="Jackson" last="Dillon"] (Olympia), 2023 F [player_tooltip player_id="1060201" first="Kevins" last="Charles"] (Olympia). Region 1 – District 4 [player_tooltip player_id="814904" first="Jah" last="Nze"] (Hagerty) The top playmaker in this district can certainly be Nze. The big bodied 6-3 guard can shoot from deep, drive to the rack and he is a reliable scorer. With offers out from FAU, USF and UNF, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him take the next step forward. Nze is in good hands as the lead piece at Hagerty. [player_tooltip player_id="1068740" first="Denzel" last="Luna"] (Timber Creek) Timber Creek has an underrated player who continues to prove his worth every time he hits the floor. The 6-2 Luna is a scorer hands down and can get it done on both ends. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and benefits everyone around him two-fold. [player_tooltip player_id="953442" first="Alvaro" last="Mendez"] & [player_tooltip player_id="1068774" first="Ammir" last="Thomas"] (Orlando University) I really like the duo that Orlando University has in place between Mendez and Thomas. Mendez is a 6-0 combo guard who had some breakout performances a season ago while averaging 12.7 PPG. He is going to be a dangerous attacker for his team this year. Thomas is a versatile player at 6-3 who can suit up at guard and wing and attack and defend with his length. Other names to know: 2022 F [player_tooltip player_id="955597" first="Jamar" last="Ingram"] (Orlando University), 2021 G [player_tooltip player_id="953084" first="Omarion" last="Brown"] (Lyman), 2023 G [player_tooltip player_id="1060199" first="Dawson" last="Barr"] (Oviedo), 2021 G [player_tooltip player_id="1069290" first="Caleb" last="Barr"] (Oviedo), 2021 G [player_tooltip player_id="1068749" first="Spencer" last="Rose"] (Oviedo), 2021 G [player_tooltip player_id="1068748" first="Jacob" last="Rose"] (Oviedo), 2021 F Zander Papke (Colonial), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="818849" first="Jack" last="Cocchiarella"] (Winter Park). Region 2 – District 5 [player_tooltip player_id="714770" first="Michael" last="James"], [player_tooltip player_id="548985" first="Jalen" last="Smith"] & [player_tooltip player_id="818652" first="Roderick" last="Henry"] (Oak Ridge) Oak Ridge has a ton of talent in place. James, a 6-6 guard is headed to Louisville next year but he is focused on the task ahead, a state title for the Pioneers as a strong scorer and shooter. Smith is a 6-5 guard who has always been a sharpshooter. The SMU commit has expanded his game and goes to the rack with ease now with his length and speed. 2021 6-5 forward [player_tooltip player_id="818652" first="Roderick" last="Henry"] is a powerful inside presence who can mix it up as a jump shooter and shot blocker. Cleveland State and FAMU have offered him. 2022 6-3 guard [player_tooltip player_id="814920" first="Fabio" last="Basili"] is a playmaker who has offers from SMU and TCU and should flourish alongside this versatile and athletic group. [player_tooltip player_id="818947" first="Javion" last="Phelps"] & [player_tooltip player_id="953090" first="Will" last="Searl"] (Boone) It is pretty hard to ignore what Boone has brewing. Phelps is an tough nosed 6-4 guard/forward who recently committed to South Dakota for football. He reached double digits in all but one game a season ago, averaging a team-best 17.2 PPG and a season-high 33 points against Seffner Christian. Searl, a 6-3 guard is a dangerous outside shooter who has a quick release and has a knack for a big play defensively. He holds offers from Division II Converse College and Division III Berry College. Also, 2022 forward [player_tooltip player_id="1065413" first="Joey" last="Depryor"] is someone to monitor at his 6’5" frame, he is strong and doesn’t back down from anyone on either end of the floor. Other names to know: 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="818691" first="Jeremiah" last="Bannister"] (Oak