Players To Watch By Class: 4A (Districts 9-16)
The FHSAA boys basketball season is just around the corner. The regular season tips 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…
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Continue ReadingThe FHSAA boys basketball season is just around the corner. The regular season tips 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 4A (Districts 9-16).
ICYMI
Players To Watch By Class: 7A (Districts 1-8) Players To Watch By Class: 7A (Districts 9-16) Players To Watch By Class: 6A (Districts 1-8) Players To Watch By Class: 6A (Districts 9-16) Players To Watch By Class: 5A (Districts 1-8) Players To Watch By Class: 5A (Districts 9-16) Players To Watch By Class: 4A (Districts 1-8)
2019-20 state champion: Stranahan
Region 3 – District 9
Jace Carter Jace Carter 6'5" | CG Astronaut | 2021 State FL (Astronaut)
Committed to Illinois Chicago, Carter is the most put together athlete over in Brevard County. The 2021 6-5 guard has been a pure scorer since his freshman season at Astronaut but every year, he adds something to his profile. He is very strong now and more aggressive as a driver and spot up shooter. It should be a fun year for Carter as he closes out his high school career.
…Two other prospects to watch at Astronaut are 2021 6-5 forward Kyle Smith Kyle Smith 6'5" | SF Astronaut | 2021 State FL , a versatile threat who can handle the rock and hold his own down low. He earned an offer from Division III Dean College this week. Also, 2021 6-2 guard Joshua Ruiz Joshua Ruiz 6'2" | CG Astronaut | 2021 State FL transferred in from Archbishop Carroll down south and will provide an instant impact as a top ballhandler and tempo controller.
Jamariyae Robinson Jamariyae Robinson 6'0" | CG Cocoa | 2022 State FL & Kendal Parker Kendal Parker 6'4" | CG Cocoa | 2022 State FL (Cocoa)
Cocoa never goes down swinging and with a slew of bonafide athletes coming in every year, there is always a chance for a run. Robinson, a 2022 6-2 guard can flat out go. He scores in bunches as he averaged 18.2 PPG as a sophomore. It is only going to get better for him this season as he continues his improvements. Alongside him is Parker, a 2022 6-4 guard who has a slew of opportunities to drive and attack.
Cam Banks (Space Coast)
A reliable scorer, Banks averaged 15.7 PPG for Space Coast. He had just five games under double digits as a sophomore, all of them nine point nights. The 2022 5-9 guard shoots the ball well (39 percent from deep) and is going to continue to lead this group.
Other names to know: 2022 F Eumari Dixon (Cocoa), 2021 G Ke’Jon Summers Ke’Jon Summers 5'10" | CG Cocoa | 2021 State FL (Cocoa), 2022 F Trace Sharpton (Port Orange Atlantic), 2023 G Cameron Reynolds (Port Orange Atlantic), 2022 G Brayden Bell Brayden Bell 5'11" | CG Satellite | 2022 State FL (Satellite), 2022 F Joseph Coston (Satellite), 2021 G Quintin Fulton (Space Coast), 2021 G Saige Robertson Saige Robertson 6'2" | CG Space Coast | 2021 State FL (Space Coast), 2021 F Richard Hargrove (Titusville) and 2022 G Chase Jenkins (Titusville).
Region 3 – District 10
Eddrin Bronson & Karter Knox Karter Knox 6'6" | SG Tampa Catholic | 2024 #6 Nation GA (Tampa Catholic)
Tampa Catholic just graduated a deep group of seniors who were a major part in this program reaching five straight state final fours. Last year, it was a loss to Stranahan in the state championship. Bronson, a 2023 6-3 is going to be the leader of this team after averaging around 6.0 PPG off the bench as a freshman. He is strong, shifty and a true athlete who controls the offense with patience and ease. The third of the Knox brothers, following in the footsteps of Kevin Knox (New York Knicks), Kobe Knox Kobe Knox 6'4" | CG Tampa Catholic | 2020 State FL (2021 Grand Canyon commit), Karter Knox Karter Knox 6'6" | SG Tampa Catholic | 2024 #6 Nation GA is next in line. Already standing at 6-5, the 2024 guard is already dunking easily and his IQ/athleticism is impressive. He will be special. 2023 6-4 guard Karmello Branch Karmello Branch 6'3" | SF Tampa Catholic | 2023 State FL transferred in from Wharton and provides a versatile option to score and defend the right way.
Oteman Delancy Oteman Delancy 6'5" | SF Lakewood | 2021 State FL (Lakewood)
Delancy has the reigns at Lakewood after a state final four run two years ago and a region semifinal appearance this past season. The 2021 6-5 guard is an athletic shooter trait but when he puts his head down and goes to the cup that is when he is at his best. Expect a huge senior campaign from the long bodied guard over in St. Petersburg.
King Winkfield King Winkfield 5'11" | CG Booker | 2021 State FL & Paul McLeod Paul McLeod 6'2" | CG Booker | 2021 State FL (Booker)
Booker is always a top team out of Sarasota and it won’t be any different this season with a very senior heavy core. Winkfield, a 2021 5-11 guard is a really sound ballhandler, shifty athlete and a player who can set the tone for his side in the right way. McLeod, a 2021 6-3 guard is the most dangerous scorer for this team with his smooth jumper and two-way ability. Don’t forget about 2021 6-7 forward Treyvon Hinson Treyvon Hinson 6'7" | PF Booker | 2021 State FL who simply battles down low on both ends of the court.
Shea Cullum Shea Cullum 6'3" | CG Lemon Bay | 2022 State FL (Lemon Bay)
At Lemon Bay, Cullum has a chance to prove his worth from the jump. The 2022 6-3 is a maturing guard who is dangerous out on the break and should get buckets early and often in game.
Other names to know: 2021 F Demario Evans Demario Evans 6'4" | CG Booker | 2021 State FL (Booker), 2023 G Joey Winter Joey Winter 6'1" | SG Booker | 2023 FL (Booker), 2021 F Jason Palavra Jason Palavra 6'5" | SF Booker | 2021 State FL (Booker), 2022 F Tavon Beard Tavon Beard 6'3" | CG Sarasota | 2022 State FL (Booker), 2021 G Carlos Pena Carlos Pena 6'1" | SF Dunedin | 2021 State FL (Dunedin), 2023 G Marcus Calvin Marcus Calvin 6'3" | CG Gibbs | 2023 FL (Gibbs), 2021 G Chris Levy (Gibbs), 2023 G Carmine Thomas (Gibbs), 2023 G Montravious Lloyd Montravious Lloyd 5'11" | PG Lakewood | 2023 FL (Lakewood), 2021 G Anthony Perkins Anthony Perkins 5'11" | CG Lakewood | 2021 State FL (Lakewood), 2021 G Elijah Stephens Elijah Stephens 6'3" | CG Lakewood | 2021 State FL (Lakewood), 2022 F Roderick Watson-Pearcey Roderick Watson-Pearcey 6'4" | SF Tampa Catholic | 2022 State FL (Tampa Catholic), 2024 F Jackson Roberts Jackson Roberts 6'11" | PF IMG Academy | 2024 State FL (Tampa Catholic) and 2022 F Derrick Mitchell Derrick Mitchell 6'5" | CG St. Pete | 2022 State FL (Tampa Catholic).
Region 3 – District 11
Marquise Rue Marquise Rue 6'6" | PF Discovery | 2021 State FL (Discovery)
Headed over to the newer program that is Discovery, Rue left Winter Haven to be the guy here. The 2021 6-5 forward is a jack of all trades player who goes hard, has a nice mid-range jumper and simply understands how to use his lengths to his advantage on both sides of the ball. He should flourish in his senior season. 2021 5-9 guard Anderson Exantus is a fine pairing with his attacking ability and quick wheels.