Ridge), 2023 F Jamari Sands (Oak Ridge), 2022 F [player_tooltip player_id="712111" first="Lewis" last="Jones"] (Oak Ridge), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="1068773" first="Jonathan" last="Suarez"] (Tohopekaliga), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="818852" first="Shambre" last="Jackson"] (Boone), 2021 G Austin Davis Garcia (Orlando Freedom), 2021 F Yonas Medfu (Orlando Cypress Creek) Region 2 – District 6 [player_tooltip player_id="818648" first="Trey" last="Moss"], [player_tooltip player_id="714790" first="Kanye" last="Jones"] & [player_tooltip player_id="709255" first="Sean" last="Stewart"] (Windermere) Windermere has one of the best trios in the entire state between 2021 guards Moss (USF commit), Jones (College of Charleston commit) and emerging 2023 standout Stewart. Moss, a 6-3 guard always has a ball on a string and plays fast and with confidence as a playmaking point man. Jones, a 6-3 guard is a dangerous mid-range and outside shooter who can get past defenders in the blink of an eye. Stewart, a 6-7 forward transferred over from Lake Highland Prep and should get plenty of chances as a ballhandling wing. He has offers from Kansas, Georgetown, Maryland, Texas A&M, UF, USF, Pittsburgh, Arizona State and Stetson already. Another name of note for Windermere is [player_tooltip player_id="812622" first="Jalen" last="Debose"], a 2023 6-0 guard who is a quick ballhandler and natural shooter. [player_tooltip player_id="956820" first="Chris" last="Combs"] & [player_tooltip player_id="812619" first="Sean" last="Combs"] (Kissimmee Osceola) Osceola will be a different looking squad this season but the Combs brother should be able to take the next steps forward there. [player_tooltip player_id="956820" first="Chris" last="Combs"], a 2022 5-10 guard averaged 10.0 PPG and reached double digits in six of his team’s last nine games. He should be the top piece for this Kowboys squad. His younger brother [player_tooltip player_id="812619" first="Sean" last="Combs"], a 2023 6-1 guard is going to be a major factor alongside his brother with his confidence and slashing ability shining. [player_tooltip player_id="954923" first="Jude" last="St. Jacques"] & [player_tooltip player_id="1068705" first="Amon" last="Moore"] (Ridge Community) Dayvion Smith, [player_tooltip player_id="956767" first="Trevon" last="Coleman"] Other names to know: 2022 F [player_tooltip player_id="1065426" first="Miles" last="Hall"] (Windermere), 2021 F Kenyatta Richardson (Haines City), 2021 G Jaden Richard (Haines City), 2023 G [player_tooltip player_id="812636" first="Christopher" last="Rios"] (Osceola), 2023 G [player_tooltip player_id="962424" first="Ryan" last="Rivera"] (Osceola), 2023 G Mitchell Starks (Celebration), 2021 G [player_tooltip player_id="954923" first="Jude" last="St. Jacques"] (Ridge Community), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="1068705" first="Amon" last="Moore"] (Ridge Community), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="818713" first="Davyion" last="Smith"] (Ridge Community) and 2022 G [player_tooltip player_id="956767" first="Trevon" last="Coleman"] (Ridge Community). Region 2 – District 7 [player_tooltip player_id="829475" first="Dominic" last="Gooden"] & [player_tooltip player_id="814916" first="Javohn" last="Thomas"] (Sickles) Sickles is going to be guard-heavy and it should be plenty to have a chance to win this district. 