Other names to know: 2022 G Cooper Ellis Cooper Ellis 6'2" | CG Mckeel Academy | 2022 State FL (McKeel), 2024 F Sylvester Lewis (Avon Park), 2021 F Kamarri McGhee (Avon Park), 2022 G Nazir Gilchrist (DeSoto County), 2021 F Kiemar Richardson (DeSoto County), 2021 G Jeremiah Charles (Discovery), 2022 F Mason Jenkins (Discovery), 2023 G Lazavion Brown Lazavion Brown 6'1" | SG Lake Placid | 2023 FL (Lake Placid), 2021 F One’ Sholtz (Lake Placid),
Region 3 – District 12
Jason Branch Jason Branch 6'3" | SF LaBelle | 2021 State FL (LaBelle)
In 3A-12, Branch is the top player hands down. He averaged 16.2 PPG and reached double digits in all but four games as a junior which featured a 32-point showing against Ida Baker. The 2021 6-3 guard is simply an athlete who can score in the blink of an eye with his burst.
Other names to know: 2021 F KeUntay Felton (Clewiston), 2022 G Liam Davis Liam Davis 6'4" | CG Clewiston | 2022 State FL (Clewiston), 2022 F Ja’Kavion Nonar (Glades Central), 2022 G Colton Bass (LaBelle) and 2021 G Keith Banate (Lincoln Park).
Region 4 – District 13
Amen Thompson & Ausar Thompson (Pine Crest)
It was just a matter of time before the Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar garnered national attention. The 2022 6-6 guard duo hold offers from LSU, UF, FSU, Kansas, Alabama, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, FAU, Howard, USF, Stetson, Arizona and Dayton. Nine of those came this summer. The Thompson are freakish athletes who can defend hard, shoot well and get to the rim with confidence and quick moves. The sky is the limit for this pair with two seasons left in high school at Pine Crest. Another name here is 2021 6-4 guard Eros Carpio Eros Carpio 6'4" | CG Pine Crest | 2021 State FL , an all-around floor setter and shooter.
Justin Abson Justin Abson 6'9" | PF North Broward Prep | 2022 State #230 Nation FL (North Broward Prep)
North Broward Prep has been building this thing up for years. Abson, a 2022 6-8 forward is as mature as they come as an offensive and defensive standout. It is quite scary how much better he can get over these next two years of hooping. Holding offers from FGCU, Troy and Stetson, Abson should build on his 15.9 PPG and 12.8 RPG sophomore averages here this upcoming season. A couple more names here are 2021 6-6 forward MK Ashmore MK Ashmore 6'6" | SF North Broward Prep | 2021 State FL , a steady scorer and a long body to take up space, 2022 6-2 guard Maximus Fuentes Maximus Fuentes 6'2" | CG North Broward Prep | 2022 State FL , a confident ballhandler and nice jump shooter and 2021 6-7 forward Art Frigo Art Frigo 6'7" | PF North Broward Prep | 2021 State FL , a true interior battler and fighter on the boards.
Other names to know: 2022 G Brayden Schleifer (North Broward Prep), 2022 G Josiah Daniels Josiah Daniels 6'3" | PG Bradenton Christian | 2022 State FL (Delray American Heritage), 2021 G Nicolas DeMartinis (Delray American Heritage), 2022 F Wesley Aurelus (Cardinal Gibbons), 2022 F Gabe Elmaadawy (Coral Springs Charter), 2021 G Ben Brodsky Ben Brodsky 6'1" | CG Pine Crest | 2021 State FL (Pine Crest) and 2022 G/F Adren Roberts Adren Roberts 6'5" | SG Somerset Canyons | 2022 State FL (Somerset Canyons).
Region 4 – District 14
Maximo Moratinos Maximo Moratinos 6'6" | PF Mater Lakes | 2021 State FL & Kareem Barnett Kareem Barnett 6'2" | CG Hallandale Highschool | 2022 State FL (Mater Lakes)
Mater Lakes is set up for success this season down south. There is a plethora of talent in place including upperclassmen Moratinos and Barnett. Moratinos, a 2021 6-6 forward transferred in from American and is going to make an instant impact as a versatile slasher. Barnett, a 2022 6-3 guard transferred in from North Miami Beach and is a heck of an athlete who can get up and down the floor in a flash.
…Other key pieces are 2021 6-8 forward Craig Starks Craig Starks 6'6" | PF Mater Lakes | 2021 State FL who transfered in via Miami Beach. He is a bog bodied who simply moves people around inside. 2023 guard duo Jamai Hager-Tejada Jamai Hager-Tejada 5'10" | CG Mater Lakes | 2023 FL and Anthony Floyd Anthony Floyd 5'7" | CG Hallandale | 2023 FL both stand around 5-10 and averaged just about 14.0 PPG last season as freshmen. The sophomore pair are essential to the cause and players who flourish as attackers.
Jonathan Renois Jonathan Renois 6'0" | CG Somerset | 2021 State FL & David Delancy IV David Delancy IV 6'5" | CG Somerset Pines | 2023 FL (Somerset Pines)
Renois, a 2021 6-0 guard is back at 100 percent health and that is a huge deal for him and Somerset Pines. He dropped 46 points on Thursday night in a 3-point preseason loss to Pine Crest. Renois is quick, surprises you with his absolute finesse and his all-around athletic game. Delancy, a 2023 6-4 guard is growing and maturing quickly. I expect him to take a big leap forward as he as focused as anyone with his impressive skillset.
Thaddeus Squire Thaddeus Squire 6'5" | CG Stranahan | 2021 State FL & Houston Culpepper Houston Culpepper 6'3" | CG Stranahan | 2022 State FL (Stranahan)
Stranahan has won two straight state titles. The main core has graduated but athletes are always in place at this Ft. Lauderdale school. Squire, a 2021 6-5 guard is a core ballhandler, shooter and a lengthy athlete who provides versatility on both ends of the floor. Culpepper, a 2022 6-3 guard developed his identity last year as a brute slasher and he will be a key focal point as a junior this season.
Duncan Alevok Duncan Alevok 6'10" | PF Admiral Farragut | 2021 State FL (NSU University)
NSU University lost four players to transfer due to COVID-19 and concerns about the season happening. However, there are still prospects to like a lot here. Alevok, a 2021 6-10 forward committed to Division II Barry this week and has the looks of a top interior piece down south with his IQ and footwork. 2021 5-10 guard Jaden Grant Jaden Grant 5'11" | PG NSU University | 2021 State FL is a fine prospect who will handle the rock a lot this season. 2024 6-3 guard Julian Granville Julian Granville 6'3" | PG NSU University | 2024 State FL is one of the best freshman in the state with his confident jumper and overall scoring prowess. 2022 5-11 guard Jabral Ray Jabral Ray 5'11" | CG University School | 2023 FL is a mature gamer who can get to the cup quick and often.
Other names to know: 2021 G Rashard Parms (Carol City), 2022 F Kendall Perry (Carol City), 2021 G Ashton Smith Ashton Smith 6'2" | PG Sagemont | 2023 State FL (Hallandale), 2021 G Charles Smith Charles Smith 5'10" | PG Hallandale | 2021 State FL (Hallandale), 2021 F James Prudhomme James Prudhomme 6'8" | PF Hallandale | 2021 State FL (Hallandale), 2023 G Isaiah Adrien Isaiah Adrien 6'3" | CG Somerset Academy | 2023 FL (Somerset Pines), 2023 G Iverson Yacinthe Iverson Yacinthe 6'3" | PF Somerset Academy | 2023 FL (Somerset Pines), 2021 F Jonathan Norman Jonathan Norman 6'7" | PF Somerset | 2021 State FL (Somerset Pines), 2023 F Hykeem Williams Hykeem Williams 6'4" | PF Stranahan | 2023 FL (Stranahan), 2021 G Mario Bynes Mario Bynes 6'0" | CG Stranahan | 2021 State FL (Stranahan), 2021 G Julian Garcia Julian Garcia 6'0" | CG Mater Lakes | 2021 State FL (Mater Lakes), 2023 F Thomas Koski (Mater Lakes) and 2023 F Andruw Rondon-Delacruz Andruw Rondon-Delacruz 6'5" | PF Mater Lakes | 2022 State FL (Mater Lakes).