2022 pair Gooden and Thomas are going to be fun to watch. Gooden, a 6-1 guard has been on a fast track since the end of last season and he is a dangerous scorer wherever he shoots or attacks on the floor. As for Thomas, the 6-3 guard took up football this season and that will add to his toughness and ability to attack the rim more often. [player_tooltip player_id="818780" first="Tripp" last="Burdgess"] & [player_tooltip player_id="1065438" first="Trent" last="Scott"] (Alonso) Alonso has one of the biggest players in all of 7A ball in Burdgess. He is a towering presence at 6-8 and he has a big build. Doubling as an offensive lineman for the football team, he is ready to continue to attack down low and clean up the boards. Scott, a 2022 6-3 guard is certainly in line for a major role and will be tasked to score in bunches for this group. Trevor Dyson & [player_tooltip player_id="812621" first="Chandler" last="Davis"] (Wharton) Wharton continues to be one of the most competitive programs year in and year out. With Dyson, a 2022 6-3 guard/forward is a major factor every game as a core defender and leader inside. Davis, a 2023 6-3 guard is developing quickly and should shine plenty with heavy minutes in his sophomore campaign. Other names to know: 2023 G [player_tooltip player_id="1060167" first="Matthias" last="Donaldson"] (Alonso), 2021 G [player_tooltip player_id="955578" first="Marcel" last="Singleton"] (Alonso), 2021 G Aidan McDonald (Palm Harbor), 2021 G Jean Luma (Plant), 2021 F Matt Daniels (Steinbrenner), 2021 G Elijah Barnes (Wharton), 2022 G Isaiah Foreman (Sickles) and 2023 G [player_tooltip player_id="962458" first="Chris" last="Foreman"] (Sickles). Region 2 – District 8 [player_tooltip player_id="818649" first="Jayven" last="Millien"], [player_tooltip player_id="962492" first="Jason" last="Jackson"] & [player_tooltip player_id="837896" first="John" last="Solomon"] (Sarasota Riverview) Sarasota Riverview is gearing up for quite a season. 2021 6-7 forward [player_tooltip player_id="818649" first="Jayven" last="Millien"] and 2021 6-8 forward [player_tooltip player_id="837896" first="John" last="Solomon"] both have a plethora of Division I offers and will make life awfully tough for opposing teams on both ends of the floor. 2023 6-4 guard [player_tooltip player_id="962492" first="Jason" last="Jackson"] is hitting his peak and well on his way to a huge sophomore year (Offers from UF, LSU & Virginia Tech). Two other prospects to know are 2021 6-5 guard/forward [player_tooltip player_id="818727" first="David" last="Mazon"], he is a load inside and a gifted shooter and 2021 6-4 guard [player_tooltip player_id="818665" first="Curtis" last="Butler Jr."], a talented point guard and shooter. [player_tooltip player_id="829435" first="Andres" last="Junge"] & [player_tooltip player_id="956918" first="Jay’Den" last="Clarke-Jones"] (Lakewood Ranch) The new generation of talent is in place at Lakewood Ranch. 2022 duo [player_tooltip player_id="829435" first="Andres" last="Junge"] and [player_tooltip player_id="956918" first="Jay’Den" last="Clarke-Jones"] should be plenty dynamic all season long. Junge, a 6-4 guard earned an offer from Eastern Washington last month and is a true leaper. Clarke-Jones is an athletic and shifty lead guard. [player_tooltip player_id="714885" first="Matthew" last="Lentz"] (Durant) The 6-7 guard/forward committed to Jacksonville. Lentz is a sharpshooter who can play all five positions on the floor and is active as can be with his high IQ game. He is peaking at the right time. Fellow big man 2021 6-8 forward [player_tooltip player_id="818741" first="Jaylen" last="Wharton"] is an interesting developing player to keep an eye on at Durant. [player_tooltip player_id="1060151" first="Braylon" last="Jackson"] (Tampa Riverview) 2023 6-2 guard [player_tooltip player_id="1060151" first="Braylon" last="Jackson"] is a breakout candidate in his sophomore campaign for Tampa Riverview. Lead 2021 guard [player_tooltip player_id="1068710" first="Tyler" last="Cauley"] transferred to Oldsmar Christian on Friday. Other names to know: 2023 F [player_tooltip player_id="962343" first="Chad" last="Anderson"] (Lakewood Ranch), 2023 G [player_tooltip player_id="1060165" first="Ian" last="Rodriguez"] (Lakewood Ranch), 2021 G Robert Sanders (Durant), 2022 G Aaron Hayes (Lennard), 2021 F [player_tooltip player_id="1069194" first="Owen" last="Wightman"] (Newsome), 2022 G Josiah Flowers (Newsome), 2022 G Joey Rivera (North Port), 2023 F Bradley Miller (North Port).