Region 4 – District 15
Jean Leclair Jean Leclair 6'2" | SG Edison | 2021 State FL (Edison)
Leclair is going to be tasked to do plenty once again for Edison after averaging 12.5 PPG and 12.1 RPG a season ago. A natural athlete, he is a worker and someone who doesn’t shy away from a challenge.
Other names to know: 2023 G Lavant Gilbert (Miami Booker T. Washington), 2022 G Anthario Frederick (Edison), 2021 G William Garcia (iMater Charter), 2021 F Demetrius Hill (Miami Springs), 2022 F Shemar Stewart Shemar Stewart 6'6" | PF Pace | 2022 State FL (Monsignor Pace), 2022 G Tyrieke Sterile Tyrieke Sterile 6'0" | CG North Miami Beach | 2022 State FL (North Miami Beach) and 2021 F Wilkenson Herve (North Miami Beach).
Region 4 – District 16
Emilio Ramirez Emilio Ramirez 6'1" | CG LaSalle | 2021 State FL (LaSalle)
LaSalle will lean on the scoring of Ramirez once again this season. The 2021 6-1 guard is one of the top shooters in the area and should reach close to the 20.0 PPG mark most nights.
Daniel Zaladon Daniel Zaladon 5'11" | PG Keys Gate | 2022 State FL & Zidan Waite Zidan Waite 6'3" | CG Keys Gate | 2021 State FL (Keys Gate)
Efficient as they come, Zaladon and Waite are back to lead Keys Gate this season. Zaladon, a 2022 5-11 guard averaged 14.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 4.2 SPG as he shot a whopping 75 percent from the field and made defenses pay often. Waite, a 2021 6-3 forward averaged 12.7 PPG and 8.3 RPG and shot 76 percent from the field as a true inside power player.
Amare Sanders & Walter Ray Allen III (Gulliver Prep)
Gulliver Prep is revamped with an influx of young talent. Amare Sanders, a 2024 6-1 guard is the younger brother of former Gulliver Prep standout and current Notre Dame freshman Tony Sanders Tony Sanders 6'6" | SF Gulliver Prep | 2020 State #309 Nation FL . Amare is going to grow more and already has a good feel for the floor and very natural ballhandling skills. Alongside him is 2023 6-1 guard Walter Ray Allen III, the son of former NBA great Ray Allen. Walter is a lightning bolt defensively and someone who is starting to become more aggressive offensively as well. Also, 2023 6-6 forward Denzel Dorn is an absolute brute inside and a big to watch closely over these next couple of seasons.
Other names to know: 2021 G Malik Hunter (Key West), 2023 G Ivan Zivenko Ivan Zivenko 6'4" | CG LaSalle | 2023 FL (LaSalle), 2023 G Gilbert Salazar Gilbert Salazar 6'0" | CG LaSalle | 2023 FL (LaSalle), 2022 G Chris Pulles (St. Brendan), 2021 G Justin Harris Justin Harris 6'1" | SG Sunset | 2021 State FL (Sunset), 2021 G Dylan Harris Dylan Harris 6'1" | SG Sunset | 2021 State FL (Sunset) and 2022 G Cade Bouza Cade Bouza 5'10" | SG Sunset | 2022 State FL (Sunset)